MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

(Washington, DC) Representative John Carter (TX-31), Co-Chairman of the House Army Caucus, led a letter along with Senators Cornyn and Cruz, and Representative August Pfluger (TX-11), calling for an Inspector General to conduct an independent investigation into the handling of disturbing allegations involving Major Blaine McGraw.

“As a former judge and Co-Chair of the House Army Caucus, I find the allegations against Major McGraw to be an egregious breach of the trust placed in him and the oversight failures that allowed him to continue practicing are equally alarming,” said Congressman Carter. “The Inspector General must conduct a thorough, independent investigation to determine how this individual was able to continue victimizing Soldiers and their families. I expect this matter to be handled swiftly and with the utmost respect for the survivors, and I will be closely monitoring the findings to ensure that decisive steps are taken to prevent this from ever happening again.”

“The Army and Department of War Inspector Generals must conduct an investigation into the systemic failures that allowed Major Blaine McGraw to continue in his capacity amidst multiple accusations of egregious sexual misconduct,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The allegations made against Major McGraw and how they were mishandled warrant a thorough investigation, and I implore the Army and the Department to promptly look into this matter, bring justice to his countless victims, and work to prevent another failing in the future.”

A copy of the letter can be found below or by clicking here.

Dear Lieutenant General Brady,

I am writing to request immediate and comprehensive action regarding the deeply disturbing allegations involving Major McGraw, a former Army physician in Texas. The reports indicating widespread misconduct toward service members and military families raise profound concerns about clinical oversight, command accountability, and the integrity of the military health system.

These accusations do not reflect isolated lapses; they point to potential long-term failures. Because the alleged conduct may have occurred over an extended period and across multiple duty stations, it is imperative that any review extends far beyond a routine internal inquiry.

I urge you to ensure that the Department of War initiates an independent, thorough investigation into both Major McGraw’s actions and the Army’s handling of prior complaints or warning signs. This review must safeguard patient privacy, protect potential victims, and evaluate whether pathways for reporting medical misconduct were available and effective.

In addition, I request that the Department of War Office of Inspector General promptly examine how clinical, command, and Defense Health Agency oversight structures failed to identify and intervene in this case. A transparent assessment of systemic shortcomings, and actionable recommendations to strengthen standards of care and accountability will be essential to restoring trust within the military community.

To support the Department’s review and to ensure transparency for those affected, I request answers to the following questions:

• Will the Department ensure a comprehensive investigation into all allegations involving Major McGraw, including an assessment of the Army command climate, supervisory actions, and compliance with applicable medical and reporting policies at each installation where he served?
• What trauma-informed resources, victim assistance programs, and behavioral health services will the Department and the Army make available to former patients and their families during the investigative process?
• Has the Department notified the Texas Medical Board or other relevant state licensing authorities of Major McGraw’s suspension and the ongoing criminal investigation? If not, when will such notification occur?
• Will the Department commit to identifying any systemic or oversight failures that enabled this alleged misconduct, and provide a plan for implementing corrective actions to prevent similar breakdowns in the future?
• Will the Department review oversight, supervision, and reporting requirements within Defense Health Agency Graduate Medical Education programs to ensure trainees are appropriately monitored and patient safety is protected?
• Will the Department review the conduct and reporting actions of medical supervisors and personnel who worked with Major McGraw to determine whether they fulfilled their obligations under Army and DoW policy?
• What policies, reporting pathways, and oversight mechanisms will the Department and the DoW Inspector General review to ensure that patients who experience misconduct by military medical providers can report concerns safely and with confidence that their complaints will be addressed.

