MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the Blue Ridge Discovery Center, based in Troutdale, Virginia, a $100,000 grant for a visitor center. This funding will support the development of a facility to expand the outdoor recreation economy in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Southwest Virginia communities rely on tourism as a leading source of revenue.

“This ARC grant for $100,000 helps the Blue Ridge Discovery Center support the tourism needs of the region with a visitor center.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, a new visitor center will generate an increase in annual revenue for the Blue Ridge Discovery Center by at least $184,000.

The visitor center will be a 1,920 square foot facility in Konnarock, Virginia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) will soon introduce the No U.S. Oil Exports During Iran War Act to halt exports of U.S.-produced crude oil during the ongoing war with Iran, aiming to protect American consumers from rising energy costs and economic instability.

“At a time of global uncertainty, we must use every available tool to protect the American people,” said Congressman Sherman. “This legislation puts American consumers first by ensuring that our energy resources are used to stabilize prices at home—not to maximize profits abroad,” Sherman added.

America produces more oil than we use. If we prohibit exports, the supply will exceed the demand, and prices will drop. Currently, American oil is going to Europe and Asia to replace Middle East oil, reducing the domestic supply and raising the prices Americans pay.

The legislation would prohibit U.S. crude oil exports until (1) the President certifies that hostilities with Iran have ceased and (2) the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened to global commerce. 

The bill would implement a targeted export ban designed to stabilize domestic energy markets, reduce inflationary pressure, and prioritize U.S. supply during a period of international crisis. It also includes limited flexibility for cases where certain crude oil cannot be efficiently refined domestically, allowing narrowly tailored export licenses provided that refined products are returned to the United States.

Recently, Congressman Sherman pressed President Trump to immediately exercise this authority and pause U.S. petroleum exports until hostilities with Iran cease and global energy markets stabilize. In his letter to Trump, Sherman emphasized that such action would help shield American consumers from unnecessary price increases, reduce inflationary pressure, and ensure domestic energy supplies remain available during a period of global instability. 

“Suspending crude oil exports during the Iran War is a lawful, targeted, and necessary step,” Sherman added. “American oil should first and foremost benefit the American people.”

To read Sherman’s letter to Trump, click here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the negotiations on the upcoming Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 reauthorization. 

“As the Trump administration continues to run roughshod over our Constitution, we cannot continue to give them a further opening to sacrifice our civil liberties in the name of national security. We cannot give Stephen Miller a blank check to conduct domestic surveillance in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

“I have been working on essential reforms to FISA across Administrations, and I have not wavered — whether it is a Democratic or Republican President. This has always been a bipartisan issue for good reason. Americans across political parties care deeply about privacy and not being surveilled. Congress has a duty to protect those fundamental Constitutional liberties. Any attempt to push forward a ‘clean’ reauthorization of Section 702 will put our private, sensitive data at risk. 

“This Trump administration has been particularly brazen in its use of domestic surveillance to suppress our Constitutional rights and dissent. In just the last six weeks, the administration has blacklisted Anthropic for refusing to stand down on its requirement that its technology not be used for the mass surveillance of Americans, and we learned that the Department of Justice surveilled me — and likely many other members — while reviewing the Epstein files, seeking justice for survivors. In Minnesota, federal immigration agents have surveilled and intimidated U.S. citizens exercising their First Amendment rights to document agents’ unlawful actions.

“It is time to reform FISA, ensure our Fourth Amendment protections are guaranteed, and stop the government surveillance of Americans.”

Section 702 authorizes the federal government to intercept electronic communications of non-U.S. persons who are located outside of the United States. However, the communications of Americans are often swept up when monitoring non-U.S. persons, are then kept by intelligence agencies, and can be later accessed without a warrant. This backdoor surveillance has occurred for decades and allows for rampant abuse. While the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claims to have significantly reduced the number of backdoor searches in recent years, the truth is, we do not know the true number of searches on Americans. In 2024, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division uncovered that the FBI was querying Section 702 data differently and was not in compliance with statutory and court-ordered requirements intended to prevent abuses. In October 2025, the Office of the Inspector General stated it was “not able to conclude… that FBI’s querying compliance issues are entirely in the past.” 

Jayapal has been a champion of Congressional efforts to reform FISA. She has led both bipartisan legislation and letters to enact reforms, as well as multiple bipartisan calls to leadership to not tie FISA reauthorization to “must pass” legislation and allow Members a vote on the standalone legislation. Jayapal also co-led the Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act to stop the federal government from circumventing Americans’ Fourth Amendment right to privacy by closing loopholes that allow the government to purchase Americans’ data from big tech companies without a search warrant.

