MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he highlighted how Donald Trump and Republicans continue to work against the best interests of hardworking American taxpayers, including waging an illegal war of choice in the Middle East.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yesterday, House Democrats launched a discharge petition to force an up or down vote to make sure that we are paying TSA agents, paying the Coast Guard, supporting FEMA and supporting cybersecurity professionals who are working hard to keep us safe. There is no reason why the parts of the Department of Homeland Security that have been shut down by Republicans several weeks ago remains shuttered or that individuals like TSA agents have been forced for more than a month to work without pay.

Republicans have consistently refused, at this point in time, to enact the type of bold, meaningful, and dramatic changes to ICE that are necessary to get ICE under control. Our position remains the same. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people in the midst of an affordability crisis where life has become more expensive for everyday Americans because of failed Republican policies. And yet Republicans have decided that they would rather spend billions of dollars to unleash masked and untrained ICE agents to brutalize American communities and violently target law-abiding immigrant families, and at the same time are now spending billions of dollars on a reckless war of choice to drop bombs in the Middle East. But these same extremists in Congress and within the administration, starting with the President, can’t find a dime to make life more affordable for the American people or to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that 20 million Americans of every political persuasion can afford to go see a doctor when they need one.

The priorities of the Trump administration and Republicans are all screwed up. They’re focused on unleashing ICE brutality, enacting massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors and spending billions of dollars to drop bombs in the Middle East. But they don’t give a damn about making life better for the American people. Democrats are going to continue to focus our efforts on driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system, making sure that immigration enforcement in this country is fair, just and humane and that we actually are focused on lifting up the quality of life of working class Americans, middle class Americans and everyday Americans, not the wealthy, the well off and the well-connected, which is what has been the obsession of the Republican Party.
 
Full event can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) issued the following statement regarding the multi-year investigation by The New York Times into sexual misconduct by the late César Chávez:

“I’m shocked and horrified by these revelations that César Chávez groomed and sexually abused young women and minors,” said Rep. Lofgren. “My heart breaks for the survivors who had to carry this pain for so many years, including UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta, and my thoughts are with all the brave women who have shared their stories. The United Farm Workers and the movement it represents is so much bigger than one man, and we must continue confronting the injustices faced by America’s farmworkers.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) re-introduced the Online Privacy Act, legislation that sets a national baseline for how Americans’ personal data can be collected, used, and shared.

“Privacy is a fundamental right, but for too long, Congress has failed to set clear nationwide rules to protect Americans’ personal data. The Online Privacy Act gives Americans the power to view, correct, and delete their information,” Rep. Lofgren said. “This legislation shifts power back to the people and ensures federal law finally catches up to the realities of the 21st century.”

Key provisions of the Online Privacy Act:

• Prohibits companies from using private communications like users’ emails or web traffic for ads or other invasive purposes

• Requires companies to articulate the need for and minimize the user data they collect, process, disclose, and maintain

• Criminalizes doxxing

• Ensures companies minimize employee and contractor access to user data 

• Gives users the right to access, correct, delete, and transfer data about them; choose for how long their data can be kept; and request a human review of impactful automated decisions

• Establishes a Digital Privacy Agency (DPA) to issue regulations for bill implementation and impose fines for violations

The full bill text for the 119th Congress can be read here. A one-page explainer of the bill can be found here.

The Online Privacy Act was previously introduced by Rep. Lofgren and former Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-17) in the 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses. This legislation has the support of organizations including Public Knowledge and Free Press Action.

“With federal privacy protections long overdue, Public Knowledge is pleased to see that Rep. Lofgren remains committed to this important work,” said Sara Collins, Director of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge. “The OPA includes strong data minimization standards, prohibitions against discrimination, and a critical private right of action to ensure the law is enforced. We hope the Commerce Committee takes this bill seriously and returns to the vital work of protecting Americans’ privacy.”

