MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Department of Justice announced the creation of an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as part of a $1.7 billion settlement to resolve President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Treasury Department:

“Our Framers never envisioned a president using his authority over the enforcement of the law to force a favorable settlement in his own tax case and shield his family and Trump-affiliated companies from future audits. The terms and scope of this settlement raise serious questions about the ability of the Justice Department to operate under this Administration free from unjust political influence. The giveaway of taxpayer funds to the President’s political supporters as a reward for their loyalty to him over their patriotism to our country is sickening. 

“This is just the latest example of this Administration’s rampant corruption. Again and again, we see this President undermine our democracy, test the limits of the rule of law, and enrich himself and his friends at taxpayers’ expense. Perhaps even more egregious is that this Republican Majority is complicit by refusing to hold the President and his appointees accountable. Congress must assert its oversight power and use every tool to hold this President and his Administration accountable to the American people.”

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement on the bipartisan amendment to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:

“This is commonsense, family first legislation that lowers costs and increases access to the American dream of home ownership. By getting rid of wasteful regulatory barriers, communities in the greater St. Louis region will be able to build the housing they need to address the high cost of living.  Missouri families are feeling the pinch of housing costs, and my House colleagues and I stepped up to streamline home construction and help parents get an affordable mortgage on a house they love.  This bill also cuts red tape and allows banks to deploy more capital into their communities, freeing up funding that Missourians can use to finance a home purchase or start a business.

“Today’s legislation is the end result of months of bipartisan work to make life easier for our friends and loved ones looking to find a home and I am proud to support it.  Stable and affordable housing is crucial to supporting families as they grow the next generation, and this legislation achieves that goal.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of S. 2393 to fund construction and modernization at John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis:

“Over the years I have been a major advocate for our greater St. Louis area veterans and the facilities that care for them. They deserve the very best and I have fought for them every step of the way, from the federal level at the Department of Veterans Affairs and with VA Chair Mike Bost, to the state and local levels to make sure our veterans get world-class treatment. 

“Just last year I toured the facility with Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to show him firsthand how important the John Cochran Hospital is to our Missouri veterans, and detail exactly what upgrades are needed and why.  I am grateful this ongoing work has led to passage of this legislation to authorize $1.76 billion to build new spaces to provide health care and update existing facilities to better serve veterans in the greater St. Louis region.

“Our veterans answered the call of duty to defend our very freedoms, and we are forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made to defend the United States.  It is our responsibility as Americans to ensure those who have served receive high quality medical care, and this bill will surge critical funding to modernize John Cochran and expand the facilities, including a new bed tower to increase capacity, a dedicated mental health and substance abuse clinic, and other vital infrastructure.”

Click here to read some of Congresswoman’s Wagner’s ongoing advocacy in support of the John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

EEOC’s latest actions further Trump’s agenda, eliminating protections for women and workers of color

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (Del.) led 10 lawmakers in demanding the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) immediately resume full demographic data collection.

The letter comes amid actions from Republicans and Trump administration officials to implement Project 2025—gutting the EEOC and eliminating protections for vulnerable workers.

Last week, every Republican on the House Appropriations Committee voted down a Democratic amendment to protect the collection of critical demographic data known as EEO-1.

Additionally, last week, the EEOC formally proposed ending the collection of EEO-1, which since 1966, has been used to collect data from certain large employers annually to support EEOC enforcement efforts. In addition to eliminating the EEO-1, the EEOC also seeks to eliminate the collection of data on union membership demographics, data on state and local government employee demographics, and data on public school workforce demographics.

These moves are an attempt to hide data across the private and public sectors, stripping workers of protections by eliminating the tool to identify potential discrimination.

“Demographic data collection is a core function of the EEOC and critical to federal efforts to root out workplace harassment and discrimination,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “This data has been collected annually since 1966, and for the first time in almost six decades, Donald Trump’s hand-picked lackeys are ignoring and emboldening employment discrimination. Failure to collect timely and accurate demographic data is a slap in the face to millions of American workers who rely on the EEOC to fulfill its obligation to protect and support workers.”