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, introduced the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance to Greece for five years. 

“Greece is a steadfast democratic ally of the United States, a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and an essential partner in ensuring regional security and prosperity. IMET assistance strengthens cooperation, training, and interoperability between our Armed Forces, a critical component of our bilateral relationship,” said Congressman Pappas. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize IMET for another five years, and why I will push for its passage as well as other efforts to strengthen cooperation with our allies to protect America’s security interests.”

“The United States and Greece share a deep and enduring partnership rooted in our mutual commitment to democracy, stability, and security in a strategically vital region of the world. As a proud co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I am honored to help lead the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, which further strengthens this critical alliance,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Greece has long been a reliable NATO ally, consistently meeting its defense spending commitments and serving as a key pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This legislation builds upon our existing defense cooperation by enhancing joint military training, expanding security assistance, and reinforcing our shared capacity to address emerging threats.  At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with trusted partners like Greece. This bill underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing peace, deterring aggression, and promoting security in the region. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance this important legislation and to continue strengthening the bonds between our two nations for generations to come.”

“The diplomatic relationship and defense partnership between the United States and Greece are too important to be overlooked. I am proud to join my Hellenic colleagues in supporting the US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act to ensure regional security and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Congresswoman Titus. 

“As Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I applaud Greece’s decision to strengthen its national defense, including upgrades to its F-16 fleet and advanced air defense systems. As a steadfast U.S. ally and a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece plays a vital role in promoting regional security and democratic values,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “As instability persists across the Middle East, threats from Iran persist and Turkey continues its illegal overflights above the Greek Islands and aggression toward neighboring Cyprus, the strong partnership between the United States and Greece is critical to advancing peace, deterrence, and collective defense.”

This legislation is endorsed by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).

Background: 

Congress has recognized the significance of expanding U.S. cooperation with Greece through the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act which was signed into law as part of the FY2022 NDAA. The USGDIP recognized that Greece, a key NATO ally, is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and that the United States should remain committed to supporting the region’s security and prosperity through cooperation with Greece.

IMET appropriations for Greece help meet the increased need for education and training of the Greek Armed Forces. The funds facilitate the establishment of contacts between American and Greek officers, which will optimize cooperation and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The strategic importance of Greece at NATO’s Eastern and Southern flanks has been more reflected in recent years, including the war in Ukraine, between Israel and Hamas following the October 7th attacks, and U.S. military operations in Iran.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). This bipartisan bill extends the Good Neighbor Authority program from 10 years to 20 years to allow the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to partner with state, tribal, and local partners to address wildfire risk and improve forest health.

“California is no stranger to devastating wildfires, and we need every tool available to better manage our forests and reduce this growing threat,” said Congressman Valadao. “By strengthening long-term collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local partners, the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act will take a more proactive approach to forest management and wildfire prevention. I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Panetta on this bipartisan effort to better protect our communities.”

“Our forests can’t be protected and preserved on a short timeline, and neither can the partnerships it takes to protect them,” said Rep. Panetta. “The Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act extends agreement terms between the federal government and states, counties, and Tribal governments up to 20 years, giving these partners the stability they need to conduct the forest restoration and recreation work that our communities depend on. With long-term partnerships, we can give our forests and public lands the sustained attention they need to thrive for generations to come.”

“Forest management requires a long-term commitment as well as predictable and sustainable tools for those performing critical work,” said Jay Farrell, Executive Director of the National Association of State Foresters. “Good Neighbor Authority is a proven and time-tested cross boundary tool for State Foresters and federal land managers to address wildfire risk and increase forest health, while providing economic benefit to rural communities. We thank Representative Valadao for his leadership, and we look forward to ensuring policies are in place to establish greater stability and predictability for states to fully leverage Good Neighbor Authority.”

Background:

The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), first authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, allows the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to partner with states, tribes, and local governments to carry out critical forest management and restoration work on federal lands. These partnerships have proven effective in reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health, and supporting rural economies. However, current GNA agreements are limited in duration, creating uncertainty for long-term projects that require sustained planning and investment. The Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act addresses that gap by authorizing agreements of up to 20 years, providing partners with the certainty needed to undertake large-scale, cross-boundary restoration efforts.

Read the bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor, exposing the crypto industry for spending mega millions to control Congress. 

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) reintroduced H.R. 7996, the Linemen Legacy Act, which would include utility line technicians under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) definition of “emergency response providers.” 

