Carter vote secures aviation safety training tool for Savannah airport

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

Headline: Carter vote secures aviation safety training tool for Savannah airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded $7.6 million to replace the current air traffic control training system at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), increasing safety, reducing delays, and modernizing air travel. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) voted in favor of this funding as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024.

The funding supports the Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) Retrofit of Tower Simulation Systems (TSS) to SAV. TSS is a high-fidelity, computer-based, and immersive training tool used by the FAA to train Air Traffic Controllers in a safe, simulated environment. These systems feature 360-degree views, realistic airport layouts, and variable weather conditions, reducing controller certification time by up to 30%, increasing safety and efficiency at major airports.

“The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport had a record-breaking year in 2025, welcoming more than 4.2 million passengers from across the country and around the world. While we love bringing visitors to the Hostess City of the South, that growth comes with the responsibility to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety and efficiency,” said Rep. Carter. “This investment in new air traffic control training systems will prepare the next generation of air traffic controllers to keep passengers safe as we welcome more visitors to experience the beauty of coastal Georgia.”

“We appreciate the support from Congressman Carter to help ensure the air traffic controllers at our airport have the most current training systems available to keep air travelers safe,” said Greg Kelly, Executive Director, Savannah Airport Commission.

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Congressman Valadao Opposes Governor Newsom’s Annual Gas Tax Increase

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) led members of the California delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, urging him to suspend the state’s upcoming gas excise tax increase on July 1, 2026. Beginning next month, the tax will rise from 61.4 cents per gallon to 63.4 cents per gallon, meaning drivers will pay a combined total of 71.4 cents per gallon extra when factoring in the state sales and use tax rate. These taxes don’t include the other mandated fees that cumulatively result in a staggering $1.15-per-gallon surcharge on every gallon of gas sold in California. 

For the last four years, Congressman Valadao has led efforts to suspend the annual July 1st gas excise tax increase to provide much-needed relief to California families. Congressman Valadao was joined in the letter by Reps. James Gallagher (CA-01), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Vince Fong (CA-20), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

“California drivers pay almost $2 more per gallon than the national average, yet Governor Newsom continues to advance policies that will drive prices even higher,” said Congressman Valadao. “Central Valley families are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living, and they can’t afford to pay an extra 71 cents per gallon every time they fill up their tanks. For years, I’ve urged Governor Newsom to suspend the annual gas excise tax increase and pause regulatory measures that raise prices for consumers, but those calls have gone unanswered. It’s past time for Sacramento to stop these harmful price hikes, prioritize domestic energy production, and ease the burden on hardworking Californians instead of adding to it.”

The letter comes one year after the California Air Resources Board (CARB) implemented updates to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) which it claimed would save Californians billions of dollars. Instead, these regulations have directly contributed to rising fuel prices for both energy producers and everyday consumers.

“According to AAA, the average price of gasoline in California is currently $5.58 per gallon—the highest in the nation and $1.65 above the national average,” the letter states. “State and local taxes, along with regulatory programs such as the LCFS, Cap-and-Trade, and the State Underground Storage Tank Program, are significant contributors to these elevated costs, collectively adding approximately $1.15 per gallon, or roughly 20 percent of the total price. Given these already high costs, further increasing the excise tax would only place an unnecessary burden on consumers and businesses across the state.”

Instead of further unaffordable increases to the state’s gas excise tax, the lawmakers urged Governor Newsom to prioritize commonsense energy policies that will provide meaningful financial relief for all Californians.

“California families are already being crushed by the highest fuel prices in the nation, and now they’re set to increase even more,” said Rep. Gallagher. “As gas prices continue to spike, the impact will extend far beyond the pump. Higher transportation and fuel expenses will increase the cost of everyday goods and services for hardworking California families and businesses. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature should act now to stop this increase on July 1st and help protect Californians from even greater financial hardship.”

“When Governor Newsom closes our oil refineries and jacks up taxes, he’s not fighting the oil industry – they just move on – he’s fighting California consumers, employers and families who struggle to pay his highest in the nation taxes,” said Rep. Kiley. “Beginning July 1, just as Americans are preparing to travel for the holiday weekend, the gas tax in California will rise from 61.4 cents per gallon to 63.4 cents per gallon. All we are asking for is a pause, so consumers reeling from California’s enormous taxes can get a break this summer.”

