MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee on House Appropriations, chaired a bipartisan field hearing at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York City. Chairman Díaz-Balart and members of the subcommittee heard from the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz. 

The hearing focused on new legislative requirements for the UN in the recently enacted FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act, as well as the Trump Administration’s reforms to the UN and oversight of the way federal tax dollars are spent. Republicans reiterated the role appropriations plays in exercising the power of the purse to support America First leadership on the world stage: investments must support U.S. policy objectives, security, and values. 

Thanks to President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Ambassador Waltz, the United States continues to push for accountability and transparency at the UN. Appropriators – in the FY26 law – required the Secretary of State to determine whether or not accountability and anti-bias measures are in place before funding can flow from the federal government to the UN.

Allocations must follow results – not blind expectations – and the UN should welcome strong oversight from its highest-paying member nation. Ambassador Waltz made it clear during this field hearing that the Trump Administration is taking accountability measures seriously, not only regarding the UN, but in every place where taxpayer dollars are spent. For too long, Washington allowed business as usual – which enabled waste, weakened scrutiny, and failed to deliver results – and the United States will not bankroll that model any longer. Through enacted NSRP measures and renewed leadership by the Executive Branch, we are using all levers to restore discipline, enforce consequences, and promote freedom. 

President Trump has expressed that the United Nations has great potential and that one day it will eventually live up to that promise. It’s long overdue, and we are driving that reset into motion.

In his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) said, “Too often, the UN is directly at odds with America’s interests and makes a mockery of the very things it claims to support. From the Human Rights Council with many of the world’s worst offenders, to the World Health Organization’s pandering to communist China during COVID-19 while shutting out Taiwan, to Iran winning a seat on the Commission on the Status of Women while its regime brutalized women in the streets. Luckily, President Trump and Secretary Rubio are ushering in a new era of international accountability. One that demonstrates the glaring inadequacies of the UN. The central problem is not the Member States but the UN structure itself. It is embedded in the UN bureaucracy, its reporting practices, its discretionary funding pipelines, and its weak culture of oversight.”

Read Chairman Díaz-Balart’s full remarks here. 

Vice Chair of the NSRP Subcommittee Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) said, “It is gratifying to hear that America is finally getting focused with the dollars that we send overseas and that we’re insisting that the American taxpayer, the American citizen, really gets something from the funds that we’ve been sending abroad for years.”

Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) said, “This committee, more than any other, has the utmost responsibility to ensure that every single dollar is going to a program that supports our citizens’ national security, and also opens up economic opportunity for our country. It’s not just wealthy American taxpayer dollars that are going out the door – it’s also our farmers’ and our factory workers’. That’s their money as well, so I stand firm on this responsibility.”

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) said, “This past week, I had the opportunity to meet with three amazing individuals, and what they all had in common is that they were daughters whose loved one was imprisoned by the People’s Republic of China. Claire Lai, her father is Jimmy Lai. He’s in Hong Kong, [where he] spoke out for freedom, democracy, and has been [imprisoned] for five years. [He is] 80 years old, declining rapidly in prison. The other is Grace Jin,and Grace’s father, pastor Ezra Jin, [who] is in China. He recently was put in prison for teaching the Bible, preaching, [and] being the leader of a church there. And the [third] is Ziba, and her mother is Dr. Gulshan Abbas. She has also been in prison; she’s Uyghur. And the reason she was imprisoned is because her sister here in the United States was speaking out against the genocide occurring against the Uyghurs in China… I would just ask for [Ambassador Waltz’s] help as you speak with others here at the United Nations and as you’re preparing the discussions that will take place. I would ask you to advocate for those families who are suffering because their loved one has been unjustly imprisoned now.”

As FY27 funding discussions continue, we remain committed to robust oversight of how federal money is spent. American taxpayers deserve to know their tax dollars are going to support American ideals and goals – whether it’s in their local community or on the other side of the world. Bipartisan achievements in the FY26 NSRP bill have provided Ambassador Waltz with the resources necessary to supply strong accountability and transparency at the UN, and House Appropriators will continue to prioritize those efforts in the FY27 funding process. 

The full event is available on the House Appropriations Committee’s YouTube channel.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

The bill, introduced by Rep. John McGuire (R-VA), would codify parts of President Trump’s executive order issued on March 28, 2025.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) introduced the Kira Johnson Act alongside Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA). The Kira Johnson Act is named in honor of Kira Johnson, who died following the birth of her son, Langston, when hospital staff failed to respond to Kira’s concerns and signs of internal hemorrhaging for over ten hours. 

