MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Inflation data released by the Trump Administration today via the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed prices surging, as inflation reached the highest levels in three years. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report found that prices rose at an annual rate of 3.8 percent in April. The increase was driven by skyrocketing fuel and gas prices amid President Trump’s unpopular war with Iran, but other items including groceries, electricity, and travel expenses also saw steep increases.

Rep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, said:

“As the American people suffer the ill effects of higher prices inflicted on them through a foolish war they largely oppose, Republicans in Washington – who keep voting to continue that war – are preparing to spend a billion dollars in taxpayer money on a fancy golden ballroom for Donald Trump.

“This is not the leadership of American statesmen, it is the behavior of deliriously out-of-touch Ancien Régime aristocrats. And no one is more out of touch than Trump himself, who keeps insisting that the affordability crisis is a ‘hoax’ while he does all he can to make life less affordable for American families. Prices are rising at a catastrophic rate thanks to this disastrous war of choice, and Trump is alternating between bloviating to his lackeys about his ballroom and yelling at clouds in manic late night social media tantrums.

“The Constitution empowers Congress to make our country better and stronger, reflect the popular will, and rein in Executive Branch excesses. This Republican-led rubber stamp Congress is among the weakest in our history, and their surrender of power amid economic calamity and blatant presidential corruption is a national embarrassment that will be long remembered. The American people deserve better.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

The Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Reps. Doris Matsui (CA), Don Beyer (VA), and Maxine Dexter (OR) released a statement following the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) decision to formally strike down the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, or “Public Lands Rule”.

“The Department of the Interior struck down much-needed guidance for our nation’s largest land agency that laid out a balanced approach when it comes to managing 245 million acres of America’s public lands,” said the Task Force Co-Chairs. “This is a devastating attack on our public lands and the freedom for our children and future generations to explore the great outdoors. The Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule reiterated the simple and straightforward concept that conservation should be equally valued alongside energy extraction and mining uses of our public lands. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to go against the wishes of the American people and tilt the scales in favor of corrupt polluters. SEEC’s Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force will continue to fight alongside the overwhelming American majority who support the responsible management and conservation of our nation’s special places.”

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

Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Donald Trump supporting Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration following wildfires across the state.

Read the letter below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed wildfires that have broken out and forced evacuations, for the Nebraska counties of Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morrill Counties over periods during March and April of 2026. 

The Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby, and Minor Fires collectively burned over 800,000 acres across Nebraska, with the Morrill Fire alone burning over 640,000 acres, a Nebraska record. Extreme drought combined with high winds and low humidity led to unpredictable behavior and mass destruction. 

We know our Nebraskan communities will prove their resilience as they continue to recover from this hardship, as they have exhibited many times in previous years. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in their ongoing efforts to contain these wildfires and provide assistance where it is needed. 

We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.

Click here to view a copy of the transmitted letter. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Dingell Reintroduces Arthritis Awareness Month Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) introduced a bill to ensure low-income women can access comprehensive breast examinations at no cost. The No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act will help women – regardless of their income – get timely access to comprehensive breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs.

“This legislation lowers health care costs for women on Medicaid to better ensure that no one is forced to delay or forgo care because they cannot afford it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is critical. But too many patients still face financial barriers to follow-up exams like MRIs and ultrasounds. By removing these costs, we can make sure that every woman has access to timely, lifesaving care,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“No woman should have to delay or go without a necessary breast exam because it’s too expensive. Our bill will make a huge difference with early detection, so women can get the care they need faster,” said Congressman Landsman.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women enrolled in Medicaid, many screening mammograms are covered, but they can still face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic exams and supplemental imaging.

To ensure there are no financial barriers to breast cancer detection and care, Congresswoman Dingell and Congressman Landsman introduced the No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act – legislation that requires diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations, including diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, are covered under Medicaid.

Read the bill text HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act. The legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.

“This bipartisan legislation will ban Chinese vehicles from coming into our country and undercutting our workers through massive government subsidies, unfair trade practices, and slave labor. I am not interested in repeating the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country while politicians told workers globalization would somehow magically work itself out. America can compete with anyone in the world when there’s a level playing field because there is nobody better than the American worker. Auto workers are facing uncertainty, but I am certain about one thing: the future of the American auto industry must be built by American workers,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

Modern vehicles integrate advanced communications technology capable of collecting and transmitting vast amounts of sensitive data, including location, operational data, and personal information. In some cases, the vehicles can also be remotely accessed and controlled. China now exports nearly 8 million vehicles annually, approximately twice the volume of any other country. The country’s automotive companies operate under Chinese law that forces them to cooperate with China’ s state security and intelligence services upon demand.

“The American auto industry is vital for jobs, national security, and the future of America’s manufacturing base. China cheats in every industry, and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components, and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of business. In some cases, Chinese companies, including CATL and BYD, use slave labor to undercut the fair wages of hardworking Americans. These companies should not be allowed to do business in America, and their products shouldn’t be in our cars or threatening our infrastructure,” said Congressman Moolenaar.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act builds on the work of two administrations. In 2019, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency with respect to foreign threats to America’s information and communications technology supply chain, establishing the legal authority for the federal government to act. The Biden Administration used that authority to finalize regulations in January 2025 prohibiting connected vehicle software and hardware linked to China and Russia. The Connected Vehicle Security Act expands those protections in statute. 

The Connected Vehicle Security Act would:

• Prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into U.S. commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by a covered foreign adversary country, effective January 1, 2027;

• Prohibit connected vehicle software and hardware linked to covered foreign adversaries, with software prohibitions effective January 1, 2027 and hardware prohibitions effective January 1, 2030;

• Cover China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran;

• Direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a declaration of conformity process, authorization and waiver procedures, and a binding ruling and advisory opinion mechanism for industry compliance;

• Establish civil penalties of at least $1.5 million for each violation of the law.