“The gas tax was promised to be used to maintain and expand our roads,” said Rep. McClintock. “Sacramento politicians have made a mockery of that promise – charging the highest gas tax in the nation while starving our highways.  The biggest price gouger in California IS California.”

“Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the nation, and more than half of every gallon’s cost is driven by Sacramento’s taxes, mandates, and regulations,” said Rep. Fong. “Raising the gas tax now would only make life more expensive for families who are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living. Governor Gavin Newsom should stop this gas tax increase and focus instead on expanding domestic oil and gas production to help lower energy costs.”

“Increasing the gas tax again will only make life more expensive for families, workers, and small businesses who are already struggling with the high cost of living,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Californians already pay the highest gas taxes in the nation, yet our roads remain among the worst. One-party rule in Sacramento has spent years piling on taxes, mandates, and regulations that drive up the cost of fuel and make our state less affordable for California families. Before raising the gas tax yet again, Sacramento should focus on commonsense policies that lower costs, improve our fuel supply, and actually fix the roads Californians are already paying for.”

“Gavin Newsom’s newest gas tax will cause Californians to pay $1.15 extra per gallon every time they fill up,” said Rep. Kim. “Californians have suffered enough. Newsom must suspend this gas tax and for once give hardworking families the relief they deserve.”

“Since California Democrats passed this automatic gas tax increase, it has more than doubled from 27.8 cents per gallon to now 63.4 cents per gallon,” said Rep. Calvert. “Californians pay the highest gas prices in the country but rarely see any road improvements, freeway expansions, or improved commute times.  Governor Newsom should suspend the tax and give Californians much needed relief at the pump.”  

“California drivers already pay the highest gas prices in the nation, but not high enough for Gavin Newsom and Sacramento Democrats and their appetite for even more pain at the pump, said Rep. Issa. “Along with all my GOP colleagues from California, we’re calling this out and urging a better way: common-sense energy policies that will deliver more supply, lower prices, and lasting relief for all Californians.”

Read the full letter here.

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Norcross, NJ officials cut ribbon on American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

CAMDEN, NJ?–?Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) yesterday joined the Camden County Historical Society and several other local, county, and state officials to cut the ribbon on the new American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey. Norcross delivered $500,000 in federal funding for the restoration effort – the catalyst for additional outside funding totaling $4 million.

The museum is the byproduct of restoration efforts at Benjamin Cooper Tavern, which was constructed in 1734 on the site of Camden’s first English settlement. It is closely associated with several significant American Revolution events, such as the Battle of Red Bank and the 1778 British evacuation of Philadelphia. 

In addition to historical exhibits and a community room for hosting events, the museum will also offer public facilities in service as the trailhead for the 33-mile bicycle and pedestrian Camden County Link Trail to Atlantic City.  

“250 years ago, as our Founding Fathers met across the river, the Benjamin Cooper Tavern stood ready to welcome visitors. Today, it still stands, ready to welcome future generations and educate them on the values that our forefathers fought for during the Revolutionary War,” Norcross said. “Learning from the past is essential to protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy that our nation was founded on, and I was happy to deliver half a million dollars in federal funding to restore and preserve this storied piece of American history.” 

“We are so pleased to have been able to save this building for the community. It’s hard to believe this building is nearly 300 years old and has such a story to tell for all of the citizens of Camden City, County and all of Southern New Jersey,” Chris Perks, president of the Board of Trustees for the Camden County Historical Society, said.

“The Benjamin Cooper Tavern has played such a meaningful role in not just Camden’s history, but the history of America’s founding,” Victor Carstarphen, mayor of Camden, said. “The restoration of this historic landmark is something our city has taken real pride in, and we appreciate Congressman Norcross’ help turning this new museum into reality.” 

