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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) joined Jacksonville’s Landstar for a Rutherford Ride Along and tour of their Field Operations Center in St. Augustine with Landstar’s professional driver, Michael Smith.

“I was proud to join Landstar for a Rutherford Ride Along to learn more about the people and processes that keep our supply chains moving across Northeast Florida and nationwide,” said Rutherford. “These men and women help drive our economy and get goods where they need to go, safely and efficiently. I was honored to walk a day in their shoes and see firsthand the professionalism and commitment these drivers, like Michael Smith, bring to their jobs. Thank you for driving our economy forward.”

Michael Smith is a 25-year Landstar veteran, a Million Mile Safe Driver, and recipient of the organization’s highest driver honor, the Roadstar award. Smith specializes in transporting highly sensitive and specialized freight, including military-related equipment and other critical shipments supporting national defense operations worldwide.

Together, Rutherford and Smith conducted a comprehensive pre-trip inspection of “Goldie,” Smith’s tractor, before hitting the road. They traveled from the Jacksonville headquarters to Landstar’s Field Operations Center in St. Augustine. Rutherford met with other members of the Landstar team to talk about the daily realities of professional drivers traveling along America’s highways today.

Rutherford continued, “Many thanks to the whole team at Landstar for giving me a behind-the-scenes look at their operations here in Northeast Florida and the opportunity to join them for a Rutherford Ride Along!”

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Landstar operates an asset-light transportation model supported by a nationwide network of approximately 1,000 independent agents, more than 8,000 independent BCOs, over 1,300 employees, and access to 70,000 capacity providers across North America.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today welcomed the United States Coast Guard’s decision to establish a new training center at the former Birmingham-Southern College campus, ensuring the historic campus will continue to serve those pursuing education, training, and service to the nation.

The Coast Guard is expanding its training capacity as it grows its workforce and modernizes its force structure to meet evolving maritime security missions. The Birmingham-Southern campus will help support that effort by providing facilities capable of hosting recruits and training personnel preparing for service in the Coast Guard.

“Today’s announcement is further proof that this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years,” said Secretary Noem. “Thanks to President Trump’s visionary leadership and historic investment in the Coast Guard, the Service is shattering records across the board — including in recruitment. Last year’s recruitment exceeded 110% of active-duty enlisted goals, and the Coast Guard is on track to add 15,000 new members by 2028. This next generation of heroes deserves training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission, and that is exactly what they are going to have in Alabama.”

“With Birmingham-Southern being my alma mater, it was important to me to ensure this campus could continue to serve those seeking to learn and improve their lives,” said Aderholt. “I’m confident the United States Coast Guard will do just that. I want to thank Senator Britt and Senator Tuberville for their partnership as we worked together to encourage the Coast Guard and the White House to ensure this campus remains an important footprint in Alabama.”

“This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Senator Katie Britt. “I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve. This announcement further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel.”

“I’m thrilled that President Trump and Secretary Noem selected Birmingham-Southern as the new land-based training facility for the United States Coast Guard,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville. “This move will save American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Alabama and the Coast Guard are a natural partnership. Our state is already home to every branch of the military, and we have the infrastructure, resources, and personnel ready to ensure the Coast Guard continues to operate at the highest level.”

The Coast Guard’s presence will allow the Birmingham-Southern campus to continue its longstanding legacy of education and service while bringing new opportunities and federal investment to the Birmingham area. Alabama has a strong tradition of supporting those who serve, and the new training center will help prepare the next generation of Coast Guard servicemembers.

 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04) and James Moylan (Guam-AL) introduced the Lowering Student Loans Act, legislation to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and set a fixed 2 percent interest rate for all Federal Direct student loans.

The bill would establish a fixed 2 percent interest rate for all new Federal Direct Loans issued on or after July 1, 2026, including Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS, and Direct Consolidation Loans. It would also automatically reduce the interest rate to 2 percent for existing Direct Loans currently carrying higher rates. The 2 percent rate would be fixed for the life of the loan.

