MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries Announce His Majesty, King Charles III, to Address a Joint Meeting of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

As digital entertainment dominates the attention of our nation’s youth, it is important to be reminded of the great significance reading has on sharpening the mind and broadening the ability to think critically. March is National Reading Month, and I’m grateful for this time set aside that underscores the importance of such a critical aspect of education.

Ronald Reagan once said, “Reading is a key to past, present, and future – a path into virtually limitless treasures of knowledge and inspiration. Reading encourages wonder about the world, broadens awareness of others, and offers clues about the meaning of life.”

Our late President is exactly right. Reading offers a way to expand the mind in a way that our digital devices are unable to. Holding a book in your hands, turning its pages, and reading its words of wisdom offers a moment in time for your mind to take a break, learn something new, and move forward with a broadened awareness.

As the co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, it is very important that we also shine a light on the most common learning disability that is directly tied to reading: dyslexia. Within this caucus, I have the unique ability to work in Congress on behalf of educators, parents, and students with dyslexia to advocate for a more science-based approach to creating a modern understanding around the definition of dyslexia.

While this learning disability unfortunately remains woefully misunderstood, it should never be a roadblock for students’ success in the classroom. Thankfully, great efforts are being made on the state level in Arkansas to ensure students with reading disabilities can receive the help they need early on to achieve higher academic outcomes and keep them on a level playing field with their peers.

Reading connects our present to our past. It’s a tool to expand our minds, increase our awareness of the world around us, and even allow us to visit hidden corners of the globe. The significance of reading can never be understated, which is why I am proud to continue advocating for a better understanding of reading disabilities to ensure no student is left behind in the classroom.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Sitting in the Transportation and Infrastructure hearing room this week as Chairman Graves gaveled us in to begin committee activity was young Dalilah Coleman accompanied by her mother and father. Committee hearings and markups are open to the public, so it’s common to look out and see folks sitting in who have just visited a Smithsonian museum or finished a Capitol tour, looking for a front row seat to observe the legislative process while visiting Washington.

However, this young guest was special because we would be passing a bill out of committee named in her honor that morning, sending it to the House Floor for a vote.

Dalilah’s Law was crafted after her car was struck by a semi-truck operated by an illegal alien with no English proficiency who did not meet the commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards. Because of this tragedy, Dalilah suffered life-altering injuries.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that, in 2025, at least seventeen fatal crashes and thirty deaths were linked to unqualified foreign drivers illegally operating commercial motor vehicles. Dalilah’s Law works to prevent future tragedies from occurring on our roads by ensuring stronger safety standards for CDLs and ensuring training providers are following the rules.

It was also disheartening to learn that the DOT reported that nearly 3,000 truck driver training schools were removed from the federal registry after investigators found falsified training records. It shouldn’t be controversial to ask that individuals operating an 80,000-pound semi-truck be able to understand and follow our nation’s road signs or be able to effectively communicate with law enforcement.

Weak policies and loopholes have unfortunately allowed unsafe drivers on our roads. But this week, House Republicans advanced legislation to the House Floor that closes these loopholes and brings us one step closer to restoring Americans’ trust and safety. It’s a privilege to work on legislation that not only honors individuals like young Dalilah but restores faith in our transportation system to ensure the safety of those traveling on our nation’s roads.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

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

Judge says Trump has no broad authority to make White House changes without Congressional approval

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Visits Prairieland Detention Center,

March 31, 2026

This visit comes following reports of concerning conditions of the facility and treatment of detainees

Alvarado, Texas — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) visited the Prairieland detention center. This oversight visit comes following the recent reports of detainees who have been denied medical care and aid. During the visit, Congressman Veasey raised serious concerns about the overall conditions inside the facility, including access to adequate medical care, transparency in operations, and the humane treatment of detainees. While detention facilities are expected to meet federal standards, it is critical that oversight remains strong and that these standards are consistently upheld. “This visit is about far more than what we may or may not see inside these walls—it is about demanding accountability at every level of our immigration system,” said Congressman Veasey. “We have a responsibility, not just as lawmakers but as human beings, to ensure that the dignity and rights of every person in custody are respected. We cannot turn away, and we cannot ignore the humanitarian implications of what is happening inside these facilities. Silence in the face of suffering is not an option. Oversight is not optional—it is our duty. And the American people deserve transparency, truth, and accountability.” Following the oversight tour, Congressman Veasey convened a roundtable with community stakeholders, local leaders, and advocates to discuss these serious concerns and identify steps toward strengthening oversight.

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

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

Donald Trump and Republicans know that the American people have had enough of their extremism, disastrous policies and chaos. Voters are ready to take our country back in November. Instead of working to make life more affordable, Republican extremists are determined to make it harder for people to vote so they can desperately cling to power.

The executive order signed by Donald Trump is an unlawful power grab by a failing President designed to bolster the do-nothing Republican Congress. This action would allow the administration to unilaterally determine who is allowed to vote, subject state election officials to unnecessary investigations meant to intimidate those who oppose their voter suppression agenda and risk the privacy of millions of law-abiding Americans. It will make voting unnecessarily difficult for women, communities of color, young people, individuals with disabilities and older Americans.

