MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement:

“To the dismay of many Korean Americans, Secretary Rubio recently renewed the ban on U.S. citizen travel to North Korea for the 10th consecutive year. About 100,000 Korean Americans still hope to have family reunification meetings with aging relatives in North Korea, and the ban makes it impossible for them to do so. It is time for the State Department to revise its policy so that Korean Americans can have the opportunity to attend funerals or burials in North Korea and to heal the wounds of years-long separations.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

HALEYVILLE, AL – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) joined Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Tom Engels, for a Rural Healthcare Champions Recognition Event at Lakeland Community Hospital.

“Today, it was an honor to join HRSA Administrator Tom Engels as we celebrated an important milestone for rural healthcare and the communities that depend on it. It was, of course, extra special to be making this announcement in my hometown of Haleyville and at my hometown hospital, Lakeland.

“President Trump and his Administration have made strengthening rural healthcare a priority, and I’m proud to have worked with them to advance this important effort. This initiative reflects a deliberate commitment to ensuring our rural hospitals have the resources they need to survive and serve their communities.

“As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing health funding, I was proud to secure and advance the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program through the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Through this program, eligible hospitals will receive direct financial assistance to help maintain and strengthen essential healthcare services.

“Almost 30 rural hospitals in Alabama were eligible to apply for the grant: Atmore Community Hospital, Bibb Medical Center, Bullock County Hospital, Clay County Hospital, Community Hospital Inc, Crenshaw Community Hospital, D W McMillan Memorial Hospital, EAMC-Lanier, Evergreen Medical Center, Fayette Medical Center, Grove Hill Medical Center, Highlands Medical Center, Hill Hospital of Sumter County, Jackson Medical center, John Paul Jones Hospital, Lake Martin Community Hospital, Lakeland Community Hospital, Marion Regional Medical Center, Mizell Memorial Hospital, Monroe Community Hospital, North Baldwin Infirmary, Northwest Medical Center, Regional Medical Center of Central AL, Russell Medical Center, Russellville Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Troy Regional Medical Center, Whitfield Regional Hospital, and Wiregrass Medical Center.

“This grant was designed to provide support specifically to small rural hospitals — those that have no more than 50 beds — facing payment disadvantages, with the goal of preserving essential healthcare services and preventing avoidable closures. This is a critical need for our rural communities, those like the ones here in Winston County and the surrounding region that Lakeland serves.

“Today, we announced that through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program, Lakeland Community Hospital is receiving $490,800 to expand telehealth and establish a non-emergency transportation program for rural patients. Rural families deserve the same access to care as those living in larger cities, and that belief has guided my work throughout my service in Congress. That commitment has meant working directly with hospitals, healthcare providers, and federal agencies to address challenges threatening the long-term viability of rural healthcare.

“Our work is not over though. The Fiscal Year 2027 Labor HHS funding bill advanced by the subcommittee also includes significant increases for key rural health initiatives, including expanding the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program from $25 million to $100 million.

“Rural hospitals are essential to the health and well-being of our communities, and I look forward to seeing this investment help ensure Alabamians, and rural citizens across the country, can continue to receive quality healthcare close to home.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that he secured $3,144,720 in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support infrastructure improvements at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) and Marina Municipal Airport (OAR). The grants are being awarded as part of the final installment of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grants program.

Monterey Regional Airport will receive $2,662,833 to support construction of the landside circulation in conjunction with its new 62,754-square-foot replacement terminal, which will have five gates and passenger boarding bridges. The funding will support Phase 9 of the project, consisting of construction of relocated parking and utilities.

Marina Municipal Airport will receive $481,887 to reseal 3,483 feet of Runway 11/29 pavement, extending the useful life of the runway and supporting continued safe airport operations.

“I’m proud to have secured more than $3.1 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strengthen the aviation infrastructure our communities rely on,” said Rep. Panetta. “This federal investment in our home will continue supporting the development of the new terminal at Monterey Regional Airport while making critical runway improvements at Marina Municipal Airport. These projects will enhance safety, create jobs, strengthen our local aviation infrastructure, and help ensure that our airports can continue connecting residents, visitors, and communities throughout California’s 19th Congressional District.”

