MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-04) introduced bipartisan legislation to reform and improve dam and hydropower safety operations. Dingell and Moolenaar originally pushed for legislative action after the breach of the Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam failures in Michigan caused extensive damage throughout the region’s downstream communities, destroying homes, businesses, roads, and bridges.

The lawmakers’ legislation, the National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act, would enhance dam and hydropower safety operation requirements nationwide and aims to modernize existing infrastructure through the development of new best practices and improved communications between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and states.

“Michigan experienced a catastrophic and avoidable infrastructure collapse with the breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams, causing extensive damage to the downstream communities. It drowned homes, businesses, and entire communities,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This disaster was avoidable, and yet aging dam infrastructure across the state continues to pose a serious threat to safety, so it is critical Congress act to prevent another tragedy like this.”

“This bipartisan legislation addresses failures in existing law and will help ensure compliance with the safety regulations that are needed to protect the American people,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “We know in Michigan that the failures of federal bureaucrats, state officials, and a negligent dam owner led to devastating consequences, and we must update the laws to prevent that from happening again.”

The National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act would:

• Mandate dam and project works meet the FERC’s dam safety requirements and require the licensee to manage, operate, and maintain the dam and project works consistent with dam safety requirements.
• Require FERC to issue a new license only if the Commission determines the dam and other project works meet the Commission’s dam safety requirements and that the operating conditions of the license are consistent with those requirements.
• Require FERC to establish procedures for evaluating the financial health of prospective hydropower licensees.
• Require FERC to convene a technical conference with state representatives to examine best practices for dam safety.

In May 2020, the Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam both failed and flooded Midland area communities after heavy rains. Dam operator Boyce Hydro had a long history of dam safety and compliance problems that likely resulted in the failure. In response, Congressmembers Dingell and Fred Upton sent letters to FERC regarding its oversight. They also pressed the state of Michigan for facts on the dam breach, how the state evaluated the dam in the time since, and additional information on the regulatory and legal actions the state took following the revocation of the license.

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

WASHINGTON — Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Adam Gray (CA-13), David Valadao (CA-22), and Josh Harder (CA-09) are urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediately address significant delays in processing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal requests affecting communities across California’s Central Valley.
In a letter sent to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, the lawmakers raised concerns over growing processing backlogs that are leaving DACA recipients in limbo and creating serious consequences for families, employers, and local economies throughout the region.
“DACA individuals follow strict rules to comply with the renewal program and are valued members in our respective congressional districts located throughout the Central Valley of California. These recipients are employed as first responders, educators, bus drivers, and healthcare professionals,” the members wrote. “Our collective offices have seen a tremendous increase in DACA cases; many that are still pending after six months. This is unacceptable and we are asking for a thorough review of the extreme delay in processing DACA renewal cases.”
California is home to more than 27 percent of all active DACA recipients nationwide, many of whom live and work in the Central Valley.
The lawmakers are calling on DHS and USCIS to conduct a thorough review of the delays and take immediate action to ensure DACA renewal requests are processed in a timely manner.
To read the full letter, click HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Congressman Ken Calvert joined a majority of the House Appropriations Committee to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill includes nearly $480 million for flood protection projects benefiting Riverside and Orange Counties. Rep. Calvert is a senior member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. 

“I was proud to support the passage of the FY27 Energy and Water bill, which includes $475 million for the Prado Dam construction project and nearly $5 million for the Murrieta Creek flood protection project,” said Rep. Calvert. “The dam safety improvements being made at Prado Dam will modify the spillway and reduce the flood risk for more than 1.4 million people downstream. The ongoing work on Phase 2B of the Murrieta Creek project will continue to advance this important project for southwest Riverside County.”

$475,000,000 Prado Dam – The funding will continue the construction of dam spillway modifications that are necessary following the 2022 Dam Safety Modification Study designated Prado Dam as a Dam Safety Action Classification 2 – very high incremental risk.

$4,929,000 for Murrieta Creek – The funding will be used to complete the design work of Phase 2B of the ongoing flood protection project. 

 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C.–– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Dean of the Florida Delegation, and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, where he secured $446 million for Everglades restoration and preservation:

“As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida work together on the expedited plan to complete the Everglades Agriculture Area (EAA) Reservoir, which is often called the “crown jewel” of Everglades Restoration, we should also remember the many other projects that are vital to restoring the Everglades. As Co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, I’m proud to continue to lead this effort alongside Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on the House Appropriations Committee. Together, we’re committed to ensuring that the millions in funding we’ve secured are directed to all the essential operations needed to successfully restore America’s Everglades.