“Kira Johnson is one of the many women who we have lost too soon,” said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “It’s been 10 years since Kira Johnson’s death, yet Black women are still two to three times more likely than white moms to die in childbirth. Eighty percent of those deaths are preventable. We need to close the Black maternal health gap. Black moms matter, Kira Johnson matters, and we need Congress to stand up and take real action by passing the Kira Johnson Act.”

“The rate of maternal mortality is a moral stain on our country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Black women are particularly at risk in the state of Georgia, where they are three to four times more likely to die from complications related to childbirth or pregnancy than their white sisters. I’m proud to partner with Senator Booker and Rep. Adams in including this legislation in our broader effort to protect all mothers and babies. We can’t get this done soon enough.”

“As we approach 10 years since Kira lost her life giving the gift of life, I am deeply honored to see the Kira Johnson Act reintroduced and to witness the continued momentum behind the full Momnibus package,” said Charles Johnson, husband of Kira Johnson and founder of 4Kira4Moms. “What began as a personal tragedy has become a powerful movement to protect mothers, babies, and families across this country. Today, I am more hopeful than ever. I believe people across this nation, regardless of political affiliation, are tired of seeing mothers and babies failed by broken systems. The Kira Johnson Act and the Momnibus represent a meaningful opportunity for us to come together around what should never be political: saving lives and building a stronger, more just foundation of care for generations to come. I could not be more proud to see this legislation aligned with Kira’s legacy, and I am deeply grateful to my dear friend Congresswoman Alma Adams, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, and Senator Cory Booker for their leadership and commitment.”

The Kira Johnson Act is one of 14 bills that were included in the Momnibus. The Momnibus is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at addressing every factor of maternal mortality and morbidity, spearheaded by Congresswoman Alma Adams, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, and Senator Cory Booker. 

The bill will invest in community-based organizations working to address maternal health equity, support initiatives to address bias and racism in the medical field and promote accountability in maternity care settings. The Act provides funding for the establishment of Respectful Maternity Care Compliance Programs to provide mechanisms for pregnant and postpartum patients to report instances of bias or disrespect within hospitals.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

The bill’s original cosponsors include:

Rep. LaMonica McIver

Rep. Rashida Tlaib

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

Rep. Gwen Moore

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove

Rep. Hank Johnson

Rep. Ayanna Pressley

Rep. Glenn Ivey

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Rep. Christian Menefee

Rep. Wesley Bell

Rep. Seth Moulton

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

Rep. Suzan DelBene

Rep. John Garamendi

Rep. Steve Cohen

Rep. Melanie Stansbury

Rep. Debbie Dingell

Rep. Sara Jacobs

Rep. Shomari Figures

Rep. Steven Horsford

Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García

Rep. Marc Veasey

Rep. Joyce Beatty

Rep. Adam Smith

Rep. Terri Sewell

Rep. Frederica S. Wilson

Rep. Jonathan Jackson

Rep. Herb Conaway

Rep. Robert C “Bobby” Scott

Rep. Jahana Hayes

Rep. Angie Craig

Rep. Morgan McGarvey

Rep. Adelita Grijalva

Rep. Andre’ Carson

Rep. Mark Takano

Rep. Lucy McBath

Rep. George Latimer

Rep. Julie Johnson

Rep. Wesley Bell

Rep. Darren Soto

Rep. Lauren Underwood

Rep. David Scott

Rep. Nanette Barragán

Rep. Jennifer McClellan

Rep. Brad Schneider

Rep. Kevin Mullin

Rep. Marilyn Strickland

Rep. Paul Tonko

Rep. Madeleine Dean

Rep. Emilia Sykes

Rep. Andrea Salinas

Rep. Ted Lieu

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom McClintock Representing the 4th District of California

The City of Riverbank and the Army have reached an agreement to secure a 40-year lease to convert the Riverbank Army Ammunition Plant to light manufacturing.  The city has been in the process of attempting to transfer the old Army depot site into use for economic development.  

In August 2025 Congressman McClintock met with city officials, local leaders and Army representatives on site at the facility to discuss the conveyance schedule, outstanding challenges and next steps required for the transfer of the depot.