“The restoration of the Benjamin Cooper Tavern into the American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey will serve as inspiration for future generations,” Jeffrey Nash, commissioner for Camden County, said. “From patriotic stories of America’s fight for freedom to the commitment of ordinary people to keep it preserved hundreds of years later, anyone can learn important lessons after a visit here. Today’s celebration has been a long time coming and feels incredibly rewarding.” 
 
The $500,000 Norcross secured for the museum came in the form of a Community Project Funding (CPF) grant in the fiscal year 2022 federal budget. CPFs are grants that individual Members of Congress can request from the Appropriations Committee for local projects that would benefit the district, subject to strict ethics oversight. 
 
In 2026, Norcross has secured roughly $12 million in CPF grants for 15 different projects across New Jersey’s First Congressional District, including multiple investments for local first responders.Norcross is helping fund can be found here.

 

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Speaker Johnson: America is the Most Free, Most Successful, Most Powerful, Most Benevolent Nation the World Has Ever Known

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo to discuss the significance of the Declaration of Independence and our spiritual foundations as Americans around the country gather to celebrate our 250th anniversary this week. Speaker Johnson also discussed House Republicans’ efforts to make everyday life more affordable for working families and to ensure election integrity.   

“The experiment in self-governance has been a tremendous success. And the reason is because we’re built upon these very firm foundations; this didn’t happen by happenstance,” Speaker Johnson said. “It’s because the Founders studied and prayed and put together a matchless Constitution, a system of government that followed, frankly, the admonitions of Scripture.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full interview here.

On the significance of the Declaration of Independence:

The great statesman, GK Chesterton, once observed from Great Britain that America is the only nation in the world that was founded upon a creed. And he said that it’s listed with almost theological lucidity or clarity in the Declaration of Independence, which we celebrate this week. What is the creed? We hold these truths to be self-evident, the founders said, and what is a self-evident truth? It’s something that’s obvious. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. It doesn’t say born equal. It says created equal, in that it is God, not the government, who gives us our inalienable rights. That foundational truth is what built America. It was the foundation of all of it and is what we still celebrate and are fighting every day right now to preserve. 

On bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of homeownership for working families:

The housing bill really is a Republican priority because it will lower housing costs. We made a lot of promises to the voters, and we’re fulfilling those every single day this Congress. And this is a big part of that because it will increase the availability, the access to more housing, bring down costs, cut regulations, do the things that we know are very important for that market. The President and I talked about that at length. Of course, he wants to do all those things. I’m going to send the bill over to him. It’s passed by both chambers, I’m sending it to him on Monday, and it will become law. And I certainly want him to take the biggest, boldest marker that he has and do that big Trump signature proudly on that legislation because we’re delivering for the people. And that’s what he wants to do. 

On Republican efforts to secure American elections:

We passed it three times in the House already. We’re going to pass it again. And this time we’re going to try to put it on a reconciliation bill. And the reason that’s so important, Maria, as you know, is it prevents the necessity of 60 votes in the Senate. The Democrats want no part of this. And remember, this is very basic stuff. We’re just going to make sure you have to have proof of citizenship to register to vote and then show an ID when you turn out at the ballot box. These are 90/10 public opinion issues. And more than 70% of Democrats want to do it, but not the Democrats in the House and Senate. And so, we’ve got to go around them. And look, I told Anna Paulina Luna and a couple other colleagues, I said, it makes no sense for us to shut down our good work in the House just because Senate Democrats refuse to do the the people’s will. We’ve got a lot more to do. We’ve got to keep it going. 

On the House Republican agenda going forward:

The message [from President Trump] was, listen, don’t turn the the Floor over to the radical left. That’s what happens when the party in charge, the Republican Party, votes against its own rules to proceed with legislation. So, look, we’ll get everybody together on Monday, tomorrow, we’re bringing them all back. We’ve got a big week ahead of us of before we begin all the celebrations on the weekend. Much more left to do. We’ve got the National Defense Authorization Act; we have appropriations where we’re spending less money and doing it more efficiently and effectively. We have the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act we’ve got to get reauthorized; we’ve got the Surface Transportation bill, many really important pieces of legislation, and of course, Reconciliation 3.0. I have to have everybody working here on all cylinders, and I’m excited to bring them back. 

