MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks on the House Floor during debate on H. J. RES. 139, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:
 

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.
 

“I thank the Chairman for yielding – the Ranking Member for yielding. The American people are, obviously, got to be so confused about this debate because one side claims they are bringing us an amendment, a balanced budget amendment, and their history has been – and I’ve been here for some time – Ronald Reagan increased the budget by 189%. Why do I say Ronald Reagan did it? Because he could have vetoed any spending bill and we would not have overridden that veto. In 2001, we cut taxes, and we were told by our Republican colleagues it would raise additional monies. It did not. Then some of those, particularly who are claiming, ‘Well, we made a deal and we’re keeping it. We’re getting this constitutional amendment on the Floor,’ what was the deal for? The deal was to vote for the Big, Bad Bill, which created $4.7 trillion of additional deficit, Mr. and Mrs. America. That’s a tough way to want to balance the budget.

“We have a ‘paying for’ problem. That’s the discipline, a ‘paying for’ problem, not a spending or revenue problem. What we have is a paying problem. If we would pay for things, which presumably this constitutional amendment would seek, then we would not have this continuing deficit. But you and I both know we’re not going to do that, and you haven’t done it. We haven’t done it. Jodey Arrington is right to that extent. This is a problem where we do not recognize the real problems of why we are so deeply in debt, and we pretend cutting nickels and dimes will make a difference. Now, they are big nickels and dimes, I get that. But the fact of the matter is, it is dishonest, in my view, for me or anybody else, to come to the Floor and say, ‘I want to balance the budget,’ and then vote for the largest creation of debt ever on this Floor. Defeat this amendment. Defeat this suspension bill. I yield back the balance of my time.”

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

Supports sensible 1982 U.S. Supreme Court precedent

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act of 2026 to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the U.S. Secretary of Energy to establish at least two bioindustrial scale-up facilities in the United States. These facilities would accelerate the scaling of emerging bioindustrial technologies, including coordinating with other relevant facilities and federal agencies. Congressman Baird was joined by Representatives Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) in introducing this legislation.

“As a farmer and scientist, I know how important biotechnology is to strengthening our world-class agriculture industry,” said Congressman Baird. “To ensure our country continues to lead the world in biotechnology, we must promote opportunities to develop new products and move them to market. I am pleased to introduce this important legislation to ensure the Department of Energy has the tools to accelerate the scaling of emerging bioindustrial technologies, strengthen U.S. biotechnology competitiveness, secure our supply chains, and unlock new opportunities for scientific breakthroughs and economic growth.”

“The U.S. is by far the leader in biotech innovation, but we lack the infrastructure to keep up with the demand despite having all the necessary elements to biomanufacture American innovations,” said National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Chairman Senator Todd Young. “The Department of Energy has the expertise and facilities to meet the sector’s needs, particularly for innovations that will strengthen our defense and energy capabilities. I’m glad to support my colleagues in the House on this legislation that will expand biomanufacturing capacity and create jobs for Hoosiers and innovators all across America.”

“I am proud to cosponsor the Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act with Rep. Baird,” said Representative Stephanie Bice. “This legislation will help accelerate emerging bioindustrial technologies, including through coordination with relevant facilities such as the Department of Defense, to strengthen our supply chains and energy resiliency.”

“Southeastern Pennsylvania is home to world-class universities, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving the next generation of biotechnology innovation,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “But too often, promising ideas never make it out of the lab because businesses lack the infrastructure needed to prove their technologies can work at commercial scale—while countries like China are rapidly investing in the facilities needed to commercialize these breakthroughs. I’m grateful to partner with Congressman Baird on this bipartisan effort to help ensure that the biotechnology solutions developed in communities like mine can be manufactured here in the United States, strengthening our supply chains, economy, and energy security.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

Today’s markup was the third this Congress to repeal D.C.’s use of automated traffic enforcement measures and its law limiting right turn on red.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Highlights US Embassy and Consulate Staff Needs in the Pacific Islands

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata took part in a Wednesday hearing of the full House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), making remarks leading to her questions, directed to Under Secretary of State for Management Jason S. Evans, and highlighting the U.S. Foreign Service needs in the Pacific Islands and elsewhere. 