On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump unleashed a violent mob on the United States Capitol to overturn the results of the 2020 election and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power for the first time in American history. He has now made the so-called SAVE Act the top priority of the Republican Congress, in part because he and his sycophants think the affordability crisis is a hoax.

Generations have fought and died to protect the right to vote. It is sacred and central to our democracy. These unhinged efforts to rip away our rights will not prevail. The Constitution is clear. Donald Trump has no power to change the way states conduct their elections. We will fight back against this desperate Republican scheme to take over our free and fair elections and end the era of voter suppression in America once and for all. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) expressed their concerns over encroachments on religious freedom amid the start of Easter Week. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers urged the State Department to ensure foreign governments, particularly our allies, closely consult with the United States as decisions are made regarding access to holy sites for people of faith during religious holidays.

The effort follows an incident in Jerusalem at the start of Easter Week where Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and a small group of other Catholic clergy were blocked by Israeli Authorities from celebrating the start of Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where according to Christian tradition it is believed that Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This was the first time in centuries that the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church. 

“In a moment already marked by tension and conflict, protecting places like this is not just about one faith, but about safeguarding shared symbols of history, humanity, and coexistence for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. They become more important than ever in these times. And should serve as a reminder of the shared values of all faiths,” the lawmakers said in their letter. 

The decision to block services drew strong condemnation from many as a violation of religious freedom. Following a public outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the restrictions to permit access for “representatives of the Churches” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the remainder of Holy Week. However, other key holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, remain closed to worshipers.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Secretary Rubio, 

This letter is regarding the concerning reports that access to holy sites in Jerusalem was restricted by the Israeli government as Holy Week began.

On Palm Sunday, March 29th, 2026, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and a small group of other Catholic clergy were blocked by Israeli Authorities from celebrating the start of Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where according to Christian tradition it is believed Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This was the first time in centuries that the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church. This site holds profound significance not only for Catholics and other Christians—who commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus—but also for Jews and Muslims, for whom Jerusalem is a sacred and shared spiritual center. The decision to block services drew strong condemnation from many as a violation of religious freedom, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni describing it as “an affront not only to believers but to any community that upholds religious freedom”.

On March 30th, in response to the many concerns raised, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the restrictions to permit access for “representatives of the Churches” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the remainder of Holy Week.  However, other key holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, remain closed to worshipers. While security concerns in Jerusalem are real and must be taken seriously, they should be addressed in ways that uphold—not restrict—religious freedom and dignity.

Pope Francis and now Pope Leo have repeatedly expressed concern about preserving access to holy sites and protecting the rights of worshippers, underscoring the importance of maintaining their historic importance and ensuring that sacred spaces remain open and respected. In a moment already marked by tension and conflict, protecting places like this is not just about one faith, but about safeguarding shared symbols of history, humanity, and coexistence for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. They become more important than ever in these times. And should serve as a reminder of the shared values of all faiths.

We urge the State Department to ensure the Israeli government closely consults with you as these decisions are made and strongly uphold access to these deeply holy sites during sacred moments.

In light of these restrictions on religious freedom, we respectfully request a response to the following questions within the next two weeks:

•Did the Israeli government consult with the United States prior to restricting access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy sites during religious holidays?

•Has the State Department expressed concerns to Israel regarding potential infringements on religious freedom related to these restrictions?

•Is the State Department taking action to ensure that access to holy sites in Jerusalem is preserved for religious observances?

Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt response.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today blasted the Trump Administration’s latest proposal to weaken endangered species protections in the Gulf of Mexico to benefit Big Oil. Castor warned that the move risks repeating the costly damage of past disasters while doing nothing to lower prices for Americans already facing rising costs driven by the Trump Administration’s policies.

“The Trump Administration is once again bending over backward for polluters at the expense of Florida’s families, our ocean wildlife, and the coastal economy that depends on clean water and healthy beaches. The so‑called ‘God Squad’ proposal to dismantle endangered species protections is reckless, dangerous, and costly. Floridians remember the billions in damages from the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster—we refuse to let history repeat itself.

“This proposal will do nothing to address the high prices families are paying at the pump as a result of Trump’s war in Iran. Big Oil already sits on thousands of unused leases and receives billions in taxpayer subsidies. They don’t need another giveaway—especially when Trump’s policies are already making life more expensive for hardworking Americans. I will continue fighting to permanently ban drilling in the Eastern Gulf and protect our coastal way of life.

“The Gulf is central to life in Tampa Bay—supporting tourism, national security, and the livelihoods of families across our region and down Florida’s coast. Weakening these protections is a direct threat to our pocketbooks at a time when people are already being squeezed by Trump’s policies. Despite bipartisan efforts and overwhelming public support to keep drilling away from Florida’s shores, President Trump continues to put our communities at risk, selling off our treasured lands and waterways to the highest bidder.”