MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

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 after she voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:

“Missouri families need and deserve relief from the high costs of everyday life, and I have been proud to work with my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee to directly address increasingly unaffordable housing prices. Today’s bipartisan vote will advance generational reforms to expand access to housing and help families in Missouri and across the country find the home they love. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will modernize and streamline outdated regulations, making it easier to build homes that families can afford.

“After months of bipartisan negotiations, the House and Senate came together to craft a bill that puts families first and will help Missourians achieve a stable living so they can put down roots and focus on raising their families.  I am looking forward to the President signing this critical legislation into law so we can continue to bring down costs in our St. Louis region and support the parents and families who make our community so great.”

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Vice-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, joined representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), fellow Members of Congress, and Armenian American community leaders in a press conference on Capitol Hill to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian prisoners of war and political detainees currently held by Azerbaijan. 

The press conference comes ahead of a House Foreign Affairs Committee vote on Congressman Sherman’s amendment calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian POWs and political prisoners. The amendment, which has garnered bipartisan support, presents an opportunity for the Foreign Affairs Committee to formally condemn Azerbaijan’s continued detention of Armenians. 

“For years, Azerbaijan has tortured, denied fair trial, and in some cases even executed Armenian POWs,” said Congressman Sherman. “The continued detention of Armenian prisoners of war and political detainees is unacceptable and contrary to basic principles of human rights and international law. Azerbaijan must immediately and unconditionally release every Armenian detainee it holds, and I look forward to the House Foreign Affairs Committee vote calling on Azerbaijan to do so.”

The press conference followed recent bipartisan approval by the House Foreign Affairs Committee of Sherman’s amendment to the House Foreign Service Act declaring that Azerbaijan should immediately release all Armenian prisoners and political detainees in its custody.

Sherman noted that numerous reports from international organizations, human rights advocates, and legal experts have raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of Armenian detainees and the conditions under which they are being held.

“The United States must continue speaking clearly and forcefully on behalf of those unjustly detained,” Sherman continued. “Congress has a responsibility to ensure that human rights abuses do not go unanswered. I am pleased that this amendment received bipartisan support, and I will continue working with my colleagues to advance it through the legislative process.”

Sherman has long been one of Congress’s leading advocates for Armenia and the Armenian people, including through legislation, oversight efforts, and repeated calls for accountability regarding Azerbaijan’s actions in the region.

A video of today’s press conference is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced that SHORE UP, Inc. has been awarded $6,299,732 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start program to provide early childhood education and child development programs across Maryland’s First District.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“The earliest years of a child’s life are critical to their growth and future development. Through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs, SHORE UP provides early childhood education, developmental services, health screenings, and nutritional support that prepare young children for school and beyond. These programs make a lasting difference for children and families across Maryland’s First District.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26) testified before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027.

Read Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart’s remarks here and below:

“Madam Chair and Ranking Member McGovern. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill.

“The bill presented today is another step in our historic efforts to strengthen national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership, we have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts to spending under the purview of this Subcommittee since 2023. This bill continues that effort with an additional $2.7 billion reduction from the enacted level, helping to address the greatest long-term threat to our country’s stability and security, our debt.

“There are some who say cuts of this magnitude jeopardize United States leadership in the world and make us less safe. I completely disagree. In fact, it is just the opposite. The bill provides the funds necessary for President Trump and Secretary Rubio to address our national security priorities and continue transforming the world in bold and durable ways in support of freedom and security. 

“If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you. If you are an adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then you will not like this bill. The bill maintains $1.8 billion for partners in the Indo-Pacific, including $500 million in military assistance for Taiwan and robust funding for the Philippines and our partners in Pacific Islands countries.

“It demonstrates unwavering support for Israel by providing $3.3 billion in security assistance and maintaining support for other key partners in the Middle East. It recognizes the valuable partnerships in the Western Hemisphere, which continue to expand and realign under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio by:

• Increasing support for our friends and allies such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica;
• Expanding funding for counter-narcotics and related law enforcement efforts in our hemisphere, including investments to combat fentanyl trafficking; and
• Providing funds to support democratic transitions for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

“Last year, the Members of the NSRP Subcommittee focused on how to responsibly transition PEPFAR programs back to partner countries. PEPFAR is a great success story, but most of us agree the program cannot, and should not, go on forever. Working alongside the Administration, countries are now committing significant sums of their own resources as part of the America First Global Health Strategy, enabling our committee to reduce funding while still achieving the same outcomes. Just as critical as what the bill funds is what it does not fund, and how it strengthens conditions, prioritizes oversight, and demands accountability for every dollar. 

“The bill:

• Prohibits funds to the PRC and the Communist Chinese Party and prohibits funds to other countries from being used to repay debt owed to China. 
• Continues a key provision that blocks assistance to anyone that supports, finances, or facilitates the operations of the Cuban military, including the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior;
• Maintains the prohibition on all assistance to the Taliban;
• Puts Americans first by withholding funds from Mexico until it delivers water owed to the United States; and
• Supports full implementation of key Executive Orders that reflect a clear commitment to national sovereignty, a secure border, limited government, and American values, including those related to restoring free speech, supporting religious freedom, and ending censorship.