The men and women served by the military health system deserve confidence that their care is provided in an environment that prioritizes safety, accountability, and professionalism. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and request to be kept informed of the Department’s findings and next steps.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today condemned two deadly shootings that occurred over the weekend, including the antisemitic terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and the shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
 
“Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the communities affected by the tragic deadly shootings over the weekend. The antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach was a deliberate act of hatred against Jewish families celebrating their faith, and it is a painful reminder that antisemitism remains a real and dangerous threat around the world. At the same time, the shooting at Brown University once again underscores the devastating toll of gun violence on our communities. No one should fear for their safety while celebrating a holiday or attending school. We must stand united against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred, and continue working with urgency to protect our communities and prevent this kind of violence from happening again.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

December 12, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán Responds to FCC’s Decision to Publish Multilingual Wireless Emergency Alerts Requirements, After Leading Letter Demanding Their Implementation

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement in response to the FCC’s recent publishing of the multilingual wireless emergency alert order in the Federal Register:

“I’m pleased to see the FCC take this important first step toward ensuring that immigrants, tourists, and other non-English speakers have the information they need to stay safe during emergency situations. Lives are on the line, and I’ll be watching closely to ensure that the FCC and mobile service providers follow through and work in good faith to implement this critical policy.”

Earlier this year, Rep. Barragán led a letter to the FCC to demand that it stop delaying and publish the order so that communities with limited English proficiency could have the information they need to stay safe during emergencies. 

Companies will now have 30 months to update standards, design, develop, and deploy the templates.

To see the full text of the letter, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement in response to the House’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act: 

“As a combat veteran, I know the horrors of war and will do everything in my power to prevent unnecessary conflict.

“That’s why I voted yes on the National Defense Authorization Act today. This bill restricts the President’s ability to direct military strikes without Congressional authorization and requires this administration turn over all documents on its Venezuelan boat strikes to Congress for an investigation.

“I’m proud that Democrats got the anti-trans healthcare provisions removed from this bill and fought to ensure this bill cracks down on wasteful defense purchases.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington – Today, the House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously to advance H.R. 227, Rep. Mike Thompson’s Clergy Act, a major step forward in giving pastors and clergy members greater retirement security. Congressman Thompson co-leads this bipartisan bill with colleague Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20).

“Faith leaders play a critical role in supporting our communities — offering them the flexibility to opt in to Social Security as they plan for retirement just makes sense. I’m glad to co-lead this bipartisan effort with Rep. Fong and I look forward to continuing our work to pass this into law,” said Thompson.

“We know our faith leaders are the backbone of our communities, guiding moral and spiritual life across the Central Valley and our entire nation,” said Fong. “The Clergy Act gives them the freedom to re-enroll in Social Security if they previously opted out, empowering them to take greater control of their financial future.”

BACKGROUND 

The Clergy Act would establish a one-time re-enrollment window for clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security, many in their youth, to voluntarily opt back in. Some of our faith leaders opted out decades ago, often due to inaccurate advice or conscientious objection, only to later face significant financial hardship. Under current law, this opt-out is permanent. For clergy who have spent their lives serving their communities and congregations, this legislation restores the freedom to secure basic financial protection in retirement.

The Clergy Act creates a two-year window – covering taxable years beginning January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2029 – for eligible clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security to revoke their exemption and begin contributing. Importantly, this legislation does not modify existing Social Security regulations. Eligible clergy must still meet the standard 10-year contribution requirement to earn full retired-worker benefits, receiving benefits proportional to their contributions. The bill also requires the Internal Revenue System (IRS) and Social Security Administration to submit a plan to Congress outlining their strategy to inform clergy members of their eligibility to re-enroll. Historically, Congress has approved limited re-enrollment windows, including in 1999 under the Ticket to Work Act. 

The Clergy Act is supported by a broad coalition of faith-based and retirement security organizations, including the National Association of Evangelicals, Church Alliance, Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA), and GuideStone Financial Resources, and Lancaster Baptist Church.

Today, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Clergy Act with overwhelming bipartisan support on a 40–0 vote. Now, the bill is ready to be considered by and voted on the House floor. Rep. Thompson will continue to work to urge the Speaker to bring the bill up for a vote. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, joined Rep. Ryan (NY-18) and 17 other Congressional Armed Services Committee Democrats demanding that the Department of Defense release any audio and/or visual footage of controversial follow-on strikes in the Caribbean on September 2nd, 2025. In addition to Congressional Democrats, President Trump previously called on the footage to be released.