“I’m glad to hear, that after many years of delays and negotiation, the Army and the City of Riverbank have come to an agreement on a lease,” said Congressman McClintock. “This is a huge step towards turning the Army’s ammunition plant into economic growth for the region. I look forward to continuing my work with Riverbank and the Army to see this project through,” said Rep. McClintock. 

“This long term lease signals the collaboration of federal, state and local government that we should strive for. Riverbank’s goal is to continue that momentum with our partners to ensure economic mobility for our residents for generations to come. We see the effort and we hope to continue this energy more efficiently than ever before while keeping our residents as our main priority,” said Riverbank Mayor Rachel Hernandez.

The secured lease agreement will allow for the next steps to commence in the process of conversion of the depot.

Congressman McClintock meets in August 2025 at the former Army depot in Riverbank with city officials, local leaders and Army representatives to discuss issues related with transfer of the facility

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at the FSGG hearing on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with Director Scott Kupor. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video.

“I want to thank the Chairman. I want to thank you, Mr. Kupor, for being here and for taking what are, obviously, extensive experience in the business world and efficiency and effectiveness and agreeing to take on the responsibilities that are OPM. Some 14 months ago, this Administration, however, before you were there, renewed its crusade against the federal workforce. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought made this intention clear when he said, and I quote, ‘We want the bureau bureaucrats to be traumatically affected.’ He went on to say, and I quote, ‘When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they’re increasingly viewed as the villains. We want their funding to be shut down. We want to put them in trauma.’ Frankly, that intent was certainly delivered upon. The federal government has lost some 300,000 federal employees since Trump took office. DOGE created uninformed, irrational, and negative chaos. Chaos and great trauma. Trump, Vought, and Musk justified their purge in the name of improving government efficiency, an objective we all share and you have articulated in your statement. Instead, our government has become less efficient, in my view, to the detriment of the American people. My own view, Mr. Kupor, is that DOGE knew exactly how to get rid of people and had no idea of the consequences of their actions. That was demonstrated in four months of chaos.

“The Office of Personnel Management has been instrumental – again, not under your leadership – in this effort to dismantle the federal government and traumatize our federal workers. As one who represents 77,000 federal workers, I think the most of any Member of Congress, I have certainly experienced that, my district offices have experienced that, and I’ve seen it firsthand in my district. Last month, OPM finalized its scheduled policy career, previously known as Schedule F. That rule makes it even easier, in my view, for the administration to purge another 50,000 nonpartisan federal employees and replace them with political – and I use this word harshly and advisedly – sycophants. OPM is also working to weaken the authority of the Merit Systems Protection Board and deny former employees their right to appeal their termination. You and I are both lawyers; having the appeal come from an agency and then having that same agency oversee that appeal seems to me to be not in the best interests of our federal employees or our federal government. These federal workers are patriotic professionals who provide vital service to the American people every day. They swear their loyalty to the Constitution, not to whoever sits in the Oval Office.

“I’ve been on this committee for a very long period of time, essentially since January of 1983, with 20 years off for leadership services. But, I’ve asked almost every person who has come out of the private sector to compare their federal workers with their private sector workers. Invariably, they say they are surprised at the high level of commitment, efficiency, and effectiveness of their federal employees. You’re shaking your head, maybe I’ll ask you that question when that’s timely. Last summer, OPM also canceled its annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, which measures federal workers’ morale and the organizational performance on their agencies. It will not surprise you [that] I’m somewhat skeptical, and apparently that the answers were not wanted. No wonder the Administration does not want that survey to see the light of day. I understand that many of these policies either predate you or did not originate with you. So, this is not – we’ll find out where you want to go, but you and the rest of OPM are pivotal in carrying out these policies. I’m eager to hear you and how you intend to stop these attacks on our merit based civil service, which is really the pride of this government in many ways in comparison with the rest of the world. I also want to make it clear that I believe the objective to improve government efficiency is an absolutely essential objective. We need to modernize how the federal government handles H.R., and you’ve advocated for some changes that I agree with on paper. We’ll see how they’re executed. You want to improve skills-based hiring and modernize retirement processes. So do I, but I’m skeptical that OPM can take these changes when it lost a third of its staff in the past 14 months, and when it is trying to do the job of the Merit System Protection Board as well. We’ve already seen signs that OPM has stretched itself too thin. May I have unanimous consent to have another minute? This is a critically important agency, as you can tell, as you know.

