MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that while Republicans are voting this week to give ICE a $70 billion blank check to brutalize our communities, House Democrats remain committed to lowering the high cost of living and using taxpayer dollars to make life better and more affordable for the American people.

LEADER JEFFRIES: From the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have made clear that the cost of living in the United States of America is far too high and that Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. But costs haven’t gone down in the United States of America, costs have gone up. Grocery prices are too high. Housing costs are too high. Healthcare costs are too high. Utility bills are too high. Gas prices are out of control. America is far too expensive. And Donald Trump hasn’t made the situation better. He’s made the situation worse. The Trump Tariffs have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. The Republican assault on the healthcare of the American people has caused health insurance costs to skyrocket. And at the same period of time, Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in Iran has resulted in gas prices through the roof.

America is far too expensive. There are far too many people in this country who are working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they are unable to thrive, and they can barely survive. And that’s not acceptable in the United States of America. So House Democrats are going to continue to fight to drive down the high cost of living and push back against the Republican effort to make life more expensive. We believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not give ICE another $70 billion blank check so they can unleash brutality on American citizens and violently target law-abiding immigrant communities. House Democrats will be a hard no on the reckless Republican budget reconciliation bill this week.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), ranking member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, introduced a resolution marking 150 years since Congress authorized use of federal lands on Mount Hamilton for James Lick Observatory.

“Once housing the largest telescope on Earth, the Lick Observatory brings an immense amount of pride for Santa Clara County,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Over the past 150 years, this has been the site of incredible astronomic discoveries, and it’s where thousands of visitors have discovered their love of science. I commend the University of California for its stewardship of this iconic facility. As the lead Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I will always advocate for federal investment in the valuable research and education programs at Lick Observatory.”

Lick Observatory, located in California’s 18^th district, was the world’s first permanently staffed mountaintop observatory. Jupiter’s moon, Amalthea, was discovered at Lick Observatory in 1892. The James Lick telescope to this day remains the 3^rd largest refracting telescope in the world.

Text of the resolution is available here.

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Clarification in Sciences Act to provide an accurate and up-to-date scientific basis for the evaluation of substances reviewed for scheduling under the 1970 CSA statute.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Accuracy in federal drug policy will ensure both fairness and safety. Much has changed since 1970 when the Controlled Substances Act was enacted. My bill will clarify and update the CSA so that the evaluation of controlled substances is made on the best scientific evidence of today, not decades-old processes and outdated knowledge. I worked diligently with the nation’s leading scientific professional societies to ensure the bill’s approach reflects the gold standards in biomedical research and contemporary healthcare. Therapeutic progress depends directly on the ability of physicians and researchers to study substances of interest.  The current law’s imprecise approach to Scheduling substances has created a system that is arbitrary and largely ignores the modern practice of medicine and public health, and has substantially hindered scientific progress.”

Congressman Cohen’s measure would amend the Controlled Substances Act to more closely align the act with modern medical knowledge, terminology and practices. This would be done by defining critical terms such as ‘accepted medical use,’ ‘physical dependence,’ and ‘potential for abuse,’ among others. Appropriately scheduling substances is critical to ensuring that researchers can access these substances for biomedical research, and patients, in accordance with the guidance of licensed health care providers, can access effective treatments.

Rather than directly regulating any given substance, this bill takes a comprehensive and procedural approach: it improves the scheduling process by tying it to the very best science, weighing costs and benefits based on actual and relative harms, and acknowledging the importance of research, experimental therapies, and the evolution of the practice of medicine.  

The bill has been endorsed by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP), the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), and the Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP).

American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) President Dr. Deanna Barch, Ph.D., made the following statement:

“This legislation takes a long-needed step to enhance clarity and strengthen the scientific basis on which substances are reviewed for scheduling. By adding and updating critical definitions that the statute has lacked, it gives the administering agencies a sounder evidentiary foundation for their evaluations. The scheduling framework these terms support has stood since the Controlled Substances Act was enacted in 1970, and bringing its core definitions into line with current science is an important and welcome advance.”

