MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jason Crow (CO-06), and several Democratic Veterans to introduce a War Powers Resolution designed to end the President’s unauthorized, prolonged war in Iran and ensure the Administration remains answerable to the American people and their representatives in Congress.

“The President’s war of choice in Iran lacks an endgame plan or strategy, has already taken the lives of 13 American servicemembers, and continues to raise costs across the board for working families, all without any input from Congress. No president should be able to take this country into prolonged conflict without the consent of the American people through their Representatives,” said Rep. Panetta. “Congress must reclaim its constitutional responsibility when it comes to war. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead this War Powers Resolution to permanently bring this conflict to an end.”

“As veterans, we know firsthand the cost of war,” said Rep. Moulton. “We also know that military force is not always the answer. Brute force will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We have already lost 13 Americans in this conflict, and we cannot continue to send our troops into harm’s way without a strategy. We are introducing this resolution because the American people deserve a say in how their military is used, and it is clear that this reckless war of choice must end.” 

“Congress must end President Trump’s illegal war of choice with Iran. His war has cost the lives of U.S. servicemembers, raised prices for Americans at home, damaged our alliances, and made us less safe,” said Rep. Crow. “The President is spending tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on Middle East conflicts as Americans back home can’t afford gas and are losing their health care. Congress must end this conflict now.”

In addition to Rep. Panetta, the resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), and Bobby Scott (VA-03). It carries the collective weight of nine Democratic veterans, lawmakers who understand the true cost of military engagement. The coalition will force Republicans to go on the record repeatedly on this failing war of choice for as long as it continues.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA — U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that the House of Representatives has passed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act. The legislation would extend current law to deliver critical tax relief to Americans impacted by federally declared natural disasters.

Under this legislation, victims would more easily be able to deduct qualified casualty losses for federally declared disasters between July 4, 2025, and December 31, 2026. It also ensures certain disaster relief payments are not treated as taxable income. These provisions would ensure disaster victims are not penalized by the tax code as they recover from catastrophic events.

Companion legislation is led in the Senate by U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Adam Schiff (D-CA). After passing the House, the bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“The last thing families and communities recovering from natural disasters should have to worry about is an additional tax burden when they’re trying to get back on their feet,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan bill would ensure that wildfire relief payments and hurricane losses continue to qualify for fair tax treatment. The House passage of this bill is a critical step toward providing disaster-impacted Americans the certainty, time, and tools they need to rebuild and move forward.”

“Floridians are far too familiar with the devastation and costly aftermath that natural disasters bring to their homes and communities,” said Rep. Steube. “They should not be forced to face additional hardship and uncertainty by navigating a confusing and burdensome tax code after surviving such events. This bill ensures that disaster victims across the country can focus on rebuilding their lives while receiving the relief they deserve. Congressman LaMalfa spent years leading on this issue, and naming this legislation in his honor is a meaningful way to carry that important work forward.”

“Californians are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires. In the wake of losing their homes and livelihoods, it is wrong to tax survivors on settlement money that is meant to help them rebuild their lives. Survivors can’t afford to wait around for retroactive relief,” said Rep. Thompson. “Our late colleague Doug LaMalfa knew this well. I was proud to work with him to pass tax relief for fire victims in our communities in 2024, and I am proud we passed this bill now to honor his work and to extend our tax relief so more victims can be compensated.” 

The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 previously delivered billions in tax relief to Americans recovering from hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and other federally declared disasters. The Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act builds on that effort by extending these provisions so disaster victims can continue to access relief under the tax code.

The legislation is supported by the National Fire Protection Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a reorganization that would move most employees who work in food assistance and nutrition programs out of the National Capital Region (NCR):

“With only 30 days notice, the Trump Administration decided to attack federal employees, their families, and make it harder to administer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food assistance programs. To be clear: this is a mass layoff and illegal reorganization under the guise of a relocation.

“This administration is also intentionally forcing hardworking and experienced USDA employees to choose between losing their careers in the midst of mass federal layoffs or moving their entire family across the country during the school year and uprooting their lives at a time of rising inflation. 

“In one swift move, the Administration is undercutting food assistance, food safety, and farmers. This will make every single American less healthy and less safe. It will also increase food and healthcare costs on every single American.

“We saw this exact move before in 2019 with other USDA offices, and it was a disaster. It resulted in serious brain drain, reduced morale, and draconian cuts to programs that the American people rely on. 