“It’s unbelievable that in 2026, after years of understanding the harms that come from rampant data collection, we still don’t have a comprehensive federal data privacy standard,” said Amanda Beckham, Government Relations Director at Free Press Action. “Private companies collect an enormous amount of our personal data. Websites, apps, and devices we wear or carry collect information about where we work, the places we visit, our browsing history, political opinions, medical and biometric data, and more. When aggregated, all of this data represents the power to influence, manipulate, and discriminate. Especially now, when AI tools are being deployed by private industry and government to ingest and analyze massive amounts of data to make predictions about us, data privacy legislation with robust civil rights and anti-discrimination principles is critical. The Online Privacy Act would be an important step in that direction.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, the House of Representatives passed (228 to 190) H.R. 4638, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act. Congressman Ken Calvert introduced the bill to protect animals used by federal law enforcement agencies. The bill was introduced after Freddie, a Customs and Border Patrol agriculture detector dog, was assaulted last June by a non-citizen from Egypt. The Federal Working Animal Protection Act would make the assault of an animal used by federal law enforcement a deportable offense under Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It would also make applicants with such offenses on their record inadmissible to the U.S. under Section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“I appreciate my House colleagues passing the Federal Working Animal Protection Act and joining me in standing up for our law enforcement animals who help keep Americans safe,” said Rep. Calvert. “Coming to America is a privilege, not a right. Anyone who assaults a law enforcement animal, like Freddie, simply has no place in our country. Animals like Freddie work to keep us safe, so it’s only right for us to take steps to protect them.”

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens along with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act, legislation to help communities upgrade wastewater systems, address emerging contaminants like PFAS, and keep water bills affordable.

“Clean water is essential for our health, our economy, and the future of the Great Lakes,” said Rep. Stevens. “Michigan knows all too well the impact of contaminants like PFAS on our communities. This legislation will help utilities deploy next-generation wastewater treatment technologies, modernize infrastructure, and keep water safe and affordable.”

“Across the country, communities are facing a growing challenge: confronting contaminants like PFAS, modernizing aging wastewater infrastructure, and doing so without imposing unsustainable costs on families and ratepayers. This bipartisan legislation delivers the kind of smart, targeted federal partnership needed to help utilities deploy proven treatment technologies, strengthen public health protections, and keep water affordable. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, I have worked to keep these issues at the forefront, and this bill is an important step toward giving communities the tools they need to meet today’s challenges and build long-term water resilience,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

Each day, wastewater treatment plants process tens of billions of gallons of wastewater nationwide. But as new contaminants emerge, many communities face steep costs to install the advanced technologies needed to keep water safe. According to an EPA study, estimated costs for needed improvements in Michigan ballooned to $181 million in 2022—the most recent year we have accurate data for.

The Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act would create a five-year federal grant program to help water utilities deploy advanced treatment technologies—such as granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis—that remove difficult pollutants, like PFAS. These treatment technologies also help prevent harmful algal blooms that threaten the Great Lakes.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Authorize $1 billion over five years for advanced wastewater treatment projects across the country, covering up to 50% of project costs.

• Direct at least 49% of funding to communities that do not have the financial resources to replace infrastructure on their own and waive cost-share requirements for those recipients.

• Cap administrative costs at 1% for the EPA and participating states.

• Launch a national study evaluating how effectively advanced treatment technologies remove contaminants such as PFAS.

This legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Michigan Rural Water Association.

“Clean water utilities are on the front lines of protecting public health and the environment, but the rising costs of advanced wastewater treatment technologies—especially to address emerging contaminants like PFAS—are placing real strain on communities and ratepayers,” said Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). “The bipartisan Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act would provide targeted federal support to help utilities deploy proven advanced treatment solutions, prioritize disadvantaged communities, and ensure Americans continue to have access to affordable, reliable clean water.”

The bill text can be found here.

 

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

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced legislation that would guarantee incarcerated workers nationwide receive the federal minimum wage for their labor. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act would ensure incarcerated workers are paid at least the federal minimum wage, eliminate excessive wage deductions, and extend basic labor protections to workers in correctional facilities nationwide. This legislation builds on ongoing efforts to address the lack of fair compensation for incarcerated workers across the United States and recognizes the vital contributions of those in correctional facilities, including their heroic efforts battling the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is endorsed by criminal justice reform advocate Kim Kardashian.

“For too long, incarcerated workers across our country have labored for pennies an hour while performing essential work that keeps our correctional facilities and communities running,” said Congressman Cleaver. “The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is about restoring dignity to work and fairness to a system that has too often taken advantage of those seeking redemption. By guaranteeing the federal minimum wage and extending basic labor protections, we can help incarcerated individuals meet their financial obligations, support their families, and better prepare for successful reentry into society. If we are serious about reducing recidivism and building safer communities, we must ensure that work performed by incarcerated Americans is valued and compensated fairly.”

“It is time to end the exploitative practices in correctional facilities and ensure incarcerated workers are treated with dignity and paid minimum wage for their labor,” said Senator Booker. “Too often, incarcerated people are never able to pay restitution to their victims, or save enough money to ensure a successful reentry, resulting in a never-ending cycle of recidivism. Incarcerated workers contribute meaningful labor that supports our economy and our communities, yet they are denied a fair wage that could help support victims and assist in their reentry. This legislation reflects a principle that all Americans support: if someone is working, they should be paid fairly.”

