MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving $14,497,160 to modernize, repair, and improve buildings on its campus as part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program. In January, the Trump Administration announced the largest NRM allocation ever at $4.8 billion. The NRM program funds one-time maintenance projects for facilities, equipment or infrastructure that are not part of routine, recurring maintenance. These projects include significant maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery.

Specifically, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving funding that enhances HVAC systems, improves overall building safety, replaces elevators in multiple buildings across the campus, and installs two additional sump pumps.

“I am glad to see these important investments being made to improve infrastructure, safety, and care at the Battle Creek VA,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Our veterans deserve the best care available and that can’t happen unless we invest and make improvements to the facilities where our veterans receive care.”

“Under President Trump, VA is putting Veterans first, and this historic investment underscores that fact,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure mean better care for Veterans, and these funds will enable VA to achieve that goal.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed bipartisan legislation, H.R. 3447, the Chip Security Act, introduced by Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI). This legislation passed by a unanimous vote of 42-0.

The Chip Security Act requires advanced chip manufacturers to implement technical security measures to detect and prevent smuggling to unauthorized countries and end-users. This legislation responds to ongoing reports of AI chips being smuggled into China, where they are used to power state-controlled AI projects. Despite current export controls, smuggling networks and front companies continue to move U.S.-made chips into restricted countries.

Last week, the Department of Justice filed charges against three individuals for conspiring to violate US national security lase by smuggling billions of dollars of advanced AI chips to China. Additionally, last fall, the Department of Justice announced it has indicted three Chinese nationals for smuggling high-tech chips to China via third party countries like Thailand and Malaysia.

“The Chip Security Act enhances protections on AI chip exports by scaling up best security practices and encouraging innovative technologies,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Chairman of House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee. “This bill directly supports the Trump Administration’s AI action plan recommendations and benefits from both administration technical assistance and industry feedback.”

“If we’re going to export advanced AI chips, we need confidence that they don’t end up in the hands of the Chinese military,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast. “We’re continuously talking about Chinese espionage, Chinese theft, and Chinese diversion over and over again. We can’t allow this to happen.”

“America has the best semiconductors in the world and we must defend our advantage over China, which is actively working to break the law and smuggle American chips. The Chip Security Act will make it harder to steal from us, and it will protect American jobs and industry. This legislation also advances President Trump’s AI Action Plan by implementing location verification and denying our adversaries access to compute power. Thank you to Chairman Mast, Congressman Huizenga, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for advancing this legislation,” said China Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar.

The Chip Security Act is led in the Senate by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR).

Find out more information about the Chip Security Act, here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), released the following statement following the ribbon cutting at the University of Tennessee (UT) Medical Center clinic in Oneida, TN. 

“I have the honor and privilege of representing part of Scott County in Congress. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee allows me to secure critical funding for East Tennessee and support transformative projects like this new clinic. Improving rural healthcare remains one of my top priorities, and I’m proud to play a part in an initiative that will truly make a difference in our community,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “This new UT Medical Center clinic will expand access to specialty care for residents across Scott County, offering services in women’s health, cardiology, rheumatology, and neurology telehealth. I’m especially grateful to the UT Medical Center team for their partnership. Tennessee thrives when we work together, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished here in Oneida.”

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

Washington, D.C. — Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Mark Takano (CA-39), and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced legislation to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, recognize the many achievements and progress made by people in the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, and affirm their human rights. 

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “On Trans Day of Visibility, first and foremost, I stand with our trans loved ones. As Trump and Republicans continue their cruel and baseless attacks on the trans community, we must support our trans neighbors and work to protect their right to safety, respect, visibility, and equality under the law. Trans rights are human rights, and we must continue working to ensure that every person can live authentically as themselves. To trans people across this country: I see you, I hear you, and I will never stop fighting for you.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “Under an administration that constantly tries to make transgender and gender non-conforming people feel invisible, I am proud to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility. We cannot and will not let their hateful attacks steal our joy. To my trans friends and family, today is a day to celebrate being out, loud, and proud. And I will not stop until everyone can live freely and without fear of expressing their true selves.” 

“As the transgender community continues to face attempts by the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to erase their voices, their contributions, and their existence, I am proud to work with Congresswomen Sara Jacobs and Pramila Jayapal and Senator Brian Schatz in showing the trans community that we stand with them in the fight against erasure and censorship by anti-equality extremists,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates visibility and is also an opportunity to inspire others as we work towards a United States where people of all gender identities are free to live openly and authentically. The full weight of the Congressional Equality Caucus stands behind the trans community, today and every day.”

“Trans people should be able to live freely, safely, and openly – just like everyone else. Instead, they continue to face discrimination and violence, both here at home and around the world,” said Senator Schatz. “International Transgender Day of Visibility is a chance to celebrate the trans community’s achievements and courage and renew our commitment to fighting for acceptance and equality.”

