MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Mark Pocan (WI-02), co-chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, released the following statement after reporting that the Pentagon will request an additional $200 billion to fight their illegal war with Iran:

“It is preposterous for the White House and the Pentagon to think of requesting any defense money from Congress while waging a war we never authorized, let alone $200 billion. Recent reporting has shown that this war is already costing American taxpayers between $1 and $2 billion a day and has caused the deaths of 13 servicemembers, nearly 1,500 Iranian civilians, and dozens of civilians throughout the Middle East. Donald Trump owns this war. He walked us into this catastrophic and deeply unpopular war. 

“This is a war of choice with no apparent endgame. Instead of getting us into another quagmire, this money could go towards lowering costs for Americans, including by fully funding the ACA tax credits, feeding hungry kids, and taking care of our veterans. It is deeply shameful that Republicans always find money for wars, but are unable to allocate funds to take care of the American people. Congress should immediately reject this request.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former Army Ranger and Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, pressed top Trump intelligence and national security officials over the rationale behind the President’s war of choice with Iran. Testifying before the Intelligence Committee at its annual Worldwide Threats hearing were Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, Acting Director of the National Security Agency Lt. Gen. William Hartman, and Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lt. Gen. James Adams.

During his exchange with Gabbard, Crow pressed the intelligence chief about the radicalism of Iran’s new leader, brought about as a result of Trump’s war. Gabbard agreed that Iran’s new Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is more extreme than his father.

Gabbard also acknowledged under questioning from Crow that it was the U.S. intelligence community’s assessment before the war that Iran did not have intentions to obtain a nuclear weapon. With the new leadership in place, she agreed, their intentions are now unknown.

When pushed by Crow to explain how imminent Iran’s threat to the United States was in the lead-up to Trump’s war, Gabbard failed to provide a clear answer.

Crow has repeatedly condemned Donald Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran. As an Army Ranger who grew up in a working-class family and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Crow saw firsthand the repercussions of forever wars on servicemembers and hard-working Americans. He voted to reclaim Congressional authority over war with Iran, and he called for Donald Trump and his cronies to end their military adventurism. Crow has outlined a new vision for American foreign policy that benefits working Americans over the elites and ends unnecessary wars that risk American blood and treasure.

Watch Crow’s full exchange with DNI Gabbard here.

Congressman Crow: Director Gabbard, it is your job and the job of your agency and department to assess the views of Iranian leadership, their policy beliefs, and policy positions, correct? 

Director of National Intelligence Gabbard: Yes.

Crow: That includes now-deceased Ali Khamenei of Iran, correct? 

Gabbard: Yes.

Crow: And the now-leader, his son Mujtaba Khamenei, correct? 

Gabbard: Yes.

Crow: The son is considered more of a hardliner than his father, isn’t that correct? 

Gabbard: Yes. 

Crow: So hardline, that even some of Iran’s leaders thought he was too aggressive, isn’t that correct? 

Gabbard: That is the intelligence community assessment, yes.

Crow: Mojtaba, the son, is particularly close to the brutal Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and their most hardline commanders, correct? 

Gabbard: That is the intelligence community assessment. 

Crow: He was involved in ordering violent crackdowns on Iranian protesters, including their murder, correct? 

Gabbard: Yes. 

Crow: And we don’t know if the son will continue his father’s religious ban on developing nuclear weapons. Is that correct? 

Gabbard: It’s unknown at this time. 

Crow: You testified before this committee last year that the elder, now deceased, Khamenei had in 2003, banned the nuclear weapons program, or suspended it, correct? 

Gabbard: There was a fatwa in place that stated that.

Crow: And that fatwa remained in place last year when you testified before this committee, correct? 

Gabbard: Yes.

Crow: And that fatwa remained in place recently, correct? 

Gabbard: As far as I know, it has not been lifted. 

Crow: Yeah, you’re aware of no information that would lift that fatwa.

