MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [6/4/26] – Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. John Mannion (D-NY), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval in the House and Senate to repeal the Department of Education’s finalized rule that caps federal student loans and overhauls the student loan system.

The final rule unnecessarily limits the definition of a professional degree for the purpose of establishing federal loan caps, which will force future nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and many others to turn to often predatory, high-interest private lenders to complete their degrees. It also officially eliminates the Grad PLUS program and creates new, more expensive loan repayment options for all borrowers. 

“We should be making it easier, not harder for people to enter essential professions like nursing, education, and social work,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The Trump administration does not have the best interest of the people who want to go into these professions in mind. The shortsighted changes to the student loan program will make higher education more expensive and drive people away from the jobs our communities need. I’ll keep working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to stop these unacceptable changes to the student loan program.”

“Nurses, teachers, counselors, and social workers are dedicated public servants, and Congress must do everything it can to help recruit the next generation of these heroes,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “We’re already facing a shortage of these critical workers, and new limits on federal student loans for these professions and others threaten to further jeopardize the future of our workforce. Financial freedom and flexibility are essential to aspiring students, and I’m leading the charge with my colleagues to oppose these dangerous changes and stand up for affordable student loans so folks can continue to achieve their dreams and serve the public.”

“The Trump Administration is making it harder for people to become nurses, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals at the exact moment our communities need them most,” said Representative John W. Mannion. “This rule is arbitrary, short-sighted, and harmful to low- and middle-income students who do not have the luxury of paying out of pocket for an advanced degree, which is why I’m working with my colleagues on this legislation to repeal this shortsighted rule. We should be expanding access to educational opportunity, not creating new barriers to the workforce.”

“While working families struggle to buy groceries and put gas in their cars, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message to aspiring nurses, health care providers, social workers, teachers, and firefighters: If you can’t afford a high interest loan, then you can’t serve your community,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “This rule will undermine public health, and it’s a slap in the face to the millions of professionals who are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. It should be thrown out, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this Congressional Review Act resolution to get it overturned.” 

 

“The Trump Administration is once again actively targeting the public servants who make up the bedrock of our communities – nurses, teachers, and social workers – by taking away their opportunities to access affordable student loans and forcing them into the clutches of private lenders,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This new rule creates a deep inequity that will exacerbate nursing and educator shortages and is an insult to the hard working professionals that sacrifice every day to serve others.”

The final rule establishes an arbitrary list of 11 fields that are eligible for an aggregate borrowing limit of $200,000. Borrowers in programs excluded from the definition of “professional” – including nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and more – will have a $20,500 annual borrowing limit and a $100,000 aggregate borrowing limit. This will exacerbate healthcare workforce shortages and disincentivize students from entering high-need fields.

Millions of borrowers with outstanding student loans will also see their required monthly payment amounts increase by hundreds of dollars, dramatically adding to the affordability crisis. Changes to student loan repayment include significantly higher monthly loan payments and a mandated $50 minimum monthly payment under the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, rather than allowing for lower amounts when the lender and borrower agree. Together, these changes will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income students and families. 

The text of the CRA can be read here. It is supported by nearly 200 organizations including: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; Advanced Professionals Workforce Alliance, American Academy of Audiology; American Academy of Physician Associates; American Association for Marriage and Therapy (AAMFT); American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); American Counseling Association; American Institute of Architects; American Library Association; American Nurses Association (ANA); Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, National Art Education Association; National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); National Career Development Association; National Education Association (NEA); the National League for Nursing (NLN); National Nurses United; National Rural Health Association; the PA Education Association; and National Rural Health Association.

“Students do better when educators have the training, support, and opportunities they need to grow in their professions,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “This administration rule is making it harder for teachers, school counselors, nurses, social workers, and other public service professionals to pursue advanced degrees by pushing many of them towards predatory high-interest loans and deeper debt. At a time when schools across the country are struggling with staffing shortages, we should be removing barriers to the profession, not creating new ones. Repealing this rule is essential to restoring fairness and ensuring aspiring educators are not priced out of serving their communities.”

“On behalf of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), we thank Representatives Bonamici, Mannion and Underwood and Senators Merkley and Alsobrooks for their efforts to introduce legislation that will overturn the recent final rule for the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Federal Student Loan Program,” said AANP President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP. “The final rule written by the Department of Education will have a devasting impact on our nation’s health care workforce. It is critical that we work together to ensure that nursing students have access to the necessary federal student loans to pursue their education and ultimately deliver care in their communities. It’s time we invest in our next generation of health care providers.”

Additional statements of support can be found here.