Thanks to the vital support from Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann and Chairman Tom Cole, Floridians will continue to see funding come through for Everglades Restoration, while pressure is maintained through various report and bill language urging the U.S. Army Corps to stay on schedule for critical projects needed to continue restoration across Southern Florida. My collaborative work to secure $446 million in funding this year for the Everglades reflects my unwavering commitment to restoring and safeguarding drinking water for over nine million Floridians who depend on it.

I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House Floor so that House Republicans can continue safeguarding taxpayer dollars, prioritizing national security interests, unleashing American energy dominance, and advancing America’s economic prosperity for generations to come.”

Founder and Co-Chair of the Everglades Caucus, Diaz-Balart Secures:

• $446M secured for Everglades Restoration through the U.S. Army Corps Construction Account. 

• $13.2M for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration under the Corps’ Operation & Maintenance Account. 

• Report Language urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to treat the Broward County Water Preserve Area as a top priority, emphasizing its critical role in South Florida’s water supply and ecosystem restoration and directing the Corps to accelerate progress, prevent further delays, and fully fund remaining design and construction work. 

• Report Language calling on the Corp to bring stability and transparency to Everglades restoration so Miami-Dade and Broward communities can count on clear timelines, clear funding, and real progress on the projects that protect their water and environment. 

• Report language on expediting construction, transparency, and timely execution of projects to ensure CERP can deliver benefits as quickly as possible. 

• Report language urging the Corp to close out on CEPP North Phase/EAA Reservoir. 

• Report Language urging the Corp and the Task Force to work hand in hand with local public universities that are available to modernize the capacity of remote sensing and measurements that will advance the Task Force restoration goals. 

Additional FY27 Energy & Water Wins: 

Champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security by: 

• Modernizing the nuclear weapons stockpile, strengthening production capabilities, and ensuring a safe, secure, and reliable deterrent to counter growing threats from our adversaries. 

• Sustaining and modernizing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, ensuring a safe, reliable fleet and maintaining America’s strategic advantage.

• Targeting resources to deny, detect, and defeat nuclear threats by securing nuclear materials, countering proliferation, and strengthening rapid-response capabilities to protect the American people and our allies. 

• Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party. 

• Prohibiting access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia. 

• Prohibiting the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern. 

Restores American energy dominance and bolsters the national economy by: 

• Increasing investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction, which will build the domestic supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign sources. 

• Prioritizing research and development efforts on baseload energy sources and maintaining funding for programs that deliver affordable energy prices for Americans. 

• Accelerating research, testing, and demonstration of advanced nuclear technologies to strengthen U.S. energy security, industrial competitiveness, and global leadership. 

• Facilitating the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways. 

• Maintaining funding for cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid. 

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by: 

• Eliminating funds for the Department of Energy Biden-era Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations or Office of Energy Justice and Equity. 

• Refocusing applied energy technology program funding to ensure taxpayer resources are directed to the highest priority research and development efforts. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.

• Reducing global dependency on the U.S. for foreign nuclear reactor conversions. 

A summary of the bill is available here. 

Bill text is available here. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

The bill was introduced in honor of the late 17-year-old U.S. National Cycling Champion from Boulder, Colorado, who was tragically killed by a vehicle while training.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Representative Yvette D. Clarke applauded the advancement of their legislation, the Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act, through the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill was marked up as part of the Surface Transportation reauthorization legislative package. 

“Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Jill and Michael White—who have courageously championed common-sense reforms following the tragic loss of their son, Magnus, to help prevent future tragedies involving pedestrians and cyclists—our proposal to make roads safer advanced to the House Floor as part of a broader effort to strengthen motor vehicle safety. I’m deeply grateful to my colleague Congresswoman Yvette Clarke for helping move this critical, life-saving legislation forward—our work continues,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

“Today’s advancement of the Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act through the Energy and Commerce Full Committee Markup stands as a tremendous victory for safety and responsibility on our roads, as well as for the White family, who have demonstrated incredible perseverance and determination in the wake of the tragedy that took their son. I am proud to fight alongside Congressman Joe Neguse, Jill and Michael White, and the White Line in this vital effort to protect cyclists and other vulnerable road users, no matter where they’re going or where they come from. Together, we will carry this momentum forward to ensure our legislation becomes law, and our roads are as safe as they must be for every American on them. In the name of Magnus White and all others who were lost to preventable tragedies, we will prevail,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. 

Introduced by Representatives Neguse and Clarke, the legislation would strengthen federal standards for automated emergency braking (AEB) systems. Specifically, the bill would require AEB technology to reliably detect cyclists and other vulnerable road users in both day and night at the speeds NHTSA has previously determined in the existing AEB rule. 

The Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act aims to improve roadway safety and ensure emerging vehicle technologies work equitably for all users. 

Background

Raised in Boulder, Colorado, Magnus White, was a young cycling star representing the United States on the Junior Men’s National Team. He was and continues to be a shining light for the people of Colorado’s 2nd District, and sadly passed away in 2023 after being struck by a motorist while on his bike.