“The EEOC’s mission to ‘advance equal opportunity for all’ can only be achieved through demographic data collection that offers a look into the practices of American workplaces,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to end this effort threatens to upend the progress we’ve made to protect American workers.”

Lawmakers who cosigned the letter include: U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12); Senators Patty Murray (Wash.), Bernie Sanders (Ver.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), and Ron Wyden (Ore).

Read the full text of the letter HERE.

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

Washington, D.C. — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, Ranking Member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee and Congressman Jared Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, recently introduced the Public Lands Workforce Stability Act, a bill to prohibit mass terminations at our land management agencies, including the Department of Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). 

Since the start of 2025, the Trump administration has eliminated tens of thousands of jobs through the Reduction in Force (RIFs) of federal employees, leaving agencies unable to meet basic obligations due to staffing shortages. With fewer personnel across the board, DOI and USFS are in weakened positions to address threats such as wildfires; complete important construction and maintenance projects; continue programs designed to protect communities, vital watersheds, and wildlife habitats; and more. 

The Public Lands Workforce Stability Act extends the moratorium on layoffs that congressional Democrats were able to put in place after Republicans’ disastrous 43-day government shutdown last year. Specifically, the bill reinstitutes and extends the ban on RIFs covering DOI and USFS until the end of Fiscal Year 2030. 

“Extreme weather conditions, drought, and unprecedented fire risk, coupled with staffing shortages across the Interior Department and Forest Service, have placed our public lands and the civil servants that protect them in a dangerous position — the consequences of which are real and immediate,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Public Lands Workforce Stability Act halts these attacks on our hard-working public servants and safeguards this workforce’s ability to manage critical programs that safeguard natural resources, protect communities, fight wildfires, and more. It is imperative that we have a fully staffed workforce to care for our most treasured public lands.” 

“The Forest Service and National Park Service have both lost nearly a quarter of their staff since Donald Trump took office. At a time when our public lands and nearby communities are struggling with a water, climate, and wildfire crises, we cannot afford to lose any more expertise. I’m proud to join Representative Neguse in this effort to stop the Trump administration’s efforts to hollow out our public land management agencies. This bill reasserts Congress’ role in overseeing these agencies, their programming, and their staff,” said Ranking Member Huffman. 

President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) hit Colorado’s public lands workforce harder than any other state, with Colorado ranking 1st nationally in total public land agency job losses. Across federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service, employment of Colorado residents dropped by more than 1,700 in 2025 — a 26% reduction in the public lands workforce.

The bill is endorsed by the Conservation Lands Foundation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Trust for Public Land, and the Association of National Park Rangers.

Statements of support and additional information on the Public Lands Workforce Stability Act, can be found HERE. 

Congressman Neguse has been leading efforts to block the Trump administration’s attacks on the federal workforce responsible for fighting wildfires, managing public lands, protecting water, advancing clean energy, and honoring tribal obligations. In August 2025, he joined top Democrats from the Natural Resources Committee in introducing an initial series of bills that would put a stop to the abuse of RIFs to carry out mass firings at DOI and USFS. He also proposed landmark legislation that would direct the administration to rehire National Park Service (NPS) and USFS staffers wrongfully terminated as part of Trump’s DOGE initiative. 

In October 2025, Rep. Neguse led his colleagues in a letter demanding the administration immediately cease using the Republican shutdown as a pretext to fire thousands more federal employees.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $642,345 grant. The funding supports research into Alzheimer’s disease. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of Americans and puts a strain on many families.

“This HHS grant for more than $642,000 helps Virginia Tech provide more detailed research and analysis of this debilitating illness.”

BACKGROUND

According to a journal in the National Library of Medicine, Alzheimer’s disease could impact as many as 13.8 million people by 2060.

The awarding office of this grant is the HHS National Institute on Aging.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the death of former Representative Barney Frank:

For more than three decades in the House of Representatives, Congressman Barney Frank was a trailblazing advocate and legendary leader for the people he was privileged to represent in Massachusetts. The first Member of Congress to come out while in office, Barney broke barriers for the LGBTQ+ community and helped push us closer to making true America’s promise of liberty, justice and equality for all. 