Gabbard: I’m not aware of any intelligence reporting that states that. To be clear on Mojtaba, the son who has been named to replace him, it is unclear of his status or his involvement. He was injured very severely through one of the Israeli strikes, and so the decision making is unclear about what’s happening in the Iranian leadership. 

Crow: So, It’s unclear. So we’re less certain of the positions of Iranian leadership and their intentions than we were 60 days ago, correct? 

Gabbard: That’s an accurate assessment. 

Crow: One of your jobs is to create products assessing Iran, and the threats it poses to the United States, correct? 

Gabbard: Yes.

Crow: And that includes potential outcomes for military action, correct? 

Gabbard: It includes potential outcomes of a variety of scenarios.

Crow: And the likelihood of those outcomes?

Gabbard: Yes. 

Crow: Generally, when you make assessments about threats facing the United States, you will look at, in Iran, and in any instance, the likely scenarios that have come out of military action, correct? 

Gabbard: The intelligence community takes all of those factors into account when they create these assessments. 

Crow: When you look at the threats posed by foreign countries, you also assess timelines to those threats, correct? 

Gabbard: What do you mean by timelines? 

Crow: Like a breakout time, for example, for nuclear weapons or the development of ballistic missiles. 

Gabbard: Yes, based on the information available at any given time.

Crow: And the timeline for potential terrorist attacks, correct?

Gabbard: Broadly, yes, assesses all matters available.

Crow: It’s common practice for the IC to assess the timeline of all threats, nuclear weapons development, ballistic, right? 

Gabbard: Yes. 

Crow: Ballistic weapons development.

Gabbard: Based on the information available, yes. 

Crow: Terrorist attacks?

Gabbard: Same applies. 

Crow: Cyber attacks, timelines for all of those, correct? 

Gabbard: When there is information available that point to that, yes,

Crow: And likelihood, as well as the timeline, correct? 

Gabbard: Based on the information available. 

Crow: Timing is important, is it not? 

Gabbard: It is an important factor that goes into the assessment. 

Crow: So it is your position sitting here today that you made no timeline determination as to threats that Iran had facing the United States, correct? 

Gabbard: That’s a very broad statement, but where the information is available, the intelligence community factors that into their assessment product. 

Crow: Did you or the IC make any assessments as to the timing of potential threats facing the United States from Iran in the last 90 days? 

Gabbard: I’m sure there was timelines factored into the intelligence assessments that were delivered. 

Crow: Did any of them show imminence? 

Gabbard: The imminent nature of a threat is determined by the president based on a totality of the intelligence and information provided to him. 

Crow: Did any of it show that there were attacks anticipated within the next 90 days from Iran? 

Gabbard: It’s too simplistic of a statement to say that because it depends on various scenarios occurring or not occurring. 

Crow: Did those assessments show timelines for the threats that Iran posed to the United States?

Gabbard: The totality of threats, yes, there were timelines involved where it applied and where that information was available. But again, to your question about the determination of imminence, the president makes that determination based on the totality of information and intelligence. 

Crow: The bottom line is there is no imminent threat, and you know that, and there’s no product that shows that. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to rising global oil prices linked to escalating tensions involving Iran, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will soon introduce the Iran War Oil Crisis Windfall Profits Tax Act to crack down on excessive oil company profits driven by instability in the Middle East and to return those funds directly to American consumers.

“American families should not be forced to pay more at the pump and at the grocery store simply because of geopolitical turmoil abroad,” said Congressman Sherman. “While war drives up prices, Big Oil is reaping record profits without lifting a finger. This bill ensures that those windfalls are redirected back to the American people who are bearing the burden.”

Sherman’s legislation would impose a windfall profits tax during the course of the Iran War on major oil producers and ensure that revenues are rebated to American households — prioritizing relief for working families most impacted by rising costs.

Global oil markets have seen sharp price increases in recent weeks amid instability in the region, with crude oil prices surging well above historic norms. These increases ripple through the economy — raising costs for transportation, food, and everyday goods. 

