MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement after Uber announced it would be implementing new safety policies:

“For too long, women have had to worry about their safety when using rideshare platforms. Violence against women is an issue larger than any one company, but we must all play our part to protect women and foster a safer society. There is more work to be done, but the policy changes announced by Uber are an important step toward making rideshare services safer for all passengers,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “After hearing from survivors and advocates, we spent months pushing Uber to strengthen its policies and close dangerous gaps that allowed individuals with violent criminal histories to continue driving. Expanding disqualifications for violent offenses, including domestic violence-related crimes, and moving to a 99-year background check are meaningful improvements.”

Congresswoman Dingell continued: “This is a positive step forward, but this cannot be the end of the conversation. There is still more work to do to ensure people can get into a car without wondering whether they will make it to their destination safely. I’ll continue working to strengthen safety standards that put people above profits. And that includes fighting the dangerous amendment in transportation legislation being considered by Congress that would likely shield rideshare companies from liability when passengers are sexually assaulted, injured, or killed during their rides.”

Uber announced it is expanding the list of criminal offenses that permanently disqualify a driver in the United States. Uber will bar drivers with prior convictions for violent felonies, crimes that are sexual in nature, as well as stalking and strangulation-related offenses—at any point in their lives. Uber also is extending the time period for its background checks for all new drivers. Previously, background checks in 35 states were based on where a person had lived in the prior seven years. The result was that a crime that happened elsewhere could go unnoticed. Now they will be based on anywhere the driver has ever lived. Current drivers will undergo a new background check each year.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Dingell expressed her concerns to and demanded answers from Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi about the company’s response to reports of sexual assault and harassment by its users. A 2025 New York Times investigation showed that Uber received a report of sexual assault or misconduct on average every 8 minutes between 2017 and 2022, a total of 400,181 reports. Earlier this month, Congresswoman Dingell joined her colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus in urging Speaker Mike Johnson to remove a dangerous provision from the BUILD America 250 Act that would likely shield rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, from liability when passengers are sexually assaulted, injured, or killed during their rides. A longtime fighter for women and survivors of sexual and domestic assault, Congresswoman Dingell will continue to push for the removal of this provision.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Courts Subcommittee Ranking Member Joins Leaders of CPC, CBC, CHC, CAPAC To Reveal Roadmap To Strengthen, Restore Democracy

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senate and House members this week submitted for a congressional time capsule to celebrate America’s 250th birthday multiple items that sample from the state’s natural treasures, history, culture, sports, music and more.

Among the items included in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule to be sealed at the Capitol Visitor Center and opened on July 4, 2276 are the following:

• A ballot and envelope, to celebrate Oregon’s status as America’s first vote-by-mail state. 
• Printed images of iconic Oregon landscapes. 
• An illustration depicting Oregon’s agriculture. 
• A photo of the late Avel Gordly, the first African-American woman elected to Oregon’s state Senate.
• Sheet music and lyrics of songs about Oregon (“Eugene” by Dolly Parton, “Portland, Oregon, You’re My Home” by Carrie Brownstein & Fred Armisen, and “Coming Home (Oregon)” by Matt Kearney). 
• A news article about the Portland Fire. which is now playing its first season in the WNBA.
• A sunstone, the state gemstone that’s mined only in eastern Oregon.
• A pair of ‘Crater Lake’ patterned socks from Pendleton Woolen Mills, established in 1909.   

“Although there may have been skeptics who feared that asking several Oregonians to agree on time capsule items might resemble a Parks and Rec episode, our state’s diversity, beauty and innovative spirit made this task a labor of love,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden. “What my colleagues and I have submitted shows why Oregon is such a special place to live, work and raise a family.”

“Oregon’s contributions to the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule showcase our innovation, natural splendor, and the people who make our state such a remarkable place to call home,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. “We are honored to contribute to a collection that will help future generations understand who we were and what we aspired to become.”

“Knowing Oregon’s history is critical to shaping our future, and preserving our state in this moment is valuable,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “Oregon’s contribution to the congressional time capsule will give future Oregonians and Americans a glimpse into our state as we see it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Oregon delegation on this meaningful project.”

“The items we selected for this time capsule reflect the values that define Oregon — from our pioneering vote-by-mail system and world class natural landscapes to the workers, farmers, artists, and leaders who have shaped our communities” said Rep. Val Hoyle.  “I’m proud future generations will have the opportunity to see how Oregonians contributed to our nation and helped build a more resilient and democratic future.”

