MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced today that more than $131 million in federal funding is being awarded for major water infrastructure improvements across the San Joaquin Valley, including upgrades to the Friant-Kern Canal and O’Neill Pumping Plant, two critical components of California’s water delivery system. The funding brings the total federal investment secured for water storage, aging water infrastructure, clean drinking water, and groundwater recharge projects benefiting California’s 21st Congressional District to more than $1.4 billion.
The funding, secured through investments made under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, will help improve water reliability, modernize aging infrastructure, strengthen drought resilience, and support long-term water management efforts throughout the Valley.
“Reliable water infrastructure is critical to the future of the San Joaquin Valley, our agricultural economy, and the communities that depend on it,” said Congressman Costa. “The Central Valley depends on a reliable water supply to support our farms, local economy, and growing communities. These investments will help strengthen water delivery systems that families, farmers, and communities across the Valley rely on every day.”
Projects receiving funding include:

$65.8 million for the Friant-Kern Canal Capacity Correction Project
$53 million for the O’Neill Pumping Plant Main Transformer Replacement Project
$11 million for the O’Neill Pumping Plant Unit Upgrades Project
$2 million for Fresno Irrigation District flow metering improvements expected to conserve approximately 840 acre-feet of water annually

The Friant-Kern Canal serves farms and communities across the eastern San Joaquin Valley and has lost significant carrying capacity due to decades of land subsidence. The O’Neill Pumping Plant projects will modernize critical Central Valley Project infrastructure connected to San Luis Reservoir and improve operational reliability throughout California’s water system.
Congressman Costa has long advocated for federal investments in water storage, conveyance, groundwater recharge, and drought resilience projects across the Central Valley.
Additional information on previously secured federal funding for Central Valley water infrastructure and San Joaquin Valley community projects:

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4) and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey today led a letter to President Trump and his pardon czar, Alice Marie Johnson, seeking the commutation of the sentences of all serving in federal prisons for non-violent marijuana-related offenses. 

The letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Ron Wyden, and Ed Markey and Representatives Hank Johnson, Troy Carter, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib, Jonathan Jackson, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jared Huffman, Valerie Foushee, Frederica Wilson, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Pramila Jayapal, Dan Goldman, Dwight Evans, Alexandria Ocassio-Cortez, Dina Titus, Ilhan Omar, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Nikema Williams, Summer Lee, Chris Deluzio, and Val Hoyle. 

The letter reads in part:

“We write to respectfully request that you use your pardon power to commute the sentences to all those in the federal prison system serving non-violent marijuana-related offenses. 

“The inclusion of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act has resulted in tens of millions of people being sent to county, state, and federal prisons over the last several decades. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans believe that marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational purposes. You have recognized this disconnect between the science and policy with your executive order directing the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to complete the rescheduling to Schedule III, and your DOJ’s April 23, 2026 order to reschedule certain medical marijuana products to Schedule III. However, rescheduling marijuana does not provide relief for anyone currently in federal prison from a marijuana conviction. As president, you have a unique opportunity to use your constitutional authority and issue a categorical commutation to address this continuing injustice. 

“Those convicted of marijuana offenses face disproportionately long sentences. Based on data from the United States Sentencing Commission, it is estimated that approximately 3,000 people are still federally incarcerated for marijuana trafficking offenses, with hundreds, perhaps thousands serving harsh mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years or longer. Additionally, the arrest rate for African Americans for marijuana possession is 3.6-fold higher than for white people, despite similar usage rates. Too many people are serving way too long for marijuana-associated offenses. This means precious time away from loved ones and families separated for years, and in some cases even decades, due to our country’s antiquated laws around marijuana. However, thousands of people continue to be federally incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses, an activity that most states, in some form, have legalized.

“The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is plagued by capacity issues, both overcrowded and understaffed. While it won’t solve the structural issues that have led us here, we believe that commuting the sentences of people with marijuana offenses would both address the overly harsh sentences while simultaneously allowing BOP to focus resources where they are needed most. 

“Lastly, those serving unjust marijuana sentences should be provided with support services to ensure they have a successful reentry after years of incarceration. Unfortunately, often those with life sentences cannot access reentry services. In order to prevent recidivism, we also urge you to order BOP to provide such services to people serving marijuana sentences. 