In the House, the CRA is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Angie Craig (D-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Madeline Dean (D-PA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Llyod Doggett (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Larson (D-CT), Summer Lee (D-PA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [06/3/26] – Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced legislation to offer LGBTQI+ specific services for older LGBTQI+ Americans and individuals living with HIV in rural communities.

LGBTQI+ older adults in rural communities often face greater barriers to receiving the support and resources they need because of geography, costs, insufficient broadband infrastructure, and lack of specialized providers. Stigma can also deter members of the LGBTQI+ community and people living with HIV from seeking help. The Elder Pride Act would update the Older Americans Act (OAA) and provide funding to help rural Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve LGBTQI+ individuals and those living with HIV.

“It’s unacceptable that many elder Americans are unable to access the care they need simply because of who they love and where they live,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful to lead the Elder Pride Act with Representatives Pocan and Davids to help provide LGBTQI+ seniors and those who live with HIV in rural areas with the care they need to age with dignity.”

“LGBTQ+ older Americans deserve the protections their neighbors are afforded. After decades of exclusion from and discrimination in health care settings, workplaces, and local communities, queer and trans elders should be able to age with dignity, grace, and surrounded by community. The Elder Pride Act will help ensure that all older adults are able to have access to the care and services they need,” said Senator Edward J. Markey.

“Many of our LGBTQI+ elders fought tirelessly for equality in a world that refused to accept their identity,” said Congresswoman Sharice Davids, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “While they overcame tremendous odds to give future generations the rights they deserve, our elders, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face discrimination when accessing long-term care and healthcare. I am proud to support the Elder Pride Act because who you are and who you love should never increase your risk for isolation, poverty, and poor health outcomes as you age.”

“Congress has a responsibility to ensure LGBTQI+ older adults and older people living with HIV in rural communities have the support they need to age with dignity,” said Rep Mark Pocan (WI-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “I’m honored to join Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Davids in introducing the Elder Pride Act to ensure meaningful investments in support services for these rural community members.”

The legislation is endorsed by SAGE, Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), InterACT, MAZON: a Jewish Response to Hunger, Justice in Aging, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), The Institute for Health Research & Policy at Whitman-Walker, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Grantmakers In Aging, Home Care Aide Council, Gerontological Society of America, Fenway Health, LGBTQIA+ Aging Project, Oregon LGBTQ+ Aging Coalition, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, MassEquality, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, LGBTQ+ Elders of Color, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging, and National Women’s Law Center Action Fund.

“Every LGBTQ+ person in every community across the country deserves to thrive. The Elder Pride Act will ensure that LGBTQ+ people who live in more rural areas, which represent 29% of LGBTQ+ older Americans, and those living with HIV have access to the support and services they need to age with dignity,” said SAGE CEO Lynn Faria. “We’d like to thank Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) for reintroducing this important legislation,” said Lynn Faria, CEO, SAGE.

The Elder Pride Act would establish a rural grant program designed to fund programs that provide:

• cultural competency training for service providers;
• connections between LGBTQI+ older adults and local service providers and community organizations;
• expanded use of nondiscrimination policies and community spaces for older adults who are members of the LGBTQI+ community or another protected class;
• resources on sexual health and aging, including for individuals with HIV, for senior service providers; and
• care or services to LGBTQI+ and seniors of other protected classes.

In addition to Representatives Bonamici, Pocan, and Davids, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sean Casten (D-IL), Scott Peters (D-CA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).

In addition to Senator Markey, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, spoke out against Republicans’ funding bill for the 2027 fiscal year during the Appropriations Committee’s markup today. In her opening remarks, Pingree condemned proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Park Service (NPS), and the National Endowments for the Arts (NEA) and Humanities (NEH). At the same time, the Trump Administration is spending millions of taxpayer dollars on the President’s vanity projects in D.C., Pingree said—including a 250-foot Arch, a $1 billion ballroom, resurfacing the reflecting pool, the so-called “Garden of Heroes”, and more. 

“How is the President paying for all of these vanity projects? While he might claim private fundraising, the real answer has seemed to be raiding national park entrance fees that typically go toward maintenance and stealing funding from the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities,” Pingree said.

Pingree also cited how Trump has destroyed the Kennedy Center over the past 18 months, and said the Committee must take steps to protect the institution. 

“I’m very pleased with the court’s confirmation last Friday that it’s plainly illegal for him to rename the Center after himself and remake it in his own image,” she said. “But we need real and committed oversight from this Committee to protect this critical institution and the artists, workers, and audiences that make it special.”

A summary of the bill is available here.