“One day, someone will open this time capsule and get a glimpse of who we were in 2026,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. “I hope they’ll see a state that took pride in its natural beauty, celebrated its culture, valued its farmers and workers, and believed deeply in democracy. From a vote-by-mail ballot to a sunstone from Eastern Oregon, these items reflect the people and places that make our state unique. They tell the story of an Oregon that is independent-minded, welcoming, and always looking toward the future.”

“Senator Gordly’s leadership helped pave the way for future generations of leaders in public service,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “She stood firm on the principles of educating and caring for Oregon’s children and she stood for transparency and accountability in government. As the first Black woman elected to the Oregon State Senate, she opened doors for countless Oregonians and helped build a more inclusive future for our state. In a time when Black women’s contributions and accomplishments in service to America are being overlooked, recognizing Sen. Gordly stands as a testament to strength, resilience, and independence. These are not just her values, but they are Oregon values. As Oregon’s first Black woman elected to Congress, I am proud to help ensure her legacy is preserved as part of our nation’s 250th anniversary.”

“When future generations open this time capsule, I want them to see Oregon in full: its breadth, its beauty, and its spirit of innovation. This is a state that has never waited for permission to do something great. From vote-by-mail to Portland being a mecca for women’s sports, including our brand-new WNBA team, the items in this time capsule are reflective of the Oregon Way. I am proud of our state’s past, present and the bold future we are building together,” said Rep. Maxine Dexter.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt announced the approval of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant of $1,000,000 to the City of Dora, AL.

The ARC grant will be used to build a new 250,000-gallon elevated water storage tank and 1,000 linear feet of water main to enable development at Heritage Landing. This project will open the site for industrial, commercial, or retail developments. Heritage Landing is a 50-acre development site along Interstate 22 Exit 78.

“This investment will create long-term prosperity and support economic and workforce development for the region by opening up eleven construction ready development sites,” said Congressman Aderholt. “As the existing water system prohibits future development, this ARC grant is a step towards bringing new businesses to Dora and the surrounding communities.”

In addition to ARC funds, local sources are providing $1,000,000 bringing the project total to $2,000,000.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments focused on strengthening economic growth and opportunity across the Appalachian region.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) in announcing the introduction of the Don’t Settle for Corruption Act. That bill would require Congressional approval before the Department of Justice (DOJ) can spend taxpayer dollars on any legal settlement resolving a case involving the President, the President’s immediate family, or any business entity they own or control. 

In addition to the President’s $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which was set up to compensate victims of alleged lawfare, including his allies and January 6th insurrectionists, the settlement agreement in Trump v. IRS included an addendum that would bar the government from investigating tax returns filed by the Trump family and their companies. The Don’t Settle for Corruption Act would block DOJ’s controversial “get out of jail free card” from moving forward without explicit authorization from Congress.

“The Department of Justice’s senseless settlement with President Trump aimed to use taxpayer dollars to pay off people who beat police officers, stormed our Capitol, and attacked our democracy on January 6, while continuing to shield the President, his sons, and his company from tax audits,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to support this legislation to ensure that any settlement involving a President receives careful Congressional scrutiny and approval before taxpayer dollars are spent or special immunity protections are granted. Congress must uphold its oversight responsibilities and put in place safeguards that prevent this type of corruption from occurring under any administration.”

“Donald Trump has been trying to use our federal government as his personal ATM—and is now strong-arming officials to give him a deal that would protect himself and his family from ever having to pay the taxes they owe,” said Rep. Larson. “Whether it’s billion-dollar corporations screwing over their customers or billionaire presidents trying to make a quick buck off the American people, we cannot stand by. My Don’t Settle for Corruption Act would stop this dirty scheme to line the pockets of the President and his MAGA allies for good and require my colleagues to go on the record if they truly support this unprecedented theft of taxpayer dollars.” 

In January, President Trump filed this unprecedented lawsuit against the IRS, demanding $10 billion in damages for alleged mishandling of tax data. Never in the history of the United States has a sitting President sought a monetary settlement from the government he leads, let alone one totaling many billions of dollars in taxpayer funds.

After initially announcing a $1.8 billion settlement, including payoffs to the President’s family members, January 6th insurrectionists, and other allies, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before Congress that the settlement fund was no longer moving forward, a claim later disputed by President Trump. While the fund has been temporarily blocked in federal court, DOJ continues to pursue the “get out of jail free” addendum to the settlement that would effectively shield Donald Trump from ever having to pay the taxes he owes. 