“In the past few weeks – thank you, I know I have – in the past few weeks, one of my district workers has received 50 cases [in] past weeks of federal retirees who’ve seen disruption in their retirement benefits. I see in your statement you deal with that. They need those benefits to keep a roof over their heads. They’ve tried calling, emailing, and visiting OPM in person, all to no avail. Director Kupor, you are clearly very capable and have had a successful career in business. I’m sure you know from experience how important employees are to the success of any enterprise. That’s why Vought’s remarks are so antithetical to any kind of human resources policy, by any government, large or small, or any private sector or enterprise. No business could treat its workforce this way and expect greater efficiency. For the sake not only of our federal employees, but the American people they serve every day. I hope we can find a way to work together to turn this situation around, and I thank you very much, as I said at the beginning, for offering your services in this role.”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Dr. Jonathan H. Jaggar of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Physiology will receive a grant of $596,176 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for research on chloride channels in endothelial cells. Chloride channels are a type of protein that allows chloride (Cl^–) to flow in and out of cells. Endothelial cells are the type of cells which line all blood vessels and form capillaries. This research will help us better understand the physiology of a critical subset of cells. 

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Heart and vascular diseases are a leading killer in the United States, so important research like that underwritten by this NIH funding is likely to improve outcomes and save lives. I commend Dr. Jaggar and the UTHSC for undertaking this critical work.”

# # #

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

WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) participated in a full committee hearing titled, “Funding Lapse and Security Gaps: Assessing the Harmful Impacts of the DHS Shutdown on Americans.” As chairman of the committee’s Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events, McCaul questioned witnesses about the danger of Democrats’ ongoing DHS shutdown ahead of the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations.

McCaul directed his questions to Ha Nguyen McNeill, senior official performing the duties of the administrator of TSA; Nicholas Andersen, acting director of CISA; and Victoria Barton, associate administrator for the Office of External Affairs at FEMA.

Click to watch

Full Exchange:

McCaul: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’re here today because, at a time when our nation is facing heightened threats, Democrats have shut down the Department of Homeland Security. DHS was created in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks to protect and secure the homeland. Shutting it down is national security malpractice, and it’s shameful. We’ve already seen four ISIS-inspired attacks on our homeland in recent weeks, including one in my hometown of Austin, where three innocent people were killed at the hands of a terrorist. And this week, the Iranian regime said it plans to attack parks, recreational areas, and tourist sites around the world. America250 celebrations will be held at all those sites.

The shutdown must end. And I was disappointed to hear Senate Democrats rejected yet another good faith offer from Republicans that contained many of their requests. Hopefully this will change soon. But in the meantime, our nation is on red alert. The Biden administration’s open border policy allowed more than 700 Iranian nationals and 18,000 known or suspected terrorists to enter our country, posing a serious national security threat. We need a functioning Department of Homeland Security to counter the threat of sleeper cells in this nation.

The shutdown is also wreaking havoc at TSA lines at our airports, and we see this every day on the television. The problem runs deeper than just travel disruption. For decades, aviation threats have been the crown jewel of terrorists from Al Qaeda to ISIS and its affiliates. Since the shutdown, TSA employees have been forced to work without pay. Four hundred officers have quit their jobs, constraining the agency’s ability to protect the traveling public.

This is alarming especially as we approach the FIFA World Cup and America250. In just three months, our nation will host millions of visitors who will travel throughout our airports. And as the chairman of this committee’s special events task force, I am laser focused on protecting our homeland during these events.

Let’s focus not only on the physical threat, but the cyber threat as well. When I chaired this committee, I created the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to defend against cyber attacks. We heard the chairman talk about the threat from Iran. Reports say fewer than half of CISA’s employees are currently working, disrupting our ability to deter and mitigate threats to our critical infrastructure.

Lastly, I know that many FEMA grants are not being disbursed because of the shutdown. I helped secure the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. These provide security to houses of worship, which are coming under attack far too often. Just a couple weeks ago, an ISIS-inspired terrorist watched the Temple Israel Synagogue in Michigan and then attacked them in a terrorist attack. We need these grants out now.

I am hopeful that we will also reauthorize the DHS mission to counter weapons of mass destruction, [as that office] remains not authorized today and I think poses a serious threat.

In the remainder of time that I have, there are so many issues to cover, but I want to talk about TSA, CISA, and these grants. To TSA, you know, you have the operations center that I’ve been to many times that monitors traffic across the world globally and aviation threats globally. Can you tell me what impact the shutdown is having on that? And Mr. Andersen, if you could tell me about CISA, without these employees not being able to connect the dots and share it with the private sector, what impact that is having? And Ms. Barton, can you tell me about the lack of funding to protect particularly Jewish synagogues across this nation as we know the Iran threat is real inside the United States and our homeland?

