MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) announced his nominations of students from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District for consideration to be accepted into the United States Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval Academies in the Class of 2030.  

“I am proud to nominate 18 outstanding students from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District to attend one of our U.S. Military Service Academies. Each student brings unique talents and has already demonstrated remarkable readiness at this early stage in their careers. It is an honor to nominate them for consideration. I wish them the very best as they continue through the interview process, and I thank them for pursuing this path of service to our country,” Latta said.  

U.S. Military Academy 

Adam Buell, Pandora, Pandora Gilboa High School 

Jack Buell, Pandora, Pandora Gilboa High School 

Gavin Minich, Bloomdale, Elmwood High School 

Trever Blackburn, Lagrange, Military Academy Preparatory School 

Grant Swain, Norwalk, Sandusky Central Catholic High School 

Tyler Denn, Amherst, Marion L. Steele High School 

Benjamin Beard, Findlay, Liberty Benton High School 

Trevor Grzelak, Avon, Avon High School 

Eli Chevalier, Sycamore, Mohawk High School 

U.S. Naval Academy 

Tyler Denn, Amherst, Marion L. Steele High School 

Eli Chevalier, Sycamore, Mohawk High School 

Benjamin Beard, Findlay, Liberty Benton High School 

Jessica Linden, Wellington, The Ohio State University 

Patrick Fellenstein, Lorain, Marion L. Steele High School 

Edward Kessen, Delphos, Delphos St. John Catholic High School 

Prince Tran, Lorain, New Mexico Military Institute 

Jack Buell, Pandora, Pandora Gilboa High School 

Anderson Rowe, Elyria, Elyria Catholic High School 

Adam Buell, Pandora, Pandora Gilboa High School 

U.S. Air Force Academy 

Michele Smith, Avon, Avon High School 

Anderson Rowe, Elyria, Elyria Catholic High School 

Trevor Grzelak, Avon, Avon High School 

Aidan Stewart, Avon Lake, Avon Lake High School 

Anmithasri Senthilkumar, Findlay, Liberty Benton High School 

Anthony Forthofer, Oberlin, Firelands High School 

Jessica Linden, Wellington, The Ohio State University 

Gavin Minich, Bloomdale, Elmwood High School 

Eli Chevalier, Sycamore, Mohawk High School 

Edward Kessen, Delphos, Delphos St. John Catholic High School 

Prince Tran, Lorain, New Mexico Military Institute 

 

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 

Prince Tran, Lorain, New Mexico Military Institute 

Anderson Rowe, Elyria, Elyria Catholic High School 

NOTE: A nomination does not guarantee acceptance to an Academy; that responsibility rests with their admissions office. Additional information regarding the academy nomination and application process may be obtained from Congressman Latta’s website at latta.house.gov.  

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

WASHINGTON — Today’s editorial from the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board endorses House Republicans’ Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.

“ObamaCare’s structure was shaky by design, and now Democrats want to keep shovelling out subsidies to hide their errors. Repairing the damage the law has done to competition in healthcare markets is a bigger undertaking than the House bill attempts, but the GOP alternative is far superior to the subsidy status quo,” the Editorial Board wrote.

Read the full WSJ Editorial here or below:

The GOP’s Better Healthcare Ideas

The House bill would expand private insurance options for workers and employers—and reduce costs for taxpayers

Wall Street Journal

Editorial Board

December 16, 2025

Democrats think they have Republicans on the run on healthcare, but maybe not if the GOP fights back. On Friday House Speaker Mike Johnson offered a better alternative to the Democratic proposal to extend pandemic-era subsidies for ObamaCare: Expanding insurance choices for employers and workers. How dare he.

House Republicans plan to vote on their bill this week. The left’s chief criticism is that it doesn’t extend the sweetened ObamaCare subsidies, which expire on Dec. 31. “This so-called plan is the height of irresponsibility,” declared House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. But how is it irresponsible to increase healthcare options at lower cost for taxpayers?

Democrats boosted the ObamaCare subsidies in 2021, purportedly to help those who lost coverage during the pandemic. But the pandemic has long been over, and the richer subsidies are an inducement for fraud. They have also spurred workers to ditch employer coverage for heavily subsidized ObamaCare plans that raise costs for taxpayers.

