MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), along with Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) , Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation issued the following statement in response to the reported peace plan between Ukraine and Russia:

“The proposed ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine appears to favor the interests of the aggressor — Dictator Vladimir Putin — over the sovereignty and security of a democratic Ukraine. That is unacceptable. This framework does not offer a genuine path to lasting peace, but instead, demands the surrender and capitulation of Ukraine to Russian aggression. It rewards Russia’s unprovoked invasion, illegal seizure of Ukrainian territory, such as Crimea, and pressures Ukraine to limit its defense capabilities and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership.

Furthermore, Russia’s ambitions do not end at Ukraine’s borders. Putin continues to seek broader influence in Europe. Accepting this proposed plan not only submits Ukraine’s independence to Russian tyranny, but leaves all of Europe even more vulnerable to future Russian aggression. A responsible approach must support Ukraine’s sovereignty, strengthen its defense, and hold Russia accountable for its actions in coordination with our NATO and European Allies.

Reports indicate the plan was developed primarily by US and Russian officials, with limited to no consultation from Kyiv or key European partners. Allies have rightly rejected the proposal, describing it as a framework to reward aggression rather than defending Ukrainian freedom and securing peace through strength.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on his vote to release the Epstein files.

“Today, I voted to release the Epstein Files. Jeffrey Epstein was a pedophile, sex offender, and human trafficker. He abused, trafficked, and threatened over 1,000 girls — some as young as 14 — causing irreparable harm to their physical and mental health. One survivor, Virginia Giuffre, died by suicide this spring, after years of death threats and public scrutiny. Epstein’s victims, including the late Virginia, deserve accountability. The American people deserve to know which systems failed and which powerful people allowed Epstein to get away with his heinous crimes for so long.

“From his friendship in the ‘90s to emails as recent as 2019, Donald Trump had a clear and public relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump and his cronies have been hellbent on blocking the release of Epstein’s personal documents, protecting a disgusting pedophile and his enablers. Speaker Mike Johnson even closed the House early this summer to stall the petition for this vote, and then in October, he refused to swear in Rep. Adelita Grijalva, the 218th signer on the petition, to block the release of the Epstein files.

“I am relieved my Senate colleagues acted quickly on this bill, and I can only hope President Trump lives up to his promise to sign it into law. While the bill we passed today requires transparency about any destruction or misplacement of documents, we all know this administration rarely feels bound by the law. The only way to prevent mismanagement is to release all the files as soon as possible, so this corrupt administration cannot destroy them in the future. The administration should know that Democrats will pursue a meticulous investigation into any documents that may be ‘lost’ or damaged, given this administration’s frequent disregard for the law.

“Americans deserve a government they can trust. The survivors and their families deserve to be heard. For Virginia, and for every victim of child abuse and sexual assault, I was proud to vote in support of releasing the Epstein files.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03)

Congressman Michael Guest on the Passage of H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations agents play a critical role in the homeland security mission. Every day, AMO agents conduct border operations to detect and disrupt the illegal flow of people, narcotics, and other dangerous or illicit contraband before it reaches our shores.

This legislation authorizes AMO, and other designated CBP personnel, to continue and expand these successful bilateral agreements by providing training, building partner-nation capacity, and conducting joint operations that will increase interdictions and enhance regional security to save lives, strengthen our defenses, and make our nation safer.

Joined by Representative Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Congressman Guest gained bipartisan supporters on this legislation which passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino expressed his support for the bill, stating, “As Air and Marine Operations carries out its border security mission, Congressman Guest’s legislation would help ensure these brave men and women have the necessary international partnerships to combat drug and human smuggling before this criminal activity ever makes its way to our borders. I was proud to help advance this legislation through the House Homeland Security Committee and through the House of Representatives, and I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same to help CBP in its important mission.”

Congressman Guest stated, “I am honored to have introduced H.R. 4071 and to see it be approved in the House. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk. We will continue to work to secure our border and Make America Great Again.”

Co-Sponsor Congresswoman Pou stated, “Drug trafficking and human smuggling remain grave problems facing our nation. Our bipartisan bill will provide vital clarity to Customs and Border Protection and our foreign partners to crack down on these scourges. I thank Congressman Guest for leading this effort that will help keep Americans safe and protected.” 

With the passage of H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025, Congressman Guest is thankful to see bipartisan bills pass through the House Chamber that will strengthen our border security.  

Read a copy of the bill here. 

Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi’s Third Congressional District. Currently serving his fourth term, Congressman Guest is the Chairman of the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s newly released National Security Strategy:

“The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy would be catastrophic to America’s standing in the world and a retreat from our alliances and partnerships. It will take generations to restore the trust it would shatter with our most important friends. 

“The world will be a more dangerous place and Americans will be less safe if this plan moves forward.

“Among the many disturbing things are the blatant calls for social engineering, culture warfare, and interference with allied foreign governments and political systems. It’s an attack on freedom and individual liberty at home and abroad. 

“The Trump administration wants America to be smaller, weaker, and vulnerable. I will resist.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s actions likely jeopardized America’s national security and endangered American troops:

After reviewing the Inspector General’s report, Congressman Crow said:

“Pete Hegseth risked our servicemembers’ lives by sharing classified information about ongoing military operations on unsecured systems. If any general, lieutenant, or private had done the same thing as Pete Hegseth, they would immediately face accountability. 

“With Pete Hegseth, there is no leadership or accountability. Without change, our servicemembers remain at risk.