Pingree’s full remarks as prepared for delivery are copied below.

+++

Thank you for yielding. 

I would like to thank Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and the staff on both sides of the aisle. 

Chairman Simpson, I appreciate our working relationship and that we were able to find common ground last year to enact a bipartisan full-year funding bill. 

Unfortunately, the bill before us reverts back to the same partisan playbook, with grossly insufficient funding and a surplus of poison pill riders. 

The bill cuts EPA by 20 percent. This agency has already lost one-fifth of its workforce since President Trump took office. The cuts in this bill would completely cripple EPA’s ability to fight climate change, respond to environmental disasters, and hold polluters accountable. Meanwhile, the administration continues to roll back regulations that protect public health and the environment, including a recent announcement that will increase exposure to toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water.

I’m disappointed that the bill further cuts funding to states for water infrastructure. This is the first year that states won’t have the additional funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I believe that it is critical that we don’t lose the momentum we built with those investments. 

I’m also very concerned by the cuts to the National Park Service facilities operation and maintenance. This is the funding the Park Service uses to maintain and repair its infrastructure. The bill cuts it by $163 million, or 17 percent. 

Meanwhile, in the Commerce, Justice, Science funding bill, Republicans have provided up to $152 million to renovate Alcatraz into a functioning prison.  

I find this completely outrageous. I won’t get into the many reasons why I think trying to reopen Alcatraz is a farce and a waste of money. But I have to say, when I look at that funding and then look at the bill before us today, it’s painfully obvious that the majority is prioritizing resurrecting a 19th century prison over today’s underfunded and understaffed parks.

At the same time, the President is diverting significant resources toward pet projects that most Americans oppose: his ridiculous $1 billion gilded ballroom (from which he dumped the toxic demolition debris on a National Park-owned golf course), approving a no-bid contract to resurface the reflecting pool, forging ahead on his so-called “Garden of Heroes” – all of which he handpicked – and his 20-story tall Triumphal Arch that veterans’ groups have literally sued to block … the list goes on and on.

How is the President paying for all of these vanity projects? While he might claim private fundraising, the real answer has seemed to be raiding national park entrance fees that typically go toward maintenance and stealing funding from the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.

And speaking of vanity projects, I would be remiss not to mention the absolute mess that the President has made of the Kennedy Center over the past 18 months. I’m very pleased with the court’s confirmation last Friday that it’s plainly illegal for him to rename the Center after himself and remake it in his own image. But we need real and committed oversight from this Committee to protect this critical institution and the artists, workers, and audiences that make it special.

So: the President and this administration have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to dictate exactly what it deems artistically and culturally worthy – and at the same time, it’s trying to rob our communities of funding for our own local museums, historical societies, and arts education programs by cutting the NEA and NEH. I am vehemently opposed to this bill slashing each endowment by 35%, $72 million.

The bill also cuts funding for cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institution. Last year, we came to an agreement and beat back these cuts. We must do so again this year. 

While the administration is focused on building a gilded ballroom and a triumphal Arch to appease the president’s ego, Americans are facing soaring gas and energy prices. Yet this bill does nothing to reign in the administration’s assault on energy projects that states have been counting on. 

As the administration spends nearly 2 billion in taxpayer dollars to pay off companies for abandoning offshore wind projects, this bill piles on – adding additional fees for offshore wind companies and drastically cutting funding for renewable energy programs.

Finally, I have to express my opposition to the dozens of poison pill riders included in the bill. These riders aim to cripple environmental protection, undermine climate change policies, and override the Endangered Species Act. 

As written, I cannot support the bill before us today.

I oppose the bill, I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I yield back.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced a $3,633,272 grant award for SAC Health System to expand its healthcare services and continue providing high-quality, affordable primary care to underserved and vulnerable populations in the Inland Empire. The funding will support and sustain SAC Health’s daily operations and core services provided to the community, including medical, specialty, dental and behavioral healthcare.
The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration’s Health Center Program (H80) grant awards.
“From dental services to behavioral health and their mobile clinic, SAC Health is a leader in providing quality, affordable and accessible care to people in the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “With this grant funding, SAC Health will be able to strengthen and expand services for current patients and those in need, helping to keep families in our community healthy and happy.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for their continued partnership and this generous $3.6 million annual FQHC grant,” said Jason L. Lohr, MD, Chief Executive Officer, SAC Health. “This annual grant is a powerful blessing that allows SAC Health to live out our mission of serving and empowering our community. With this $3.6 million award, we can sustain and expand critical, community-focused services that patients rely on every day. Healthcare is a fundamental need, and these funds ensure that financial hardship or the cost of a doctor visit will never stand in the way of someone receiving the compassionate care they deserve.” 
SAC Health is a non-profit community healthcare corporation and Federally Qualified Health Center, offering health services across 35 specialties to thousands of patients in Southern California every year.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following House passage of the Iran War Powers Resolution, Rep. Gomez released the following statement: 

“This was the fourth time I voted to end Trump’s reckless war in Iran, and today, after months of delays, procedural roadblocks, and even an attempt by Republicans to cancel the vote altogether, the American people’s representatives passed this resolution and made their position undeniable: Trump must end this war.  