Sherman’s legislation would:

-Impose a 100% windfall profits tax on oil revenues earned above a defined baseline price;

-Apply the tax only during the period of war-related market disruption, ensuring it is targeted;

-Return collected revenues directly to American households, with a focus on low- and middle-income families most affected by rising costs.

The legislation is structured to remain in effect only until hostilities subside, global supply routes stabilize, and oil prices return to more typical levels.

Sherman is currently seeking bipartisan support for the measure and is urging colleagues to act swiftly to shield Americans from further economic strain.

“The goal is simple: if oil companies are benefiting from global instability, then American families deserve relief,” Sherman added. “This is about fairness, accountability, and protecting consumers during a time of economic pressure.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for awarding $1 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) to BSA Seafood LLC to expand invasive blue catfish processing in Maryland’s First District.

This investment supports BSA Seafood, LLC of Grasonville, Maryland as it expands its processing capacity by purchasing and installing new equipment at its facility. This will increase the company’s ability to source invasive blue catfish from regional watermen and bring more value-added seafood products to market. The project is expected to remove more than 500,000 pounds of invasive blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay annually, create 20 full-time jobs, and retain 15 existing positions.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“I’m grateful to USDA and Secretary Rollins for this significant investment to combat invasive blue catfish in the Eastern Shore. This funding gives BSA Seafood the resources to expand blue catfish processing, open new market opportunities, and create good-paying jobs in my district. It directly supports our watermen and seafood processors and turns a growing challenge in the Chesapeake Bay into long-term economic growth for Maryland.”

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

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today questioned leading intelligence officials at a House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on threats to national security.

Congressman Cohen asked FBI Director Kash Patel about his firing of at least 12 FBI counterintelligence analysts with expertise on Iran days before the war broke out and whether they were terminated because of their role in investigating President Trump’s unauthorized storage of classified documents in his Mar-a-Lago bathroom.

In responses to Congressman Cohen’s questions, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged President Trump was aware of an unclassified intelligence assessment from last year that predicted closing off the Strait of Hormuz and “disrupting shipping” would likely be a retaliatory action taken by Iran if it were attacked. Knowing that he was aware of that prediction, Congressman Cohen asked why the president didn’t take steps to strengthen the defense of this critical oil transportation route before February 28 attacks.

Congressman Cohen’s questions about Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium were deferred to a closed, classified hearing immediately after today’s public session.

See Congressman Cohen’s exchange with the witnesses here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

• The Honorable Tulsi Gabbard, Director, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI);
• The Honorable John L. Ratcliffe, Director, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA);
• The Honorable Kash Patel, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);
• Lieutenant General William J. Hartman, Acting Director, National Security Agency; and
• Lieutenant General James H. Adams, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency

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

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the Blue Ridge Discovery Center, based in Troutdale, Virginia, a $100,000 grant for a visitor center. This funding will support the development of a facility to expand the outdoor recreation economy in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Southwest Virginia communities rely on tourism as a leading source of revenue.

“This ARC grant for $100,000 helps the Blue Ridge Discovery Center support the tourism needs of the region with a visitor center.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, a new visitor center will generate an increase in annual revenue for the Blue Ridge Discovery Center by at least $184,000.

The visitor center will be a 1,920 square foot facility in Konnarock, Virginia.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) will soon introduce the No U.S. Oil Exports During Iran War Act to halt exports of U.S.-produced crude oil during the ongoing war with Iran, aiming to protect American consumers from rising energy costs and economic instability.

“At a time of global uncertainty, we must use every available tool to protect the American people,” said Congressman Sherman. “This legislation puts American consumers first by ensuring that our energy resources are used to stabilize prices at home—not to maximize profits abroad,” Sherman added.