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS SUPREME COURT RULING STRIPPING PROTECTIONS FROM HAITIAN TPS HOLDERS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
June 27, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS SUPREME COURT RULING STRIPPING PROTECTIONS FROM HAITIAN TPS HOLDERS

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling in Mullin v. Dahlia Doe and Trump v. Miot, clearing the way for the Trump administration to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from more than 350,000 Haitian nationals and approximately 6,000 Syrian nationals currently living and working legally in the United States.

The ruling comes after Congresswoman Plaskett, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts), Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and their colleagues spent months fighting to preserve these protections. In 2025, Congresswoman Plaskett led a congressional letter with 48 colleagues urging the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to extend TPS for Haitian nationals. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Plaskett assisted in whipping votes for House passage of H.R. 1689, legislation to require DHS to restore Haiti’s TPS designation through April 2029. That bill now awaits action in the Senate.

“This decision, while deeply disappointing, is ultimately unsurprising from a Court that has repeatedly placed a regressive-activist-conservative agenda above the rule of law. The Supreme Court has handed the Trump Administration unchecked authority to remove legal protections from hundreds of thousands of people who came here lawfully, registered with the government, passed background checks, paid taxes, and built lives in this country,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Haitian TPS holders contribute nearly $6 billion to the U.S. economy each year and pay $1.56 billion in taxes – funding programs they cannot even access. More than 20 percent work in healthcare, including as nursing assistants and caregivers. Sending them back to a country the State Department warns Americans not to visit due to gang violence, kidnapping, and instability is not policy. It is cruelty and short-sighted.”

Congresswoman Plaskett continued, “I am also troubled by the Court’s refusal to seriously grapple with the record of racial animus underlying this decision. Federal judges found that the administration’s actions were likely motivated by documented hostility toward Black and Haitian immigrants. Justice Kagan said plainly in dissent that there is no dispute these individuals will suffer irreparable harm. She is right.”

Congresswoman Plaskett added, “Congress created TPS over 35 years ago, on a bipartisan basis, because we agreed that we should not send people back to war, disaster, and death — particularly individuals within our own hemisphere who, by working in the United States, create some level of economic support for neighboring countries that, without the support of those TPS holders, may utterly collapse. The House has already acted. I call on the Senate to move H.R. 1689 without delay. These families deserve the protection of the law, and I will continue fighting to ensure they have it.”

BACKGROUND: Temporary Protected Status (TPS), in place since 1990, provides humanitarian protection to nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions, allowing them to live and work lawfully in the United States. Haiti’s TPS designation was first granted in 2010 following a catastrophic earthquake that killed at least 225,000 people. Syria first received TPS designation in 2012 amid a devastating civil war. Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem moved to revoke both designations in 2025, contending conditions had improved — a conclusion at odds with the State Department’s own travel warnings, which continue to advise against travel to both countries due to extreme danger. The Supreme Court’s ruling means those terminations may now proceed without further judicial review.

Rep. Huffman Responds to Trump Administration Commission’s Report to Tear Down Wall Between Church and State

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

June 26, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jared Huffman condemned the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission for releasing a dangerous draft report that attacks the longstanding constitutional principle of church-state separation. If enacted, the commission’s recommendations would undermine First Amendment protections and threaten the religious freedom of every American.

Watch Rep. Huffman’s Video Here

Below is a full transcript of Rep. Huffman’s response video:

“Hey folks, Donald Trump‘s sham commission on religious liberty has now released its final report and recommendations, and no surprise, they recommend being done with church-state separation, moving us closer to a right-wing theocracy, government funding for churches, much more religion in government, et cetera.

Look, at the very beginning when Donald Trump announced this commission in the Rose Garden. He said the quiet part. He said, “church separation may not be a good thing.” And then he stacked this commission with right-wing Christian nationalist extremists.

This is not a serious group, and it has never been a serious process from the start. There were warnings from faith groups, interfaith groups, and secular groups that this was going to be a sham, that this was all about politics.