The GOP bill would make it easier for small businesses to escape the ObamaCare regulatory morass. The bill would expand so-called association health plans that let small employers unite to sponsor group health plans. These plans would reduce premiums by expanding risk pools and give small employers more leverage with insurers.

The plans wouldn’t have to adhere to many costly ObamaCare rules, though they still couldn’t charge more for workers with pre-existing health conditions. Worker premiums for association plans would likely be lower than for ObamaCare plans. Workers might also see an increase in take-home pay if their employer’s insurance costs fall.

Association plans won’t work for all small businesses, but the GOP bill offers another option: Health reimbursement arrangements. These would let employers make tax-free payments for employees to buy their own health insurance in lieu of sponsoring a group plan. Employees would be allowed to buy their own insurance with pretax dollars, which would reduce their costs.

The Republican bill also seeks to reduce ObamaCare premiums by fixing a distortion caused by the law’s convoluted design. ObamaCare requires insurers to reduce deductibles and co-pays for low-income enrollees in benchmark silver plans. No surprise, insurers have raised premiums for these silver plans to offset the cost of these “cost-sharing” reductions.

Because ObamaCare subsidies are pegged to premiums for silver plans, the cost-sharing mandate has resulted in larger subsidies for all plans. The GOP bill would appropriate funds to insurers to pay for ObamaCare’s required cost-sharing reductions. This would reduce premiums for silver plans and, in turn, taxpayer spending on subsidies. A better solution would be to eliminate the cost-sharing mandate, which can make ObamaCare plans more attractive than employer plans for lower-income enrollees.

This is one reason the share of workers who participate in employer medical plans among those with access to them—i.e., the take-up rate—has fallen to 65% from 73% in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The take-up rate has fallen more among low-earners who get free coverage on the ObamaCare exchanges.

By the way, the Census Bureau’s annual survey of insurance coverage this year showed that the share of Americans with any coverage hasn’t changed since 2019 despite the larger ObamaCare subsidies. Enrollment in employer plans has declined but government and ObamaCare coverage has increased.

Some of the increase in ObamaCare enrollment owes to fraud, as the Paragon Health Institute has documented and the Government Accountability Office recently corroborated. Millions of people have under-reported their incomes to qualify for bigger subsidies, while brokers enroll people in plans without their knowledge to earn bigger commissions.

This year’s GOP tax bill included measures to reduce fraud, such as strengthening income verification, but many reforms don’t kick in until 2028. Ending the enhanced subsidies would at least reduce the incentives for fraud.

Yet Democrats apparently don’t care if the subsidies are gamed. Senate Democrats this week aim to call a vote under the Congressional Review Act to rescind the Administration’s regulatory antifraud reforms, such as requiring minimum $5 premium payments if people don’t actively re-enroll. That’s right, they object a measly $5 incentive to reduce fraud.

ObamaCare’s structure was shaky by design, and now Democrats want to keep shovelling out subsidies to hide their errors. Repairing the damage the law has done to competition in healthcare markets is a bigger undertaking than the House bill attempts, but the GOP alternative is far superior to the subsidy status quo.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10) and Congressman Randy Weber (TX-29) co-sponsored Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger’s (TN-01) Data Rights for Information and Vehicle Electronics in Real-time (DRIVER) Act to codify vehicle data ownership rights.

The digitization of vehicles and subsequent extensive production of vehicle data, necessitates swift action from Congress. Previously, all essential vehicle information – i.e., mileage, diagnostics, fuel levels, location data, etc. – belonged to the vehicle owner. The DRIVER Act ensures the privacy of this data, bucking the trend of auto manufacturers to effectively erode property and privacy rights.

“Auto manufacturers are secretly tracking where, when, and how you drive – and it’s an obvious threat to your Constitutional right to privacy,” said Congressman Perry. “Our DRIVER Act restores your property rights, ownership of your data, and revokes self-awarded, all-access pass to private property. When you buy a car, it’s yours – to include your vehicle-generated data. The DRIVER Act is a win for common sense and drivers across America.” 

“If you buy the car, you should own the data. It’s that simple,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger. “Automakers have quietly taken control of information that rightfully belongs to consumers. The DRIVER Act restores those property rights, strengthens privacy protections, and ensures no foreign adversary can access Americans’ sensitive vehicle data. This bill puts Americans back in the driver’s seat and protects our data and national security in the digital age.”

