MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement applauding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recent announcement of funding allocations for states through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program, which was established in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts law delivered the most historic investment in rural health that we’ve seen in our lifetimes, with over $212.9 million being allocated to projects across Kentucky,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The Rural Health Transformation program will provide funding to transform health care systems so that we can help assure the long-term sustainability of our rural providers for years to come. I applaud Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz on this critical effort, and I look forward to seeing states use these resources to bolster health care delivery through innovative solutions in rural America.”

Allocations of funding were based upon rigorous, data-driven merit review—led by federal and non-federal rural health experts and overseen by senior federal review directors—to assess each state’s proposed initiatives and alignment with program goals to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent merit review process across all states.

Funding will be distributed over five years beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. As states begin implementation, program officers from CMS’s Office of Rural Health Transformation will provide technical assistance and ongoing support to help states design, launch, and sustain initiatives that best serve their rural communities.

CLICK HERE to view a list of each State’s allocated RHT funds.

Background on the Rural Health Transformation Program:
– The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was created by the Working Families Tax Cuts law and empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving access to quality health care outcomes and transforming the health care delivery ecosystem.

– RHT funding will be allocated through the following formula:
*$25 billion over five years will be distributed evenly among the states; this means each state will receive $100 million each year for FY 2026-2030 ($500 million total). 
*$25 billion will be distributed to states based on criteria established by the Secretary that target funding to states with high rural health care needs and that outline long-term programmatic goals that will transform access to care in the state.

– In accordance with the law, only the 50 states are eligible to receive an RHT Program award; the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories are not eligible.

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

“Indiscriminately eliminating these positions from your HR system without analysis is unacceptable, and in contradiction of your repeated assurances that veterans would not be impacted by staff cuts,” Wasserman Schultz wrote. “I am concerned that these cuts will add further strain on a workforce that has been understaffed for years, especially as I continue to hear from VA doctors and nurses that workloads are unmanageable, leading to delayed or insufficient care of our veterans.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

January 15, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced today the Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act. This bill would strengthen the FDA’s requirements for food nutrition labels by reducing the nutrition labeling deviation threshold from 20% to 5%.
“Americans have a right to accurate information about the food products they buy at the grocery store,” said Rep. Steube. “While families are making healthier choices about the food they eat, it is unacceptable that food manufacturers are allowed a 20% margin of error for the nutrition labels on their products. That is why Congressman Soto and I are introducing the Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act. Making America healthy again starts with accurate reporting on nutrition labels so that families can make informed decisions when filling out their grocery lists.” 
“I am thrilled to work on this initiative with Rep. Steube to ensure food nutrition labels reflect the most accurate nutritional information,” said Rep. Soto. “Misbranded nutritional content can lead to serious effects for people who are diabetic or have sugar-sodium sensitivities, as food companies often take advantage of relaxed regulations. This bill will reduce the deviation threshold to promote consistency and build consumer trust.” 
The Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act is supported by The Honest Food Council.
“The Honest Food Council applauds Congressman Steube and Congressman Soto for their swift leadership following our December meeting in Washington. They listened to consumers and responsible brands and manufacturers, drafted meaningful legislative language, and are taking action to ensure nutrition labels reflect reality. Updating the outdated 20% threshold to 5% is a timely, common-sense change that reflects today’s marketplace and today’s expectations for transparency. This legislation aligns with the Honest Food Council’s mission to protect families through honesty, transparency, and consistency in our food system. This is bipartisan because consumers in every community—and the companies working to serve them—deserve truthful labeling and fair, consistent standards.” —Benno Tross, President of The Honest Food Council
Background: Under current law, food nutrition labels are permitted to deviate up to 20% from the actual nutritional content of a food item. This can create serious problems for Americans with health conditions, including individuals suffering from diabetes or sensitivities to sugar and sodium. The Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act would correct this problem by requiring the FDA to amend the deviation threshold from 20% to 5%, thereby ensuring better consistency with nutrition labeling.
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced securing over $10 million in funding for critical projects across Minnesota’s Eighth District via the recently passed FY2026 Interior Appropriations bill. Stauber advocated for these community project funds to be included.