The HFAC hearing room from the Member’s view.

“I’m going to focus my questions on the staffing of our embassies and consulates. Other colleagues have echoed this concern, but I’m concerned about the Pacific,” said Congresswoman Amata in the hearing. “China is out-competing us in almost every single country in the Pacific. In neighboring independent Samoa, we have only 12 diplomatic staff – if that! While the Chinese have a three-story building filled to the brim with staff. And that repeats itself over the entirety of the Pacific. We don’t even have a diplomatic presence in Kiribati – how are we supposed to show the Pacific that we’re committed, when we’re not even present? I also hear from Pacific communities on the lack of consular services in the Pacific.”

Congresswoman Amata in the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. 

She inquired where the most acute staffing needs are for the Foreign Service, and how that need for Foreign Service officers is undermining U.S. influence or strategic interests in these places.

Congresswoman Amata in the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. 

Under Secretary Evans testified that the U.S. has recently stood up new embassies and is working hard to fill them, noting current difficulty for parts of Africa, saying, “We do have people that are willing to go out to the Pacific Islands and serve in those posts.”

He continued, “We do have some staffing gaps in some of our missions, but I feel like we’re able to get enough people out on the filed with the right skill sets and with the right support from Washington to manage the situation.”

Video of Congresswoman Amata’s comments and the Under Secretary’s complete testimony in his own words are available HERE, along with the photos and captions.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) joined House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49), along with more than 100 House Democrats today to introduce the Energy Bills Relief Act. This legislation takes a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the most reliable and low-cost source of power available.

“President Trump promised to cut energy bills in half in his first year in office; instead, household electric bills have spiked 13 percent,” Congressman Tonko, Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and SEEC co-chair said. “With necessities from utilities and gas to groceries and health care on the rise, it is imperative that Congress takes the needed steps to deliver real, immediate relief to families. Our Energy Bills Relief Act gets the job done. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this bill that would drive down energy prices for Americans while advancing our 21st century clean energy infrastructure and creating a brighter future for our economy, planet, and children.”

 

 

 

The Energy Bills Relief Act prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy by:

• Reinstating tax credits for home and system-wide energy improvements that were ended by President Trump and congressional Republicans
• Incentivizing utility companies to save consumers’ money by rewarding them for making their systems more efficient, thereby lowering bills 
• Providing financial assistance to American families to make sure their power isn’t shut off
• Cracking down on price gouging, so energy companies can’t take advantage of you to boost their profits
• Ensuring that facilities like data centers are paying for their own costs because it’s not fair for their expenses to be pushed onto your household if one opens in your area
• Giving a voice to the American people so they can benefit from energy projects in their community

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Today, during a speech on the House floor, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) asked his colleagues to join him in praying for all Nebraskans as they battle the worst wildfire crisis in state history. 
 

Click the image above to watch a video of Smith’s remarks
Click here to download audio
Click here to download video

During his remarks, Smith highlighted the devastation of over 826,000 acres burned as efforts to contain the fires continue. He reaffirmed the support of the entire Nebraska federal delegation and encouraged impacted producers to document their losses to ensure that they receive all the disaster assistance for which they are eligible.

Additionally, Smith called on Senate Democrats to end their political games and vote to reopen the Department of Homeland Security so future FEMA disaster relief funding and other vital programs are not put at risk. 

Following is a transcript of Smith’s remarks as prepared for delivery: 

Mr. Speaker, 

I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in keeping the people of Nebraska in your thoughts and prayers as our state confronts the worst wildfire crisis in our history. 

Nebraska has always been defined by resilience. From the pioneers who endured brutal blizzards, devastating droughts, and an uncertain future to build a life on the Great Plains, to the families who call it home today—that spirit has never left us. It is who we are. 

