MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Advance Energy and Water Appropriations Bill to House Floor

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: May 20, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.  

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, my focus remains on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent in an effective, efficient manner,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

Newhouse continued, “This legislation increases funding for nuclear energy, expediting the deployment of small modular reactors, including the X-energy project in Richland. Of primary concern is funding for the Hanford cleanup mission and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which are both essential to the Tri-Cities and our region as a whole. While this package returns Hanford’s funding to FY23 levels, it prioritizes the continued retrieval and immobilization of tank waste, supports cleanup milestones, and continues the momentum on vitrification. The appropriations process is a negotiation, and this mark is the first step in delivering legislation that reduces spending to the President’s desk.”

The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $58.5 billion, which is $461 million above the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $35 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $23.5 billion. 

The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic prosperity. Included are investments in hydropower, nuclear generation, and enhancements to grid security. The legislation also increases funding for the Bureau of Reclamation by over $200 million and provides $1.6 billion in additional funds for the National Nuclear Administration, which will strengthen our security capabilities against adversarial nations like China and Iran.  

Rep. Newhouse’s opening remarks can be found here. 

The full committee markup can be viewed here. 

Rep. Newhouse secured the following funding for a project in Central Washington.  

Roza Irrigation District 

Amount: $3,000,000 

Description: This project would expand The Roza Irrigation District’s Wasteway 6 reservoir from 150 acre-feet to approximately 700 acre-feet to better manage the significant flow fluctuations caused by its modern, high-efficiency piped delivery systems. The current reservoir is too small to handle these surges, requiring constant manual adjustments and risking the loss of unused water back into the Yakima River. By expanding the storage capacity of the reservoir, the district can protect critical water supplies and provide much-needed stability for growers who rely on water during periods of scarcity. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

The bill addresses safety concerns with electric vehicle doors trapping passengers inside

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC — Today, Representative Ro Khanna, the China Committee and CITI Ranking Member, alongside Representative Rich McCormick (GA-07) introduced bipartisan legislation to start a federal assessment of the growing biotechnology workforce. The Federal Biotechnology Workforce Assessment Act will help prepare America to support biotechnology industry growth and lead against China in discovery, invention, and entrepreneurship. 

The legislation follows the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) assessment in April 2025 that concluded a properly trained U.S. government workforce in biotechnology is necessary to ensure the U.S. leads in emerging technologies including AI and quantum. The legislation is half of a package that pairs Rep. McCormick’s Biotechnology Workforce Alignment Act with Rep. Khanna’s Federal Biotechnology Workforce Assessment Act of 2026 — together forming a comprehensive, two-pronged strategy to identify workforce gaps and take decisive action to close them.

The bill directs the Office of Personnel Management and Budget (OPM) to coordinate with the heads of federal agencies to define the biotechnology workforce and assess current and future needs for bio-literate federal employees. This report will be submitted to Congress to ensure the U.S. government meets the demand for bio-literate employees across federal agencies that can lead policy and programmatic decisions. 

“Investments into bolstering America’s federal biotechnology workforce will pave a path toward economic and scientific leadership for the U.S. the 21st-century economy. I’m proud to lead the Federal Biotechnology Workforce Assessment Act alongside Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06) that will assess America’s preparedness to beat China in biotechnology discovery, invention, and entrepreneurship,” said Rep. Ro Khanna

“America leads the world in biotechnology, and we need to keep it that way. Right now, we’re making historic investments in biotech research and biomanufacturing. Still, we’re leaving talent on the table because we don’t have a coordinated strategy to build the workforce that industry actually needs. This legislation fixes that. By aligning federal research priorities with real workforce development and getting a clear-eyed assessment of our gaps, we can ensure America stays ahead of our adversaries and continues to lead the world in the industries of tomorrow. This is exactly the kind of commonsense, results-driven governing that Americans deserve,” said Congressman McCormick“

“The biotechnology workforce is now a national security asset. These bills are an important step toward making sure the United States can stay ahead in scientific innovation, AI‑enabled discovery, and advanced biomanufacturing. By assessing federal workforce needs and aligning research priorities with real industry demand, Congress is helping make sure we have the talent pipeline needed to turn breakthrough science into strategic advantage. That pipeline has to be broad to include life scientists, but also industrial technicians, mechanics, pipefitters, and other skilled workers who will power the biotechnology economy of the future,” said NSCEB Commissioner Paul Arcangeli. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Forensics Authority Realignment Act, alongside Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY) and Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN). This legislation would realign the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) program from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

In 2010, Congress codified the NTNF program under DHS to ensure the government could respond to a nuclear event without warning. Realigning NTNF under NNSA will lead to greater efficiency, as NTNF will have direct access to NNSA’s research and development efforts and nuclear materials. The realignment will also eliminate duplication of efforts between NNSA and DHS.

“As the conflict in Iran continues, Congress must take meaningful steps to strengthen our national security amid rising nuclear threats,” said Congressman Bill Foster. “This legislation would make our nuclear agencies more efficient and strengthen their ability to safeguard the American people. As the only Ph.D. physicist in Congress, I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure our nation’s technical experts can continue their critical work at a pivotal moment for global security.”

