MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

A new year always sparks excitement for what lies ahead in the months to come. Goals are set, aspirations are made, and lots of people hit the gym. However, one can’t help but also look back on the previous year to celebrate the various wins and challenges that were overcome.

Last year was marked by several pieces of monumental legislation introduced, with some even passing the House or being signed into law. It was a great honor to introduce the Fix Our Forests Act last January, which addresses the need for better forest management in order to prevent devastating wildfires. This legislation received excellent bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing it pass through the Senate in the new year.

House Republicans also worked together to pass historic legislation in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, that was signed into law on July 4, which creates great wins for Arkansans. The largest impact this package will have on the Fourth District of Arkansas is undoubtedly the historic tax cuts working families  and individuals will receive along with the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will empower states with the resources they need to improve health care quality and access by supporting rural health care systems as they invest in a stronger workforce, update technology, and promote preventative health care.

Most notably, my bill, the SPEED Act was introduced last July and brought to the House Floor for a vote in December. I’m proud of the work done to get the SPEED Act passed in the House so we can get Arkansas, and America, building and push projects across the finish line. Through reforming the NEPA permitting process, The SPEED Act reflects a commitment to empowering local leaders, supporting our rural economy, and ensuring that communities across the Fourth District aren’t left waiting for infrastructure that should have been built years ago.

Looking ahead to the new year, I’m eager to continue working for the people of the Fourth District and Arkansas alongside my Republican Colleagues to deliver commonsense legislation that puts our working families, seniors, veterans, and taxpayers first.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

The holiday season is a special time of year – not only to reflect on the greatest gift we have received through the birth of our Savior, but also the time to reflect on the past year and all we have to be grateful for.

With this year’s temperatures, we certainly have no trouble making this Christmas season warm and inviting. Through holiday festivities and time spent with friends and family, this really is the most wonderful time of the year.

My hope is that, as we celebrate Christmas, we will also remember the brave men and women who aren’t able to be with their own loved ones this year. Whether they are overseas or stationed in a different part of the country, our gratitude will certainly be with them as they serve our nation and protect our freedom.

Merry Christmas to you all – it is the greatest gift to serve the Fourth District of Arkansas in Congress, and it is most certainly not an honor I take lightly. May you all have a very blessed holiday season filled with peace and joy.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

President Trump has launched what legal experts say is an illegal military action against Venezuela. Decisions regarding military force when there is no immediate danger to the United States must involve Congress. That’s why I voted in support of the NDAA, which reins in the president’s ability to make unilateral military decisions.

Congress must be convened immediately to hear the legal justification for this attack, its objectives, a detailed timeline for military action, the costs to U.S. taxpayers, and a plan to prevent further chaos in the region.

Second Statement:

House Democrats met today to address the situation in Venezuela. There is no question that Maduro is a terrible person. There is also no question that Congress must be involved in any military operations. 

I, along with most Democrats, have already called on the Speaker to convene the House immediately, and our position is unanimous: We stand with the American people in opposing boots on the ground for oil and rejecting any military occupation, whether in Venezuela, Greenland, Canada, Cuba, or anywhere else. Speaker Johnson, convene the House now!

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement marking five years after the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol complex. 

“Five years ago, our democracy faced a direct and dangerous assault when Donald Trump fomented a violent mob that stormed the Capitol in an effort to overturn the will of the American people,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “January 6, 2021, was not a spontaneous act of violent chaos. It was the consequence of sustained lies and incendiary rhetoric aimed at undermining our most fundamental principles. That abuse of power did not end that day. We continue to see efforts to excuse, minimize, and repeat it. The Trump administration continues to undermine the rule of law and concentrate authority in the hands of the few rather than the many.”

“January 6 reminded us of a fundamental truth,” Matsui continued. “In America, power does not belong to any one person. It belongs to all of us. It survives when people stand together, insist on the truth, and refuse to be silenced by fear. On this fifth anniversary, we recommit to that responsibility. To protect the vote. To uphold the Constitution. And to stand firm in the belief that power flows from the people and our democracy endures because we choose to defend it together.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). 

“Doug LaMalfa was a force for Northern California—in his work ethic, in his deep commitment to the region, and in his steadfast belief in public service,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “He brought expertise to some of the most important issues facing our communities, especially forestry and water, and he never stopped pushing for solutions. While we often disagreed, we never disagreed on the core principle that we are here to serve our constituents. He was genuine, straightforward, and always himself. I will miss him as a colleague and a friend. My loving sympathies go out to his wife Jill and family.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s military action in Venezuela.   

“Sending U.S. forces into another country without congressional authorization or notification to remove its government constitutes an unauthorized act of war by the President. This action demands accountability.

