MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

The U.S. Department of Interior announced it will release funds to U.S. communities through the “Payments in Lieu of Taxes” program. Given that federal lands located in local jurisdictions cannot be taxed, PILT or “Payments in Lieu of Taxes” program funds help state and local governments carry out public service projects. Numerous communities in Virginia’s Ninth District will receive funds. These program funds include:

• $96,921 to Bedford County
• $271,902 to Bland County
• $39,066 to Carroll County
• $417,201 to Craig County
• $60,724 to Dickenson County
• $14,235 to Floyd County
• $25,626 to Franklin County
• $238,693 to Giles County
• $122,594 to Grayson County
• $4,718 to Henry County
• $66,633 to Lee County
• $69,620 to Montgomery County
• $27,900 to Patrick County
• $68,061 to Pulaski County
• $30,092 to Roanoke County
• $120,582 to Scott County
• $269,066 to Smyth County
• $38,023 to Tazewell County
• $79,751 to Washington County
• $111,641 to Wise County
• $206,588 to Wythe County

In response to these awarded funds, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement.

“Virginia’s Ninth District is home to numerous local jurisdictions that include federal lands. Because of this arrangement, activities on those lands are tax-exempt and local governments are limited in its collection of tax revenues. 

“I am a proud supporter of the PILT program to help local communities. As someone who voted to reauthorize PILT payments, I am delighted to see more than $2.3 million in PILT funds go to Ninth District communities.”

BACKGROUND

In January 2025, Congressman Griffith voted in favor of H.R. 6938, a package of appropriations bills that included Interior and Environment funding. Later that month, President Trump signed this bill into law.

The PILT program first started in 1977 and continues to serve rural communities.

Funding for the PILT program is provided through the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. 

This news follows Congressman Griffith’s April announcement that federal funding will support Ninth District communities through the “Secure Rural Schools” program. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON – After months of negotiation, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) struck a bipartisan deal to protect America’s kids and teens online and start to rein in abuses by Big Tech this week. The Top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee reached the deal with Republican Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on an updated version of the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act. 

 

“Big Tech has had a free pass for far too long while kids and teens face real harm online, including predatory design features, dangerous chatbots, and data brokers profiting off their personal information,” Pallone said. “This agreement proves Congress can come together to deliver real online protections for our nation’s young people. I’m proud of the work the House Energy and Commerce Committee has done on a bipartisan basis, and I look forward to working to bring this package to the House floor for a vote soon.”

 

The bipartisan agreement includes years of legislative work to protect children and teens online. The updated KIDS Act includes the following: 

• Kids Online Safety Act or KOSA: Requires platforms to establish policies to prevent harms to minors and to provide specific safeguards and tools to minors and parents.
• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0: Expands the existing law protecting children’s data to strengthen protections and include teens up to age 17. Bans targeted advertising to children and teens. 
• SCREEN Act: Requires adult websites to verify that users are not minors. 
• SAFER Gaming Act: Requires online video games to provide safeguards and parental tools to protect minors.
• SAFE Bots Act: Requires chatbot providers to ensure that chatbots interacting with minors cannot pretend to be licensed professionals, must remind users they are not human, encourage breaks, and provide suicide prevention resources.
• Spy Kids Act: Prohibits social media platforms from conducting market research on minors.
• Data Broker Disclosure: Requires data brokers that handle kids’ data to register with the Federal Trade Commission, bringing transparency and accountability to what’s been a secretive process.
• Study and Public Awareness: The bipartisan agreement also includes a number of bills intended to study children and teens online safety and promote public awareness, including: Safe Social Media Act; No Fentanyl on Social Media Act; Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act; Study on Chatbots and Mental Health of Minors; Promoting a Safe Internet for Minors Act; Kids Internet and Safety Partnership Act; and AI Warnings and Resources for Education (AWARE) Act.

 

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

PAOLA, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited We B Smokin’, a restaurant in Paola, where owners recently raised menu prices after sharp increases in the cost of beef and other food products. During the visit, Davids heard directly from the small business owners about the challenges rising costs are creating for restaurants and consumers alike.