Specifically, the Don’t Settle for Corruption Act would

• Safeguard transparency, by requiring the Department of Justice to notify Congress of any settlement, whether it’s financial or otherwise, that stands to benefit a sitting or former President, their family, or any business they control. 
• Ensure accountability, giving Congress 60 days to explicitly approve these settlements. Otherwise, they would be blocked from moving forward in any form. 

In addition to Rep. Panetta, the bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Danny Davis (IL-07), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). 

The Don’t Settle for Corruption Act is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, Project on Government Oversight (POGO), and Transparency International.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – On Monday, June 15th, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) visited Footprints, Inc.’s Heroes Home Gate Campus and formally presented a ceremonial check recognizing the $850,000 federal investment he secured to expand the transitional housing program serving homeless veterans in the Kansas City region. 

The funding will support the expansion of Heroes Home Gate Campus, allowing Footprints, Inc. to increase its capacity to provide safe housing, supportive services, and career development opportunities for veterans working to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness.

“After serving our country in uniform, no veteran should have to wonder where they will sleep at night,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Heroes Home Gate Campus is doing the critical work of helping veterans reconnect with their families, improve their physical and mental health, and achieve long-term housing stability. This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that those who defended our nation have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they deserve.”

The expanded facility will provide additional space and programming designed to help veterans successfully transition to independent living. Through housing assistance, workforce development, counseling, and other supportive services, the facility helps veterans overcome barriers and build a foundation for lasting success.

“At Heroes Home Gate, we are committed to helping veterans move from crisis and uncertainty to stability, purpose, and independent living,” said Joel Bailey, Executive Director. “Through a holistic approach that goes far beyond providing housing, we provide veterans with the resources, skills, support, and opportunities needed to achieve long-term success. From case management and life skills development, to wellness programs, recreational activities, and community engagement, every aspect of our program is designed to foster healing, connection, and personal growth. We believe that true transformation happens when veterans not only have a safe place to live, but also a supportive community where they can rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and create a foundation for a brighter future. Our greatest purpose and success is seeing veterans regain independence, achieve their goals, and thrive in the community they served to protect.”

During the visit, Representative Cleaver toured the campus alongside Footprints, Inc. leadership and staff, learned more about the organization’s latest work, and discussed the impact the federal funding will have on veterans throughout the region.

“Organizations like Footprints, Inc. demonstrate what is possible when communities invest in people. Federal funding should make a tangible difference in people’s lives, and this project is a perfect example of how strategic investments can strengthen our communities while honoring and upholding the dignity of those most vulnerable,” said Congressman Cleaver.

The $850,000 investment was secured through the Community Project Funding process and is part of Representative Cleaver’s ongoing efforts to bring federal resources back to the Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District to support housing, economic opportunity, and services for vulnerable populations. Since Fiscal Year 2022, Congressman Cleaver has secured nearly$109,000,000 in federal investments for local projects throughout the Fifth Congressional District.  

Photos from the visit are available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation and Governor Wes Moore held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues important to Marylanders, including infrastructure, health care, affordability, economic opportunity, the Chesapeake Bay, and more. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here. 
 

“Marylanders are struggling in Trump’s failing economy, and they’re looking to their state and federal leaders for help as the Administration continues to impose drastic cuts to affordable health care, food assistance, and other critical services. That is why I joined my colleagues in the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Governor Wes Moore, and state leaders yesterday to discuss strategies to address these top priorities for our state’s working families. From tackling the affordability crisis to protecting key investments in our state, we remain committed to providing real solutions and delivering real results at this critical moment for Maryland,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05). 

“Maryland’s federal delegation is strong, and together we are showing up as a united front to ensure no Marylander is left behind. Yesterday’s meeting was a testament to what we can get done when we work together on behalf of communities across our state. We are advancing solutions to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge safely, quickly, and cost-effectively; protect SNAP benefits so families can put food on the table; strengthen Medicaid implementation to ensure health care is accessible and affordable; invest in our lighthouse industries to build a more competitive economy and expand access to work, wages, and wealth; and protect our environment so Maryland’s natural resources are secure for generations to come,” said Governor Wes Moore. 

“Team Maryland’s top priority is delivering for our communities, and yesterday’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the ways that we continue to work together for our great state. Even as this Administration attempts to dismantle critical programs for working families and attacks our communities, we will not stop fighting to ensure Marylanders have the health care, economic opportunity, and infrastructure they deserve to thrive,” said Senator Van Hollen (D-MD). 

“It’s no joke when I say Team Maryland is one of the strongest state delegation’s in the country. We remain united against attacks on our civil servants, including scientists and researchers at the FDA and NIH, we are fighting back to ensure Marylanders can get food on the table and the health care they need despite this Administration’s slashing of SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare, and we are continuing to invest in our communities so Maryland’s economy can thrive,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). 