“Recognizing Trans Day of Visibility is about more than visibility—it’s about affirming that trans people belong,” said Caius Willingham, Senior Policy Analyst at Advocates for Trans Equality. “Thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Jacobs, Senator Schatz, and Representatives Jayapal and Takano, this resolution makes clear that even in the face of growing attacks, our communities will continue to be seen, heard, and protected.” 

Issues: LGBTQIA+ Rights

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, joined by other Africa Subcommittee Democrats, today sent a letter to Secretary Rubio in response to public reporting that the State Department plans to end lifesaving assistance to seven African nations — Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. The lawmakers argued that this would put millions of lives at risk, threaten regional stability, and undermine U.S. national security.

A PDF copy of the full letter can be found here.

“…During your testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee last year, you insisted that ‘no one has died’ due to the foreign aid cuts that you authorized as Secretary of State. The situation on the ground tells a different story. Life-threatening hunger, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks continue unabated, resulting in as many as 1 million preventable deaths in 2025. Further aid cuts would undoubtedly result in even more preventable deaths. In Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, and Niger, the UN estimates that 15 million people are in need of lifesaving aid.

“Foreign assistance is not merely charity, it demonstrates American leadership. It is a low-cost means of promoting peace and stability abroad while furthering U.S. national security. Nowhere is the dire impact of your foreign aid cuts clearer than in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Center for Global Development estimates that cuts to U.S. foreign assistance caused a 5 percent increase in armed conflict and conflict-related deaths in Africa in 2025. Ending humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, Niger, and Somalia could result in even worse outcomes, with consequences extending far beyond their borders. It does not make the U.S. safer, stronger, or more prosperous. It only benefits Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other extremist groups who thrive on instability, prey on the African people, and will use every opportunity to exploit your Administration’s callousness.”

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

From humble beginnings in South Texas, Dr. Garcia rose to national prominence as a civil rights leader.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Hold ICE Accountable Act, legislation to establish an independent Special Prosecutor to investigate unlawful conduct by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This bill is her latest in a series of efforts to stand up to ICE, demand transparency, and fight for accountability after a pattern of violence, misconduct, and lack of oversight.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing and reading about Rep. Haley Stevens fighting to ensure accountability at every level of ICE, from the bottom to the top, so no one is above the law.

WZZM: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens proposes bill for independent investigations into ICE misconduct

By: Erin Sullivan

• Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced legislation aimed at increasing oversight of federal immigration enforcement, calling for an independent prosecutor to investigate alleged misconduct by Department of Homeland Security personnel.
• Stevens introduced the Hold ICE Accountable Act, which would create an independent special prosecutor to investigate alleged misconduct by the Department Of Homeland Security and ICE. Now the bill says the special prosecutor would need to be independent and have no ties to the current administration.
• Stevens wrote this legislation after she says she was stonewalled by acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The US Representative has previously called for an investigation into the death of Gantchev two separate times. She said she never received a response.
• “It will give people peace of mind, and, frankly, stop some of the lawlessness,”
• The legislation comes amid heightened scrutiny of federal immigration operations following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis earlier this year. She also said it’s in response to the death of a detainee at the Northlake Processing Center in Lake County.
• “Members of Congress have been stonewalled,” Stevens said. “We have been stonewalled trying to get answers to deaths in ICE detention facilities.”
• Under Stevens’ proposal, an independent special prosecutor would need to meet several requirements, including a separation from the Department of Justice while maintaining oversight by Congress.
• “We asked about the death of Mr. Gantchev, when we were at Baldwin. We were informed that a death investigation was still going, on you know, a month and a half later we still haven’t gotten the answers. and so look, we need a special prosecutor.”

Fox2: Rep. Haley Stevens introduces ‘Hold ICE Accountable’ act

By: Jamie Sherrod

• “This is about accountability, for an agency that hasn’t had any. Everywhere I go in Michigan people are asking about ICE overreach, ICE abuses of power, excessive force, racial profiling, there are deep concerns about what is going on in Romulus,  and in South Field. I’m a member of Congress, and I’ve been stonewalled.”
• “My legislation that I am offering today, is going to put in place a special prosecutor, so that we can have accountability for ICE agents that have committed crimes. We saw two Americans killed before our very eyes, none of this has been acceptable. So, I want real accountability now, that isn’t tied to waiting for this administration, who has failed Michigan, and failed the American people.”
• “We were told that an investigation was going on, that a death review was going on, I’ve also been at the forefront of calling out ICE abuse of power and ICE mismanagement. I called for Kristi Noem to go, I called for her to be removed from office as the Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. From top to bottom, we need accountability”
• “We still need accountability, we need reforms, and we need to see prosecutions for crimes committed, which is why I’ve written this legislation to create a special prosecutor that will be at the level of a U.S. attorney to go in and do what’s right on behalf of the letter of the law here in this country. We’ve got to work on the fears that are going on here in Michigan, and with Michiganders. People have been so worried about what they saw in Minneapolis coming here to Michigan, there is tension, and there is lack of trust because there is no accountability, and there is so much mismanagement going on at this time.”
• “I want to see real reforms, I want to see accountability, and I want to see Michigan protected and heard at the lawmaking table.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) announced her selection of 10 local projects she will champion through the federal appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2027 — projects that could collectively bring nearly $25 million in direct federal investment to Denver communities.