Dr. Randy Hall, Ph.D., President of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, made the following statement: 

“The Controlled Substances Act Clarification in Sciences Act of 2026 introduces key definitions that clarify gaps in the original Controlled Substances Act (CSA), aligning these definitions with current scientific knowledge and representing progress toward a more robust framework for reviewing substances for scheduling. It also addresses a barrier the research community has faced in studying controlled substances. In many cases, the constraints of scheduling status prevent scientists from understanding whether a substance may, in fact, have medical utility. These updates will facilitate the investigation of the use of many substances in a variety of therapeutic areas.”

Dr. Dost Öngür, MD, Ph.D., President of the Society of Biological Psychiatry stated:

“This bill is a service to science and to patients. For too long, the law has trapped promising treatments in a circular standard that blocks the very research needed to prove their value. By insisting that drug scheduling rest on evidence, this legislation reopens the door to discovery for the millions of Americans living with depression, PTSD, and other serious psychiatric conditions.”

See a one-pager on the measure here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), with Representatives Andre Carson (IN-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Hank Johnson (GA-07), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) led 119 Democratic Members in a letter condemning the establishment of the bicameral, anti-Muslim, self-styled “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” which would promote legislation that discriminates against the faith tradition of American Muslims. Ugly voices are growing louder and threatening to strip away our First Amendment rights to freely practice our faith and to violate the Constitutional prohibition of government picking one religion over another. We must oppose efforts to spread racist and xenophobic misrepresentations that sow more ignorance and hate.  

The premise underlying this caucus and the measures associated with it reflects longstanding Islamophobic narratives and anti-Muslim sentiment rather than any demonstrated policy need.

In their letter, the lawmakers denounced the hateful caucus and urged leadership to speak clearly against initiatives that discriminate and stigmatize against any religious community.

“To be clear, American Muslims serve this nation in every capacity and are entitled to the same constitutional protections as all other Americans. They are guided by both faith and civic responsibility to respect the U.S. Constitution, follow the law, and contribute positively to their communities and to the nation they call home. Congress must not legitimize anti-Muslim proposals that undermine those protections or foster division among the people we represent.”

The lawmakers condemned the following legislation associated with the “Sharia-Free America Caucus”:

• Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act (H.R. 5722 / S. 3009)
• No Shari’a Act (H.R. 5512 / S. 3008)
• Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act (H.R. 7611)

The lawmakers continued, “These proposals address no identifiable gap in U.S. law and raise serious constitutional concerns. The U.S. Constitution already makes clear that federal and state law govern civil and criminal matters, and courts have repeatedly invalidated measures that single out a particular religion for disfavored treatment.

“Sharia, like Catholic canon law and Jewish Halakha, is a system of personal religious guidance developed through centuries of religious scholarship. For American Muslims, it primarily governs matters of faith and ethics, such as prayer, charity, honesty, family responsibilities, and service to others, and does not supersede U.S. law. Islamic teachings emphasize that Muslims should honor the laws of the country in which one resides.”

The full letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Mike Carey (OH-15) in introducing the bipartisan Housing Opportunities for Moving to Empowerment (HOME) for Foster Youth Act, legislation to help foster youth access stable housing as they transition into adulthood.

The bill streamlines access to housing assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program, helping vulnerable young people secure housing before they experience homelessness.

Across the country, nearly one in four foster youth experience homelessness within four years of aging out of care, and roughly 50% of the nation’s homeless population has spent time in the foster care system.

“Too often, the foster care system fails to set young people up for success as independent adults,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Having a home is not a privilege, it is a basic right that everyone deserves. I’m proud to introduce this bill to streamline the Foster Youth to Independence program and allow young people a safe transition into adulthood. Every child should have the security of a stable home and opportunity to build a successful future.”