“If Hegseth has nothing to hide, releasing all audio/visual footage from the Venezuela boat strikes should not be an issue for Hegseth,” said Congressman Garamendi. “I urge Hegseth to do the right thing and let the American people judge for themselves the whole story.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reported to have given the order to ‘kill’ everyone aboard an alleged drug-trafficking boat coming from Venezuela. Additional strikes were ordered on the already-inoperable vessel, aimed at killing two survivors clinging to the wreckage.

Only eight Representatives have been granted access to the footage, which shows additional kinetic strikes on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean to kill two survivors clinging to the wreck.

House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Jim Himes called the footage “one of the most troubling things” he has seen as a lawmaker, asserting that the survivors “were not in the position to continue their mission in any way.”

In addition to Reps. Garamendi and Ryan, the letter to Secretary Hegseth was signed by: Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Sara Jacobs (CA-52), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Seth Moulton (MA-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

A copy of the letter to Secretary Hegseth is included below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth,

We write to request that you release all audio and video footage from the kinetic strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean on September 2, 2025, including the follow-on strikes.

Our concern stems from reports that you, as Secretary of Defense, issued an order to “kill everybody,” followed by additional strikes seeking to kill the two remaining unarmed, shipwrecked individuals.

The American people deserve transparency on these attacks; it is your obligation to release the footage. We look forward to your prompt response and release of this footage to the public, as has already been promised by President Trump.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act: 

“Our adversaries have made it clear they intend to exert their own reckless influence around the globe at the expense of our nation’s safety and security.  The stability of our world and the safety of Americans here at home and worldwide depends on our military being an effective deterrent to dictators who seek to expand their power at all costs.  I voted in support of today’s National Defense Authorization Act to support our military at a critical time in history and bolster our national security, deter destructive nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and ensure America’s military remains the strongest in the world. 

“Today’s NDAA will bring significant investments to the major St. Louis-area programs to the tune of $4 billion, including $2.6 billion for the F-47 fighter jet, $460 million for MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone procurement, $400 million for F-18 modifications and sustainment, $372 million for F-15 procurement, and $187 million for JDAM procurement. 

“This bill also increases much-needed resources for our troops, including a pay raise for all service members and new barracks and family housing to support the family members who sacrifice when their spouse and parents are away fighting for our freedoms.  The NDAA also expands access to sexual assault forensic kits and programs to prevent and punish sexual misconduct. 

“This vote authorizes $2.7 billion to bolster our defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to prevent China from growing its already dangerously expansive influence.  We also fought to include important funding to support our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, in the form of $70 million in anti-drone initiatives and full funding for joint U.S.-Israel defense programs like the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.  And in another win for our area and the Bosnian-American community, I’m happy to say this bill codifies important sanctions to promote peace in the Western Balkans, language I have championed through my bill to protect Bosnia’s Dayton Peace Agreement.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives by 302 to 123.  Led by Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), the INVEST Act will cut red tape in Washington, empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, and provide Americans with the opportunity to more freely invest. 

Chair Wagner said, “I work every day to ensure that Americans across the nation, especially in our heartland, can better save for their future, build, and innovate.  As Chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, I have worked with all of my colleagues to craft vital policies that strengthen our markets so they can continue to be the strongest in the world and support Main Street investors who are saving for important goals like home ownership, a child’s education, or their own retirement.  The INVEST Act will supercharge our economy, provide stability for investors, and help small business owners grow and create jobs in communities around the nation.  For too long, capital has been concentrated largely in the coastal regions, leaving out critical regions like the great Midwest.  The INVEST Act will alleviate that imbalance and support growth in our neighborhoods in Missouri and beyond.  It will invest in our community, in our jobs, and in our future.  I thank my colleagues for their strong support of my legislation and look forward to the Senate quickly taking action.”