America produces more oil than we use. If we prohibit exports, the supply will exceed the demand, and prices will drop. Currently, American oil is going to Europe and Asia to replace Middle East oil, reducing the domestic supply and raising the prices Americans pay.

The legislation would prohibit U.S. crude oil exports until (1) the President certifies that hostilities with Iran have ceased and (2) the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened to global commerce. 

The bill would implement a targeted export ban designed to stabilize domestic energy markets, reduce inflationary pressure, and prioritize U.S. supply during a period of international crisis. It also includes limited flexibility for cases where certain crude oil cannot be efficiently refined domestically, allowing narrowly tailored export licenses provided that refined products are returned to the United States.

Recently, Congressman Sherman pressed President Trump to immediately exercise this authority and pause U.S. petroleum exports until hostilities with Iran cease and global energy markets stabilize. In his letter to Trump, Sherman emphasized that such action would help shield American consumers from unnecessary price increases, reduce inflationary pressure, and ensure domestic energy supplies remain available during a period of global instability. 

“Suspending crude oil exports during the Iran War is a lawful, targeted, and necessary step,” Sherman added. “American oil should first and foremost benefit the American people.”

To read Sherman’s letter to Trump, click here. 

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

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the negotiations on the upcoming Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 reauthorization. 

“As the Trump administration continues to run roughshod over our Constitution, we cannot continue to give them a further opening to sacrifice our civil liberties in the name of national security. We cannot give Stephen Miller a blank check to conduct domestic surveillance in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

“I have been working on essential reforms to FISA across Administrations, and I have not wavered — whether it is a Democratic or Republican President. This has always been a bipartisan issue for good reason. Americans across political parties care deeply about privacy and not being surveilled. Congress has a duty to protect those fundamental Constitutional liberties. Any attempt to push forward a ‘clean’ reauthorization of Section 702 will put our private, sensitive data at risk. 

“This Trump administration has been particularly brazen in its use of domestic surveillance to suppress our Constitutional rights and dissent. In just the last six weeks, the administration has blacklisted Anthropic for refusing to stand down on its requirement that its technology not be used for the mass surveillance of Americans, and we learned that the Department of Justice surveilled me — and likely many other members — while reviewing the Epstein files, seeking justice for survivors. In Minnesota, federal immigration agents have surveilled and intimidated U.S. citizens exercising their First Amendment rights to document agents’ unlawful actions.

“It is time to reform FISA, ensure our Fourth Amendment protections are guaranteed, and stop the government surveillance of Americans.”

Section 702 authorizes the federal government to intercept electronic communications of non-U.S. persons who are located outside of the United States. However, the communications of Americans are often swept up when monitoring non-U.S. persons, are then kept by intelligence agencies, and can be later accessed without a warrant. This backdoor surveillance has occurred for decades and allows for rampant abuse. While the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claims to have significantly reduced the number of backdoor searches in recent years, the truth is, we do not know the true number of searches on Americans. In 2024, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division uncovered that the FBI was querying Section 702 data differently and was not in compliance with statutory and court-ordered requirements intended to prevent abuses. In October 2025, the Office of the Inspector General stated it was “not able to conclude… that FBI’s querying compliance issues are entirely in the past.” 

Jayapal has been a champion of Congressional efforts to reform FISA. She has led both bipartisan legislation and letters to enact reforms, as well as multiple bipartisan calls to leadership to not tie FISA reauthorization to “must pass” legislation and allow Members a vote on the standalone legislation. Jayapal also co-led the Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act to stop the federal government from circumventing Americans’ Fourth Amendment right to privacy by closing loopholes that allow the government to purchase Americans’ data from big tech companies without a search warrant.

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

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

Today Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, introduced the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance to Greece for five years. 

“Greece is a steadfast democratic ally of the United States, a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and an essential partner in ensuring regional security and prosperity. IMET assistance strengthens cooperation, training, and interoperability between our Armed Forces, a critical component of our bilateral relationship,” said Congressman Pappas. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize IMET for another five years, and why I will push for its passage as well as other efforts to strengthen cooperation with our allies to protect America’s security interests.”