The bill would properly recognize the role of utility line technicians in the aftermath of natural disasters. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) is co-leading the bipartisan legislation. 

“Utility linemen perform heroic work after natural disasters. We see this firsthand in Louisiana, as linemen work tirelessly for weeks to restore power to our state after a major hurricane,” said Rep. Higgins. “Our bill both honors linemen and streamlines storm recovery efforts by enhancing the Stafford Act definition of first responders.”  

“The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) proudly endorses the Lineman Legacy Act, introduced by Representatives Clay Higgins and Donald Norcross. When disaster strikes, electrical contractors and their linemen are among the first on the ground, working around the clock to restore power and keep communities safe. They run toward danger while others are told to stay away and federal law should reflect that reality,” said Marco Giamberardino, NECA Chief Communications Officer. “This bipartisan legislation delivers long-overdue recognition to the men and women who risk their lives to restore our grid in the wake of hurricanes, winter storms, and other emergencies. NECA commends Representatives Higgins and Norcross for honoring the safety risks linemen face every day and urges swift passage of this meaningful legislation.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined her colleagues on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee for a hearing examining the persistent challenges in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) care, including stagnant patient outcomes, barriers to innovation, and disparities in access to treatment.

Six in ten Americans live with a chronic disease, and ESRD remains one of the most severe, costly, and preventable conditions among them. Although Congress extended Medicare coverage to ESRD patients in 1972, the care delivery system has seen little meaningful improvement in more than five decades. Today, misaligned payment incentives continue to favor in-facility dialysis over home-based options, slowing the adoption of innovative treatments and limiting patient choice. These challenges are especially acute in rural and underserved communities, where access to care is already constrained. Patients may also face discriminatory practices in commercial dialysis coverage, further complicating their ability to receive timely and appropriate treatment. The hearing provided Members with an opportunity to question witnesses on these systemic issues and explore policy solutions to improve outcomes and expand access for ESRD patients.

A video and full transcript of Congresswoman Miller’s remarks can be found below.

Congresswoman Miller began by discussing her work advancing high-quality kidney care and addressing gaps in innovation for patients with end-stage renal disease. She emphasized the need to expand access to new treatments and discussed her Kidney Care Access Protection Act before questioning Mr. John Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akebia Therapeutics, on how the legislation would help sustain innovation and improve patient care outcomes.

“I’m really really pleased to be here today as our committee focuses this particularly vulnerable population and a chronic disease I have spent much of my work in Congress addressing: individuals who are living with end-stage renal disease.

When I first immersed myself in the kidney community, very quickly I learned one of the biggest issues facing ESRD patients is the lack of innovation in dialysis treatments.

Twenty-five percent of all Medicare fee-for-service spending goes to kidney care, but new therapies are rare.

I’ve introduced the Kidney Care Access Protection Act with my colleague Terri Sewell to restore innovation and hope for kidney patients, because they deserve the same access to innovation as every other Medicare beneficiary.

This legislation ensures patients continue to receive high-quality care and timely access to innovative treatments by extending innovation payments for three years, providing Medicare Advantage parity through direct facility payments, and correcting CMS errors that previously failed to account for rising labor and supply costs.

Mr. Butler, given your 25 years of experience advancing pharmaceutical care for renal patients and your leadership at Akebia in developing therapies, can you explain how the Kidney Care Access Protection Act would help sustain innovation in ESRD treatments and ensure that patients continue to have access to high-quality, cutting-edge care?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

“Congresswoman, first, thank you so much for your advocacy for patients with ESRD. You have been a leader and everyone in the community appreciates that. So thank you and thank you for your question. And I’ll give one statistic, I heard the number this morning, that there are 1300 late stage clinical programs in development for Oncology. There is one for patients on dialysis.

So the idea that is embodied in the Kidney Care Access Protection Act is that there’s a sustainable reimbursement pathway that still falls under the the ESRD benefit. So, you know, has that same, you know, kind of built in discounts to the so, so you’re controlling costs. But when you think about investing, you know, when you’re making the decision, I can invest in Oncology, I can invest in kidney care. And I know that there’s a path that I can invest and bring that innovation to patients who need it, who absolutely need it.

There’s an innovation in prevention in CKD. When you start dialysis, you deserve the same kind of innovation. And the part, the section 101 of the bill really does define that for any private sector to look at that and say, ‘I know I can invest here and it will help patients in the end.’ And we’re very, very supportive of that. Thank you,” responded Mr. Butler.