The projects span some of Denver’s most urgent priorities: expanding affordable housing, training workers for the jobs of tomorrow, protecting vulnerable children, strengthening safety-net health clinics, and investing in the research and innovation driving Colorado’s economy forward.

“Community Project Funding is democracy at its best — and I can’t think of a better example of how the legislation we pass in Congress directly touches the communities we serve,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “From putting families into safe, affordable homes, to helping people experiencing homelessness find meaningful, dignified work, to building community centers for children in need, the projects I have championed are exactly what Congress should be laser focused on. Today’s announcement is just the beginning. My job now is to fight to make every single one of these projects law.”

Building on a Strong Record

Today’s announcement builds on Congresswoman DeGette’s proven track record of delivering for Denver. Last year, she submitted 13 projects for inclusion in the FY2026 appropriations bills — 12 of which were ultimately signed into law, totaling more than $16 million in direct investment for Denver residents. Since 2022, she has returned more than $62.9 million in taxpayer funds back to the community through Community Project Funding.

About Community Project Funding

The projects were submitted by local organizations and municipalities for competitive Community Project Funding (CPF) grants — a program that allows Members of Congress to direct federal dollars to specific, community-identified needs. Selection at this stage does not guarantee funding; each project must still survive a competitive Congressional appropriations process.

About the 10 Projects

Affordable Housing

1. Mulroy Apartments and Opportunity Center Redevelopment(Denver Housing Authority | $4,295,338) — Would replace 56 obsolete public housing units — built nearly 70 years ago — with 133 modern, energy-efficient affordable apartments in the West Colfax neighborhood, more than doubling the number of homes available to low- and moderate-income residents.
2. Townview Apartments (City and County of Denver, Department of Housing Stability | $5,000,000) — Would construct 160 family units in a six-story building with seven two-story townhomes, directly addressing Denver’s acute affordable housing shortage.

Workforce Development

3. Doubling Capacity for Workforce Training for Individuals Transitioning from Homelessness to Employment(City and County of Denver, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity | $2,000,000) — Would fund the acquisition of a workforce training facility and expand job training and certification programs that help Denver residents transition out of homelessness and into stable employment.

Child Safety

4. Denver Child Abuse Prevention and Community Training Center(City and County of Denver | $4,500,000) — Would convert a former credit union building into a dedicated child abuse prevention and community training center, expanding capacity to prevent crimes against children and support the professionals working to keep Denver’s most vulnerable families safe.

Health Care

5. FQHC Refrigeration Power Supply Equipment (Denver Health Community Health Services | $1,900,000) — Would purchase 79 battery back-up power units to protect drug and vaccine refrigeration across 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers and 19 School-Based Health Centers, preventing the loss of critical medications and disruption to patient care.
6. STRIDE FQHC Health Care Equipment Upgrade(STRIDE Community Health Center | $813,500) — Would upgrade the Oneida Clinic’s pharmaceutical equipment — including a prescription-filling robot and enhanced dental care tools — strengthening a safety-net clinic that serves all First District residents regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Research & Innovation

7. AI and Robotics Engineering Training Lab Equipment (University of Colorado Denver | $2,003,650) — Would equip CU Denver’s engineering program with advanced robotics, autonomy, and AI infrastructure, preparing workers for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health care, and other sectors driving Denver’s economy.
8. Dreamscape Virtual Reality Learning Lab(Community College of Denver | $1,551,390) — Would establish an immersive virtual reality learning lab at Community College of Denver, integrating cutting-edge technology into STEM and health care courses to help more students — particularly those facing systemic barriers — complete programs in fields critical to Colorado’s future.
9. Mass Spectrometry–Driven Direct-to-Biology Platform for Accelerated Drug Discovery (University of Denver | $1,800,000) — Would establish a mass spectrometry-centered research platform at the University of Denver, accelerating the discovery of treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and other serious diseases.
10. iHouse Criminal Justice Platform(University of Denver | $934,470) — Would expand an existing NIH-funded simulation model to equip Colorado state and local agencies with a real-time tool for smarter criminal justice policy decisions, with the goal of reducing incarceration among people with histories of homelessness.