And today, that spirit is being tested once again. 

On March 12th, four fires ignited across central and western Nebraska. In less than a week, they have burned over 826,000 acres and there is still no clear end in sight. 

This past weekend, I joined Governor Pillen and Senator Ricketts to tour the affected areas and meet with local officials to learn about the latest containment efforts. What I saw and heard was sobering. 

The scale of this devastation is staggering. 

Across 10 counties, no less than 46 structures have been destroyed—470 more threatened, at least 600 Nebraskans have had to evacuate their homes, and one Nebraskan, Rose White of Arthur, has lost her life. I want to take a moment to offer my heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all who knew and loved her. 

Right now, these fires continue to burn, and Mother Nature is not predicted to be of assistance anytime soon. 

The Morrill Fire, now the largest wildfire in Nebraska’s history, has already burned more than 643,000 acres and is only 16 percent contained. The Cottonwood Fire has taken over 131,000 acres and is just 40 percent contained. The Road 203 Fire has burned more than 35,000 acres and is only 36 percent contained, and the Anderson Bridge Fire has burned up to 17,000 acres and is 60 percent contained. 

And yet, even in the face of this disaster, Nebraskans are doing what we have always done: coming together. 

Neighbors are helping neighbors, unaffected communities across our state are sending their support, and a countless number of brave volunteer firefighters and first responders continue to work around the clock, putting everything on the line to protect lives, land, and livelihoods. 

Governor Pillen has deployed the Nebraska National Guard and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has sent Iowa National Guard helicopters with Bambi buckets and crews trained for firefighting operations to assist these efforts. 

This is what it means to look out for one another. And while this fight is far from over, we must remember what is at stake. Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy and a way of life for countless families. These fires are not just burning land; they are threatening livelihoods. 

Heading into the summer, it is expected that more than 35,000 head of cattle will be without grass this grazing season. Tens of millions of dollars’ worth of fences and other crucial infrastructure have been lost.  

This means, for many producers, the hardship will continue long after these fires are contained. 

To those producers, I want to say: when it is safe, please document your losses. Federal disaster assistance programs are available, and I want to ensure that you receive the support you are eligible for. 

I also want to take a moment to be honest about what’s happening here in Washington. While Nebraska is battling the worst wildfire in our state’s history, Senate Democrats are continuing to hold funding for the Department of Homeland Security hostage—putting future FEMA disaster relief funding at risk. Enough is enough, disaster relief and other vital programs should never be used as a political pawn.

To all Nebraskans: know that you have the full support of the entire federal Nebraska delegation and we stand ready to help in any way we can. We’ve faced tough times before. And we’ve always come through them—stronger, together. We’ll do that again now, because that’s who we are as Nebraskans.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

March 16, 2026

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Reps. Swalwell, Barragán, Lofgren, Simon, Mullin, & Sens. Padilla, Schiff Demand Answers from State Department and DHS After Deaf Six-Year-Old Deported Without Hearing Devices

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Eric Swalwell, alongside Reps. Nanette Barragán, Zoe Lofgren, Lateefah Simon, Kevin Mullin, and Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State demanding urgent answers following the deportation of a Hayward mother and her two young children, including her six-year-old son, Joseph, who was removed from the country without his assistive hearing devices. 

The letter outlines serious humanitarian and due-process concerns surrounding the deportation of Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez and her children after they appeared for a routine immigration check-in in San Francisco. According to the family’s attorney, Rodriguez Gutierrez complied with the law and presented herself for the required check-in, where she and her children were detained and deported to Colombia Joseph had been learning American Sign Language and attending school in the United States before the deportation. According to the family, his removal from his community and support system has led to severe isolation and distress. The family has filed applications for humanitarian parole that would allow them to return to the United States while Joseph’s medical and educational needs are addressed and the circumstances of the deportation are investigated.