“Making sure Minnesotans have access to clean and reliable water has always been a top priority of mine, and I’m proud to have secured more than $10 million for these vital projects that do just that,” Congressman Stauber said. “These funds will improve water treatment facilities, upgrade wastewater systems, and build stronger infrastructure across the Eighth District. I’ll continue working hard to bring federal dollars home to the Northland and support our communities.”

Congressman Stauber secured funding for the following projects:

• $1,750,000 for The City of Duluth Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation.
• $2,000,000 for City of Ely Drinking Water Supply Intake and Water Main Replacement.
• $1,061,000 for City of Nashwauk Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project.
• $1,000,000 for Hibbing Water, Access, Treatment, Expansion, & Reliability Projects (Hib-WATER).
• $1,000,000 for Kettle River’s Infrastructure Improvements.
• $330,000 for City of Cook Pond Improvements.
• $750,000 for Coleraine City-Wide Infrastructure Project.
• $750,000 for Keewatin City-Wide Infrastructure Project.
• $750,000 for Pine City Wastewater Treatment Pond System Upgrade.
• $750,000 for Mountain Iron/Eveleth Watermain Loop.
• $750,000 for Northern Township Wastewater Project. 

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

WASHINGTON–Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke at a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol to honor the life of Renee Nicole Good and call for a full, transparent investigation and legal action against ICE.

The full video can be found here.

Full transcript below:

“Today we are honoring the life and memory of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, writer, and poet.

“Renee’s mother remembers her as “one of the kindest” people she’d ever known.

“Everyone who knew her says Renee spent her life caring for others, always putting their needs first.

“Her deep love for community drove her to stand up for her immigrant neighbors.

“She had just dropped her six-year-old son off at school and was serving as a legal observer when she was murdered by an ICE agent in South Minneapolis.

“ICE’s reckless actions have taken a mother from three children, a partner from her wife, and inflicted unfathomable pain on our community.

“My deepest condolences go out to Renee’s family, friends, and everyone who loved her.

“We will not stop fighting until we achieve real justice and accountability.

“That must begin with impeaching Kristi Noem and ensuring no federal agent can act as judge, jury, and executioner on our streets.

“It must also include a full, transparent investigation and legal action against ICE.

“While we grieve, our community — as always — has shown up with love for one another.

“ICE officers have been struck by the solidarity and care Minnesotans have shown their neighbors.

“In the face of state-sanctioned violence, we have organizedand protected each other.

“That is what Renee stood for.

“She died because she chose love and solidarity over fear — and we will make sure the world never forgets her name.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Reps. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) urged National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President Charlie Baker to limit the emergence of private equity in college sports. In the bipartisan letter, Stevens and Baumgartner are seeking deeper insight into the NCAA’s decision-making and enforcement mechanisms to prevent deals that sell college athletics programs to the highest bidders and keep universities accountable to their students, fans, athletes, and communities.

Reports indicate that the Big Ten Conference, the Big 12 Conference, and the University of Utah are exploring selling portions of their athletics revenue streams to outside investors. Similarly, the SEC, the University of Notre Dame, and Florida State University have all reported outreach from private equity investors regarding their athletics programs.

“College sports are a uniquely American tradition that have provided invaluable experiences for generations of college athletes, students, and fans,” wrote Stevens and Baumgartner. “As the people’s representatives, we have a responsibility to ensure that the integrity of universities and college sports is preserved for future generations of Americans, not sacrificed for short-term financial gain — especially where outside investors may gain leverage over decisions that should remain accountable to university communities.”
 

In their letter, Stevens and Baumgartner are seeking answers to the following:

1. What private equity deal structures (e.g., revenue-participation, equity-like interests, athletic facility ownership, debt with covenants, liens/security interests in media rights) has the NCAA observed being considered or pursued by member universities or conferences?