Congressman Neguse first joined with Jill and Michael White to introduce the legislation in honor of their son in the 118th Congress, they renewed calls for the passage of this measure in June 2025. Click HERE to learn more about the effort. 

 ###

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media introduced the bicameral Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.). 

This legislation would establish a nonprofit foundation that would leverage public and private investments to expand digital opportunity nationwide, ensuring that people can access, adopt, and effectively use modern digital tools, broadband, and other emerging technologies. 

“Access to the internet is not optional. It is how Americans learn, apply for jobs, access healthcare, and stay connected to one another. Yet too many families are being left behind, unable to fully plug into opportunity because of where they live, how much they make, or whether they have the tools to get online,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act recognizes that closing the digital divide takes more than building broadband networks. It requires sustained investment in digital skills, devices, and trusted community partnerships that help people fully participate in our economy and society. I am proud to support this legislation to help make lasting digital equity a reality for communities across the country.”

“In today’s world, digital skills are vital for success for students, entrepreneurs, and all Americans,” said Senator Luján. “To expand digital opportunity in New Mexico and nationwide, my Digital Opportunity Foundation Act would establish a nonprofit foundation to help close the divide on digital opportunity, inclusion, and literacy. As digital tools become more embedded in everyday life, we must ensure that we keep pace. That’s why I’m pushing this legislation to expand digital opportunities for all Americans and ensure they have full access to the tools and resources they need.”

“In the digital age, a reliable internet connection is the gateway to a good job, a quality education, and timely health care,” said Senator Markey. “When communities are left without the internet connections or digital tools they need to thrive, they’re left out of the modern economy entirely. The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act will help close the digital divide and build a future where every person – regardless of their zip code or income level – can participate fully in modern life.”

The Foundation for Digital Opportunity will supplement the work of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to award grants, support research, provide training and education, engage with stakeholders, collect data, and promote policies that improve digital opportunities. The Foundation will be governed by a Board of experts specializing in digital opportunity, technology, and telecommunications, representing diverse communities across the United States.

Congressionally established nonprofit foundations have had great success in supporting the missions of various government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Park Service (NPS), and provide a mechanism to leverage public-private partnerships and support innovation. As the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) works to implement broadband programs to better connect the country, the Foundation for Digital Opportunity will be vital to ensure that the most vulnerable communities have the knowledge and skills to fully take advantage of these new connections.

This Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026 is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union; American Library Association; Benton Institute for Broadband & Society; Center for Rural Strategies; Common Cause; Common Sense Media; Communications Workers of America; Consumer Reports; CoSN; Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; National Consumer Law Center; National Hispanic Media Coalition; National Urban League; National Digital Inclusion Alliance; Open Technology Institute at New America; Public Knowledge; Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition; UnidosUS; United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter bill reducing animal testing passes House committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s passage of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, a bill directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully implement provisions to reduce unnecessary animal testing for drug development. 

Each year in the United States, millions of animals — including an estimated 50,000 dogs — are used in laboratory experiments and testing. This bill would require the FDA to fully implement the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, ensuring that safe and effective treatments are developed using advanced, innovative non-animal testing methods. This would mean phasing out animal testing and promoting humane alternatives, giving dogs traditionally used in labs, including the 1,500 beagles recently rescued in Wisconsin, the opportunity to leave research facilities and find loving homes.

“The advancement of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee marks another major step toward a more modern, effective, and humane system for evaluating medicines,” said Rep. Carter. “Congress already acted in 2022 to remove unnecessary barriers to innovative non-animal testing methods, and this bill helps ensure FDA implementation fully reflects both the law and today’s scientific capabilities.”

“The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 was a monumental victory that helped modernize drug development and accelerate innovation without having to sacrifice animal welfare,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL). “With FDA Modernization 3.0 now advancing out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congress is taking the next step to build upon this success and ensure the FDA follows through on delivering speedier cures for diseases without subjecting animals to inhumane and counterproductive experiments.”

“Today’s full committee passage is another important step toward modernizing how we bring safe and effective drugs to market,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN). “The FDA has the authority to move beyond outdated, cruel testing methods, and our bill simply directs the FDA to follow through and update its regulations accordingly. I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Buddy Carter and my colleagues to keep this bipartisan effort moving forward.”

“We so appreciate Buddy Carter’s leadership on this legislation to accelerate the process of winding down the use of beagles, primates, and other animals in painful, invasive, and ineffective tests,” said Wayne Pacelle, President of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action. “Congress and the FDA are signaling to all drug developers that they should move with intentionality to employ human-biology-based drug screening methods and to leave the dogs, primates, and other animals out of their R&D programs.”