“What did this family do wrong?” said Rep. Swalwell. “The deportation of a young deaf child without the assistive hearing devices he needs is dangerous. Sadly, there appears to be no line this administration won’t cross. I’m past frustration. I’m outraged. We will not allow this treatment to continue. My colleagues and I are demanding answers, and we demand them now.”

“There is no excuse for ICE to have taken away 6-year-old Joseph’s hearing aids. None. To take away a young child’s tools that help him to hear is a cruelty that is both disgusting and pointless. Shame on DHS and ICE. They must work to bring the family back to the US and get Joseph the care he needs and deserves,” said Congresswoman Barragán.

“It’s really unconscionable to deport a deaf six-year-old without his hearing devices. This administration claimed that they were targeting the worst of the worst with their immigration policies, and yet they’re going after disabled children. The Gutierrez family was trying to follow the law, and they need to be returned to their home in Hayward,” said Congresswoman Lofgren.

“The Administration’s treatment of the Rodriguez Gutierrez family and their deaf 6-year-old son is cruel, unnecessary, and sickening. As the first congenitally blind Member to serve in Congress, I join my California colleagues in demanding answers and holding the Department of Homeland Security accountable for their disturbing treatment of minors with disabilities — so this never happens again,” said Congresswoman Simon. “No government that calls itself humane would treat people like this, and we will keep pushing until this deportation machine that is terrorizing families is stopped.”

“Deporting a six-year-old deaf child while refusing to let him retrieve his hearing aids is a truly shameful example of the Trump Administration’s utterly inhumane and chaotic approach to immigration. I am hard of hearing and know firsthand how essential hearing aids are, yet I can still only imagine the terror and unnecessary trauma this poor child endured under DHS. I have also visited the California School for the Deaf where this young child attended, and my heart breaks for his family and the entire community. I join my colleagues in demanding DHS immediately answer why they failed to follow disability protections and explain the legal basis for ICE’s ridiculously cruel actions in this case,” said Congressman Mullin.

“There is no excuse for ICE to have taken away 6-year-old Joseph’s hearing aids. None. To take away a young child’s tools that help him to hear is a cruelty that is both disgusting and pointless. Shame on DHS and ICE. They must work to bring the family back to the US and get Joseph the care he needs and deserves,” said Congresswoman Barragán.

“The deportation of six-year-old Joseph Londono Rodriguez and his family is inhumane and inexcusable. Donald Trump’s out-of-control ICE and CBP continue terrorizing California communities through indiscriminate immigration enforcement, going as far as disappearing a deaf first-grader without his hearing aids during a routine immigration check in,” said Senator Padilla. “The cruelty and lawlessness have to end. We’re demanding the Trump Administration bring Ms. Rodriguez Gutierrez and her sons back immediately to a safe community away from isolation where Joseph can receive the specialized accommodations and continuity of care he needs.”

“The deportation of a deaf child seeking asylum and his family from the Bay Area is yet another tragic example of how Donald Trump’s indiscriminate immigration raids are targeting the most vulnerable among us,” said Senator Schiff. “Joseph Londono Rodriguez should be at home in California, and we will do all we can to reverse this.”

The letter calls on DHS and the State Department to work immediately with the family’s legal representatives to facilitate the family’s return to the United States through humanitarian parole, allowing Joseph to regain access to the specialized care, services, and stability he needs while the circumstances of the deportation are reviewed.

The letter requests detailed information from the administration, including:

• The legal basis for detaining and deporting Rodriguez Gutierrez and her children after appearing for a scheduled immigration check-in.
• Evidence supporting claims that she “agreed” to deportation and whether she had access to legal counsel before any such agreement.
• What assessment, if any, was conducted regarding Joseph’s disability and his need for assistive hearing devices.
• Why immigration officials withheld the child’s hearing devices during the deportation process.
• Whether DHS complied with federal disability protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, which require reasonable accommodations and continuity of care.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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