2. What specific contractual terms would the NCAA view as creating “de facto control” or unacceptable conflicts of interest (e.g., board seats, veto rights, step-in rights, approval rights over budgets, approval rights over scheduling, approval rights over realignment, or approval rights over athlete-related policies)?

3. Has the NCAA considered developing enforcement mechanisms to investigate and prevent instances of “de facto control” or unacceptable conflicts of interests at member universities?

4. What risks does the NCAA assess that these arrangements pose for Title IX compliance and non-revenue sports?

5. What disclosure requirements or transparency standards does the NCAA currently impose—or plan to impose—so athletes, students, and the public can understand the financial and governance implications of these agreements?

6. What policies does the NCAA have (or plan to adopt) to require disclosure of beneficial ownership and foreign government–linked participation (including sovereign wealth funds and state-backed entities), and what safeguards would apply where outside investors seek governance rights, revenue participation, or access to sensitive institutional or athlete information?

7. Has the NCAA provided guidance to members regarding tax-exempt, private benefit, or Unrelated Business Income Tax risks associated with private equity participation in athletics revenues, and has the NCAA consulted the Treasury Department on these issues?

In December, Stevens sent a letter to, and later met with, Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti about a reported investment deal between the Big Ten and UC Investments, and warned that deals of this nature could open the door for private investment in college sports.

The Members gave President Baker until February 15 to respond. The full letter can be found here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — After four years of Democrat open border chaos, the American people demanded a change. One year later, the border is secure, enforcement is sustained, and federal law enforcement officers are once again empowered to do their jobs. Those results reflect the work of brave ICE agents on the ground — bolstered by the resources Congress delivered.

ENFORCEMENT RESULTS ONE YEAR LATER

Sustained deterrence and enforcement have held for a full year:

• Border crossings down 93% year-over-year.
• For seven consecutive months, from May to November, ZERO illegal aliens were released into the country.
• 2025 marked the first time in 50 years the U.S. saw negative net migration.
• Fiscal Year 2026 recorded the lowest start to any fiscal year on record.
• 130,000+ feet of temporary barriers deployed to secure critical gaps.

DEPORTATIONS AND ARRESTS: REMOVING THE WORST OF THE WORST

With enforcement capacity restored, DHS is detaining and removing criminal illegal aliens nationwide.

LOCATING UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN

Under President Trump, DHS and the Department of Health and Human Services have located 129,143 unaccompanied children lost under the Biden administration.

ICE RECRUITMENT SHATTERS EXPECTATIONS

When Washington backs law enforcement, Americans answer the call.

ICE recruitment results:

• 220,000+ applications from Americans seeking to serve.
• 12,000+ officers and agents hired in less than one year.
• Original hiring goal of 10,000 surpassed ahead of schedule.
• ICE staffing more than doubled, from 10,000 to 22,000 officers and agents.

INCREASED ATTACKS ON ICE OFFICERS

Years of reckless rhetoric and weak enforcement policies have had real consequences for the men and women protecting American communities. 

ICE law enforcement now faces:

• 1,300% increase in assaults against officers.
• 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks.
• 8,000% increase in death threats.

REMINDER: THE WORKING FAMILIES TAX CUTS DELIVERED REAL SUPPORT FOR LAW AND BORDER ENFORCEMENT

Funding included:

• $150+ billion to secure the border and deport illegal aliens.
• $45 billion to expand ICE detention capacity.
• $46 billion to complete border barrier construction, including 701 miles of primary wall and 1,670 miles of additional river, secondary, and vehicle barriers.
• $12 billion to hire:
• 10,000 new ICE personnel
• 5,000 Customs officers
• 3,000 Border Patrol agents
• 1,000 criminal investigators
• $10,000 bonuses for ICE and Border Patrol agents.
• $1.2 billion to hire 200 immigration judges and expand courtroom capacity.
• $14.4 billion for air and ground transportation.
• Sufficient to support at least 1 million removals per year.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

January 15, 2026

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Rep. August Pfluger (TX- 11) announced they sent a bipartisan letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright urging him to establish a safe, effective, and long-term management program for spent nuclear fuel. The letter was sent ahead of DOE’s anticipated release of a new report that will recommend an updated national policy on spent nuclear fuel.