“Pete Hegseth’s recklessness endangered lives. Sadly, this Inspector General report is just the latest confirmation of just how unqualified he is to lead our brave men and women in uniform. 

“Pete Hegseth needs to resign or be fired.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) released the following joint statement:

“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress. 

“Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.

“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution. 

“We swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Congressman Chris DeLuzio (D-PA-17), Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) released the following joint statement:

“We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation.

“What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty.

“But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity.

“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.

“Don’t Give Up the Ship!”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced a War Powers Continuing Resolution to block the Trump Administration from conducting unauthorized & illegal military strikes.

Congressman Crow was joined by House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT-04), House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05).

“We need to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our communities, but President Trump does not have the legal authority to launch military strikes in the Western Hemisphere,” said Congressman Crow. “In the briefings I’ve had on these strikes, I have yet to see a coherent strategy from this administration on their illegal actions. After decades of overseas wars, trillions of dollars spent, and thousands of lives lost, the American people deserve a public debate and vote on military actions and putting our servicemembers in harm’s way.”

Crow’s resolution comes in the wake of at least 21 unauthorized military strikes against boats in the Western Hemisphere that were not authorized by Congress. The Congressman supports bipartisan efforts to ensure that the federal government has the resources necessary to prevent drugs from entering the U.S. illegally, but this is not a problem we can bomb our way out of. This resolution clarifies that Congress has not authorized the use of lethal military force to address the harms of drug trafficking.

Congressman Crow has been vocal about the need for Congress to re-assert its authority over the use of military force. In September, he introduced a Joint War Powers Resolution with the Senate to block future military action without approval from Congress following the unauthorized use of force in the Caribbean Sea. He also serves as the top Democrat on the bipartisan Cartel Task Force within the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. This bipartisan task force is working to identify legislative actions that can combat the threat from dangerous cartels in the Western Hemisphere, including narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, the arms trade, and other illegal and destabilizing activities.

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

Bill noticed a mere 12-hours after a bipartisan, bicameral group of more than 80 lawmakers called for action in the U.S. House of Representatives to aid rural, forested counties.

Washington, D.C. –– Yesterday, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, alongside Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), led a bipartisan coalition of more than 80 lawmakers in sending a letter to House Republican leadership requesting urgent reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. The bill, which already unanimously passed the Senate in June, would reauthorize the program through Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and provide lapsed payments for FYs 2024 and 2025. 

“The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural counties, supporting not just students and schools, but investments in local infrastructure and public safety. And for folks in my district, this means federal funding for wildfire prevention, search-and-rescue operations, trail and road maintenance, and other key services,” said Congressman Neguse. 

“I’m thrilled that Republican leaders in the House have heeded the calls of our bipartisan coalition by bringing the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act to  the Floor for a vote, so we can urgently get this program back up and running. This isn’t just about policy — it’s about delivering real, tangible results for our rural and mountain communities.”

Authorization for the SRS program lapsed in September 2023, with the last full authorized payments going out to counties in the spring of 2024 and only partial payments from revenue-sharing delivered for 2025, resulting in decreases of up to 80 percent for some counties. These gaps in funding leave rural and mountain counties struggling to fund schools, road maintenance and emergency services. 

Background

Established in 2000, the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which is overseen by the United States Forest Service (USFS), helps fund essential services in rural and mountain communities that are home to federal lands, which are tax-exempt. It provides financial support back to county governments where these National Forests are located. These funds are then distributed to help eligible counties, including many of those in Colorado’s Western Slope, maintain local roads, support schools, conduct wildfire mitigation, and more.

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse’s Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act advanced through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In a Subcommittee Hearing, lawmakers received testimony on Neguse’s proposal to provide recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries. The legislation is championed by Senator Gallego (D-AZ) in the United States Senate. 

The hearing was previously delayed by the Republican Shutdown, but public reporting notes that the subcommittee’s consideration of over two dozen public lands and wildfire bills signals a revived hope for public lands and wildfire legislation to become law this congress.. 

“The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act closes gaps in current federal rules and regulations to enhance the capacity to mitigate wildfire risk, reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires, and protect vulnerable communities. Our critically important bill, rooted in the nonpartisan work of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, would benefit communities across the Rocky Mountain West. We’ll continue to work to advance this bipartisan bill in the House, and look forward to continuing our bicameral efforts to usher it across the finish line,” said Congressman Neguse.

“Arizona, like many western states, is a patchwork of state, federal, Tribal, and private land. If fires are moving across these lands faster than different levels of government can coordinate and prepare for them, the fire has the advantage. As our wildfire seasons grow longer and our wildfire landscapes change, we need stronger research and better coordination to manage these fires and keep communities safe. The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act would help get us there by improving the working relationship between federal agencies and their state, Tribal, and local counterparts.” Senator Gallego said at the hearing.

Neguse and Gallego teamed up earlier this year to introduce the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act as part of a larger policy package to improve national wildfire mitigation, research, and management. This legislative package was derived from a 2024 report issued by the USDA’s Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, which was created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and tasked with outlining a holistic approach to addressing the rising threat of wildfires. A one-pager on the package and statements from endorsers can be found HERE and HERE. 

Background

Congressman Joe Neguse, who co-chairs the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has led the charge in helping communities better prepare for and mitigate wildfire risk, as well as ensuring they have access to the resources they need to recover. Last month, Neguse was named the most effective Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives in both the Environment and Public Lands policy areas for the 118th Congress. A recognition that reflects his work to successfully enact bills that bolster disaster response and preparedness, promote the preservation of public lands, and more.

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