Our country was founded on the ideal of church-state separation and secular government to protect us against religious tyranny. We do not have one national religion, as much as these folks want you to believe that we do. We are a country of many faiths and people with no faith. That’s what religious freedom is all about. It’s served us really well for 250 years, and let me tell you that my Freethought Caucus colleagues and I are going to do everything we can to make sure that that bedrock of secular governance and the freedoms that it protects remain strong going forward.”

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Read More (Steube, Thompson Introduce GRACE for Military Survivors Act)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

June 26, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), and Jack Bergman (R-Mich.) today introduced the GRACE for Military Survivors Act, bipartisan legislation to provide surviving military families additional time to make important financial decisions following the loss of a loved one.
“The families of our fallen service members have already sacrificed more than most Americans can imagine. The last thing they should have to worry about is financial deadlines while grieving the loss of a spouse, parent, or child,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by military families, and they deserve to make thoughtful financial decisions without unnecessary pressure from the federal government.”
“Grieving military families have enough on their plates when they lose a loved one — they should not be forced to make urgent, consequential financial decisions on top of everything else. Ensuring families have the time they need to decide the best path forward just makes sense. Grateful to work with my colleagues to introduce this important legislation,” said Rep. Mike Thompson.
This legislation is endorsed by American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Veterans Survivor Coalition, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and With Honor. 
The GRACE for Military Survivors Act would extend from one year to three years the period in which military death gratuities and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) payments may be contributed to Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts without penalty.
This legislation, developed in conjunction with Gold Star Spouses of America, helps ensure surviving spouses and children are not penalized while grieving and adjusting to life after the loss of a service member. It gives families additional time to consult financial advisors, plan for education expenses, and make informed long-term savings decisions without unnecessary pressure.
Background: When a service member dies in the line of duty, surviving spouses and children often face significant financial and personal challenges while grieving the loss of a loved one. Military death gratuities and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits are intended to help provide financial stability during that difficult period.
Current law allows eligible survivors to contribute those benefits to certain tax-advantaged savings accounts, including Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. However, families must make those contributions within one year of receiving the benefits.
For many military families, that timeline can be difficult to meet as they navigate the immediate emotional, financial, and logistical challenges that follow the loss of a service member.
Read the bill text here.

Rep. Garamendi Joins 125 Lawmakers Calling on Trump Admin. to Reverse Harmful Rule Changes to Health Research Grant Process

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) joined 125 members of Congress in demanding that the Trump Administration stop a proposed rule change to the traditionally nonpartisan federal grantmaking process. The letter, written to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, demonstrated how the administration’s proposed changes will impede critical health research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and at research institutions across the country.  

“We write in opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s disastrous and likely unlawful proposed rule that would devastate American health care innovation for generations,” the lawmakers wrote. “This alarming change would convert our venerable gran review process into a political obstacle course and insider’s game, irreparably damaging our nation’s leading health research institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and its grantees across the country.”  

Since the end of World War II, NIH has relied on qualified peer reviewers and nonpolitical expert evaluators to determine which health care research puts Americans’ tax dollars to best use. This thorough, nonpolitical process has set the global standard for high-quality grant review and propelled U.S. institutions like the NIH and its grantees to the forefront of scientific innovation, discovery and research.  

New proposed rule changes from OMB will give partisan political appointees final say over grant decisions and sideline the longstanding and trusted peer review process. Undoing the peer review process in favor of political grantmaking will delay and disrupt health care research that millions of Americans depend on.  

“OMB’s guidance would provide little recourse to people subject to political retribution,” the lawmakers continued. “President Trump’s sacking of thousands of NIH researchers and scientists has led to severe understaffing and grant approval delays at NIH. This rule change would make an already problematic situation disastrous.”  