“As DOE develops a recommended national policy on spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste management, we encourage you to take an important step to re-establish a single-purpose office to manage the spent nuclear fuel program, outside of the Office of Nuclear Energy and with a direct reporting relationship to your office. This is consistent with existing law and will help ensure the priorities for restoring an active nuclear waste management program remain in focus,” reads the letter.

“The United States has the technical capabilities to be successful in this endeavor, but we must break the current impasse over nuclear waste and develop a workable solution that encourages state collaboration,” continues the letter.

Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has secured over $148 million for the safe removal and management of the nation’s spent nuclear fuel, including at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). Rep. Levin has also introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024, which would modernize our country’s nuclear waste management program by establishing an independent Nuclear Waste Administration to manage the country’s nuclear waste. The safe management and removal of spent nuclear fuel out of SONGS remains a top priority for Rep. Levin.

Click here or see below for the full letter:

Dear Secretary Wright:

As the Department of Energy (DOE) develops a recommended national policy for the

management of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level nuclear waste (HLW), as directed in the Executive Order Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base, we write to urge you to establish a safe, effective, long-term management program for nuclear waste.

We appreciate your support for the continued collaborative discussions on consolidated storage and your recognition of the importance of an opt-in approach for siting nuclear waste facilities. We hope to work with you to modernize the nuclear waste management program, including developing policies and governance structures that encourage durable state and local collaboration. We believe this work will strongly support the Administration’s goal to expand the United States’ nuclear energy capacity.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA), DOE is responsible for siting, constructing, and operating a permanent repository, subject to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing and regulatory authority. The federal government—including Congress—has been unable to fulfill these obligations for the last decade. As a result, more than 90,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel remain stored at nuclear power plants across the country, costing taxpayers billions of dollars. Moreover, the long-standing political—not technical—impasse has left communities with decommissioned nuclear plants saddled with long-term spent fuel storage—limiting prospects for economic redevelopment.

DOE estimates a remaining financial liability between $38.6 billion and $44.3 billion, in addition to the $12.2 billion already paid, for commercial SNF^[1], and $23 billion for the DOE’s own legacy HLW and SNF.^[2] These liabilities are paid with taxpayer dollars and will continue to grow without decisive action to re-establish a workable nuclear waste program. With the growing prospects of massive nuclear energy growth, the increasing use of new fuel forms and technologies, and the economic needs of communities across the nation, we must take steps to restore and update our national nuclear waste management policy.

We recognize that legislative action will likely be necessary to restore a workable, long-term spent fuel management program, and we stand ready to work in Congress and with the Administration to achieve this.

In the meantime, as DOE develops a recommended national policy on SNF and HLW

management, we encourage you to take an important step to re-establish a single-purpose office to manage the spent nuclear fuel program, outside of the Office of Nuclear Energy and with a direct reporting relationship to your office. This is consistent with existing law and will help ensure the priorities for restoring an active nuclear waste management program remain in focus.

The United States has the technical capabilities to be successful in this endeavor, but we must break the current impasse over nuclear waste and develop a workable solution that encourages state collaboration.

We appreciate your consideration of our recommendation and look forward to working with you to advance administrative and legislative solutions to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and fulfill the federal government’s responsibility to manage spent nuclear fuel.

Sincerely,

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) introduced the Jumpstart Savings Act, today. This important legislation will help Americans save tax-free for careers in the trades, skilled labor, and apprenticeship-based professions while strengthening the nation’s workforce as the United States rebuilds its manufacturing and industrial base.