“In the event of a nuclear incident, every second matters—and our ability to respond quickly and accurately can save lives and strengthen our national security,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This bipartisan legislation ensures our nation’s top nuclear experts are working in the right place, with direct access to the tools, research, and coordination needed to respond to emerging threats. I’m proud to once again partner with Congressman Foster on this common-sense effort to streamline our nuclear forensics capabilities and better protect the American people.”

“Peace through strength requires our nuclear arsenal to have all of the capabilities necessary to respond quickly and efficiently to threats from our adversaries. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure the safety and security of every American,” said Congressman Scott DesJarlais. 

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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

“For so many moms, the decision to breastfeed is one that is deeply personal, but too often, diseases like cancer take this choice away from them. It’s more important than ever that parents who need these nutritious products for their newborns out of medical necessity can get them,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I applaud Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, and the McDaniel family for their relentless advocacy on an issue that has gone overlooked for too long. I look forward to continuing this partnership and ensuring the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act becomes law.”

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

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) have called on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide information into the recent decision to cease federal funding for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC), which is the oldest pediatric cancer research network in the U.S. and consists of 15 hospitals and research centers nationwide. The PBTC oversees early-stage clinical trials and plays a critical role in the nation’s work to treat and cure pediatric brain cancer. Following an announcement last year, the administration officially ceased federal funding for the PBTC in March. 

“Brain cancer is the deadliest type of cancer among American children,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Rather than ending federal investments into essential studies and clinical trials that could provide the pathway to better treatments and an eventual cure, we should be increasing funding for pediatric cancer research. Even in today’s polarizing political climate, curing childhood cancer should have universal support. If the administration disagrees, I think the American people deserve to know why.”

“Families facing pediatric brain cancer are already dealing with the unimaginable — they should not also have to worry about whether critical research and clinical trials will disappear. Cutting that research threatens to stall lifesaving progress and leaves patients, families, and researchers with an incredible amount of uncertainty. Representative Cleaver and I are demanding answers and fighting to make sure this work continues so more children have a chance to survive and thrive,” said Rep. Sharice Davids.

“The Head for the Cure Foundation strongly supports the continued Federal funding of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC), which plays a critical role in advancing innovative research and clinical trials for children diagnosed with brain tumors. Pediatric brain tumors remain the leading cause of cancer-related death among children, underscoring the urgent need for sustained investment in research that can lead to safer treatments, improved outcomes, and ultimately cures,” said Maggie Haynes, Executive Director, Head for the Cure Foundation.

The official letter from Reps. Cleaver and Davids is 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 – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Committee members Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) today introduced the Rental Housing Investment Act, a bipartisan bill that would modernize the tax code, lower construction costs and create stronger incentives to build affordable rental housing.

“Southern California families are being priced out of their own communities,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “Rents are climbing and there simply are not enough homes to meet demand. Our bill removes a real barrier to building more housing to give working families a shot at finding a home they can afford.”

“Families across New York and across the country are struggling under the weight of rising housing costs and a severe shortage of available rental housing,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The federal tax code should encourage the construction of more housing, not stand in the way. This bipartisan legislation takes a practical, market-driven approach to expanding housing supply, reducing development costs, and helping make housing more affordable for hardworking Americans.”

“Although many people work in California’s 19th Congressional District, contributing so much to our economy and communities, many people can’t afford to live in our district due to the lack of affordable rental housing,” said Congressman Panetta. “That’s why I’m joining my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Rental Housing Investment Act as a way to incentivize the development of new multifamily rental housing with deductions for upfront costs, which often prevent contractors from getting projects off the ground. This type of bipartisan legislation is a way in which the federal government can play its part to ensure more affordable housing for working families in our communities.”

“The shortage of affordable housing is a rural, urban, and suburban issue, impacting communities throughout central and northwestern Illinois,” said Congressman LaHood. “To address this growing crisis across the country, Congress must continue to advance legislation that drives investment into new affordable housing and expands housing options for hardworking Americans nationwide. I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Rental Housing Investment Act to encourage the development of new affordable housing and lower costs for families.”

The United States is facing a persistent shortage of rental housing, particularly multifamily apartments. Construction has not kept pace with population growth, driving up rents and deepening the affordability crisis. A key barrier to new construction is the high upfront costs for building rental housing. Under current tax law, developers must recover those costs over 27.5 years, making many otherwise viable projects financially difficult, especially in a high-interest-rate environment.

The bill addresses this by modernizing cost recovery in the tax code and encouraging greater private investment in rental housing.

The Rental Housing Investment Act would:

• Allow builders to immediately deduct up to $150,000 per unit in construction costs, rather than depreciating those costs over 27.5 years.
   
• Provide an enhanced deduction of up to $250,000 per unit for projects that include income-restricted units reserved for working families. Projects receiving the enhanced benefit would be required to maintain attainability commitments for at least 15 years.
   