“It was a productive meeting with Governor Moore and my fellow members of Maryland’s congressional delegation,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “It was a great opportunity to discuss our shared priorities, from advancing public transportation to resolving the ongoing affordability crisis and collaborate on how we can best improve life for all Marylanders. I am proud to be a part of a Team Maryland that will never stop fighting to on behalf of working families across our state.”  

“While President Trump fumbles his disastrous and illegal war of choice in Iran, prosecutes his perceived political enemies and sends masked federal agents into our communities, Team Maryland is fighting to defend our freedom and to make progress for our communities. Our delegation is hanging tough and working to lower food, gas and housing costs, to strengthen our infrastructure, to stand up for our dedicated federal workers and to defend our democracy against the authoritarians and oligarchs of our time,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). 

“Marylanders expect us to fight for the jobs, research institutions, and basic freedoms that help families thrive, and that’s exactly what our federal delegation is doing. I’m proud to stand alongside Senators Alsobrooks, Van Hollen and my House colleagues as we push back against the Administration’s illegal, draconian, deeply misguided, and harmful attacks on high-performing federal programs in my district and across the State.  I commend Governor Moore’s leadership in keeping Maryland focused on helping families through these tough times.  When Maryland’s workers, scientists, and communities are under threat, we work together to help our neighbors throughout the Free State,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04).   

“Team Maryland has always been a force in Washington thanks to the persistent leadership and tenacity of great legislators and champions, like Senator Mikulski, Senator Cardin, Congressman Cummings, Leader Hoyer, and so many others. As the actions of the Trump Administration disproportionately and acutely impacted our state, collaboration and teamwork are all the more important. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Governor Moore and all of our state and local partners to deliver for Maryland families back home,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). 

“In Maryland, we leave no one behind. The challenges facing America are unfolding right here in Maryland, where the rising cost of living—driven by the Administration’s failed economic policies—is hurting families, farmers, and small businesses. I’m committed to a Costs Down, Opportunity Up affordability agenda, and under Governor Moore’s leadership, together with the full strength of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, we can build an economy that works for everyone—not just those at the top,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06). 

“Maryland has always been at its best when we work together. Yesterday’s meeting was an important opportunity to coordinate our efforts and ensure Team Maryland is speaking with one voice on the issues that matter most, from ensuring the Key Bridge is rebuilt as quickly as possible, to protecting the federal workers and facilities who call our state home.  I look forward to continuing the partnerships needed to build a stronger Maryland for all,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02).

Congressman Harris (MD-01) additionally attended the meeting.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Hundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes will be torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This fight is not over. When I return to Washington next week, I’ll introduce the TPS Review Act to restore checks and balances on the President’s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

 Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced legislation to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from closing any U.S. Forest Service Research and Development facility, including Experimental Forests, unless Congress expressly authorizes the closure.

The legislation comes amid deep concern over the Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service reorganization plan, which initially slated New Hampshire’s Bartlett Experimental Forest for closure and placed Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest under review. Following extensive advocacy from the New Hampshire delegation, Hubbard Brook was retained while Bartlett remains under evaluation for possible closure.

“Our nation’s public forests provide us with clean air and water, allow for outdoor recreation, and are part of our way of life in New Hampshire,” said Congressman Pappas. “The Protecting America’s Forest Act would stop the administration’s attempt to reorganize the U.S. Forest Service which oversees our public lands and world-class research program. I’m glad to be leading this legislation with Congresswoman Goodlander, and I’ll continue to fight overreach by the administration and protect our great outdoors.”

“This bill is very simple,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “No administration should be able to shutter world-class facilities that support our entire forest economy without the communities that rely on them getting a say. Granite Staters depend on these incredible forests to sustain good-paying forest economy jobs, protect our air and water, and keep the northern forests in our country healthy for generations to come.”

In New Hampshire, Bartlett and Hubbard Brook are nationally recognized research assets that help foresters, landowners, scientists, and policymakers understand and manage northern forests. These facilities serve as the backbone of science-based forest management, and provide critical information to support conservation, climate resilience, wildfire preparedness, and the forest products sector across the country.

In April, Pappas and Goodlander joined 60 of their colleagues in a letter opposing the proposed reorganization of the Forest Service and calling for the effort to be halted. The members warned that the proposal would undermine the agency’s world-class research program, worsen staffing and expertise losses, and put public lands and nearby communities at risk.

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

THOMPSON VOTED “YES” ON THE HISTORIC BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND HOUSING ACROSS THE U.S.