More information about the projects, relevant financial disclosures, and a list of previously requested projects can be found on Congresswoman DeGette’s website.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

San Joaquin County has highest pregnancy-related mortality rate in California, 2x higher than national rate

Four out of five pregnancy-related deaths are preventable

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced landmark legislation to end the growing maternal mortality crisis nationwide and reverse severe mortality rates in the Valley. The historic Momnibus Act, made up of 14 different bills to prevent deaths and improve maternal health outcomes, is the most comprehensive initiative for moms and especially women of color ever introduced in Washington.

Having a child has become a potentially fatal gamble for far too many families:

• Pregnancy-related deaths, which can be caused by or made worse by the pregnancy or its management, happened more often in San Joaquin County in recent years than anywhere else in California, and twice as often as the national rate. 
• These deaths are so tragic because 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, meaning we have the science to save more lives but the current health care system isn’t keeping up. 
• Devastating cuts to Medi-Cal and health care tax credits are threatening to make this crisis so much worse with increased costs and stress for pregnancy care and potential cuts to service in already-underserved areas.

“Our maternal health system is a safety net full of holes and as a parent the idea of one of the most exciting moments for a new family turning into a tragedy is terrifying,” said Rep. Harder. “Moms deserve better, and this package delivers by closing gaps and improving care before, during, and after pregnancy while better supporting our amazing local providers. We need these common sense solutions signed into law ASAP to ensure our communities have the resources and care they deserve when starting their families.”  

How Harder’s bill closes gaps and improves health care outcomes for families:

• More Support Right Now for Future Moms – Historic investments in factors affecting health (housing, transportation, and food assistance) to put future moms on the best footing possible before entering pregnancy.
• Better Health Care During Pregnancy – Expanded perinatal workforce, investments in mental health support, and new programs to prioritize moms during public health emergencies.
• Long Term Support After Childbirth – New research, digital tools, data collection, and community-based organizations to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.

“Health Plan of San Joaquin is committed to ensuring that every mother and baby in our community has the support they need for a healthy beginning,” said Lizeth Granados, CEO of the Health Plan of San Joaquin. “As a community‑based health plan, we are deeply invested in removing barriers, strengthening community‑based services, and improving maternal and infant well‑being so that all families in our region can thrive.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Fox and Friends in studio to preview a new ‘No Tax on Tips’ video and discuss how Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts delivers historic tax relief for millions of tipped workers and hardworking American families nationwide. Speaker Johnson also discussed Democrats’ continued demands to defund border security and immigration enforcement amid their record-long DHS shutdown. 

“The Big Beautiful Bill, the Working Families Tax Cuts, was written for lower- and middle-class earners — for the people who get up and start working before the sun rises and goes home after it sets to feed their families,” Speaker Johnson said. “This is real money for real people. Overall, you’re talking about $191 billion in additional refunds because of our legislation and about $30 billion less in withholding. Real money for real people. Every Republican in Congress voted for that, and every Democrat voted against it.”

Click here  to watch the full interview.

On the impact of Working Families Tax Cuts for hardworking Americans:

The Big Beautiful Bill, the Working Families Tax Cuts, was written for lower- and middle-class earners — for the people who get up and start working before the sun rises and goes home after it sets to feed their families. Bob is a great example. He’s an Uber driver. He’s going to save so much money this year. And everybody who works in a tipped job, they pay zero taxes now. Lawrence, in the first $25,000 of their tipped income for the average American that does those jobs, that’s about $1,300 more in their pocket. You talk about millions of Americans. I mean, here in New York, a half a million people worked in tip jobs. The Pew Research Center says about 43% of Americans have done that at some stage in their life. So, this is real money for real people. Overall, you’re talking about $191 billion in additional refunds because of our legislation and about $30 billion less in withholding. Real money for real people. Every Republican in Congress voted for that, and every Democrat voted against it.

On Democrats refusing to fully fund DHS:

We passed the bill, the full funding bill, a CR for eight weeks. Clean, nonpartisan, no tricks on that at all, just to keep the whole Department of Homeland Security funded for eight weeks so the parties can work out the differences. We thought that would be passed by unanimous consent on Monday, and it didn’t happen in the Senate. And so, we’ve got a dilemma. The outrage and the reason we were so upset, Lawrence, is because they sent us a bill that literally put the number zero in the bill for the funding of border security and customs and immigration enforcement. We can’t do that. That was the biggest issue in the 2024 election.

And it’s outrageous to us just in those two agencies, CBP and ICE, you’re talking about 98,000 hardworking Americans, self-sacrificing, people who have to pay their mortgages and, and put food on the table. They wanted to zero them out. We cannot be a part of that. So, we’re calling on everybody. Look, the House Members are in their districts working right now. We can bring them back on a moment’s notice for a vote. The Senate has to do their job and help us on this heavy lift. We have to get the government funded, and they’re playing games with real people’s lives.

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