During his time as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Frank led the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the key legislative response to the 2008 crisis that enacted into law sweeping reforms to the financial system. Beyond this historic, namesake legislation, Chairman Frank championed significant civil rights, environmental and affordable housing policy.

We are a better Caucus and country because of Barney Frank’s relentless leadership and candor. Though we are blessed with many memorable quips to remember him by, the House Democratic Caucus family will miss Barney deeply and mourn with his loved ones during this difficult time. 

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

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) called on the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to conduct much-needed oversight regarding the long-term delays and lack of transparency in repairing and restoring the Brookdale and Almaden Valley Post Offices. The Brookdale Office has been closed since December 2024 and the Almaden Valley Office since July 2025 as a result of separate fires, and Rep. Panetta called for accountability and an independent review over these ongoing USPS delays.

“Given both the extended disruption of postal services and the continued absence of a clear path forward, independent review from the Office of Inspector General is warranted to ensure accountability from USPS and access to essential mail services for my constituents,” wrote Rep. Panetta.

Rep. Panetta emphasized that the property owner of the Brookdale Post Office only started basic permitting steps and did not show up for the required site inspection. Essential repairs and soft-demolition still do not seem to be underway almost a year and a half after a fire critically impacted both the residential and commercial areas. Moreover, USPS has provided only limited transparency and unclear answers to Rep. Panetta’s repeated inquiries, as the reopening of the Brookdale Post Office has been delayed past the promised May 1 reopening date.

He also stressed that relocating Brookdale mail services to the Boulder Creek Post Office is not a sustainable solution, especially given Brookdale’s mountainous nature, limited infrastructure, lack of USPS home delivery, and particular challenges for community members with mobility difficulties.

“The impact of this closure has not only been a facilities issue, but a human one. In response to the fire, postal retail services for Brookdale residents were relocated to the nearby Boulder Creek Post Office,” continued Rep. Panetta. “… Travel out of town simply to collect basic mail is unsustainable for many of these constituents, particularly those with limited mobility. I have repeatedly reached out to USPS leadership to request updates and offer solutions, including seeking clarity on the status of repairs, next steps with the property owner, anticipated timelines, and the possibility of relocating the Brookdale Post Office within the community if progress at the existing site continues to stall. Despite this repeated engagement, meaningful progress has been limited, and responses have frequently lacked specificity or actionable information.”

Rep. Panetta further pushed back on USPS’s extended silence and delays regarding the reopening of the Almaden Valley Post Office, as USPS recently informed his office that the facility is not slated to reopen until spring of 2027, restricting easy access to mail services for many people in South San Jose.

“Assuming this schedule is maintained, it will mean my constituents will be expected to wait nearly two years for restored service at a postal-owned facility in a major metropolitan area,” added Rep. Panetta. “In the meantime, I consistently hear from constituents forced to go out of their way to access postal services at a nearby location, a burden that is felt acutely by those with limited transportation options, the elderly, and the disabled. As with Brookdale, updates and explanations regarding Almaden Valley have been few and far between.”

Specifically, Rep. Panetta requested that the Inspector General:

• Conduct a review of the U.S. Postal Service’s management, communication, and decision‑making processes regarding the Brookdale Post Office since the December 2024 fire;
• Review the internal process for establishing a repair timeline for the Almaden Valley Post Office;
• Assess whether delays have resulted from internal USPS actions or, in the case of Brookdale, in coordination issues with the Brookdale property owner;
• Evaluate the adequacy of USPS’s interim service plans for Almaden Valley and Brookdale residents, including accessibility, transportation burdens, and the feasibility of restoring local service through temporary or alternate facilities; and
• Determine whether systemic oversight or intervention is needed to ensure timely restoration of service and improved responsiveness in California District 2.