“Incarcerated workers are workers. They deserve fair pay so they can have the resources they need to succeed upon reentry,” said Representative Kamlager-Dove. “Yet while mega-corporations raise prices and squeeze families, they exploit incarcerated people to produce everyday goods—from cereal to hot dogs—paying just pennies an hour. Because these workers are disproportionately Black and people of color, this practice is a modern-day form of slavery enabled by a loophole in the 13th Amendment. I’m proud to co-lead this bill to right that wrong by ensuring incarcerated workers are paid the federal minimum wage.” 

“Most Americans believe in working hard, being treated fairly, and giving people a second chance. That’s why I’m speaking out in strong support of Senator Cory Booker’s Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act, a bill that reflects our American values by addressing something many people don’t realize is happening right now across the country. Every day, incarcerated people work, some clean and maintain the very facilities they live in, others help fight wildfires, manufacture products, or do jobs that benefit state economies. But despite their labor, many earn less than a dollar an hour. Some earn nothing at all. This isn’t just a policy flaw, it’s a moral issue. Incarcerated people may be serving sentences, but they’re still human beings. If we expect people to work and contribute, we should also give them the opportunity to earn fair pay. That’s how we prepare them to reenter society, support their families, and avoid the cycle of poverty and incarceration. I personally watched incarcerated people who risked their lives battling the massive wildfires in Los Angeles last year. They showed so much bravery and commitment doing the same dangerous work as professional firefighters but they were paid just a few dollars a day. In many cases, they’re banned from even applying for firefighting jobs once they’re released. That’s not just unfair, it’s un-American. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act doesn’t just address wages, it reinforces the principle that work should be respected, and that everyone deserves the chance to earn an honest living. It helps people take responsibility and prepare for life after prison, while also supporting victims through restitution and reducing the long-term cost of incarceration to taxpayers. This is not a partisan issue—it’s a human one. No matter where you stand politically, we can all agree: when someone works, they should be paid fairly. And if we want people to return home ready to contribute to society, we need to give them a fair shot. I’m urging lawmakers on both sides and people across the country to support this legislation. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is about justice, accountability, and opportunity. Hard work should always be respected, and everyone deserves the chance to earn an honest living,” said Kim Kardashian.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution formally abolished slavery, “except as a punishment for crime,” which has enabled the exploitation of incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities across the country. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is an important step towards closing this loophole and would provide additional protections for incarcerated Americans by:

• Requiring incarcerated workers to be covered under the federal minimum wage through amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Eliminating excessive wage deductions for fees, fines, and basic living costs within correctional facilities.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is the latest bill introduced by Rep. Cleaver this year focused on reducing recidivism and strengthening protections for incarcerated Americans. In January, Rep. Cleaver introduced the Prison Libraries Act to expand library resources in U.S. state and territory correctional facilities.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is endorsed by: The American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center for Justice, Center for Law and Social Policy, Economic Policy Institute, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Safer Foundation, Tzedek Association, the Vera Institute of Justice, and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

Official text of the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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

Auburn Hills, MI— Today, in response to Vice President Vance’s visit to Engineering Design Services Inc., a manufacturing facility in her district, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have done nothing but drive up costs for Michigan workers and lose our state thousands of jobs. This visit is more of the same—empty rhetoric and political stunts, not meaningful action to improve lives. Michiganders know the difference.

“I’ve visited nearly 200 manufacturing plants across Michigan. I’ve been on the shop floors with workers, listening to their challenges and working to bring jobs back and strengthen our supply chains. That’s what doing the work actually looks like.

“Manufacturing isn’t just a talking point in Michigan. It’s our economy, our livelihoods, and our future. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and invest in Michigan’s manufacturing economy. Vance is just passing through.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed H.R. 7813, NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, during a full committee markup. This important legislation will direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to modernize and expand a nationwide Weather Radio network, provide emergency alerts, and remain resilient during emergencies.

“When every second counts, it is essential for the U.S. to have a reliable Weather Radio network,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act will ensure all Americans have access to life-saving alerts even in times of power outages or extreme weather events. As natural disasters continue to intensify, this legislation marks an important step towards proactively protecting Americans from catastrophe.”