“Military conflict should be a last resort, not an impulsive tool of foreign policy. Acting without congressional authorization is illegal, reckless, and risks entangling the United States in a broader conflict that doesn’t make America or the world safer. After repeatedly denying any intent to pursue regime change through military action, the Trump administration has now done exactly that—without approval and without a plan.

“Nicolás Maduro has inflicted incalculable harm on his people in pursuit of personal enrichment. Acknowledging his illegitimate reign and corruption does not excuse the method by which he was removed. The means used are illegal and establish a dangerous precedent.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

As the repressive leader of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro was cruel, inhumane, and undemocratic. However, President Trump did not present any credible evidence that Maduro was an imminent threat to justify a large-scale military intervention by the United States under our Constitution. Moreover, President Trump has yet to provide the American people with a coherent strategy for the day after and how we prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos and destabilizing the region.

Today’s actions do nothing to make our country safer, nor do they address the concerns of Americans when it comes to reducing the costs of healthcare, housing, food, fuel, family care, and more. In fact, today’s actions directed by the President are directly against what he campaigned on, especially when it comes to not dragging us in to further foreign wars.

Over a month ago, several of my colleagues and I (all who served in the military) introduced the No Unauthorized Force in Venezuela Act to prevent the U.S. from engaging in this type of unauthorized conflict and disregard of the U.S. Constitution. Not only should Congress vote on our bill, the Administration must immediately brief us on this operation and its objectives, as many questions remain unanswered for the American People.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and four of his House colleagues are calling on President Trump to take personal action to implement the security and reconstruction pillars of the 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza. Recent reporting indicates that there are serious obstacles to implementing the plan’s security and reconstruction pillars, including militarily-dismantling Hamas and surging humanitarian aid for Palestinians, making the President’s personal and timely engagement urgent. 

The Members wrote, “The Peace Plan represents the most viable opportunity for necessary security, immediate relief, and long-term stability. The plan rightly recognizes that Hamas must be fully disarmed and play no role in governing Gaza, while calling for a technocratic transitional governing authority. It also prioritizes a surge of humanitarian aid to Palestinians that will be shielded from Hamas; includes a phased withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza based on security conditions; and includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force.”

The Members continued to emphasize that the plan’s humanitarian and reconstruction components must be prioritized, stating “a prosperous and rebuilt Gaza would reduce instability, curbing the drivers of extremism, and promoting shared economic growth across the Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, sustained reconstruction reduces humanitarian dependence on international aid, enabling local governance and private enterprise to take root, demonstrating key pillars of long-term security and regional prosperity.”

This letter was co-signed by Congressmen Jared Golden (D-ME), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and was endorsed by the Democratic Majority for Israel. 

“DMFI is proud to support Rep. Panetta’s letter to President Trump urging him to stay relentlessly focused on implementing the 20-point Peace Plan, including the need to completely disarm Hamas and ensure the terrorist organization plays no role in governing Gaza. With the release of the living hostages and the ceasefire in place, we need strong, sustained American leadership to translate this plan into lasting security and stability. We commend Rep. Panetta for his leadership and his clear-eyed commitment to advancing peace and security for Israel and the rest of the region.”

The full text of the letter can be found below and here:

Dear President Trump,

We write to express our appreciation for your work on the 20-point Peace Plan for Gaza and request your continued leadership for its full implementation, with immediate prioritization of its security and reconstructions pillars.  With the release of all living hostages from Gaza and a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the world has witnessed a moment of profound relief and renewed hope.  The United States must take advantage of this moment to implement the plan, ensure Israel’s security, provide relief for innocent Palestinians, and create long-term stability for the region.  Accordingly, we urge you to dedicate the full weight of American diplomacy to ensure that Hamas is disarmed and that Gaza is rebuilt as a foundation for implementing the 20-point Peace Plan. 

The Peace Plan represents the most viable opportunity for necessary security, immediate relief, and long-term stability.  The plan rightly recognizes that Hamas must be fully disarmed and play no role in governing Gaza, while calling for a technocratic transitional governing authority.  It also prioritizes a surge of humanitarian aid to Palestinians that will be shielded from Hamas; includes a phased withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza based on security conditions; and includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF). 

The core principles that underpin that Peace Plan, including security for Israel, reducing terrorist strongholds in Gaza, and prosperity for the people of Gaza, enjoy widespread international support.  As your Administration has noted, key Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, have endorsed the plan.  The Palestinian Authority also has indicated its willingness to cooperate.  The United States must continue its good work and involvement to preserve and promote this unprecedented alignment of regional actors. The next phase of the Peace Plan will require your continued personal engagement in the region to hold Hamas accountable to its commitments and work closely with the international community, especially the Arab countries, to exert maximum pressure on Hamas to disarm and agree to the full plan. 