“Too many Americans are doing everything right only to see their balances grow because of high interest rates,” said Congressman Thompson. “This bill is a simple, targeted fix. By lowering interest rates to 2 percent and locking them in for the life of the loan, we help borrowers pay down their principal faster, reduce long-term costs, and finally make real progress toward financial stability.”

“For many students and families, the biggest barrier to opportunity is not getting into college—it’s the cost of paying back the loans afterward,” said Congressman Moylan. “Capping federal student loan interest rates at 2 percent is a practical step that helps borrowers reduce long-term costs, pay down their principal faster, and build financial stability. This bipartisan bill helps ensure that higher education remains a pathway to opportunity, not a lifetime of debt.”

What the Bill Does

• All new Federal Direct Loans issued on or after July 1, 2026, would carry a fixed 2 percent interest rate.
• Existing Direct Loans with rates above 2 percent would automatically be reduced to 2 percent beginning July 1, 2026, with advance notice to borrowers and the opportunity to opt out.
• The 2 percent rate would remain fixed for the life of the loan.
• Borrowers with certain older Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans would have the option to consolidate into the Direct Loan program to access the lower 2 percent rate.
• The Secretary of Education would be required to notify borrowers and loan servicers of the change and establish a complaint resolution process to address any errors or delays.

The legislation does not change repayment plans, forgiveness programs, or borrower protections. It is narrowly focused on reducing interest-driven balance growth so borrowers can pay down principal faster and reduce long-term repayment costs.

You can watch the livestream of the press conference here.

The Lowering Student Loans Act is endorsed by the American Youth Association, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), National Education Association, and Young Invincibles.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
“The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is proud to endorse the Lowering Student Loans Act, which would set a fixed 2 percent interest rate on all federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026. By reducing rates for both new and existing loans, the bill offers practical, immediate relief to millions of borrowers and brings greater predictability to a system marked by rising costs and uncertainty. High interest rates fall hardest on students who already face steep barriers to college access. A stable 2 percent rate lowers long-term repayment burdens, strengthens financial stability, and helps keep higher education within reach. NACAC urges Congress to advance this commonsense measure to support students and families nationwide.”
— Sean Robins, Director of Advocacy, National Association for College Admission Counseling

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
“Students and families rely on federal student loans to make higher education possible, and they deserve interest rates that are fair, transparent, and manageable. The Lowering Student Loans Act would provide meaningful financial relief while committing to a predictable, stable interest rate that allows students to plan for the future with greater confidence. When borrowers can anticipate what their loans will cost over time, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about enrollment, completion, repayment, and long-term financial goals.”
— Melanie Storey, President & CEO, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC)
“As the External Affairs Vice President of the Associated Students of the University of California, I strongly endorse the Lowering Student Loans Act introduced by Congressman Thompson. Capping federal student loan interest rates at a fixed 2 percent would provide stability to a system currently relying on fluctuating, market-based formulas tied to U.S. Treasury yields. By lowering and stabilizing interest rates, this legislation would ease long-term financial strain, expand access to higher education, and empower more students to pursue their academic and professional goals without the disproportionate weight of debt.”
— Calvin Yang, External Affairs Vice President, Associated Students of the University of California

American Youth Association (AYA)
“Representative Thompson’s legislation is critical for future generations of aspiring leaders. Student loan debt is one of the greatest barriers young Americans face when pursuing higher education. The burden of interest alone shapes life-changing decisions: where to go to school, financial freedom post-graduation, and even whether to go to school at all. This bill is a critical step forward that lowers student loan burdens and expands financial freedom. The American Youth Association is proud to endorse legislation that empowers the next generation of aspiring leaders to invest in their futures without being crushed by debt.”
— Aanya Ujjval, National President, American Youth Association

The Lowering Student Loans Act has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and a bipartisan group of colleagues have re-introduced legislation to increase transparency and provide greater insight about the growing national debt.

The Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act, introduced with GOP Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), would require the President’s annual budget and congressional budget resolutions to include the ratio of the public debt to the estimated gross domestic product (GDP). The House Budget Committee passed this legislation by voice vote in the 118th Congress. 

“It’s essential that the national debt is front of mind for lawmakers when making decisions about the federal budget,” Golden said. “Equipping Congress with more information about bills’ impact on the debt will enable more informed lawmaking, and I’m encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for this easy solution.”

The national debt stands at nearly $39 trillion, according to data from the Treasury Department, and is currently on track to reach 175 percent of GDP by 2056, according to the latest long-term outlook by the Congressional Budget Office. Interest payments on the debt are the fastest-growing line item in the federal budget and already eclipse nearly all social safety net spending. 

Continued unchecked debt growth threatens to crowd out essential services such as Social Security and Medicare. 

“Our national debt is the greatest internal threat to our country,” Smucker said. “Tackling our national debt must be a priority. This legislation increases transparency and creates accountability in Washington to deliver real, tangible solutions. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the urgency of addressing the debt crisis, and I’m hopeful this legislation will help correct our fiscal trajectory and ensure our nation’s long-term economic prosperity.”

Additional cosponsors of the Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act include Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Don Davis (D-NC-01), Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-WA-03), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) and Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02).

This legislation is endorsed by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) and Concord Action, two organizations focused on addressing the nation’s debt. 

“The public deserves to know the size and scope of planned debt and deficits,” said Maya MacGuineas, president of CRFB. “Requiring congressional and presidential budgets to include debt and deficit figures relative to the size of the economy, as in this bill, would help the public and lawmakers understand the fiscal goals in such budgets.”

“The Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act is a common-sense step to ensure that both Congress and the President clearly present our nation’s debt as a share of the overall economy, one of the most widely used indicators of fiscal health,” said Dr. Carolyn Bordeaux, executive director at Concord Action. “Concord Action thanks Congressman Smucker and Congressman Golden for their leadership in advancing greater accountability and transparency in the federal budget process.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria to discuss President Trump’s decisive action to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the need to support our men and women in uniform, and why Democrats must end their dangerous shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security at a time of rising threats.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
Highlights from Leader Scalise’s interview:On President Trump ending Iran’s nuclear threat:“You’ve seen from President Trump, he tried diplomatic means over and over and over again. One of the things that Iran has been notorious for is delaying negotiations to drag things out so that they can buy more time to develop a nuclear weapon. We know they were enriching more uranium. Even after the hit Operation Midnight Hammer, they went right back to work trying to develop a nuclear weapons program. It’s just what they wanted to do because they wanted to eviscerate Israel, and they wanted to strike America, and they made that clear.“When you got radicals saying ‘Death to America,’ and they’re trying to get a nuclear weapon, you better take them at their word, and the President did. President Trump did what, frankly, other presidents thought about, contemplated, but just never went to that final step. I think after seeing the Supreme Leader kill tens of thousands of his own people just a few weeks ago, he said, ‘Imagine if they had a nuclear weapon, they will have no hesitation trying to kill Americans.’ And by the way, [the Supreme Leader has] killed hundreds of Americans along the way, our service members, over decades. They’ve struck military bases, striking Americans over and over again. How long were we going to let this go on? President Trump finally did something about it, frankly, that a lot of other presidents should have done. It’s important that he did this. Frankly, the world and America will be safer places with this action over.”On maintaining the strongest military in the World:“This is why you need a strong national defense to stand up against bad people around the world. If you didn’t have bad actors around the world, if you didn’t have Iran, Russia, China, and other people threatening the sovereignty and freedom of the American people, then we wouldn’t need a strong defense. Obviously, we do need that, and that is its strong deterrent. We’ve got the best military force in the world, and we need to maintain that. It’s why we need to continue to properly fund the Department of War. It’s why we need to make sure they’ve got the tools that they need. You’re seeing them use incredibly high technology, and we need to make sure they get replenished as this goes on. We’ll have that conversation later.”On Democrats refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security:“We’re going to give [Democrats] that opportunity today. We’re going to have a vote on the House floor to open up the Department of Homeland Security with heightened threats here. It’s insane. It’s dangerous that you would have that Department closed by Democrats who are playing political games. And that’s going to come up today on the House floor… Everybody should vote for it, but America should watch that vote and see who wants to keep them safe at a time like this.”