“In a day and age where data collection is the new gold rush, Americans shouldn’t lose control over their own personal information just by turning the key in their car,” said Congressman Weber. “Drivers deserve clear ownership of the data their vehicles generate and the peace of mind that it isn’t being misused or sent overseas. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Harshbarger on the DRIVER Act to implement these common-sense protections, safeguard privacy, and ensure vehicle data stays in the driver’s hands.”

The American Vehicle Owners Alliance also endorses this legislation.

“For too long, automakers have held the keys not just to our vehicles, but also to the data we generate by driving them. This bill is a critical step to restore trust and ensure that American drivers—not just manufacturers—access and control the information generated by their own vehicles. When you buy a car, you should own both the machine and the data it produces. For individual drivers, this means stronger privacy and property rights. For fleet owners and operators, it means fair access to their data, which they need to maintain vehicles, manage safety, and keep their businesses competitive. AVOA urges Congress to pass the DRIVER Act to protect consumers’ property rights, foster competition, and prevent unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on owners’ access to their data.” – Richard Ward, Executive Director of AVOA

You can read the full bill text HERE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

First Comprehensive Analysis Details Who Has Benefited and Who Has Been Left Behind by Trump’s Second-Term Pardons and Commutations

Pressley, Also Urges Trump Pardon Czar to Prioritize Clemency for Communities Directly Harmed by Mass Incarceration

Text of Report | Letter to Trump Pardon Czar

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) unveiled a new, first-of-its-kind report revealing how Donald Trump’s use of clemency and pardons has neglected many of the most marginalized and impacted communities. The report, titled “Trump’s Clemency Gap,” is the first comprehensive analysis of Trump’s clemency actions during his current term and details who has benefited and who has been left behind. Following the release of the report, Congresswoman Pressley sent a letter to Trump’s “pardon czar” urging her to prioritize clemency for people who have been disproportionately harmed by mass incarceration.

Congresswoman Pressley, whose own family has been personally impacted by mass incarceration, has been a leading voice in Congress advocating for presidential clemency to address the mass incarceration crisis and systemic injustices. She is also the lead sponsor of the FIX Clemency Act, legislation to transform America’s broken clemency system.

“Presidential clemency should be used to address injustices—not to reward political allies, corporations, and insurrectionists. As our report makes plain, the Trump White House has used this profound authority to shield extremists, restrict abortion access, reward corporations, and embolden corruption by erasing massive financial penalties for the wealthy and well-connected,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley in a statement alongside the report. “While millions of people suffer under mass incarceration—including Black, brown, low-income, LGBTQ+, and disabled folks—the Trump Administration has an opportunity to change course and use clemency to advance justice. We’re calling on them to do just that.”

The report, grounded in newly compiled data, reveals that despite granting more than 1,700 pardons in a single year, Trump has prioritized his most extreme supporters and political donors while neglecting communities harmed by our unjust criminal legal system.

Key Findings:

• Trump has granted more than 1,500 pardons to January 6th insurrectionists
• 85% of pardons and commutations went to white people
• Only nine clemency actions (5%) were for people convicted of drug offenses
• 10 out of 17 women (59%) pardoned by Donald Trump with convictions had obstructed or denied women’s access to healthcare
• Trump granted the first-ever pardon of a corporation to a multi-million-dollar global crypto company
• Approximately $1.4 billion in restitution and fines were lost as a result of Trump’s clemency grants
• Only 17 people (0.08%) were granted clemency through the Department of Justice application process

Congresswoman Pressley’s report analyzes more than 1,700 presidential pardons and commutations granted by Donald Trump during his current term in office. The data includes all publicly reported federal clemency actions issued from January 20, 2025, through December 15, 2025, as identified through official White House announcements, Department of Justice records, United States Sentencing Commission, academic research institutions, and news organizations.

To read the full report, click here.

In her letter to Alice Johnson, the Trump Administration’s “pardon czar,” Congresswoman Pressley highlighted America’s longstanding mass incarceration crisis and urged her to prioritize clemency for those who have been disproportionately harmed by systemic injustices, including Black and brown, low-income, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals serving mostly non-violent sentences. Congresswoman Pressley also invoked Johnson’s past support for clemency reform, including the Congresswoman’s FIX Clemency Act.