“It’s clear this is also another targeted and cynical Republican attack on SNAP from millions of Americans. Make no mistake – this is not about government efficiency, it is not about optimizing services for the American people, and it is not about maximizing the use of taxpayer dollars. It is the latest in a long series of attempts by this administration to break the spirits of federal public servants and disrupt the delivery of crucial services to the American people. 

“In short, this move will be a disaster. We will do everything we can to fight it and eventually reverse it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

 WASHINGTON – Today, on World Asthma Day, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), co-chairs of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, reaffirmed support for their bipartisan resolution designating the month of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“In the Central Valley, more than half a million people are living with asthma, and many more struggle with allergies that make daily life harder than it should be,” said Congressman Valadao. “For many families, managing these conditions means juggling doctor’s visits, covering the cost of medications, and staying ahead of potential emergencies. That’s why I’m proud to recognize May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to support those facing these difficult conditions. I look forward to continuing to work with my Asthma and Allergy Caucus co-chair, Rep. Dingell, to ensure families across the country can breathe a little easier and live healthier lives.”

“Allergies and asthma impact Americans from every corner of the country, including my home state of Michigan, which has some of the highest rates of asthma in the country,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I’m proud to designate May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to support increased education and efforts to improve the quality of life for Americans living with these conditions.”

“On behalf of the more than 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, we thank Reps. Dingell and Valadao for their leadership in raising awareness about the burden of asthma. Untreated asthma increases healthcare costs, results in lost productivity, and risks lives. Between 9 and 11 people die each day from asthma, and nearly all of those deaths are preventable with access to effective treatment. On this World Asthma Day, we call on policymakers to join with key stakeholders to ensure everyone with asthma can access and afford the care they need,” said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Read the full resolution here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. –  Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined more than 250 Senate and House Democrats—led by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Ron Wyden (D-OR); House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); and Representatives Katherine Clark (D-MA), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)—in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging them to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would upend the FDA approval process and restrict access to mifepristone. This brief follows emergency appeals from the manufacturers of mifepristone; the Supreme Court issuing a temporary stay of the decision Monday morning until next Monday, May 11; and the announcement that the Court has ordered briefing on the stay by this Thursday, May 7.

The lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.

“For more than a quarter century, FDA has repeatedly and consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe.  Over seven million patients in the U.S. have safely used mifepristone. And as with other drugs, FDA continues to monitor the post-marketing safety data on mifepristone—data confirming that mifepristone is safe without regard to how it is dispensed,” the members wrote. 

The lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling was clearly not based on the merits of the distribution method of mifepristone, or the scientific backing of the medication, but rather a desire to limit the ability of individuals to receive abortion medication. The emergency stay is necessary to ensure that Louisiana is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans.  Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the members continued. “As has been well publicized, many U.S. residents in states where abortion is legal live far from any reproductive health care provider.  Reinstating an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone exacerbates an already significant reproductive health crisis by limiting access to the most common method of early abortion.”

The members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.

“Preserving evidence-based access to mifepristone, including when dispensed by mail or retail pharmacy, is necessary to mitigate the imminent harm facing members of the public.  Women deserve access to mifepristone for reproductive health care, and all Americans deserve integrity in the congressionally mandated, evidence-based process for FDA’s drug regulatory decisions,” the members concluded. 

In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.

In the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.

The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC) today introduced the Ballistic Armor Made in America Act, legislation that ensures body armor sold to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as “Made in America” actually contains domestically produced ballistic fibers.

Under current law, armor containing foreign-made fibers can be marketed and sold to law enforcement as “Made in America” without agencies and police departments knowing the difference. While the Department of War (DOW) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already prohibit the use of foreign fibers for warfighters and front-line personnel, the bill would extend those same protections to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and state and local law enforcement. Read the text here. 

Rep. Higgins said, “Federal law enforcement should wear ballistic armor made in America, not China. This is a national security issue, as well as a matter of integrity in government procurement. As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, I will continue to stand with the Thin Blue Line.”

Rep. Harrigan said, “Law enforcement officers are buying body armor they believe is made in America, and in too many cases, they are wrong. Chinese fibers are being woven into these products, stamped with a Made in America label, and sold to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. That is a national security risk, and a betrayal of the people protecting this country. This bill ends it. Full transparency on where these fibers come from, and not a single federal dollar going to armor that does not meet the standard.”  