Highlights of H.R. 7813:

• Classifies National Weather Service personnel as protective service occupations and directs NOAA to not carry out staffing changes affecting these positions unless Congress is notified.
• Replaces aging transmitters and upgrades broadcasting capabilities to improve reliability.
• Expands access in rural and remote areas.
• Enhances flash-flood alerts and supports the National Weather Service workforce delivering critical information.

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

WASHINGTON — Last night, Speaker Johnson joined Sean Hannity on Fox News to discuss Democrats’ demand to defund Customs and Border Protection – and reopen American borders – in exchange for their votes to pay TSA agents and fund FEMA for the American people. Speaker Johnson also addressed the Democrats once again being on the wrong side of a 90/10 issue with their opposition to the SAVE America Act.

“House Democrats and Senate Democrats have joined together – the same group that gave us wide open borders and defunding the police is at it again,” Speaker Johnson said. “They are refusing to reopen TSA and FEMA for the American people unless they can also reopen the borders for illegal aliens. That’s exactly what’s at stake right now.”

Watch the full interview here.

On Democrat attempts to reopen America’s borders:

Listen, this is what’s really important. People don’t understand, the Department of Homeland Security is the third largest department of the federal government. There are 10 agencies in DHS, and they happen to be the agencies that are there, just as the name suggests, to keep Americans safe. You have 260,000 employees [at DHS]. One of those agencies, just one of them, is Customs and Border Protection. It’s the largest federal law enforcement agency in America, and they are trying to defund it. They want to defund the police, and this time, it’s the people that keep the borders closed and keep our community safe and deport these dangerous people out of our country.

On Democrats voting against legislation to deport illegal aliens who commit fraud:

This is a very important thing. We’ve got to crack down on fraud, waste and abuse in government, the abuse of our federal welfare programs. Obviously, it’s a big problem in the country. And if you have illegal aliens who have already violated the law to come here and they’re engaging in these other crimes, you know, bilking the federal taxpayers, they ought to be immediately deported. The Democrats do not want to deport criminal illegal aliens, but 83% of Americans do. They understand this is critical to maintain the rule of law and law and order.

On the SAVE America Act: 

We certainly encourage all Senators to do the right thing and do what the American people demand and deserve. The Republican Senators are working hard to pass the SAVE America Act. Of course, we passed it out of the House three times. The SAVE Act twice, and now the SAVE America Act. Sean, very simply, you’re talking about requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID when you show up to do that. Those are 90/10 issues in the country, and 70% of Democrats say that is a commonsense regulation and restriction on voting. And they won’t do it. The Democrats in the Senate will not do it.

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced her support for new legislation that would provide automatic refunds to small businesses and families forced to pay President Trump’s reckless tariffs. While large corporations can fight in court to reclaim their losses, most small businesses lack the resources to recover these payments — leaving them and their customers to bear the cost.

“Reckless tariffs are a direct tax on Kansas families, raising prices on groceries, gas, and everyday goods, and squeezing small businesses,” said Davids. “The Supreme Court has made clear that these tariffs were illegal, yet the Trump Administration continues to announce more. This new bill would ensure hardworking Kansans and small businesses actually get the refunds they deserve — not just the largest, wealthiest corporations. This is a necessary step to restore fairness, lower costs, and protect Kansas communities.”

WATCH: Davids speaks on her support for the Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses (RELIEF) Act

Trump’s tariff policies have hit Kansas hard, driving up costs for families and threatening small businesses and farmers. According to estimates, average American households will pay roughly $2,500 more this year because of these policies. Local industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail have faced higher costs for imported goods, forcing some businesses to raise consumer prices, cut jobs, or close entirely.

While the Supreme Court ruled these tariffs illegal, the administration is still implementing them. Refunds are being discussed, but under the current system, small businesses often lack the resources to reclaim funds, while large corporations can pursue lengthy litigation to recover tariff payments.

The RELIEF Act would:

• Require automatic refunds for all tariffs collected since January 1, 2025 – so small businesses and families don’t have to wait years or hire lawyers to get back the money they were forced to pay.
• Ensure refunds are processed within 90 days of enactment – giving immediate relief to businesses struggling with higher costs and helping keep prices lower for everyday consumers.
• Eliminate the need for individual applications or formal protests – removing bureaucratic hurdles so small businesses and families can actually access the refunds without extra cost, confusion, or delay.

Davids has consistently pushed back on the President’s blanket tariffs and supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer who are being hit hard by these unstable policies and hosted a press conference on her efforts to push back on tariffs. Most recently, she voted to end President Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canada, which are raising costs for Americans.