“Pardons and commutations have the power to transform people’s lives. It should not be limited to wealthy people and political allies,” wrote Congresswoman Pressley in her letter. “Your own personal story is a powerful testament to the importance of granting clemency to those directly harmed by systemic injustices. As a Black woman who was serving a life sentence for drug-related offenses, you know firsthand that there are people currently incarcerated who deserve clemency but lack access, connections, or a public platform.”

The full text of the letter is available here.

Congresswoman Pressley is the lead sponsor of the FIX Clemency Act, historic legislation to transform our nation’s broken clemency system and address the growing mass incarceration crisis. 

Congresswoman Pressley led calls in Congress for President Biden to use his clemency authority to address mass incarceration and applauded the President for granting clemency to over thousands of people before the end of his term and commended him for commuting the death sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row.

Congresswoman Pressley has been a steadfast champion for a more just and equitable criminal legal system and has introduced legislation to fix our nation’s broken clemency system.

• On January 17, 2025, Rep. Pressley applauded President Biden for using his clemency authority to commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals with sentencing disparities.
• On December 23, 2024, Rep. Pressley commended President Biden for commuting the sentences of 37 individuals on death row and re-sentencing them to life in prison.
• On December 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on President Biden’s granting pardons to 39 people and commutations to nearly 1,500 people. Earlier that month, on Human Rights Day, Rep. Pressley joined colleagues and advocates for a press conference to renew their calls for President Biden to use his clemency authority to commute the death sentences of the 40 individuals on federal death row and resentence them to a prison term. 
• In June 2025, Juneteenth, Rep. Pressley re-introduced the People’s Justice Guarantee, a comprehensive, decarceration-focused resolution that outlines a framework for a fair, equitable and just legal system.
• In October 2022, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding President Biden’s executive action pardoning thousands of people for simple possession of marijuana.
• In December 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Cori Bush (MO-01) and Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and grassroots advocates, unveiled the Fair and Independent Experts in Clemency (FIX Clemency) Act, historic legislation to transform our nation’s broken clemency system and address the growing mass incarceration crisis. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Rep. Grothman Denounces Antisemitic Attacks at Bondi Beach

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata on Thursday took part in a congressional hearing titled: Stopping the Bloodshed: U.S. Response to Crimes Against Humanity in Sudan. 

The hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s (HFAC) Africa Subcommittee was led by Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has served in the House for 44 years, and has been the House’s leading champion of human rights and religious freedom. 

Testifying on a panel were U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, former U.S. Senator from Kansas; Tony Perkins, former chairman, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF); Ken Isaacs, Samaritan’s Purse; and Nicole Widdersheim, Human Rights Watch. Also testifying was the U.S. State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Vincent Spera. 

“I’ve known Ambassador Brownback since 1994, and I’ve served for years with Chairman Smith, two leading champions for religious freedom issues for so many years, who have my respect and appreciation,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I was humbled last year to speak on the House floor on the importance of religious freedom efforts and the reauthorization of USCIRF. Ambassador Brownback has an essential role as America’s primary voice for religious freedom abroad, and serves as an ex officio member of USCIRF, created by Congress to speak out on behalf of persecuted believers of any faith.”

“The population of Sudan is suffering deeply from terrible violence, especially the Christian population, and the testimony of these atrocities and famine can be difficult to even hear,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “They need our prayers and our help, and the world must know of their plight. I appreciate the commitment of Chairman Smith and these witnesses to make sure these dear people in Sudan are not forgotten.”

Amata spoke on the House floor on September 23, 2024, emphasizing the importance of U.S. efforts to protect religious freedoms worldwide, while serving as Floor Manager for House passage of the reauthorization of USCIRF, S. 3764, a bipartisan effort which passed by a vote of 365-20. (Video of her floor speech at the time is available HERE.)

In his opening statement for the hearing, Chairman Smith said, “Sudan is under the darkest of clouds, a catastrophe that has, for far too long, been met with paralysis by the international community. The people of Sudan have been subjected to unbearable pain, suffering, and loss of life—even slavery for decades,” continuing later in his remarks, “(This) hearing is a global call to action. We must demand an immediate cessation of hostilities, but peace cannot be purchased at the price of justice and accountability.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting Committee passage of bipartisan legislation, backed by representatives from the territories, to guarantee in-state tuition for students from American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With the support of Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), the bill successfully passed the House Education and Workforce Committee this week, advancing toward easing the financial burden faced by territorial students pursuing higher education throughout the country. 