“Thank you for your consideration of our request.”

See the letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

A budget shortfall threatens South Texas’s capability to maintain premier aviation training responsibilities for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

WASHINGTON, DC — Thirty days after Representative Sharice Davids demanded answers from the National Weather Service (NWS) following severe tornado outbreaks in Kansas, the agency has failed to respond — even as critical weather data collection disruptions continue and seven more tornadoes touched down across the state this week.

According to publicly available upper-air data records, the standard 7 a.m. weather balloon launch was missed 25 out of the last 30 days at Kansas sites responsible for collecting atmospheric data used in severe weather forecasting.

“Kansans deserve confidence that the systems meant to keep them safe are fully operational during tornado season, and meteorologists deserve the reliable data they need to do their jobs. Instead, we’re seeing ongoing data collection failures and no transparency from the National Weather Service about why this keeps happening,” said Davids. “These are not abstract bureaucratic problems — they can directly impact how much time families have to get to shelter before dangerous storms hit. After seven more tornadoes touched down in Kansas this week, the administration owes the public answers and immediate action to address these reported failures before tragedy strikes.”

Last month, Davids sent a letter to the NWS after tornadoes struck Kansas’ Third District and reports emerged that routine morning weather balloon launches — a critical forecasting tool used to assess atmospheric conditions before severe storms — may not have occurred ahead of the outbreak. Despite requesting a response within 30 days, Davids has received no answers from the agency.

Weather balloon launches provide forecasters with real-time atmospheric measurements, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind conditions that help determine tornado risk and storm intensity. Missing launches can reduce forecasting accuracy and limit the data available to meteorologists during dangerous weather events.

“For decades, 7 a.m. weather balloon launches have been a standard part of how meteorologists track severe weather and protect communities,” said Davids. “If that standard has changed, the National Weather Service owes Kansans clear answers about why — and the science and data behind that decision. You don’t get to quietly scale back something this important without transparency, especially in a state where severe weather can turn deadly fast.”

In her original letter, Davids requested information on:

• Whether weather balloon launches were missed and why;
• Whether missing data contributed to delayed tornado watches;
• Staffing vacancy levels across regional NWS offices;
• The agency’s hiring and operational plans moving forward;
• And additional severe weather preparedness concerns.

Davids previously raised concerns about staffing shortages and operational capacity at the NWS last year but still has not received a response from the administration. She is now renewing calls for accountability as missed launches and operational concerns persist.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

WASHINGTON, DC — Early this morning, Representative Sharice Davids voted to advance the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act out of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill investing in roads, bridges, transit, rail, and transportation safety programs. While it does not include every Davids-supported provision, it creates good-paying jobs, strengthens the economy, and improves the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

“When infrastructure works well, it shows up in everyday life — less time sitting in traffic, businesses moving products, safer trips for families, and lower costs at the end of the month,” said Davids. “This bipartisan package is about making those basic things work the way they should, while creating good-paying jobs and ensuring Kansas and the country stay competitive in a global economy. We’ll keep improving it as it moves through Congress.”

The legislation builds on the bipartisan infrastructure law — which Davids was the only Kansas Member to support — by investing in projects that improve the nation’s transportation systems, support workers, and maintain Buy America protections that strengthen American jobs and manufacturing.

Specifically, the legislation includes support for:

• repairing and replacing aging bridges and roads;
• improving rail and transit systems;
• expanding bicycle and pedestrian safety infrastructure;
• improving accessibility at transit stations for Kansans with disabilities;
• giving local governments flexibility to pursue projects tailored to their communities;
• reconnecting neighborhoods divided by major highways;
• and more.

The bipartisan infrastructure law, which has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in the last decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is funded through a combination of new revenues and existing savings. To date, more than $3.2 billion has been invested in Kansas through the bipartisan infrastructure law – from expanding statewide rural broadband access, lead pipe replacements in Olathe, safety initiatives in Kansas City, and long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County.

Because federal surface transportation programs must be reauthorized on a regular cycle, Congress is required to pass a long-term bill to keep national investments in roads, bridges, transit, rail, and safety programs moving forward. The current authorization expires on September 30, 2026, and without action, states and local governments could face delays and uncertainty for critical infrastructure projects already underway.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Department of Commerce announced letters of intent totaling $2 billion in awards to nine U.S. companies for quantum technology. A single company will receive $1 billion. The funds were appropriated through the CHIPS and Science Act and were not intended for quantum technology. 