McNeill: Thank you, Congressman. Our operations center is up and running and we’re doing everything that we can during this time to maintain a strong security posture, especially during this heightened threat environment. Our officers are doing a tremendous job showing up every day at work and screening the traveling public to make sure that they’re making it to their destination safely. But I will say it is a real human toll to wake up and show up to work every day not knowing how you’re going to pay your bills. And so I am, of course, concerned about the workforce, and the longer this shutdown goes on and more missed paychecks, we are really putting ourselves and our workforce in a perilous situation.

Andersen: You’re correct, sir. Being able to connect the dots with the private sector, a lot of it is based on the expertise and the relationships that a lot of these employees have that have served for such a long time at CISA, since this committee helped bring it into existence. That’s all the more difficult when we have those same employees that we’re relying on their expertise and those relationships — and to Ms. McNeil’s point — they’re having to choose between being able to support their families and continuing to support the mission of securing our nation’s critical infrastructure.

Barton: For the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, at this time, we are stalled because the staff that’s processing and supposed to work on those grants has been impacted by the shutdown. And those funds are critical to get out for many of the nonprofits and houses of worship that receive and use those funds for security.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

The bill, introduced by Rep. John McGuire (R-VA), would codify parts of President Trump’s executive order issued on March 28, 2025.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former Army Ranger and Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, is calling on Congress to force the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to focus on its full mission, rather than diverting resources and personnel from their core functions.

Thousands of DHS employees devoted to preventing terrorism, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, have recently been reassigned to instead focus on immigration and President Trump’s mass deportation efforts, according to public reporting.

In a new letter to House Appropriations Committee leaders, Crow warns that doing so “interferes with law enforcement operations and harms U.S. national security.” Crow is urging Congress to compel, through the appropriations process, DHS to return to its core mission of protecting the American people. This is especially important as threats to Americans have increased since President Trump started a war of choice with Iran.

“As Trump creates more and more conflict around the globe, he’s also undermining the very people intended to protect us from threats,” said Congressman Crow. “This Administration is pulling people away from national security and putting them on his mass deportation campaign that’s murdering Americans and deporting citizens. They said they’d go after the worst of the worst, but instead, they’re taking away the tools that keep us safe.”

Ten other Members of Congress joined Crow in his letter.

Congressman Crow condemned the murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis. Crow recently sued the Trump Administration to uphold this right following his unlawful denial from an ICE detention facility in Aurora in July 2025. He has repeatedly condemned Donald Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran. He voted to reclaim Congressional authority over war with Iran, and he called for Donald Trump and his cronies to end their military adventurism. 

###

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after he was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture.

“I’m honored Chairman Thompson has entrusted me with the responsibility of serving on the House Committee on Agriculture,” said Congressman Valadao. “As a dairy farmer, I understand firsthand the challenges our farmers, ranchers, and growers face, from rising input costs and labor shortages to unfair trade practices and the need for a strong agricultural safety net. I look forward to building on Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s work to support our producers and strengthen American agriculture. Agriculture is at the heart of the Central Valley and a critical part of our nation’s economy, and I’m ready to get to work on delivering results for the families and communities who depend on it.”

“On behalf of the House Committee on Agriculture, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Rep. Valadao,” said Chairman Thompson. “As a producer who understands the ins and outs of a family operation, Mr. Valadao appreciates the opportunities and challenges facing farm country, and this is reflected in how deeply he cares about his community and the greater agricultural industry. I can think of no one better suited to carry on Doug LaMalfa’s legacy of being a true advocate for California agriculture. While a new addition to the agriculture committee, Rep. Valadao is no stranger to supporting our farm families in the halls of Congress. I look forward to seeing how he makes his mark on the work of the committee.”

Background:

The United States House Committee on Agriculture is a standing committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, responsible for developing legislation related to America’s food supply, agriculture, and rural communities. Working alongside its Senate counterpart, the Committee on Agriculture’s jurisdiction includes farm commodity programs, agricultural trade, nutrition programs, rural development, and research that helps keep American agriculture competitive and resilient. The Committee is also responsible for oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through its work, the Committee plays a vital role in ensuring a stable food supply, supporting rural economic development, and maintaining the strength of American agriculture.

###