Now is the time to prioritize both the security and reconstruction pillars of the Peace Plan.  On a recent visit to Israel, Vice President JD Vance noted that the International Stabilization Force will take lead on disarming Hamas.   The Administration must maintain oversight and leadership in the effort to disarm and dismantle Hamas and should not defer responsibility solely to the ISF, which has yet to be formed.  While international cooperation is essential, the United States must remain fully engaged to ensure that the ISF’s operations align with U.S. security objectives, uphold accountability, and prevent any resurgence of extremist elements.  This would not only neutralize immediate threats, but also constrain Iran’s ability to project influence through proxy groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. 

Central to the plan’s security provisions includes dismantling Hamas’ capabilities and establishing a multinational stabilization force, both of which would significantly reduce threats from Iran and their regional proxy groups.  A comprehensive enforcement framework would bolster Israel’s long-term security and reinforce U.S. coordination with regional partners such as Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf states.  Importantly, fulfilling this engagement could usher regional stability and reduce the influence of Iran and its proxies.

The plan’s humanitarian and reconstruction components, which include ensuring aid access, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and creating a Gaza Special Economic Zone, would deliver tangible benefits to both Palestinians and the broader region.  American participation in these reconstruction efforts could open markets for U.S. companies, expand trade corridors, and strengthen economic interdependence among our regional partners.  A prosperous and rebuilt Gaza would reduce instability, curbing the drivers of extremism, and promoting shared economic growth across the Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, sustained reconstruction reduces humanitarian dependence on international aid, enabling local governance and private enterprise to take root, demonstrating key pillars of long-term security and regional prosperity.

Success of the Peace Plan will depend on steady American engagement to translate its points into enforceable steps forward.  If this is successful, the plan will provide a pathway to a more stable and prosperous Middle East.  We must work together to ensure lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians and establish a region free from terror activities.  We thank you, again, for your efforts, urge you to seize this moment, and look forward to working on this Peace Plan together.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Thompson (CA-04), Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (MA-01), and other Ways and Means members in introducing the American Affordability Act of 2025. The plan takes a multi-angle approach to lowering the cost of living for working families across the country, with real solutions to expand affordable housing, lower energy bills, cut taxes for the middle class, help student loan borrowers, and protect households from skyrocketing healthcare premiums.

The larger legislation includes Rep. Panetta’s More Homes on the Market Act, which would increase the supply of available homes by removing barriers that discourage homeowners from trying to sell their properties. The bill would amend an out-of-date provision of the tax code that penalizes those looking to sell or downsize their home with large tax bills. Specifically, it would raise the exclusion from capital gains tax on the sale of a primary residence from $250,000 to $500,000 for single filers and from $500,000 to $1 million for joint filers. These existing thresholds, originally set in 1997, have never been adjusted for inflation, and make it nearly impossible for homeowners to sell without facing significant tax burdens.

The American Affordability Act also includes Rep. Panetta’s First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Act, to help restore access to the American Dream by establishing a refundable tax credit of up to $15,000 to support first-time buyers. It also includes his Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act, to increase the supply of affordable housing for middle-income families who earn too much to qualify for low-income affordable housing, but not enough to afford housing near where they work.

“In order to make the American Dream achievable again, we need real solutions that will bring down costs for working families in California’s 19^th Congressional District,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to join my colleagues, who understand that actions speak louder than words, in introducing the American Affordability Act which would take specific, effective action to tackle the affordability crisis and bring down the cost of housing, fuel, food, bills, and more. I’m especially pleased that this legislation includes three of my flagship housing bills, which would increase the supply of affordable housing.”

“Families are doing everything right and still falling behind as costs keep rising,” said Rep. Thompson. “The American Affordability Act is about real relief for families: affordable housing, lower energy bills, more affordable childcare and healthcare, and bigger paychecks. This bill delivers targeted tax relief and smart investments that help families make ends meet and restores the promise that hard work should be enough to get ahead in our country.” 

“While Donald Trump projects and dismisses affordability fears as a ‘hoax,’ Democrats have been and always will be at the front of the fight to lower costs for everyday workers and families,” said Rep. Neal. “Tax Ranking Member Mike Thompson knows that whether it’s tackling the housing crisis, making childcare more affordable, or lowering health and energy costs, we have so much work to do to ease the minds of the American people and foster opportunity. The American Affordability Act is a blueprint for the next step in our fight for what we are united to deliver: lower costs and easier, better lives.”