Additional signers of the letter include Representatives Lori Trahan, Mark Pocan, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sharice L. Davids, Adriano Espaillat, Maxine Waters, Suhas Subramanyam, Nancy Pelosi, Bennie G. Thompson, Mike Quigley, Danny K. Davis, Mark DeSaulnier, Mary Gay Scanlon, Janelle S. Bynum, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Sylvia R. Garcia, William R. Keating, Madeleine Dean, Steny H. Hoyer, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Becca Balint, Seth Moulton, April McClain Delaney, Rashida Tlaib, Steve Cohen, Steven Horsford, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Sarah Elfreth, Adam Smith, Pete Aguilar, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Pablo José Hernández, Chris Deluzio, Jonathan L. Jackson, Joyce Beatty, Richard E. Neal, Stephen F. Lynch, James R. Walkinshaw, André Carson, Jimmy Panetta, Shontel M. Brown, Gwen S. Moore, Christian D. Menefee, Yassamin Ansari, Timothy M. Kennedy, Brad Sherman, Ted W. Lieu, Adelita S. Grijalva, Andrea Salinas, Maxine Dexter, M.D., Haley M. Stevens, John B. Larson, Valerie P. Foushee, Donald S. Beyer Jr., Mike Levin, Lateefah Simon, Analilia Mejia, Kathy Castor, Jennifer L. McClellan, Jan Schakowsky, Paul D. Tonko, Robin L. Kelly, Eric Sorensen, Judy Chu, Johnny Olszewski, Jr., Greg Stanton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ro Khanna, Deborah K. Ross, Emanuel Cleaver II, Glenn F. Ivey, Nellie Pou, Juan Vargas, Joaquin Castro, Frederica S. Wilson, Chellie Pingree, Gabe Amo, Mark Takano, Derek T. Tran, Shri Thanedar, J. Luis Correa, Angie Craig, Kweisi Mfume, Julia Brownley, Zoe Lofgren, Seth Magaziner, Debbie Dingell, Sarah McBride, Sean Casten, Grace Meng, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ayanna Pressley, Wesley Bell, Jasmine Crockett, Melanie Stansbury, Sam T. Liccardo, Kelly Morrison, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Maggie Goodlander, Salud Carbajal, Chrissy Houlahan, Troy A. Carter, Sr., Shomari Figures, Dina Titus, Rick Larsen, Terri A. Sewell, Bill Foster, Julie Johnson, Jake Auchincloss, Mike Thompson, Jared Huffman, Delia C. Ramirez, Lizzie Fletcher, Rosa L. DeLauro, Brittany Pettersen, Bradley Scott Schneider, Emily Randall, Jim Himes, Pramila Jayapal, Jahana Hayes, Lois Frankel, and Dwight Evans.  

Trahan Statement on the Bipartisan KIDS Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)


Trahan Statement on the Bipartisan KIDS Act | U.S. Representative Lori Trahan




















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Amata Met with Agriculture Secretary Rollins 

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

Highlighted ASCC Ag Program, and Tuna as a Staple of Food Security

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, in her role as a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and other Members of Congress on Thursday, discussing agriculture policy, legislation, and funding, including the Farm Bill. 

Secretary Rollins and Congresswoman Amata

Congresswoman Amata welcomed Secretary Rollins’ emphasis that food security is national security, and in turn highlighted American Samoa’s key food security role producing 25 percent of U.S. canned tuna. 

“I appreciated the update and briefing from Secretary Rollins, and I was also able to highlight to her our agriculture studies at ASCC, and how USDA grants support our students, and can benefit our local raising of fruit and crops for sale and subsistence,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The USDA and farm legislation supports our nutrition block grant. Secretary Rollins highlighted the department’s food security and buy American priorities, which are themes I often raise – American-produced tuna like ours should be first in line for U.S. federal and state purchases. Thank you to Chairwoman Celeste Malloy of Utah for facilitating this meeting for Western Caucus Members and Secretary Rollins.”

Congress authorizes and directs Agriculture priorities through a multi-year Farm Bill, ideally updated every five years, then a yearly appropriations bill funds the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Farm Bill legislation was first passed in 1933. This year’s House-passed effort, officially The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, is designated H.R. 1 – a sign of the importance placed on this comprehensive legislation. The U.S. Senate has a version under consideration in Committee.

“When farmers, ranchers, and agricultural small businesses can plan with stable, multi-year policies in place, everyone benefits,” concluded Congresswoman Amata. “Groceries and restaurants depend on food producers, and the Farm bill and USDA play important roles in economic and food security.”

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