Read bill text here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Bioindustrial Infrastructure for Open Scale-up, Commercialization, and Accelerated Launch Ecosystems (BIO-SCALE) Act. This legislation will establish three or more product-agnostic, nonprofit, pre-commercial scale-up facilities for the scaling of non-pharmaceutical biotechnologies.

“We must continue to lead the world in biotechnology, and the United States remains a premier place to scale biotechnology,” said Congressman Baird. “However, widespread use of life-changing innovations is often stalled because of roadblocks to the commercial production of biotech products. This legislation will help remove these roadblocks and create the tools necessary to bring biotechnologies to market by authorizing a network of pre-commercial facilities. I am proud to lead this legislation to help advance biotechnology to market and keep America at the forefront of innovation.”

“Breakthrough science is just the first step–biotechnology innovators must also prove their products can be scaled,” said National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Commissioner Alexander Titus. “The BIO-SCALE Actwill help fill a critical gap between transformative ideas and a new biotech product coming to market, giving biotech entrepreneurs a real shot at unlocking private investment and turning promising discoveries into competitive products.”

Background:

While the U.S. has abundant feedstocks, reliable utilities, extensive transportation infrastructure, and proximity to consumers, the U.S. currently lacks sufficient biomanufacturing capacity to make here what we innovate here. A major roadblock for U.S. biotechnology is proving that products and processes will work at commercial scale.

The BIO-SCALE Act requires the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to submit a plan detailing criteria for an open competition, such as site selection, cost-sharing plans, approach to stakeholder engagement, and integration with existing infrastructure.

These facilities would have two to three years for fund expenditure, based on whether a facility has prior existing infrastructure and resources. The BIO-SCALE Act sunsets funding after 10 years from the enactment date. Facilities could continue if deemed successful by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

Read the bill text here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) introduced the Providing Resources and Oversight for Tactical Equipment to Communities and Troops (PROTECT) Act. The bill modernizes the administration of the Department of War’s Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) or “1033 program,” which allows state and local law enforcement agencies to acquire surplus equipment. This update will help the program operate more efficiently and better serve communities nationwide.

The LESO program equips state and local law enforcement with surplus federal resources (ranging from office supplies, vehicles, and specialized gear) used in active shooter response, disaster relief, counterdrug operations, and border security – at minimal cost to these agencies. The LESO program, housed in the Defense Logistics Agency, was created in 1995 after authorization under the National Defense Authorization Act (Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991).

“I introduced the PROTECT Act following conversations with Arizona stakeholders who were frustrated with the growing lack of coordination between state and federal partners,” said Congressman Biggs. “This necessary update ensures greater oversight, clearer standards, and more effective state-federal coordination to carry out the program’s mission. I’m grateful for another opportunity to stand with our Arizona law enforcement community as these agencies protect our communities and respond to emergencies, natural disasters, and public safety threats.”

The PROTECT Act strengthens the role of State Coordinators and addresses local requests for greater consistency across the program by requiring standardized state-federal consultation procedures, annual coordinator training, regular Defense Logistics Agency program reviews, and transparent biennial reporting to Congress and the public.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Resolution (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Road to Zero resolution to reduce traffic fatalities and improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road. The resolution aims to end roadway fatalities by 2050 by improving data collection and promoting access to safe, reliable transportation.

“I’ve seen the devastating impact that car crashes and unsafe vehicles have on families and communities, and it is simply unacceptable that so many lives are still being lost on our roadways,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “By reintroducing the Road to Zero resolution, we are reaffirming our commitment to safer streets and a future where no one has to fear losing a loved one on the road. We can and must do better to make our streets safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and we remain committed to working toward ending these unnecessary traffic deaths and injuries by 2050.”

“Road to zero is reachable and responsible,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Roads must be made safer for all—pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as car users. Improved technology and increased investment provide the opportunity—and imperative—to cut road tragedies.”

The Road to Zero resolution highlights the troubling number of traffic fatalities and crashes in the United States, with many of the deaths resulting from distracted and alcohol-impaired driving. The resolution also notes the deep history of inequality in the United States’ transportation systems as crashes have a disproportionate impact on people of color and low-income communities. Citing the success of seatbelts, speed limits, and other technology in preventing injuries and fatalities, the measure encourages federal agencies to implement interventions and improve data collection to prevent crashes. 

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown a steady decline in traffic fatalities since the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included historic funding for transportation safety and the Safe Streets and Roads for All grants to address high-crash areas. While nearly 37,000 people lost their lives to traffic crashes in 2025, NHTSA’s data shows a 6.7 percent decline in fatalities compared to the previous year. The Road to Zero resolution seeks to build on this progress and achieve zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050.

The resolution is endorsed by the National Safety Council, Consumer Reports, Vision Zero Network, and Families for Safe Streets.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Grace Meng (NY-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Chuy García (IL-04), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

###