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

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—On Friday, March 6, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) will join Under Secretary of the Army Michael Obadal on a visit to the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) to discuss concerns over significant reductions in the depot’s workforce and workload. Ahead of the visit, the Congressman sent a letter to the Administration inquiring about the facility’s future helicopter maintenance schedule and the status of an expected $174 million federal investment.

“…despite the more than 2,500 highly skilled workforce and the vital importance of this depot to America’s national security, the amount of work assigned to the depot and the number of people employed there has dramatically dropped since 2011,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. “Should this trajectory continue, the specialized workforce and infrastructure will be lost; once lost, they cannot be quickly or easily reconstituted.”

Over the last eight to 10 years, the number of civilians employed at CCAD has decreased from almost 5,000 workers in 2016 to just over 2,000 workers in 2025. There are two main factors driving this reduction: A reduced demand for helicopter maintenance services due to the Army’s overall shift to drones, and a greater reliance on private companies to do repair work that was traditionally done by facilities like CCAD.

The letter in full can be found here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens led her colleagues Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45), Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL), and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), in introducing the No Getting Rich in Congress Act, sweeping legislation to crack down on insider trading in Congress and the White House, restore trust in government, and ensure public service is about serving the American people, not personal profit.

According to the latest polling, Congress’s approval among the American people sits at a near-record low of 17%. Across party lines and generations, voters agree: Washington is broken. Too often, elected officials use their positions to advance their financial interests instead of delivering results for their constituents.

The No Getting Rich in Congress Act establishes strong, enforceable standards to prevent officials from profiting from conflicts of interest and close longstanding loopholes that have undermined confidence in federal leadership.

“The American people deserve leaders who are working for them, not for their stock portfolios, not for corporate board seats, and not for foreign adversaries,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “Michiganders want results from their government, not self-dealing. The No Getting Rich in Congress Act draws a clear line: public servants must put their communities first, not profit.”

“When I’m home in Orange County, I constantly hear from constituents who have lost faith in our government because they’ve watched scandal after scandal plague corrupt politicians. They want to see elected officials working for the people, not for rich donors or foreign governments. Congress can’t wait another day to earn back the public’s trust,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “The No Getting Rich in Congress Act has been shaped by months of work to close every loophole, eliminate every exemption, and find every measure of accountability to put Congress back to work for the people, not their own profits. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Representative Stevens to not only ban Congressional stock trading, but rein in every practice that puts moneyed interests ahead of our communities. We’re scrapping politics as usual and putting people first.”

“Members of Congress should not be able to use our positions for personal and financial gain. I am cosponsoring the No Getting Rich in Congress Act because it makes long-overdue reforms to increase transparency, strengthen ethics rules, and earn back the American people’s trust. I’m urging every one of my colleagues to join us—because the people we represent deserve to know that we are working for them,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen.

“Members of Congress, federal officials, and their family members should never be allowed to profit from privileged information. That is why I support this legislative package to create additional guardrails to ban trading by public officials and their families, to regulate any insider influence, and broaden ethics rules so that the people in power are motivated by serving the American people, not personal profit.” said Rep. Andrea Salinas.

The legislation is also cosponsored by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).