The HOME for Foster Youth Act improves and streamlines the FYI voucher program by: 

• Extending the voucher application window from 90 to 180 days before a youth exits foster care 
• Removing duplicative language requiring foster youth to already be homeless or at risk of homelessness to qualify for assistance 
• Clarifying that Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) are excluded from income calculations for FYI voucher eligibility 
• Strengthening coordination between HUD and HHS to improve access to housing assistance for foster youth 

In 2019, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program to help foster youth secure stable housing as they transition into adulthood. However, a HUD Office of Inspector General report found that only 31% of FYI vouchers are currently utilized due to inconsistent implementation and administrative barriers.

Congresswoman Beatty has long championed policies that expand affordable housing and housing stability for vulnerable populations. The HOME for Foster Youth Act builds on her efforts to ensure every young person has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Contact: Luis Botello Faz

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security waiving 28 federal environmental and historic preservation laws in Big Bend National Park to construct new, obtrusive, border barrier technology and roads.

“Waiving dozens of federal environmental protections in Big Bend National Park—a true crown jewel of Texas—will damage the park’s natural environment, increase flash flooding along the border, and choke off wildlife corridors,” said Rep. Doggett. “Billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on this unnecessary project, as Big Bend’s rugged mountains make illegal crossings nearly impossible, with crossings in the area accounting for under half a percentage point of all illegal border crossings nationwide last year. After months of bipartisan opposition, the Trump regime continues to distract and confuse the public while quietly moving forward with this construction. Texans across party lines agree: protect Big Bend, stop the wall.” 

After plans for this construction were made public earlier this year, Rep. Doggett led colleagues, including all Texas Congressional Democrats and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, in demanding immediate answers from Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin regarding this project. You can find that letter below. 

In their response, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that they would continue to coordinate with the National Park Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as well as solicit public feedback throughout their planning process. This latest move to waive federal environmental and historic preservation laws directly contradicts their previous commitment. You can read their full response below.

Full letter can be read here.

CBP response here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) spoke on the House floor in support of his bill, H.R. 6028 – the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act. The U.S. House of Representatives then voted favorably for Congressman Griffith’s legislation. The bill will be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

This bill received support from the Committee on House Administration:

“The Library of Congress and Government Publishing Office are essential to our work in the Legislative Branch. I thank Representative Griffith for his tireless work to get this important Article One bill over the finish line.” – Chairman Bryan Steil, Committee on House Administration

Following passage of his bill, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Accountability, clarity and good governance. That is what my pro-Article I bill delivers to help institutions serve Congress and the American people.

“House passage of my Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act is a positive step for Congress and the U.S. Constitution. This bill helps reassert Congress’s Article I responsibilities as well as deliver clarity on the powers exercised by the Legislative and Executive Branches.

“Thanks to the efforts of Chairman Steil, Ranking Member Morelle and the rest of my colleagues on the Committee on House Administration, Congress will be better suited to work closely with the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith’s remarks in support of his bill can be found here.

Congressman Griffith’s bill directs the formation of a bipartisan Congressional commission to appoint the Librarian of Congress and Director of the Government Publishing Office. Under current law, such appointments are made by the President of the United States, despite certain agencies being part of the Legislative Branch.

The Register of the Copyright Office will be appointed by the President with the consent of the U.S. Senate. An inspector’s general office possessing ample oversight authority is also established for the Copyright Office.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  This week Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) secured House passage of six legislative measures aimed to expand affordable housing, protect homeowners, and strengthen community financial institutions that finance housing development across Central Ohio and communities nationwide.

The measures passed under suspension of the rules as part of H.Res. 1299, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act,a bipartisan package for housing and community banking reform designed to increase housing supply, modernize financing tools, and make homeownership a reality for working families. The vote comes as families across Central Ohio continue to face mounting housing challenges, including rising rents, limited housing inventory, and growing concerns about affordability.

“For too many Americans, homeownership feels impossible,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “My bills are a critical first step toward addressing the growing housing crisis across our country. These reforms will help spur housing development, direct investment where it is needed most, and strengthen the local financial institutions that finance affordable housing projects. Young people and working families deserve a fair shot at achieving the dream of homeownership. It’s time we make that dream a reality.”