• Apply only to newly constructed multifamily rental housing, ensuring the incentive creates new supply.
   

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) previously introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

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

DECATUR, GA – On Saturday, May 16, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) held his annual Pinnacle Awards ceremony, honoring 11 outstanding businesses in his district that are making a difference in the lives of others. 

The 2026 Pinnacle Award honorees were small business owners, executives, leaders, and advocates who, through their selfless service and altruism, have made Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District a better place to live, work, and play. 

“The small business owners we celebrated today matter so deeply,” said Rep. Johnson. “In a time when so many feel discouraged, uncertain, and left behind, they continue to persevere. They continue to build, to serve, to employ, to invest, and to uplift others despite the challenges before them. In many ways, their resilience is an act of resistance in itself. Their success, their service, and their commitment to community are reminders that the American Dream cannot survive unless ordinary people continue to fight for it every day.”

THE HONOREES: 

Walter Adams, Prestige Uniforms.

Greg Baranco, Baranco Automotive Group.

Beverly W. Davis, Bee Wise Cleaning.

Dee Dee Harbin, Redan Trophies & Custom Laser Engraving.

DeVon Hudson, DeVon Hudson Insurance Agency State Farm Agent. 

Jeff Ordner, Ordner Construction.

Charles David Moody, Jr., C.D. Moody Construction. 

Tony Ramirez, Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano.

Waleed Shamsid-Deen, Supreme Foods Worldwide.

Drs. Coreen and Conrad Wilson, Columbia Belvedere Animal Hospital.

Tony Royal, A.J. Royal Enterprises Inc.

LIVESTREAM: Facebook and YouTube.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced the All Students Count Act, legislation that would require more comprehensive and equitable disaggregation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student data in K-12 schools. Disaggregating student data would help ensure AANHPI student groups are better accounted for and supported by schools across the country.

“As someone who came to this country alone at 16 with nothing in my pockets, I deeply understand the unique challenges in the US education system that immigrant communities face. Our students deserve visibility at all levels. By ensuring that student data collections capture the diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander children, we can work to close the education gap in our communities,” said Representative Jayapal.

“In Hawaii, we celebrate our diverse communities and recognize the differences in their backgrounds, experiences, and challenges faced.  By disaggregating AANHPI student data, this legislation helps schools better understand and address students’ individual needs,” said Senator Hirono. “As this regime continues its attacks on diversity, I will continue fighting to ensure all students feel recognized and supported in the classroom.”

School districts, state education agencies, and the federal government have made significant progress in disaggregating and improving data on K-12 student achievement for major racial and ethnic groups, including “Asian” and “Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.” However, these two categories condense dozens of distinct ethnic groups, each with unique histories and varying access to social and economic opportunities, making it difficult to identify or address disparities between students from those unique ethnic subgroups.

“Protecting Southeast Asian American and other AANHPI students’ right to be seen is more important than ever, especially during AANHPI Heritage Month when we are called to reflect on the strength and diversity of our communities,” said Quyen Dinh, Executive Director at the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC). “Our students have navigated overlapping crises, from COVID-19, to rising anti-Asian hate and targeting by ICE, and the impacts are still felt in classrooms today. In order to address our communities’ needs, their lived experiences must be seen in federal data. SEARAC thanks Sen. Hirono and Rep. Jayapal for their continued leadership in championing the All Students Count Act.”

“We applaud Senator Hirono and Representative Jayapal for continuing to champion the importance of disaggregating data by race and ethnicity to ensure that the diverse experiences and needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students are accurately represented. Without such critical data, AANHPI students’ needs will remain invisible in education system,” said Jo Ann Paaio, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) Policy Director.

The All Students Count Act of 2026 would support equitable access to education by ensuring that student data collections capture the diverse experiences of AANHPI children. Specifically, the bill would:

• Require the U.S. Department of Education, state education agencies, and school districts to collect and report disaggregated data for a minimum of 15 Asian American and 6 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander subgroups; and
• Add an effective date of 18 months after the legislation has been enacted to give states and school districts time to make changes to their data collection and methodology.

In addition to Representative Jayapal, legislation in the House of Representatives was cosponsored by Ed Case (D-HI), Sharice Davids (D-KS) Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

In addition to Senator Hirono, this legislation was also cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

The All Students Count Act is endorsed by the AAPI Equity Alliance, American Association of University Women (AAUW), APAPA (Asian Pacific American Public Affairs), APIA Scholars, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE), Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Feminist Majority, Japanese American Citizens League, Khmer Anti-deportation Advocacy Group (KhAAG), National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), National Center for Youth Law, National Education Association, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), National Korean American Service and Education Consortium, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, NBJC, OCA Sacramento Chapter, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, OCA-NY, PFLAG National, PIVOT, The Progressive Vietnamese American Organization, South Asian Public Health Association, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Stop AAPI Hate, The Cambodian Family, The Sikh Coalition, and the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance.

Issues: Arts & Education, Civil Rights