“Trump blew past the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution, then tried to tell the American people this war was suddenly ‘over’ while U.S. troops remained deployed and military operations continued. 

“Families across the country have had enough. They are paying the price for Trump’s chaos through higher costs and growing uncertainty. American service members have paid the highest price of all, and more families have been forced to bear the unimaginable loss of a loved one because of this war. All while Trump refuses to take responsibility for the mess he created. 

“The American people’s representatives have spoken. The Senate should pass this resolution immediately and send it to the President’s desk. Trump is out of excuses and out of room to pretend this war exists outside the law. He must end it now.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – This week, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) joined Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. They will serve as the Republican and Democratic co-chairs of the caucus, respectively.

“Cars and motorsports embody America’s creative spirit, technological innovation, grit, and drive,” said Congressman Bishop. “I look forward to working with Congresswoman Harshbarger to support these engineering marvels which push the limits of competition, are iconic national treasures, and inspire new generations of collectors and enthusiasts.”

“Motorsports and automotive performance are woven into the fabric of American culture and support an industry that drives innovation, fuels small businesses, and sustains more than a million jobs across the country,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “From manufacturers and suppliers to racers, collectors, and enthusiasts, this industry represents the ingenuity and craftsmanship that make America exceptional. I’m honored to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus alongside Congressman Bishop, and I look forward to working in a bipartisan way to support an industry that means so much to our economy and to communities like ours in East Tennessee.

The Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus was formed in 1996 to recognize the contributions the automotive performance and motorsports industry has made, and continues to make, to the U.S. economy. At the outset of the 119th Congress, Doug LaMalfa was the Republican co-chair of the caucus but sadly he passed away earlier this year.

Many Middle and Southwest Georgia communities host regular meets and annual expos, including events like Albany’s Southwest Georgia Car Show and the Moultrie Automotive Swap Meet which draws car enthusiasts and collectors from across the state.

Current members of the bipartisan, bi-cameral caucus include:

In the U.S. House

• Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Co-Chair 
• Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Co-Chair 
• Robert Aderholt (R-AL) 
• James Baird (R-IN) 
• Troy Balderson (R-OH) 
• Andy Barr (R-KY) 
• Don Beyer (D-VA) 
• Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) 
• Mike Bost (R-IL) 
• Ken Calvert (R-CA) 
• André Carson (D-IN) 
• Buddy Carter (R-GA) 
• Steve Cohen (D-TN) 
• Rick Crawford (R-AR) 
• Henry Cuellar (D- TX) 
• Suzan DelBene (D-WA) 
• Paul Gosar (R-AZ) 
• Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) 
• Glenn Grothman (R-WI) 
• Bill Huizenga (R-MI) 
• Darrell Issa (R-CA) 
• Dave Joyce (R-OH) 
• Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) 
• Mike Kelly (R-PA) 
• Trent Kelly (R-MS) 
• Bob Latta (R-OH) 
• Ted Lieu (D-CA) 
• John Moolenaar (R-MI) 
• David Rouzer (R-NC) 
• Linda Sanchez (D-CA) 
• Pete Sessions (R-TX) 
• Brad Sherman (D-CA) 
• Adam Smith (D-WA) 
• Mark Takano (D-CA) 
• Michael Turner (R-OH) 
• David Valadao (R-CA) 
• Juan Vargas (D-CA) 
• Joe Wilson (R-SC) 

In the U.S. Senate

• Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) 
• John Boozman (R-AR) 
• Ted Budd (R-NC) 
• Michael Crapo (R-ID) 
• Roger Marshall (R-KS) 
• Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) 
• Jerry Moran (R-KS) 
• Gary Peters (D-MI) 
• Adam Schiff (D-CA) 
• Todd Young (R-IN)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

The Northwest Straits Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats to marine environments.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to eliminate key civil-service protections for over 8,000 federal employees, making them vulnerable to removal at the President’s whim:

“The President’s executive order is just the latest example of this Administration undermining the work of patriotic federal employees. Schedule F reclassifications, which dismantle civil-service protections, politicize the civil service and create a pathway to fire nonpartisan public servants based on their actual or perceived beliefs – or simply for upholding the law in the face of this President’s illegal directives. Moreover, federal employees are already covered under non-disclosure protections; demanding that they sign additional non-disclosure agreements indicates that this Administration has something to hide and is afraid of whistleblowers coming forward. Congress must assert its status as a co-equal branch of government and hold this Administration accountable to the Constitution, the law, and established norms. Our federal workers deserve better than threats and denigration.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security — welcomed the Department of Homeland Security’s “Notice of Funding Opportunity” opening grant applications for a total of $10 billion in reimbursements to border states for costs incurred under the Biden administration. Congress appropriated the funding in July 2025 through a provision that McCaul championed and helped secure in House Republicans’ reconciliation package. 

“When the Biden administration abdicated its federal duty to secure the homeland, Texas stood in the gap — spending $11.1 billion on Operation Lone Star to defend this nation and its borders,” said McCaul. “Our state bore the brunt of the chaos and suffering caused by the open border crisis, which is why I proudly fought to secure federal funding to pay Texas back. After months of delays, I’m glad to see the program moving forward and hope Texas’ role as a front line of defense for our nation throughout those four years is heavily considered during the award process. Texans should never have been forced to foot the bill for President Biden’s dereliction of duty; it’s time to set things right.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced the Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act, legislation to direct the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to investigate the national and economic security risks posed by U.S. scrap aluminum exports to adversarial nations.

Michigan’s economy is powered by manufacturing. From automotive production to advanced aerospace and defense technologies, aluminum is a critical input that keeps American factories running and supports thousands of good-paying jobs across the state. Yet while U.S. manufacturers rely heavily on scrap aluminum as an affordable and energy-efficient input, large volumes of that material continue to leave the country. Including exports that may be supplying Chinese industries that seek to topple our manufacturing economy here at home.

“Michigan workers know that strong supply chains are the foundation of a strong manufacturing economy,” said Rep. Stevens. “We cannot sit back and let strategic materials that power American manufacturing to flow to competitors actively working to undercut our industries. If scrap aluminum is helping China strengthen its industrial base while our manufacturers face supply challenges, Congress needs to know.”

The Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act directs the USITC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into U.S. scrap aluminum exports to countries of concern and entities controlled by those countries. The study will examine the economic and national security risks posed by these exports and provide Congress with recommendations to strengthen domestic supply chains.

The legislation also requires the USITC to consult with domestic aluminum producers, metals recyclers, and organized labor to ensure the report includes the perspectives of American workers and manufacturers.

The Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act would:

1. Commission a United States International Trade Commission (USITC) investigation into aluminum scrap exports to countries of concern, with a final report presented to Congress.
2. Require that the USITC consult with domestic aluminum producers, metals recyclers, and unions representing workers involved in aluminum production.
3. Provide Congress with a deeper understanding of where scrap aluminum exports are going and the risks they pose to inform decision-making.

Congresswoman Stevens is leading the push to ensure China cannot develop a stronghold on an essential national security resource. She has consistently prioritized protecting American industry and security from the threats of Chinese aggression.

Most recently, she announced the Protecting Americans From Chinese Cars Act with Senator Elissa Slotkin to prevent Chinese cars from spying on critical infrastructure and flooding American markets. Stevens is also leading the effort to reshore America’s critical mineral supply chains with her Unearth America’s Future Act. Stevens played a pivotal role in securing billions in domestic investment to rebuild American semiconductor manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

“As the largest union in the aluminum sector, the United Steelworkers (USW) knows that scrap metal is a vital part of our aluminum supply chain. We thank Rep. Stevens for her work pushing for a better understanding of how scrap exports impact our economic and national security,” said USW International President Roxanne Brown. “Aluminum production consumes approximately 5 percent of electricity generated in the United States, making this examination of scrap aluminum needed, common-sense policy.”

“We are grateful to Representative Stevens for bringing forward legislation that addresses the critical topic of aluminum scrap exports, which has significant implications for both national security and domestic manufacturing. Exporting aluminum scrap—a vital element in the manufacturing process—while the United States continues to depend heavily on aluminum imports is counterproductive,” said Ryan Modlin, Vice President of Norsk Hydro USA. “It is essential that U.S. policies prioritize the interests of domestic manufacturers to bolster our supply chain and strengthen our industrial base. Understanding better where we export critical materials is essential to establish meaningful industrial policy.”

Bill text can be found here.

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