“This announcement is illegal and troubling on so many levels,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “The administration is, once again, directly defying very clear direction from Congress. These funds were appropriated by Congress specifically for microelectronics R&D, with a focus on semiconductor technology — not quantum technology. These funds were intended to focus on cooperative public-private sector R&D and not on incentives for manufacturing. Furthermore, the Congressional record is quite clear that Congress did not want the government taking equity stakes in companies using these funds — that represents communism, not capitalism. There has also been zero transparency to Congress or the public on how these awards were selected or their terms. These were backroom deals that handed $1 billion to a company that happens to be a longtime former employer of a Department of Energy Under Secretary who was reportedly helping to make the decisions for these awards. To be clear, I do not question the legitimacy of any of these companies or our government’s need to invest in U.S. leadership in quantum. However, today’s announcement leaves me with many questions as to how this is serving the taxpayer and not just handing billions more of taxpayer dollars to cronies of the administration.”

The funds announced by DOC were appropriated under Section 102 of the CHIPS and Science Act specifically to fund microelectronics research and development activities authorized under Section 9906 of the CHIPS Act, which was authorized in the 2021 NDAA. The Department of Commerce was allocated $11 billion in appropriations for this research program. The activities authorized under Section 9906 include the establishment of a National Semiconductor Technology Center, a national advanced packaging manufacturing program, and microelectronics metrology research at NIST. Incentives to build manufacturing facilities were authorized and appropriated separately from the research and development funds.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Five-year Build America 250 Act includes Safe Streets provisions, Amtrak accommodation improvements and passenger rail funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following message in recognition of Memorial Day.

Amata with Wreath and Soldiers at Vietnam War Memorial

“This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave all for our nation and our freedom. We can count many blessings in our lives today – blessings that exist for us because of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Many of these heroes are enshrined in our 250-year history, but others are in our living memory, and these Gold Star families deserve our love, support and prayers.

“As we enjoy our freedoms this weekend, and many of us gather together with friends and family, we take time to remember the purpose of this important day. Only Memorial Day is specifically devoted to these patriots. 

“American Samoa has built an honored tradition of military service, and many of our people belong to military families. Our thoughts and gratitude go out to each of our service members, veterans, and military families. Memorial Day is a meaningful time to everyone, and we recognize the special depth of feelings of this day for those with military ties. May God keep our Toa o Samoa, and bless American Samoa and the United States.”

Pictured: In 2015, Aumua Amata in a wreath-laying at the Vietnam War Memorial in memory of SSGT Faleagafulu Ilaoa.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s All In with Chris Hayes, where he emphasized that while Republicans are scattered as they prioritize the corrupt interests of the Trump administration, House Democrats remain committed to making life better for the American people.

CHRIS HAYES: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York, of course, is the Democratic Leader in the House, and he joins me now. Well, a wild day today. Take me through what happened today in terms of that War Powers vote. There’s a rowdy scene on the Floor there. What—I was trying to follow it. The procedure can always be a little complicated, and War Powers Resolutions are kind of their own thing procedurally. But what happened today?

LEADER JEFFRIES: So, War Powers Resolutions are privileged, and once they’re noticed—and this will be the fourth War Powers Resolution that we will have brought to the Floor of the House of Representatives—the majority does have the discretion to hold that vote within 48 hours, effectively. They can hold it, in this instance, on a Wednesday, a Thursday or a Friday. And so, once they realized that they were going to lose the vote, and then canceled Friday’s session, they were able to take the War Powers Resolution down from the agenda, and now they have to schedule it for when we return in early June. So it was legislative trickery, Chris, because they know that we were going to win the War Powers Resolution, because this is a reckless and costly war of choice. Every single Democrat was going to vote for it, and we had a handful of Republicans that were ready to break from Trump and Johnson and vote with us.

CHRIS HAYES: And they were breaking—I saw the one no vote that had been on this, a retiring Democrat named Jared Golden in Maine was going to be a yes, was going to vote with the Democrats, so you had that vote locked up. And the defecting Republicans are new, right? Because you haven’t been able to pass it before.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s right. The defecting Republicans are new, although, as you may recall, last week, when we brought a War Powers Resolution to the Floor, it was effectively a tie. And when there’s a tie, the legislation doesn’t move forward and pass. But Jared Golden was a no vote, and he was going to be a yes vote. Had he been a yes vote last week, we would have passed it.