 

“Small businesses are doing everything they can to keep prices down, but they’re getting hit by rising costs that are making it harder to stay afloat,” said Davids. “When the cost of basic ingredients keeps going up, local restaurants are often left with impossible choices. I’ll keep fighting to bring costs down and pushing back against reckless policies that are making it harder for Kansas families and small businesses to get ahead.”

 

“We did everything we could to avoid raising prices, but the cost of beef jumped so much that we had no choice,” said Gloria Bright, owner, We B Smokin’. “We raised some menu prices by 25 percent, and even then, we’re still not fully covering our costs. Other meats are getting more expensive too, and if these increases continue, we’ll have to raise prices across the board. We kept hoping prices would stabilize, but so far they’ve only continued to climb.”

 

We B Smokin’ recently increased menu prices after the cost of beef rose from $6.70 per pound to $8.88 per pound. According to the owners, profit margins on some beef items had already been reduced to zero in an effort to avoid raising prices for customers. However, continued increases in food costs ultimately forced the restaurant to raise prices by approximately 25 percent. Even after the increase, some menu items are still not covering their full costs.

 

The owners also noted that the prices of other proteins — including turkey, pork, chicken, and ham — have continued to increase. They warned that if current trends continue, additional menu price increases may become necessary.

Earlier this year, Davids called on the Trump Administration to reverse a policy that would significantly increase imports of Argentinian beef. Economists say increasing imports is unlikely to lower consumer prices while potentially increasing market volatility and benefiting large corporations over family ranchers. Farm bankruptcies are also rising, and more imports risk further squeezing struggling operations without delivering meaningful relief at the grocery store. The administration received bipartisan backlash over its original beef trade deal last year.

 

Davids has made lowering the cost of groceries for families and small businesses a priority in Congress, including by: 

• Completing a one-day tour to highlight how strengthening supply chains helps lower grocery prices for Kansas families.
• Supporting the bipartisan Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification (HPAI) Act, which ensures fair compensation for all farms affected by avian flu, including those in both infected and buffer zones.
• Urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to begin enforcing the Robinson-Patman Act to prevent corporate price discrimination that drives up grocery costs for consumers.
• Voting to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to shore up the food and agriculture supply chain, ensure fair competition in the meat and poultry sectors, and lower food and gasoline costs for consumers.
• Supporting the Price Gouging Prevention Act, legislation ensuring large corporations can’t take advantage of consumers at the grocery store.
• Holding multiple roundtables with Kansas business, manufacturing, and technology leaders on how recent legislation to improve supply chains will help boost their businesses’ financial security.
• Working a “Sharice’s Shift” at a local Price Chopper, where she helped store employees unload deliveries from shipping trucks, stock grocery shelves, and bag groceries. 

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

Headline: Newhouse Statement on New Bonneville Power Administration Administrator

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: June 22, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement regarding Travis Kavulla becoming the 17th CEO and Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). 

“Congratulations to Travis Kavulla on becoming the next Administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA),” said Rep. Newhouse. 

Newhouse continued, “BPA is critical to powering the Pacific Northwest and ensuring affordable energy is available for our communities. I look forward to working with Travis to modernize our grid infrastructure, meet growing power demand by building new generation, and defending our abundant hydroelectric system. This is a critical time for the Pacific Northwest, and I am confident Travis will provide the leadership needed to meet the moment.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore presented a $1.5 million Community Project Funding check for the Blackwater Regional Wastewater Treatment Project, a critical infrastructure investment that will support economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community development throughout Tucker County.

Congressman Moore secured the funding through his work on the House Appropriations Committee. The funding will support construction of a new regional wastewater treatment plant that will replace and consolidate the aging systems currently serving the Town of Davis and the City of Thomas.

The project will address existing capacity and regulatory challenges, improve environmental compliance, and provide the infrastructure needed to accommodate future residential, commercial, and industrial growth in the region.

By expanding wastewater treatment capacity, the project will unlock opportunities for affordable housing development, support local businesses, strengthen the tourism economy, and attract future industrial investment to the region.