Rep. Biggs said, “I am proud to join Congressman Higgins and Congressman Harrigan on this important effort to make sure the armor protecting our law enforcement officers is American-made. The men and women who put their lives on the line every day deserve gear they can trust. This bill closes a dangerous loophole, strengthens our supply chain, and keeps taxpayer dollars from supporting foreign adversaries like China.”

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

Elected and civic leaders from across Tennessee speak out as special legislative session to redraw Congressional maps begins

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Average gas prices have risen more than $1 per gallon since Iran War began, California prices nearly $6 per gallon

Valley supercommuters who spend 4+ hours on the road every day being hit the hardest

WASHINGTON – Today, on Day 60 of the war in Iran, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to immediately lower gas prices through the end of the year by suspending the federal gas tax. Harder’s Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 would cut nearly 20 cents per gallon until January 1, 2027, ensuring temporary relief lasts long enough for gas prices to come back down permanently. 

Two months after the start of the war, gas prices continue to rise:

• Nationwide, gas prices have risen more than a dollar per gallon since the war began.
• Prices in California are the highest in the nation and approaching $6 per gallon in San Joaquin County.
• More than 100,000 supercommuters live in the Valley and spend 4+ hours on the road daily, costing them hundreds every week to refill their tanks – these households are being squeezed the hardest by skyrocketing gas prices.

“Valley commuters are facing a runaway rollercoaster of prices at the pump that have been out of control for months, and our families need some immediate relief,” said Rep. Harder. “$100 just to fill up your tank is unacceptable – we need the war in Iran to end, but we can’t wait months for prices to come down. That’s why I’m pushing to suspend the federal gas tax and lower gas prices right now.”

Harder is also introducing legislation to crack down on corporations that are taking advantage of working families and charging artificially high prices at the pump, and he is leading a landmark package of energy infrastructure reforms to make it easier to finish new projects faster and drive prices down for the long term.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Redwood City, Calif. – On Saturday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered the commencement address at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, calling on graduates to defend democracy and embrace their role in shaping the nation’s future.

In remarks highlighted by the San Francisco Chronicle, Pelosi warned that American democracy is facing serious challenges and urged graduates to lead with courage, hope and a commitment to justice.

Watch Pelosi’s commencement address here.

View and download photos from the ceremony here.

Read the full story below:

San Francisco Chronicle: Nancy Pelosi urges Bay Area graduates to be ‘patriots of our time’ 
[By St. John Barned-Smith, 5/2/26]

As she surveyed members of the graduating class of Notre Dame de Namur University, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi told them they are entering a world “calling for their leadership” at a time when American democracy is enduring attacks on the rule of law, free and fair elections, and judicial independence.

The moment echoes similar challenges in America’s history, she said, recalling the challenges the founders faced battling Britain and its superior navy, or Abraham Lincoln’s role in saving the union. 

“You must be the patriots of our time,” she said. “That means not just holding onto the rights and freedoms that fellow Americans have fought for, but refusing to surrender the courageous spirit that inspired them.”

Pelosi made the remarks during the ceremony Saturday at the Belmont Catholic university, which is one of the state’s oldest institutions of higher learning and is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.

University President Beth Martin said Pelosi’s career of public service, leadership and advocacy reflects the values that define the school’s faith-based education.

“We are deeply honored to welcome Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to Notre Dame de Namur University,” Martin said in a statement. “During this 175th anniversary year of the Sisters in California, her presence powerfully affirms the impact of faith-inspired education on the world.”

Decades before moving to California and embarking on a political career that would bring her to one of the most powerful posts in American government, the Baltimore native studied political science at Trinity College (now known as Trinity Washington University) in the nation’s capital, another institution run by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

After its founding in 1851, Notre Dame de Namur was the first college in California where women could study and receive a full bachelor’s degree. In 2021, however, it transitioned to a graduate school.

On Saturday, Pelosi acknowledged that the school’s graduating class had built a community despite significant challenges over the past few years: a global pandemic, profound debates about democracy and justice, and rapid technological change in a world that can feel “both more connected and more divided than ever before.”

Pelosi moved from Baltimore to San Francisco soon after graduating from Trinity College and went to serve as a key figure in California’s Democratic Party and as a congresswoman from 1987 to 2023, becoming the first woman elected as House speaker.

Pelosi, who is retiring in January at the end of her current term, urged the school’s graduates to be a “force for justice.” 