CHRIS HAYES: So, you’ve also seen what’s happened in the Senate. Obviously, they’re moving first on that reconciliation bill through the Senate, and then they were going to come move it to the House. What’s your reaction to the developments there? They’ve lost a War Powers vote. They’re pulling the reconciliation bill. They pulled the ballroom funding, apparently. And I think Thune sent them home because he’s worried about Democratic amendments that would block the slush fund.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely correct. And Republicans right now, in both the House and the Senate, are in free fall. Earlier today, led by Senator Schumer, myself, we gathered in front of the Capitol steps on the Senate side and made clear our uniform opposition to this reckless Republican budget. We believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not to brutalize or kill American citizens, as was done by ICE in the context of what happened in Minneapolis with Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good. And in the face of that uniform opposition and the fact that Senate Democrats were going to be in a position to bring multiple amendments to the Floor today, John Thune clearly adopted the strategy of we better get out of town before sundown, because we don’t want to face the heat.

CHRIS HAYES: So something we’ve been covering on this program is it still seems very clear that if you analyze the behavior of Donald Trump, the people around him, and even the Republican Party more broadly, they’re not chasing the median voter, right? Trump seems, couldn’t care less. I mean, he seems to—he cares about his ballroom, and he wants his family to get rich, and wants his slush fund. What they do want to do is essentially try to rig the midterms through this totally unprecedented effort to redistrict right before the election, and in this case, recently, essentially go after an attempt to purge possibly every last Black elected representative in the Old South. Yesterday, the South Carolina House passed a map that would eliminate James Clyburn’s seat in a state that’s, I think, 30% African American. You’ve been very outspoken about this, but how do you see where this is right now, and what do you do about it from your perch?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we have ongoing litigation right now in Florida, in Wisconsin and in Alabama. Once those lawsuits conclude, we’ll have a complete sense of where things stand. But it’s important for everybody to know we began this Congress only three seats short, meaning Republicans had the narrowest majority of any party since 1930, the Great Depression. And they were on their way, of course, to losing that majority, so they launched this unprecedented gerrymandering scheme, aided and abetted by the United States Supreme Court in terms of gutting the Voting Rights Act. That said, when it’s all said and done, Republicans are only going to be able to net a handful of additional seats, meaning perhaps it’s the case that we have to flip five or six seats, as opposed to the three where we originally started, given all of the other activity that has happened and the fact that Republicans have engaged in some dummymanders across the country, including in Texas, where they’re not going to get five seats. They’ll be lucky if they get three, and we’re going to go get all five from California. And so, Chris, at the end of the day, in 2018, we needed to win 24 seats in Trump’s first midterm election. We won 40, and 31 of those were in districts that Donald Trump had just won. This time around, we’ll only need to win a fraction of that amount, and we’re going to do it.

CHRIS HAYES: I saw today there’s been calls for—the CBC, Congressional Black Caucus, has called for athletes to boycott the SEC Conference, where schools like Ole Miss and Tennessee and the states that are contemplating this, the Gamecocks in South Carolina, the SEC, in sort of opposition to this. It’s a kind of interesting point of leverage. And you echoed that today. Tell me about why you think that makes sense.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we are proud to stand with the NAACP that has appropriately called for Black athletes to abandon SEC schools when these schools are in states that are targeting, in an unprecedented fashion, Black political representation. And our view is that if there’s no representation, there should be no athletic or sports participation. And this comes from a long line of African American athletes rising to the occasion. This is a Muhammad Ali moment. This is a Bill Russell moment. It’s a Jackie Robinson moment. We understand that it’s going to require a level of courage and character and conviction. And these are personal decisions that will have to be made. But it certainly is our view that there will be athletes who are going to make a decision based on this racially egregious gerrymandering that’s taking place, a return to Jim Crow-like tactics in the South, that there will be Black athletes who will make a decision to take their talents elsewhere.

CHRIS HAYES: House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, after an extremely busy, wild, strange day on Capitol Hill today, thanks for coming on our show tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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