Beatty Bills Included in the Housing Package: 

• H.R. 2031 – HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act

  • Included in Section 501, this legislation strengthens the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME program by reducing burdensome compliance requirements for small properties and increasing flexibility for nonprofit housing providers serving low- and extremely low-income households.

• H.R. 6726 – Reforms to Housing Counseling and Financial Literacy Programs Act of 2025

  • Included in Section 101, this bill supports foreclosure mitigation counseling for borrowers who are at least 30 days delinquent on mortgage payments, helping families avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.

• H.R. 5913 – Community Investment and Prosperity Act

  • Included in Section 203, this legislation expands banks’ ability to invest private capital into affordable housing, small business lending, and community revitalization by increasing the public welfare investment cap from 15 percent to 20 percent.

• H.R. 3234 – Keeping Deposits Local Act

  • Included in Section 902, this bill modernizes the treatment of reciprocal deposits to improve liquidity for small and midsize banks, enabling them to expand local lending and support affordable housing development.

• H.R. 3709 – Advancing the Mentor-Protégé Program for Small Financial Institutions Act

  • Included in Section 908, this legislation codifies the Treasury Department’s Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé Program to strengthen partnerships between large banks, community banks, and minority depository institutions (MDIs), helping smaller lenders better support housing and community development efforts.

• H.R. 5429 – HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act

  • Included in Section 801, this bill requires the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agriculture (USDA), and Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate and share housing-related research, data, and market information to improve federal housing policy and program delivery.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after the House Oversight Committee released a report titled, “The Cost of Doing Nothing: How Tim Walz and Keith Ellison Fueled Minnesota’s Fraud Explosion.” The bombshell report exposes how senior Minnesota state officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, knew about widespread taxpayer fraud in federally funded social programs for years, had the authority to stop payments and ban fraudulent providers from participating in these programs, but repeatedly failed to act. 

Congressman Stauber stated, “History will never forget that Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison knew about the fraud plaguing Minnesota for years and turned a blind eye to it. Investigators found that concerns about allegations of racial discrimination contributed to their decision to allow these fraudsters to keep operating, and state employees who raised concerns about the fraud faced retaliation instead of support. This is unacceptable. As a result of their dereliction of duty, $9 billion in Medicaid funds and $300 million in federal child nutrition funds have been lost. This week, the House will consider ten bills aimed at protecting taxpayer funds and combatting improper payments in federal programs, and we will continue to work alongside President Trump’s anti-fraud taskforce to ensure this type of malfeasance can never occur again. Fraud is an invisible tax on hardworking Americans, and Republicans are working to eliminate it because that’s what the American people demand and deserve.”

Key findings from this report include: 

• Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison were aware of rampant fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs as early as 2019 but failed to take action to prevent the theft of billions of taxpayer dollars. 
• Minnesota state agencies had the authority to stop or suspend payments to providers suspected of fraud without requiring independent direction from courts, law enforcement agencies, or the federal government but failed to act. 
• Minnesota officials continued directing taxpayer dollars to Feeding Our Future and other high-risk entities despite identifying serious red-flags, enabling billions of dollars in federal funds to go to fraudsters. 
• Testimony and documents show that concerns about litigation and accusations of discrimination were cited as reasons for continuing payments to suspected fraudsters. 
• The Walz Administration retaliated against state employees who raised concerns about fraud, while senior state officials prioritized managing political and media fallout over addressing known fraud vulnerabilities. 
• Failures to prevent fraud resulted in an estimated $300 million in federal child nutrition funds and $9 billion in Medicaid-related funds to be lost. 

Read the full report HERE.

During House Oversight’s investigation into Minnesota fraud, Congressman Stauber had an opportunity to waive on to the House Oversight Committee and question witnesses about the ongoing fraud in Minnesota. 

He has also introduced a number of bills to combat fraud, including the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, legislation that penalizes childcare providers who commit fraud in federally funded programs. 

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