“The United States and Greece share a deep and enduring partnership rooted in our mutual commitment to democracy, stability, and security in a strategically vital region of the world. As a proud co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I am honored to help lead the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, which further strengthens this critical alliance,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Greece has long been a reliable NATO ally, consistently meeting its defense spending commitments and serving as a key pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This legislation builds upon our existing defense cooperation by enhancing joint military training, expanding security assistance, and reinforcing our shared capacity to address emerging threats.  At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with trusted partners like Greece. This bill underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing peace, deterring aggression, and promoting security in the region. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance this important legislation and to continue strengthening the bonds between our two nations for generations to come.”

“The diplomatic relationship and defense partnership between the United States and Greece are too important to be overlooked. I am proud to join my Hellenic colleagues in supporting the US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act to ensure regional security and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Congresswoman Titus. 

“As Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I applaud Greece’s decision to strengthen its national defense, including upgrades to its F-16 fleet and advanced air defense systems. As a steadfast U.S. ally and a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece plays a vital role in promoting regional security and democratic values,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “As instability persists across the Middle East, threats from Iran persist and Turkey continues its illegal overflights above the Greek Islands and aggression toward neighboring Cyprus, the strong partnership between the United States and Greece is critical to advancing peace, deterrence, and collective defense.”

This legislation is endorsed by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).

Background: 

Congress has recognized the significance of expanding U.S. cooperation with Greece through the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act which was signed into law as part of the FY2022 NDAA. The USGDIP recognized that Greece, a key NATO ally, is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and that the United States should remain committed to supporting the region’s security and prosperity through cooperation with Greece.

IMET appropriations for Greece help meet the increased need for education and training of the Greek Armed Forces. The funds facilitate the establishment of contacts between American and Greek officers, which will optimize cooperation and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The strategic importance of Greece at NATO’s Eastern and Southern flanks has been more reflected in recent years, including the war in Ukraine, between Israel and Hamas following the October 7th attacks, and U.S. military operations in Iran.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). This bipartisan bill extends the Good Neighbor Authority program from 10 years to 20 years to allow the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to partner with state, tribal, and local partners to address wildfire risk and improve forest health.

“California is no stranger to devastating wildfires, and we need every tool available to better manage our forests and reduce this growing threat,” said Congressman Valadao. “By strengthening long-term collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local partners, the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act will take a more proactive approach to forest management and wildfire prevention. I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Panetta on this bipartisan effort to better protect our communities.”

“Our forests can’t be protected and preserved on a short timeline, and neither can the partnerships it takes to protect them,” said Rep. Panetta. “The Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act extends agreement terms between the federal government and states, counties, and Tribal governments up to 20 years, giving these partners the stability they need to conduct the forest restoration and recreation work that our communities depend on. With long-term partnerships, we can give our forests and public lands the sustained attention they need to thrive for generations to come.”

“Forest management requires a long-term commitment as well as predictable and sustainable tools for those performing critical work,” said Jay Farrell, Executive Director of the National Association of State Foresters. “Good Neighbor Authority is a proven and time-tested cross boundary tool for State Foresters and federal land managers to address wildfire risk and increase forest health, while providing economic benefit to rural communities. We thank Representative Valadao for his leadership, and we look forward to ensuring policies are in place to establish greater stability and predictability for states to fully leverage Good Neighbor Authority.”

Background:

The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), first authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, allows the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to partner with states, tribes, and local governments to carry out critical forest management and restoration work on federal lands. These partnerships have proven effective in reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health, and supporting rural economies. However, current GNA agreements are limited in duration, creating uncertainty for long-term projects that require sustained planning and investment. The Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act addresses that gap by authorizing agreements of up to 20 years, providing partners with the certainty needed to undertake large-scale, cross-boundary restoration efforts.

Read the bill here.

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