Recently introduced by the territories’ representatives, the bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions receiving federal funds to charge eligible territorial residents no more than the in-state tuition rate, provided they are U.S. nationals. Out-of-state tuition can often be two to three times higher than in-state rates, placing a disproportionate financial barrier on families who already contend with higher costs of living, limited on-island degree options, and the added burden of long-distance relocation. 

Together, the representatives are working for more affordable pathways for territory students to pursue the degrees and training needed to compete in today’s workforce, while strengthening local economies, enabling more graduates to bring home in-demand skills. 

Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the long-standing challenges students face: “Our students deserve the same access to four-year University degrees that millions of students in all 50 States have. Our students often find ways to succeed despite obstacles like these, but they do not have the same opportunities for in-state university tuition that almost all the country has. I appreciate working together with my colleagues on this bipartisan priority to provide meaningfully better access to higher education for students from the four insular territories. This bill would help correct a significant financial disadvantage, opening the door to our students’ pursuit of excellent academic and career goals.”

Congressman Jim Moylan, the sponsor, stressed that the legislation is fundamentally about fairness and educational affordability: “Families on Guam and across our neighboring islands already struggle with higher costs of living, limited degree options at home, and the added expense of traveling thousands of miles to pursue their education. This bill tackles one of the biggest affordability barriers our students face and finally guarantees them equal access to the higher education opportunities their peers in the states already receive. We’re not just expanding access to college, we’re ultimately investing in the future workforce, leadership, and economic strength of our islands.” 

Committee Chairman Walberg emphasized the territories’ roles in the nation’s security as he voiced support for the bill: “Territories like Guam play a vital role in America’s national security and are important pieces of the fabric of our nation. As the Chinese Communist Party threatens U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific, this bill will help students in Guam advance their education to obtain degrees that may not have been otherwise available. These students can then return and bring back much-needed workforce skills to help keep our nation safe. As Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I am proud to support every opportunity possible to help America and its territories build stronger workforce pipelines with more opportunities for individuals to thrive.”

Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI) underscored how the bill directly eases financial strain for families in the Northern Marianas: “I join my colleagues in introducing legislation that affirms a simple principle: students from the territories deserve the same educational opportunities as students in the states. This bill is an important step for students from the Northern Marianas, many of whom must leave home to pursue programs not available in our islands. Expanding access to in-state tuition would ease the financial burden on working families and open more pathways for students. By extending in-state tuition to all public colleges and universities nationwide, we remove long-standing barriers to affordable higher education. I look forward to advancing this practical, commonsense benefit to support Marianas students working to further their education.” 

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands) emphasized the long struggle for equitable college access: “I am proud to join Congressman Moylan (R-GU), Congresswoman Radewagen (R-AS), Congressman Hernandez (D-PR), and Congresswoman King-Hinds (R-CNMI) to introduce legislation to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to guarantee in-state tuition rates for territorial residents. This legislation addresses a fundamental inequity faced by residents of the U.S. territories. Since my first term in office, I have fought for legislation to expand college access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories. I secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act that would have established a college access grants program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students from the small territories. Our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states, and guaranteeing instate tuition rates is essential to reducing the burden of student debt. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation and make a meaningful difference for families across the territories.” 

By eliminating unaffordable out-of-state tuition rates for territorial students, the bill aims to reduce student debt, expand access to four-year colleges, and create more equitable pathways to professional and technical careers.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting final House passage of multi-year reauthorization of the United States Coast Guard, which passed the House Wednesday as part of the immense 3,000-page National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Among numerous priorities, the bill includes congressional directions to conduct a homeport analysis, continue to build out the cutter fleet, and strengthen USCG Pacific presence. 

“I welcome the homeports assessment, which dovetails with the Coast Guard’s ongoing intention to thoroughly examine where to port cutters and otherwise make the best investment decisions. American Samoa is known for our exceptional harbor, and any Coast Guard decision to make it a homeport would be seen in the region as an important signal of U.S. commitment, and taking a strong stance against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (I.U.U.) fishing. Completion of this multi-year legislative authorization enables Coast Guard planning and certainty of resources that extends beyond the next year, and takes into account the growing role and need for the Coast Guard in Pacific security.”