The American Affordability Act would:  

Expand Access to Affordable Housing 

• Increases the homeowner capital gains tax exemption to encourage more home sales and reduce the cost to buy a home, doubling the threshold to $500,000 for single filers and $1 million for joint filers
• Creates the first-ever monthly Renter Tax Credit for individuals and families paying more than 30% of their income on rent and creates a First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit to help low- and middle-income earners
• Creates a new tax credit to bridge the gap between the cost of building or repairing a home and the home’s value once it is built, powering the development of 500,000 affordable, single-family homes over the next ten years 
• Incentivizes the conversion of vacant office spaces and other commercial properties into new housing, reserving at least 20% of new units for low-income residents 

Lower Energy Costs 

• Creates a new 30% tax credit for long-range electric transmission to lower the cost of grid modernization projects, taking steps to prevent mass power outages and lower ratepayer bills
• Restores tax credits for homeowners to install home energy efficiency upgrades, solar panels, geothermal, and other cost-reducing power sources
• Spurs the development of American-made clean energy by providing a tax credit to companies that reduce carbon emissions by producing “green” and “blue” hydrogen and fuel cells
• Authorizes tax credits to purchase new and used electric vehicles and electric bikes 

Stop Trump Healthcare Price Hikes 

• Permanently extends expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, protecting 112,000 Connecticut residents from sky-high premium hikes
• Prevents insurance providers from dropping vaccine coverage due to Secretary Kennedy’s anti-science restrictions, including coverage for MMR, COVID-19 and Hepatitis B shots 

Cut Taxes for Families and Workers 

• Restores the expanded Child Tax Credit for working parents, providing monthly payments of $300 for each child over the age of six and $360 for each child under the age of six
• Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit for adults without children and expands eligibility to cover working young adults
• Permanently extends tax cuts for tipped workers, and expands “no tax on tips” to include automatic gratuities
• Expands the $250 teacher expense tax deduction to include early childhood educators 

Make Childcare More Affordable 

• Increases the maximum dependent care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contribution from $7,500 to $10,000, automatically adjusting the contribution limit for inflation
• Creates a new $5,000 refundable tax credit to cover startup costs needed to open family childcare centers
• Makes the adoption tax credit fully refundable, opening the door for more low-income families to pursue adoption
• Creates a new tax credit to support working family caregivers 

Help Student Loan Borrowers 

• Doubles the student loan interest tax deduction for married couples, to $2,500 per person and makes any forgiven student loans tax-free
• Expands eligibility for the American Opportunity Tax Credit, to support students during the first six years of their higher education with up to $2,000 per year
• Excludes Pell Grants from income, ensuring aid received through this program is tax-free for students 

Other cosponsors of the American Affordability Act include: Wesley Bell (MO-01), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Bradley Schneider (IL-10), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Dina Titus (NV-01). 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – Ahead of the busy holiday season, United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Young Kim (CA-40) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to address the nationwide increase in mail theft. The Maximizing Agency Integration on Letter (MAIL) Theft Act would crack down on thieves who steal delivered packages from homes by requiring cross-agency coordination on the issue of mail theft and raising it as a priority for federal law enforcement.

While the United States Postal Service (USPS) and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) have increased enforcement and arrests, these crimes are spread out across local communities where police are already stretched thin. According to USPS and USPIS, as of last year, arrests for robbing letter carriers were up 73 percent. Between 2019 and 2022, letter carrier robberies increased sixfold, and high-volume mailbox theft increased 87 percent. Just last month, a housing complex in San Jose was the target of mass mail theft, forcing residents to resort to using P.O. boxes or retrieving mail promptly.

The MAIL Theft Act requires federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), to work with state and local law enforcement to better protect our communities from postal theft and develop a coordinated federal approach to mail theft which is targeting neighborhoods nationwide.

“Too many delivered packages are being stolen from homes,” said Rep. Panetta. “The MAIL Theft Act will help investigate and solve these types of crimes by ensuring that federal agencies are backing up our local law enforcement with a coordinated federal response.  As more and more people rely on mail order delivery, Congress must play its part to ensure that delivered packages are protected.”

“During the holiday season, families should be focused on time together — not stolen checks and missing packages,” said Rep. Kim. “Rising mail theft is hurting communities and putting postal workers at risk. The MAIL Theft Act strengthens coordination across all levels of law enforcement so we can stop these crimes, protect workers, and restore peace of mind for families in California. I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Panetta to help introduce this commonsense legislation, just in time for the holidays.”

Last March, Rep. Panetta wrote to Postmaster Louis Dejoy and USPIS Chief Inspector Gary Barksdale to request assistance in resolving egregious mail theft taking place in California’s 19th Congressional District. Rep. Panetta called on postal leaders to prioritize mail theft deterrence in South San Jose, including the approval of individual curbside mailboxes, new physical security standards for cluster box units, and clarity on a nationwide strategy to address this epidemic. Rep. Panetta is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan Protect Our Letter Carriers Act which would appoint an assistant U.S. attorney to prosecute postal crime, amend sentencing guidelines related to the assault of a postal employee, and replace old mail collection boxes with high-security models.

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