“America has always been a long-standing promise and an ongoing project,” she said. “Decades of peace and prosperity made it tempting to believe that our democracy would be self-sustaining. In fact, it must be constantly tended to strengthen and defend it.”

Pelosi said each generation has a responsibility to build a future better than the one before. She urged them to act with hope.

“Hope is not just a virtue,” she said, “Hope is action and demands a plan. It is the courage to believe that we can make things better and do the work to make it so.” 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) led 60 Members of Congress to introduce a bipartisan resolution commemorating Public Service Recognition Week, observed from May 3 through May 9, 2026. The bipartisan measure honors the dedication, professionalism, and patriotism of America’s public servants, affirms the essential role they play in serving communities across the country, and calls on Americans to recognize the men and women who carry out this work on their behalf at every level of government. 

“During Public Service Recognition Week, we highlight the dedication and commitment of the public employees who make a difference in the lives of Americans every day and keep our country moving forward,” said Congressman Hoyer (MD-05). “They have continued to show up and use their voices despite the threats to their careers and livelihoods over this past year – and with little recognition or reward. It is critical that Congress continues to ensure that they receive the support and appreciation they deserve. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Fitzpatrick in introducing a bipartisan resolution to honor Public Service Recognition Week. I hope that everyone will take this week to thank public employees for their contributions and their commitment, and those of us who appreciate all they do will continue our fight to protect them.”

“A nation is only as strong as the people entrusted to serve it,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “America’s public servants shoulder responsibilities that touch nearly every part of our national life — from public safety and veterans services to infrastructure, research, national security, and the protection of constitutional rights. Their work is demanding, often unseen, and essential to a government that is accountable, capable, and worthy of the people it serves. As a former federal law enforcement officer, I have seen the discipline, integrity, and sense of duty this work requires. I am grateful to join Congressman Hoyer in honoring the Americans who choose public service as their mission and carry it out every day with professionalism, purpose, and devotion to country.”

“Public Service Recognition Week is a time to celebrate and honor our nation’s public servants who go to work each day on behalf of their communities and our country. I applaud Representatives Fitzpatrick and Hoyer for leading the House resolution honoring our nation’s public servants, and I encourage every lawmaker to take a moment this week to recognize those workers at the federal, state, county, local and tribal government levels who keep our nation moving forward,” said Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. 

“AFGE strongly supports the bipartisan resolution introduced by Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick recognizing the week of May 3 as Public Service Recognition Week, honoring the vital contributions of military personnel and civilian public servants at all levels of government. At a time of heightened challenges for federal employees and service members, this resolution is a timely and meaningful affirmation of the essential work they perform on behalf of the American people,” said AFGE President Everett Kelly.

“Public Service Recognition Week serves as an opportunity to give thanks to the front-line heroes who keep our communities strong, safe and healthy. Whether they’re keeping our streets clean, taking kids to school, or caring for us when we’re sick, public service workers show up every single day because they are committed to helping others. When they have a voice on the job, they use that voice to strengthen the public services our communities depend on, strengthening our economy and providing relief to working families. As we pause to honor them this week, let’s recommit to supporting their service by investing in them and their life-saving work,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.

“IFPTE thanks Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick for sponsoring this bipartisan resolution honoring Public Service Recognition Week.  As a Union representing tens of thousands of government workers at all levels of government, it is critically important that lawmakers from across the political spectrum show their support and appreciation for the vital services that our government employees provide.  This is as needed now more than ever as the careers and rights of federal workers, including collective bargaining rights, are under assault.  We applaud our friends in Congress for supporting this resolution and continue to appreciate their support for government workers,” said President Matthew Biggs, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE). 

“Federal employees work every day with dedication and skill, despite the blatant attacks on their jobs, pay, benefits, and workplace rights.  I want to thank Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick for leading the effort during Public Service Recognition Week to pay tribute to and thank federal workers for their service and commitment to improving the lives of all Americans,” said NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald. 

“Public service employees represent the best of this country.  They are people who choose service over self-interest and put the public good ahead of profit. As we recognize them this week, we should be clear about the alternative: a system driven solely by private interests, where public assets are stripped for profit and accountability disappears. That’s not just unsustainable; it’s dangerous. Thank you to the members of Congress standing up for public service and supporting this resolution. This year, more than ever, that leadership is needed,” said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). 

The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Don Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinki (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Troy Carter (LA-02), Ed Case (HI-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny Davis (IL-07), Don Davis (NC-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37).

Read the full text of the resolution here.