The Jumpstart Savings Act establishes tax-advantaged savings accounts modeled after 529 college savings plans. These accounts allow individuals and families to save for apprenticeship programs, trade certifications, tools, equipment, and small business startup costs associated with skilled professions.

The manufacturing sector is projected to need 3.8 million new workers by 2033, with nearly half of those positions expected to go unfilled due to a lack of training. The average startup cost for a small business in the trades can exceed $100,000, creating a significant barrier to entry for many Americans seeking high-paying, in-demand jobs. By aligning tax policy with workforce development, this legislation helps remove those barriers and expands access to skilled careers.

The bill authorizes states to administer Jumpstart Savings programs and requires program administrators to report contributions, distributions, and account activity to both account holders and the Internal Revenue Service.

BACKGROUND: Proven Success in West Virginia

Congressman Moore previously championed a similar initiative at the state level while serving as West Virginia State Treasurer. Drawing on his own experience working as a welder, Moore authored and successfully implemented the West Virginia Jumpstart Savings Program, the first state-level tax-advantaged savings program designed to help residents save for tools, equipment, certifications, licensure, apprenticeship expenses, and business startup costs related to skilled trades and technical occupations.

The program was passed unanimously by the West Virginia Legislature and signed into law, with strong adoption across multiple industries. 

Permitted Uses of Jumpstart Funds: 

Under the Jumpstart Savings Act, qualified expenses include:

– Costs necessary to start and operate a small business related to the specific trade or occupation

– Replacement of tools and equipment essential to the business

– Expenses associated with Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship programs

– Tuition, books, fees, and required equipment for associate degree or certification programs at community and technical colleges

– Certification and licensure fees required to enter a trade or occupation

-529 account savings can be rolled into Jumpstart Savings accounts

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“Too many hardworking Americans are locked out of the trades not because they lack skill or work ethic, but because the upfront costs are simply too high. I experienced this firsthand working as a welder—tools, equipment, certifications, and startup expenses add up fast. 

The Jumpstart Savings Act helps workers overcome those barriers by giving them a tax-free option to save, start a business, and build a career in the trades. This is about restoring opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and making sure the United States has the skilled labor it needs to usher in America’s Golden Age.”

Joining Congressman Riley M. Moore on this resolution are the following members of Congress: Representatives Michael Rulli (OH-06), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Barry Moore (AL-01), and Craig Goldman (TX-12).

“The Jump Start Savings Act encourages working Americans to save tax-free for the tools, trucks, and training they need to succeed. By supporting those pursuing good-paying union and trades jobs, we are reminding the next generation that there are more paths to success than just through a four-year college. This bill is about dignity of work, growing American manufacturing, and making sure Americans are equipped to earn a great living with their hands without drowning in debt” Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06) said.

“The average startup cost for a small business in the trades is $100,000. I’m proud to team up with Riley Moore to create Jumpstart Savings — so working Americans pursuing the trades can afford real start-up costs of building a career, like tools and equipment, licenses, and apprenticeship expenses. I’ll keep working to expand pathways into good-paying jobs without forcing people to borrow their way there” Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) said. 

Organizations that support this resolution are the following: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Associated Builders and Contractors, and The Heritage Foundation.

“Jump Start Accounts would be a powerful and tax-free tool for individuals to more easily pursue apprenticeships and careers in Teamsters-represented industries” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters commend Representative Moore for his support for the millions of Americans who choose paths outside of four-year colleges.”

“The Jumpstart program is a forward-looking investment in America’s workforce,” said Kristen Swearingen, Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Builders and Contractors. “By giving individuals, a tax-advantaged way to save for apprenticeships, certifications, tools and trade education, this bill removes financial barriers and expands access to rewarding careers in construction and the skilled trades. This legislation empowers workers, strengthens local economies and helps ensure we have the upskilled workforce needed to build and maintain our communities.”

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

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