After the Almaden Valley Post Office fire last July, Rep. Panetta wrote to Postmaster General David Steiner requesting the prompt repair and reopening of the facility, a clear timeline for these repairs, and an update on the continuation of mail services for impacted constituents.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Inspector General:

I write to request your oversight of postal operations within California District 2, with particular attention to the ongoing delays, limited transparency, and lack of measurable progress surrounding the repair and restoration of the Brookdale and Almaden Valley Post Offices following separate fires that occurred in December 2024 and July 2025, respectively. Given both the extended disruption of postal services and the continued absence of a clear path forward, independent review from the Office of Inspector General is warranted to ensure accountability from USPS and access to essential mail services for my constituents.

The December 2024 fire at the Brookdale Post Office caused significant structural damage to the Brookdale postal facility, rendering both residential and commercial areas unusable. County records indicate the property owner, who is not based in the area, initiated only basic permitting steps before subsequently failing to appear for required site inspection. Nearly 18 months after the fire, the damaged space has not undergone necessary repairs and basic soft-demolition does not appear to have begun.

The impact of this closure has not only been a facilities issue, but a human one. In response to the fire, postal retail services for Brookdale residents were relocated to the nearby Boulder Creek Post Office. While this may have served as a short-term solution, the arrangement imposes a substantial burden on my constituents, particularly as Brookdale is a mountain town with limited infrastructure and public services. The community does not receive USPS home delivery and relies on the local post office for access to mail. Travel out of town simply to collect basic mail is unsustainable for many of these constituents, particularly those with limited mobility.

I have repeatedly reached out to USPS leadership to request updates and offer solutions, including seeking clarity on the status of repairs, next steps with the property owner, anticipated timelines, and the possibility of relocating the Brookdale Post Office within the community if progress at the existing site continues to stall. Despite this repeated engagement, meaningful progress has been limited, and responses have frequently lacked specificity or actionable information. I have also repeatedly urged the USPS to consider the visible lack of progress and new permitting for the site. Despite the many warning signs that repairs were not occurring during this time, the USPS repeatedly deflected questions about the reopening date, referring to the May 1, 2026 reopening promised by the property owner.

In the case of Almaden Valley, after months of silence and lack of repairs, the USPS updated my office this year that it does not plan to reopen this USPS-owned facility until the spring of 2027. Assuming this schedule is maintained, it will mean my constituents will be expected to wait nearly two years for restored service at a postal-owned facility in a major metropolitan area. In the meantime, I consistently hear from constituents forced to go out of their way to access postal services at a nearby location, a burden that is felt acutely by those with limited transportation options, the elderly, and the disabled. As with Brookdale, updates and explanations regarding Almaden Valley have been few and far between.

Faced with this situation, I ask that you:

• Conduct a review of the U.S. Postal Service’s management, communication, and decision‑making processes regarding the Brookdale Post Office since the December 2024 fire;
• Review the internal process for establishing a repair timeline for the Almaden Valley Post Office;
• Assess whether delays have resulted from internal USPS actions or, in the case of Brookdale, in coordination issues with the Brookdale property owner;
• Evaluate the adequacy of USPS’s interim service plans for Almaden Valley and Brookdale residents, including accessibility, transportation burdens, and the feasibility of restoring local service through temporary or alternate facilities;
• Determine whether systemic oversight or intervention is needed to ensure timely restoration of service and improved responsiveness in California District 2.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Restoring dependable postal operations is vital for my constituents, and oversight from your office would help ensure that these longstanding issues receive the scrutiny and urgency they deserve.

Sincerely,

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement in response to the hate crime targeting the Islamic Center of San Diego:
 
“I unequivocally condemn the terror attack targeting the Islamic Center of San Diego. This was an act of anti-Muslim hate, and we must call it exactly that.

“But condemnation alone isn’t enough. We must be honest about the environment in which this violence is occurring. Recent congressional hearings have portrayed Muslim Americans — their mosques, schools, and civic organizations — as part of a foreign threat network. Witnesses with documented ties to anti-Muslim hate movements have been given a congressional platform to dehumanize an entire faith community. These are not legitimate oversight hearings. They are taxpayer-funded platforms for fearmongering.

“Words have consequences. In our democracy, we can disagree — but we must do so with honesty and respect, not fear and hate. Every American, no matter their faith, deserves to feel safe. We must stand up for Muslim Americans and all communities that are being targeted.”

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