Before questioning Ms. Ashli Littleton, a home dialysis patient in Clarksville, TN, Congresswoman Miller concluded by highlighting her pending legislation, the Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act. This bill would expand Medicare support for staff-assisted home dialysis, helping more patients with end-stage renal disease safely receive care at home while improving quality of life for those who need additional assistance.

“Ms. Littleton, my first year of marriage was spent in Clarksville, Tennessee when my husband was serving in the 101st. That’s really where I learned to become a grown-up, so I have very fond memories. Thank you for being here and sharing your experience.

As someone who is utilizing staff-assisted home dialysis, your perspective is incredibly important as we think about how to better support patients living with ESRD.

I’ve been working on legislation, the Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act, that would, for the first time, ensure Medicare supports staff-assisted home dialysis by providing an add-on payment and expanding access for patients who may need extra help, whether temporarily or long-term due to medical conditions.

My question for you, Ms. Littleton, is from your experience, how has access to staff-assisted home dialysis impacted your quality of life, and what would it mean for patients like you if Medicare more consistently covered and supported this option for those who need assistance to safely dialyze at home?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

 

“Thank you. For me, it’s just more confidence in my ability to do the dialysis at home. I know I have the support if anything goes wrong and I have the staff there that can assist me. And so with that, I’m able to do it and not be afraid of anything going wrong because I know that I have backup there that are very accessible to me. They’re just a phone call away,” responded Ms. Littleton.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul — chairman of the Homeland Security Committee’s “Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events” — released the following statement on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s award of $625 million to 11 cities hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“While the FIFA World Cup presents a unique opportunity to showcase American leadership and excellence, we must be clear-eyed about the threats. As we’ve learned from past events, including the Boston Marathon bombing, those who seek to do us harm often exploit events of this magnitude as a backdrop for terror. These grants will actively work to thwart those evolving dangers in today’s heightened threat environment.

“I’m grateful to all those at FEMA who pushed through Democrats’ DHS shutdown to get these vital security grants out the door — including more than $100 million for host cities in Texas. With less than 90 days to go until the opening match, I will continue working at full speed in Congress and alongside the White House task force to protect all players, spectators, and local communities.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswomen Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Carol Miller (R-W.V.), members of the Ways and Means Committee, today introduced the Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act, a bipartisan bill to address the nationwide child care shortage by creating a tax credit to help providers attract and retain qualified staff.

As child care costs continue to rise faster than inflation, parents in California now pay nearly $22,000 annually for infant care and $13,000 for a 4-year-old. In West Virginia, the cost is nearly $10,000 for both.

“It’s ridiculous that it can be cheaper to send a child to college than to preschool,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “If we’re serious about supporting working families, we need to make child care more affordable and accessible. Our bill will help providers hire and retain qualified staff, so parents have reliable options for their young children without paying higher prices.”

“Parents across the country continue to struggle with the rising costs of childcare due to the industry’s workforce shortage. Attractive wages attract employees, and a large part of the cost of retaining the staff needed to adequately and safely care for the children is often passed on from the provider to the parents,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Building on the increased Child Tax Credit and expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that were secured by the passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts last summer, I am happy to join my colleagues Rep. Sánchez and Senators Justice and Warner in introducing the Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act to go one step further in addressing rising childcare costs. By providing a tax credit to assist our providers in paying their staff, we can limit the costs being passed on to parents.”

In the United States, child care workers earn less than the average worker despite a high level of responsibility and demanding training requirements. These low wages lead to high turnover and difficulty in recruitment, ultimately resulting in fewer available classroom slots and higher costs for families. 

The bipartisan Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act would create a new tax credit for eligible child care facilities to help offset the cost of employee wages, incentivizing higher pay for workers who directly care for children, while preventing the benefit from going toward administrative overhead.

Senators Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Jim Justice (R-W.V.) previously introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“From health care premiums to groceries to utility bills, life is only getting more and more expensive for American families, and for many, the math simply doesn’t work without affordable child care,” said Senator Warner. “Child care is the foundation that allows parents to earn a living while providing kids with the head start they deserve. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to address the workforce challenges contributing to our nation’s child care crisis.”

“Childcare providers simply can’t afford to pay their workers enough without passing those high costs on to parents. Families in West Virginia and across the country are spending thousands of dollars just to secure reliable childcare – it must be addressed. By creating a targeted tax credit tied directly to caregiver wages, we can pay the people who take care of our kids what they deserve while giving our hard-working families some breathing room,” said Senator Justice.

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