Chairman Hill said, “Today, we ensured the American Dream remains within reach for every family and community across our nation. I applaud the House’s passage of the INVEST Act, which will keep our economy the envy of the world and secure a brighter future for generations to come. Through this bipartisan package, we expanded access to investment capital for new and expanding businesses; provided new investment options for investors and retirement plans; and lowered the costs for companies seeking to go public. I commend Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner for her tremendous work in leading this legislation that will benefit all Americans in a profound way and am eager for INVEST to be signed into law.”

Rep. Meeks said, “Across our country, hardworking families are invested in the stock market to build a future. These are the everyday Americans who rely on strong, fair, and accessible markets. Today, with the House’s passage of this bipartisan INVEST Act, we took a major step forward. This bill strengthens our markets, expands opportunities for small businesses, and gives millions of Americans a greater chance to grow their retirement savings and achieve real financial security. At a time when families feel the squeeze of rising costs, this legislation is an opportunity to strengthen the financial future of every American household. I look forward to the INVEST Act becoming law so we can see real progress in closing the financial wealth gap in this country.”

Rep. Gottheimer added, “The bipartisan INVEST Act takes vital steps to give Jersey small businesses and start-ups the resources they need to grow and thrive, which is becoming increasingly important as costs continue to surge. This bill also includes my bipartisan legislation, the Senior Security Act, to protect our vulnerable seniors from fraudsters who seek to take financial advantage of them. Millions of seniors across the country, including my own mother, have been the victims of financial scams, and this bipartisan legislation will help protect our seniors from having their hard-earned retirement savings stolen right out from under them.”

Click here for the Rules Committee Print of the INVEST Act.

Click here for a one-pager.

Click here for a section-by-section. 

Click here for a three-pager.

Click here to read Chairman Hill’s letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal. 

Further Background on the Committee’s work on capital formation legislation:

• On December 2, 2025, the Full Committee introduced the INVEST Act.
• The Full Committee held markups on all legislation included in the INVEST Act in May, June, July, and September.
• On March 25, 2025, the Full Committee held a hearing entitled: Beyond Silicon Valley: Expanding Access to Capital Across America.
• On February 26, 2025, the Committee issued a request for feedback on legislative proposals to increase investor access and facilitate capital formation.
• On February 26, 2025, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing entitled: The Future of American Capital: Strengthening Public and Private Markets by Increasing Investor Access and Facilitating Capital Formation.
• On April 19, 2023, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing entitled: A Roadmap for Growth: Reforms to Encourage Capital Formation and Investment Opportunities for All Americans.
• On March 09, 2023, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing entitled: U.S. Public Markets Built for the 21st Century: Exploring Reforms to Make Our Public Markets Attractive for Small and Emerging Companies Raising Capital.
• On February 08, 2023, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing entitled: Sophistication or Discrimination? How the Accredited Investor Definition Unfairly Limits Investment Access for the Non-wealthy and the Need for Reform.
• On February 08, 2023, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing entitled:  Empowering Entrepreneurs: Removing Barriers to Capital Access for Small Businesses.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement in honor of the start of Hanukkah this weekend, and issued a reminder to condemn antisemitism:

“This weekend, Jewish families across Chicago, the country, and the world, are celebrating Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights is a time for reflection and celebration – a time to find gratitude for life’s blessings. As we celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people, we must also recognize the struggles the community continues to face.

“Last year, anti-Jewish hate crimes rose almost 60 percent. Across the city, we have seen racist flyers, synagogue windows smashed, and schools defaced with hate symbols. Though three percent of Chicago’s residents are Jewish, the community makes up almost 40 percent of hate crime victims. The way to fight antisemitism and prejudice here at home is to identify it, speak out against it, and take action. We must work together to make sure every member of our community feels protected. That requires each of us to show up for our neighbors and reject attempts to divide us.

“I am committed to taking steps to fight antisemitism at the federal level. This includes by supporting the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act, which directs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to study and report on Holocaust education efforts and the Countering Antisemitism Act, which would take comprehensive action to combat antisemitism in America.

“The story of Hanukkah and the Jewish people is one of trial and triumph, throughout history and in the present day. I wish all of my Jewish friends a Chag Sameach!”

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