The Blackwater Regional Wastewater Treatment Project represents a long-term investment in Tucker County’s future and will help ensure the area has the infrastructure necessary to meet the demands of a growing economy while maintaining compliance with environmental standards.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“I am proud to secure $1.5 million for the Blackwater Regional Wastewater Treatment Project. Reliable infrastructure is the foundation for economic growth and prosperity. This investment will not only modernize aging wastewater systems in Davis and Thomas, but it will also create new opportunities for housing, business development, tourism, and job creation throughout Tucker County. I will keep working to secure critical infrastructure investments to ensure this region will continue growing and thriving for generations to come.”

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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 on the passing of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan:

“Today I join so many Americans in mourning the loss of Alan Greenspan, a man whose intellect, strength, and deep love for this country shaped generations of economic leadership. 

During his years as Chairman of the Federal Reserve, he guided the nation through extraordinary moments with a steady hand, a sharp mind, and an unwavering commitment to America’s economic future. His influence reached far beyond Washington and left a lasting mark on our country. He served five terms as Federal Reserve Chair and became one of the most consequential economic leaders of his generation. 

Before leading the Federal Reserve, Alan also played an important role in helping President Gerald Ford navigate difficult economic challenges, bringing his thoughtful judgment and expertise to a period of uncertainty for our nation. That is where John first got to know him as they worked together in nonpartisan ways.

For John, Alan was much more than a respected public servant — he was a trusted friend. They shared a close bond built on mutual respect, trust, and genuine affection. They loved spending time together, especially enjoying movies and the simple moments that friendships are truly built upon. John treasured that friendship deeply.

Our thoughts are with Andrea and all who loved Alan. May we remember not only his remarkable public service, but also the warmth, friendship, and humanity that defined the man behind the title.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) hosted health care providers and Medicare patients at UW Medical Center to raise growing concerns about the Trump administration’s Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) program, which pays private companies to use AI to delay and deny care to Washington seniors.

Since the program began in January, patients have been left in severe pain as they are unable to access the care prescribed by their doctors. During the event, patients and providers shared firsthand stories about the impact these delays and denials have had on their health and ability to provide care.

DelBene announced that Virtix, the company handling WISeR claims in Washington, has been ordered by CMS to submit a corrective action plan for “noncompliance” with the program’s 72-hour prior authorization review requirement. CMS previously maintained that all participating companies were meeting this benchmark. 

DelBene also announced the release of a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz demanding detailed data on the program’s impact and seeking greater transparency around it. So far, no information has been released about denial or appeals rates for the program. WISeR implements a similarly flawed prior authorization process that exists in Medicare Advantage in traditional Medicare, which has rarely required prior authorization before. Medicare Advantage data shows that only 11.5% of denials are appealed but 80% of those appeals are overturned, demonstrating that the care should never have been denied in the first place.

“Seniors deserve to get the care they need when they need it,” said DelBene. “But the Trump administration’s WISeR program is delaying and denying care for Medicare patients, leaving them in severe pain and increasing red tape for providers. Make no mistake, in addition to hurting patients, WISeR is also a Trojan horse for privatizing Medicare. That’s why I’m conducting Congressional oversight and demanding transparency from CMS Administrator Oz to get to the bottom of this harmful program.”

Also speaking at the event were:

• Keith Magnuson, a Seattle resident who had his care delayed because of this program
• Jita Bruno, CEO, UW Medical Center
• Dr. Christopher McMullen, Physiatrist, UW Medical Center
• Dr. Bindu Nayak, Vice President, Washington State Medical Association

DelBene was the first in the Washington delegation to raise the alarm about the program. In August 2025, she urged the administration to explain how the program would be implemented on such a short timeline. She has led several legislative efforts to repeal the program and confronted HHS Secretary Kennedy about how the program is leaving Washington patients in pain. She also wrote an op-ed about the impacts of this program.

DelBene was also joined by Representatives Ami Bera (CA-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) along with 25 of their colleagues in the letter. The text can be found here. 

You can watch the video of the event here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

CHICAGO — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today joined Equality Illinois, Center on Halsted, the ACLU of Illinois, Kenneth Young Center, Brave Space Alliance, and LGBTQ+ high school and college students for a roundtable discussion on mental health, support services, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people. Following the discussion, participants held a press conference calling on the Trump Administration to restore the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth crisis services, which were discontinued in 2025 despite helping more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people nationwide.