“Assessed funding for the U.N. is cut by $1.8 billion, no funds are included for the U.N. Regular Budget, and funds are prohibited to:

• The World Health Organization; 
• The United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel;
• The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA); 
• The United Nations Human Rights Council; 
• The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights;
• The International Criminal Court; and 
• The International Court of Justice.

“The bill includes a provision to ensure justice for victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, including 50 murdered Americans, by requiring full accountability for UNRWA staff who participated in heinous acts of terrorism.

“The bill maintains all long-standing pro-life provisions, bars funding for UNFPA, and prohibits spending that violates the President’s Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance policy. These measures, along with stronger oversight, ensure taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions. Thank you again for holding this hearing. I look forward to your questions.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) reintroduced the Stop Spying Bosses Act to protect workers from their bosses spying on them in the workplace.

Employers are increasingly using surveillance technologies to monitor workers’ activities—on and off duty—and to penalize them without sufficient oversight, accountability, or transparency. The Stop Spying Bosses Act would create much-needed standards, protections, and oversight to counter the spread of these powerful tools in the workplace.

“It’s long past time to meet the moment in this new age of surveillance and protect workers from bosses tracking their every move on the clock with powerful tools,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Workers should have a workplace with respect and dignity—not endless suspicion. I am proud to join with Rep. Bonamici to re-introduce the Stop Spying Bosses Act to protect workers’ privacy, safety, and right to organize.”

“Workers should be confident their employers aren’t abusing their rights through surveillance or backdoor data collection,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The Stop Spying Bosses Act will improve workplace transparency by limiting what data employers can collect and requiring them to disclose any surveillance practices. Workers deserve dignity, not invasions into their personal data. I’m pleased to partner with Congressman Deluzio and Senator Markey to introduce this important legislation.”

Specifically, this bill would: 

• Require any employer collecting data on employees or applicants to disclose such information in a timely and public manner; 
• Prohibit employers from collecting sensitive data on individuals (i.e., off-duty data collection, data collection that interferes with organizing, etc.);  
• Create rules around the usage of automated decision systems to empower workers in employment decisions; and 
• Establish the Privacy and Technology Division at the Department of Labor to enforce and regulate workplace surveillance as novel technologies evolve and grow. 

The Stop Spying Bosses Act is endorsed by ACLU, AFL-CIO, Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), Communication Workers of America (CWA), Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), National Nurses United (NNU), National Employment Law Project (NELP), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

The full text of the bill is HERE. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Congressman Deluzio originally introduced the Stop Spying Bosses Act alongside Congresswoman Bonamici during the 118th Congress in 2024.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, the U.S. House unanimously passed Representative Sharice Davids’ (D-KS-03) bipartisan Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, legislation to strengthen the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) and expand support for Native entrepreneurs.

Davids, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, is one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. To introduce this legislation, she was joined by Representatives Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03).

“Native entrepreneurs are creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and building opportunities in their communities, but too often they face barriers that make it harder to succeed,” said Davids. “This bipartisan bill ensures Native business owners have a permanent advocate within the Small Business Administration and better access to the tools they need to grow. I’m proud to see it pass the House, and I’ll keep working to get it signed into law.”

WATCH: Davids speaks on the House floor about the importance of supporting Native entrepreneurs

Currently, the ONAA has a valuable but limited mission: to support Native American entrepreneurs, conduct outreach with tribal communities, and connect Native business owners with SBA resources. However, because the current SBA budget does not include explicit funding for the ONAA, the office can only support a small staff and can be unilaterally disbanded.

The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act would codify the ONAA into federal law, establishing an Assistant Administrator role to oversee its operations and report directly to SBA leadership. It would also create a better government-to-government working relationship with tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. ONAA would also be able to expand its grant-making ability, conduct tribal consultation, utilize SBA’s entrepreneurial and contracting programs, and provide training, counseling, and technical assistance.

“The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act is critical for boosting economic development in tribal communities,” said Chris James, President and CEO, The National Center. “As a former Associate Administrator at SBA, I understand the need for Indian Country to have an advocate within the agency who has a direct line to the Administrator. Codifying the Office of Native American Affairs and establishing an Assistant Administrator position at SBA is essential so that Indian Country always has a seat at the head table in an agency that plays a critical role in supporting and growing tribal economies. The unique economic and entrepreneurial needs of our community – and government-to-government consultation – must always be a priority at SBA. The National Center thanks Reps. Davids, Crane, Ellzey, and Morrison for their continued leadership and looks forward to working with them to ensure this bipartisan legislation becomes law in the 119th Congress.”

“The SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs is essential to the agency providing opportunities, support, and education to Native owned businesses across the country and advising the Administrator on programs and policies that impact Native communities. The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act lends further stability to bolster Tribal and Native economies,” said Jon Panamaroff and Haven Harris, Native American Contractors Association (NACA) Co-Chairs. “The House’s passage of this legislation marks an important step forward, with the included emphasis on the office’s involvement with the 8(a) Business Development Program, and we urge the Senate to do the same without delay.”

Davids has also taken multiple actions to ensure the U.S. Department of the Interior is enforcing a rule that levels the playing field for Native businesses seeking federal contracts. Davids’ additional work to support small business owners includes pushing for oversight of relief programs and urging the SBA to address fraud and protect small business owners in need. She has also focused on shoring up supply chains for small- and medium-sized manufacturers here at home and reducing operating costs.