Read the full bill text HERE. A companion version of the bill was introduced in the Senate.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Dingell, Moolenaar to Introduce Legislation Banning Chinese Vehicles, Protecting American Economy and National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced he has joined the Congressional Mental Health Caucus as Co-Chair, joining fellow co-chairs Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Andrea Salinas (D-OR).
 
“As more Americans recognize the importance of addressing and supporting mental health, Congress must continue to address these critical issues as well. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Don Beyer, Don Bacon, and Andrea Salinas as Mental Health Caucus co-chair. Mental health isn’t a partisan issue,” said Rep. Kelly.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Mike has been a strong bipartisan partner on efforts to support youth mental health and expand investment in mental health research,” said Rep. Beyer. “His leadership will strengthen our work, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to advance meaningful legislation to build a stronger, more accessible system of care to tackle the mental health crisis.”

“We know our country faces a mental health crisis, and that means we must keep working together toward solutions,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Kelly as a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus as we continue advancing bipartisan efforts to improve care.”

“I am excited to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as a fellow co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Congressman Kelly has worked across the aisle to ensure Americans can access the treatment they need,” said Rep. Salinas. “I look forward to working alongside him to strengthen bipartisan legislation to ensure every person can access high-quality, affordable mental healthcare.”

BACKGROUND

Rep. Kelly has worked on bipartisan efforts focused on youth mental health and mental health research. Together with Rep. Beyer, he co-leads the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act, which would help schools establish student-led peer support programs to identify and respond to youth mental health challenges. Kelly also leads the Mental Health Research Accelerator Act to encourage public-private partnerships and expand investment in mental health and neurological research.

Beyer is a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus’ Suicide Prevention Task Force and author of the bipartisan Barriers to Suicide Act, which would require the Department of Transportation to establish grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure. Beyer also leads an annual appropriations letter on bipartisan suicide prevention programs, which supports funding for 988, and suicide prevention programs at the CDC and SAMHSA.

Bacon leads mental health initiatives focused on crisis response and veterans’ mental health, including the STOP Suicide Act to expand federal support for services for individuals in crisis and recovery. He also introduced the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would improve coordination of mental health programs for veterans and transitioning servicemembers.

Salinas has introduced several bills to improve access to mental health care, including the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act, which would provide three free behavioral health visits per year for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, as well as the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act, which would expand access to telehealth services for rural Americans who continue to face barriers to in-person mental health care. She is also a co-founder of the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus that seeks to address health care gaps in rural communities, especially related to mental health care.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) led 31 Democratic Members in sending a letter to President Donald Trump regarding his legally dubious April 24, 2026, termination of all 22 Members of the National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises Congress and the President on the activities of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and it has served this function since the creation of NSF in 1950. In their letter, the Members call into question the legal basis of this decision and demand that President Trump reinstate the Board immediately.

The Members wrote in their letter, “Firing the Board was essentially a middle finger to Congressional intent, making your spokesperson’s claim that you ‘look forward to working with the Hill to update the statute and ensure the NSB can perform its duties as Congress intended’ particularly ludicrous. We still await your outreach on this matter.”

The Members continued, “The writing is on the wall, and it spells disaster for our scientific excellence. For over 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been the envy of the world. Our allies and adversaries alike have sought to emulate it, so they could attempt to nurture similarly boundary-pushing scientific ecosystems. Amongst our own scientific agencies, it is a crown jewel, setting the standard for scientific excellence. Purging the 22 scientists who are responsible for guiding NSF is the nail in the coffin for an agency that has weathered 15 months of attacks by you and your ignorant cronies.”

Read the letter here. 

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

GREENBELT, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced the winner of the 2026 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition (CAC) as Jenna Tran, a sophomore at Arundel High School in Anne Arundel County, for her piece titled A Dream.
 

Jenna Tran’s winning piece, A Dream
 

“Congratulations to Jenna Tran on winning the 2026 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Hoyer. “Her artwork conveys how the imagination of our youth is fascinating and powerful, and I applaud her artistic technique and creativity. I look forward to viewing her piece in the Capitol complex this year, where it will represent our district well.”

“To me, art has always been a source of personal expression, a reflection of my voice. To win this competition has meant giving me an opportunity to publicly express my own beliefs in a way I wouldn’t have felt comfortable to do so otherwise,” said Jenna Tran. “In my art, I hope others can find inspiration, compassion, and hope. Everyone carries a dream, and I hope that through this piece, people feel encouraged to express their dreams.”

Jenna Tran lives in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Her artwork was created with colored pencils and acrylic on paper. She illustrated a group of children while one child looks up at the viewer as bright colors and embellishments emerge from the top of his head. Jenna aimed to depict the enormous vision that children carry every day and sought to communicate how their aspirations and desires deserve to be heard just as loudly as everyone else’s. A Dream will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with the winning entries in other congressional districts’ art competitions.

“I also wanted to congratulate our top placing contestants and every high school student who participated in the 2026 Art Competition,” said Congressman Hoyer. “Each participant submitted an outstanding piece of artwork, and I was pleased to see the dedication and creativity demonstrated in their submissions.”

2nd place – Shaorong Chen​, St. Mary’s County: Chinese New Year

3rd place – Lily Black, St. Mary’s County: Self-Reflection

4th place – Lauren Little, Anne Arundel County: Breezing Up the West River

5th place – Jackson Naylor, Calvert County: Hidden Battles

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 

Taylor Bowen, Calvert County: Fishbowl

Ziqi Yang, Calvert County: Press X to Escape

Tabitha Greer, St. Mary’s County: Charles Leclerc in the SF-25