During the roundtable, students spoke about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ young people, including mental health concerns, access to supportive communities, and the importance of knowing help is available during difficult moments. Participants also discussed the role that affirming services and trusted support systems can play in helping young people navigate those challenges. According to The Trevor Project, 41 percent of LGBTQ+ young people in Illinois seriously considered suicide in the past year, while nearly two-thirds reported symptoms of anxiety.

“The young people we heard from today spoke candidly about the challenges they face and the importance of having support systems they can rely on,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “The Trump Administration shut down the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth crisis services despite the fact that these services have helped more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people. Congress directed these services be restored and provided funding to make it happen, yet the Administration continues to delay. When young people reach out for help in a moment of crisis, they deserve to know someone will be there to answer. Secretary Kennedy should restore these services immediately because lives are literally on the line.”

“At Kenneth Young Center, we know that connection, affirmation, and access to support can make a profound difference in a young person’s life. LGBTQ+ youth deserve to know that when they reach out in a moment of need, they will be met with understanding, compassion, and care,” said Michelle Barron, Community Collaboration Division Deputy Director of the Kenneth Young Center. “Restoring the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth crisis services is an important step toward ensuring that every young person has access to the help they need to thrive.”

“As the current administration continues to target queer and trans youth through policy changes and the removal of lifesaving resources, including 988, we must remember that this work belongs to all of us,” said Luke Romesberg, PhD, LPC, CADC of Center on Halsted. “Advocates, volunteers, policymakers, community members, and allies cannot do it alone. If you feel this issue does not impact you directly, you are likely to know someone, have friends, or have family members, who are impacted. Those with the ability, voice, and privilege to speak out must continue to expose injustice, demand change, and protect queer and trans youth.”

“As we mark Pride Month, it is a sad reality that the current leadership of the federal government is using policy and rhetoric to single out and target LGBTQ+ youth, especially trans youth,” added Edwin C. Yohnka, director of communications and public policy at the ACLU of Illinois. “In a desperate desire to score cheap political points, the Trump Administration is pursuing policies that rob these youth of necessary health care and human dignity. It is critical that we maintain necessary resources and services for these brave young people.”  

Congressman Krishnamoorthi has led efforts in Congress to restore and protect LGBTQ+ youth crisis services, including securing $33.1 million in Fiscal Year 2026 funding for their restoration and introducing the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act. Earlier this month, the Trump Administration acknowledged that Congress directed restoration of the services but said it is still determining how to implement the program while complying with Executive Order 14168, President Trump’s executive order targeting transgender Americans.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive three grants from the National Cancer Institute totaling $1,172,297.

The first, for $475,681, is for research exploring CLK2 as a novel therapeutic target in rhabdomyosarcoma under the direction of Dr. Jun Yang. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma (cancers that originate in the bones and soft tissues) in children and young adults. CLK2 is an enzyme that plays a key role in the regulation of mRNA production, and this enzyme is one of the most highly expressed in rhabdomyosarcoma relative to healthy tissue. The goal of this project is to develop novel therapeutics targeting the CLK2 protein as a therapeutic target in rhabdomyosarcoma. The second, for $647,502, is for research into transcriptional overload unlocking a new anti-cancer paradigm by targeting DDX19A under the direction of Dr. Lillian Guenther. The DDX19A gene encodes an enzyme which binds mRNA, and assists its export from the nucleus, and plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of mRNA, which is important for proper protein production. In cancer, it has been implicated in cell metastasis, particularly in ovarian and cervical carcinomas. Dr. Guenther’s group is not only working to better understand the function of this enzyme, but also working to develop new drugs to disrupt its activity in cancerous cells. The third, for $49,114, is a national research service award for work determining how cell state evades standard of care chemotherapy and drives tumor recurrence under the direction of PhD student Samantha Turk.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“The funding announced today will go a long way in improving our understanding and treatment of cancer. I congratulate Drs. Yang and Guenther and PhD Ms. Turk for their dedication to the science of saving lives.”

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