Key Provisions of the Legislation:

• Bans trading by public officials and their families. Prohibits the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, candidates for federal office, spouses, and dependents from buying or selling individual stocks, futures, commodities, and cryptocurrency, with strict reporting and enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for violations.
• Prohibits lobbying on behalf of foreign adversaries. Permanently bans former public officials from lobbying on behalf of foreign adversaries, including China, to influence U.S. government decisions.
• Closes loopholes and regulates shadow lobbying. Requires spouses of both Members of Congress and senior Administration officials to register and report any effort to influence government decisions, ensuring spouses cannot use public office for personal financial gain.
• Restricts corporate board service. Bars Members and their spouses from serving on or being officers of a corporate board, with strict reporting and conduct requirements for any pre-existing board service.
• Extends existing ethics rules to spouses and dependents. Applies all gift, travel, and reimbursement restrictions that cover Members to their spouses and dependents, preventing backdoor deals and conflicts of interest.

Stevens has long been an advocate to reform Congressional ethics rules and ban stock trading by Members of Congress. She does not trade individual stocks and she is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Trust in Congress Act.

Full bill text can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) was once again honored by Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States) in recognition of his continued leadership on animal welfare issues and his consistently perfect voting record in Congress supporting policies that ensure animals are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve. For 21 years in a row, Congressman Sherman has earned a 100% rating from Humane World for Animals, and he has received the organization’s Humane Champion Award twelve times in recognition of his ongoing efforts to protect animals from cruel practices.

“As Mahatma Gandhi observed, ‘the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’ I am honored to receive this recognition once again from Humane World for Animals,” said Congressman Sherman. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to strengthen protections for animals and ensure that our laws reflect the basic principle that cruelty has no place in a humane society. I will continue fighting for policies that safeguard animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”

Since coming to Congress in 1997, Sherman has been a steadfast advocate for animals, working to ensure they are not subjected to unnecessary cruelty or suffering. As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, Sherman has led efforts on a wide range of animal protection issues, including strengthening oversight of puppy mills, protecting endangered and exotic species, ending harmful experimentation on chimpanzees, preventing the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and cracking down on the brutal practice of dog fighting by holding both organizers and spectators accountable.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and his bipartisan colleagues on Wednesday to advocate for passage of the Love Lives On Act, bipartisan legislation that protects survivor benefits for spouses of fallen servicemembers.

“Forcing a surviving spouse to choose between rebuilding their life and protecting their family’s financial security is simply wrong,” Hudson said. “The Love Lives On Act sends a clear message: the sacrifice made by a military family never expires, and the benefits earned through that sacrifice should not disappear because someone chooses to find hope again.”

The event followed a congressional hearing where surviving military families and advocates highlighted the need to reform current federal law, which can force surviving spouses to give up key benefits if they remarry before age 55.

Hudson, a longtime champion for military families, Fort Bragg, and veterans across North Carolina, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring survivor benefits follow sacrifice, not marital status.

The Love Lives On Act allows surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers to remarry at any age without losing earned survivor benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). It also restores access to TRICARE health coverage if a subsequent marriage ends due to death, divorce, or annulment.

The bipartisan legislation is supported by more than 50 veteran service organizations and would protect benefits for nearly 30,000 surviving spouses nationwide.

Hudson was joined at the press conference by TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll, surviving family members Anita and Sophia Sullivan, Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), and other bipartisan leaders working to advance the bill.

Read the full bill text HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in support of the Iran War Powers Resolution, led by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), to require the president to seek authorization from Congress before using further military force against Iran.You can watch the full video here. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

“I rise today in support of this resolution. 

“Donald Trump is unilaterally dragging this nation into an illegal and unjustified war with Iran.

“As someone who has survived the horrors of war, I know that bombs do not build peace or create stability. 

“Military strikes will not make us safer; they will inflame tensions and push the region further into chaos. 

“Every time we abandon diplomacy, we choose destruction.

“We know who will bear the cost of this decision: innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and our young service members sent into harm’s way.

“The American people are exhausted by endless wars built on false promises and paid for with American and foreign lives. Congress must reassert its constitutional authority.

“I urge my colleagues to vote YES to stop U.S. involvement in another illegal forever war.

“Thank you and I yield back.”

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