The Coast Guard Authorization bill, major legislation, was then combined into the even larger NDAA. The bill authorizes funding, directs the Coast Guard on congressional priorities, and supports its critical missions. Under these directives, the Coast Guard safeguards the nation’s coastal borders, facilitates maritime commerce, ensures maritime safety, prevents illegal drug trafficking, and reduces Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas. 

In late July, the House passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. On the Senate side, the Senate’s version of Coast Guard authorization was placed within the NDAA, then a House-Senate negotiated conference solved differences between the two bills, and moved the final bill forward that included Coast Guard legislation. 

The legislation builds on the $25 billion dollar investment passed in budget reconciliation legislation earlier in 2025, and in tandem with the planning of Coast Guard Force Design 2028, supporting all Coast Guard operations and the need for recapitalization of its cutter fleet, along with aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and technological capabilities. 

The bill supports the Coast Guard at more than $15 billion in the next year, takes steps to modernize the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, and assess the use of next-generation autonomous technologies. Importantly, it includes stronger statutory protections for members of the Coast Guard to prevent and prosecute any cases of sexual assault and harassment.

The legislation includes U.S.-Build requirements to strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding industry, boosts maritime safety laws, encourages an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners through amended credentials, and invests in vessel safety.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the Restoring American Mineral Security Act, legislation aimed to reduce U.S. dependence on adversaries like China and Russia for critical minerals. Senators Bill Hagerty (TN) and Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“The United States cannot afford to depend on foreign adversaries for critical minerals,” said Congressman Kustoff. “This legislation takes an important step to forge a strong partnership with allied countries, stop adversarial manipulation, and strengthen our U.S. national security. A reliable supply of critical minerals is essential for our economy, our military, and our long-term competitiveness.”

“If we don’t want to lose out to the CCP and Russia in the race to control critical minerals, we need to get serious about strengthening our supply chains,” said Congressman Panetta. “The RAMS Act confronts the underhanded tactics of our foreign adversaries head-on by creating a formal alliance to ensure we have a hand on the wheel when it comes to the critical minerals market. This is a commonsense step towards protecting our economic and national security interests.”

Background:

Foreign adversaries have been flooding global markets with artificially cheap, low-quality minerals, undercutting American producers and gaining leverage over critical supply chains. China currently controls much of the world’s mining and processing capacity, leaving the United States vulnerable to unfair trade practices, price manipulation, and strategic pressure.

The Restoring American Mineral Security Act addresses these challenges by establishing the Critical Minerals Security Alliance composed of trusted member nations. Members of the alliance would:

Agree to raise tariffs on minerals from adversaries and enforce fair trade rules.

Share information on mining and processing capacity.

Be exempt from certain U.S. tariffs on critical minerals and related goods.

Reinvest tariff revenue into American and allied mineral projects.

The bill also mandates a five-year review to determine whether the alliance should expand or make other adjustments, with final approval resting with Congress.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Congressmen Bill Foster (D-IL) and Pete Sessions (R-TX) introduced the Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling (REAL) Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would require federal agencies and officers to clearly label any content published via official government channels that is generated or manipulated using generative artificial intelligence. Specifically, the bill would require labeling on any AI-generated images or videos published by an agency, or any AI-generated text that is not reviewed by a human prior to publication. 

“In an age of disinformation, Americans should be able to trust that information coming from official government sources is legitimate and based in reality. With the rapid proliferation of AI-generated content, there must be clear guidelines to ensure those at our federal agencies and in our nation’s highest office are not using AI in a way that could purposefully or inadvertently mislead the American public,” said Congressman Foster.

“I’m proud to Co-lead the REAL Act, which brings greater transparency and accountability to the federal government’s use of artificial intelligence. Our bill requires federal agencies and officials to clearly disclose when text, images, audio, or video shared with the public in their official capacity has been generated or manipulated using AI. This legislation protects agencies’ ability to use AI internally while ensuring that anything released publicly is clearly and consistently labeled. It is a commonsense step to maintain trust and strengthen transparency in government communications,” said Congressman Sessions.

A copy of the bill can be found here.

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