“This latest federal investment represents another important step in creating a safer, more efficient, and more welcoming experience at Monterey Regional Airport,” said Chris Morello, MRY Executive Director. “Funding for the relocated landside circulation components will help ensure the infrastructure surrounding our new terminal supports passengers from the moment they arrive. We appreciate Congressman Panetta’s continued partnership and commitment to advancing this transformational project for the Monterey region.”

“Marina Municipal Airport is an important transportation and economic asset for the City of Marina and the greater Monterey Bay region. This $481,887 investment from the Federal Aviation Administration will allow us to rehabilitate Runway 11/29, extend the useful life of this critical infrastructure, and ensure the airport continues to safely support its diverse aviation users. This investment is especially important as Marina Municipal Airport continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and Advanced Air Mobility. With Joby Aviation’s significant presence at the airport and continued investment in the development of next-generation electric aircraft, Marina is helping position the Monterey Bay region at the forefront of the emerging Advanced Air Mobility industry. Maintaining and modernizing our core airport infrastructure is essential as we support both the aviation needs of today and the technologies that will shape the future of aviation. We greatly appreciate Congressman Panetta’s continued advocacy for Marina Municipal Airport and his support for federal investments that strengthen aviation infrastructure, encourage innovation, and create new economic opportunities for our community and region,” said Courtney Lindberg, Assistant City Manager, City of Marina and A.J. Lawson, Airport Manager, City of Marina.

The funding for Monterey Regional Airport builds on Rep. Panetta’s continued efforts to secure federal support for the airport’s replacement terminal. Last month, Rep. Panetta announced an additional $2,368,257 in FAA Airport Improvement Program funding to support inspection activities during construction of the new terminal. With Rep. Panetta’s support, Monterey Regional Airport has been awarded over $135 million in total federal funding for modernization, supporting terminal design, tarmac improvements, and other safety upgrades as part of its safety enhancement program.

The airport’s existing terminal opened in 1950. FAA is requiring that the passenger facilities be relocated to accommodate federally required operational safety enhancements to Taxiway A, which connects to the airport’s primary commercial runway. The replacement terminal is designed to be accessible, easier for passengers to navigate, and responsive to the airport’s growing demand. The design also calls for the terminal to be zero-net-energy ready and incorporate sustainable materials and features that are emblematic of the Monterey region.

The Airport Infrastructure Grants program was established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide federal investments for airport planning and development, terminal improvements, baggage system upgrades, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, roadway and access improvements, and other safety-related infrastructure needs.

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

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today expressed strong opposition to data centers in Hillsborough County in a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Castor highlighted the significant strains on pocketbooks and local resources associated with data center development that can drive up electric and water bills for residents, farmers and small businesses.

In Hillsborough County, the average electric utility bill has increased by over 40 percent in the past five years. Castor’s bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act would require data centers to pay the full costs of energy demand and protect ratepayers from data center rate hikes. 

Castor concluded, “Data centers cannot come at a cost to neighbors who are already facing high grocery, gas, utility, health care and housing costs. We need to make sure these projects actually bring good-paying jobs to our community and that workers, families, and neighborhoods aren’t forced to pay the burden of rapid technology growth, while out-of-state tech billionaires get richer.”

Read the full letter below:

RE: Opposition to Data Center Development in Hillsborough County

Dear Commissioner[s]:

As the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners considers the future of data centers in our community, I would like to relay my strong opposition to the siting of data centers in Hillsborough County. The potential impacts on the cost of living for our residents and on our community’s essential resources are too significant to ignore.

As the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee, I have led the national conversation in Congress as we grapple with high energy bills and rising electricity demand from data centers. I’m proud to lead the Ratepayer Protection Act – a bipartisan bill that requires data centers to pay the full costs of their energy demand. Data centers cannot be allowed to pass on their costs to hardworking Florida families and small businesses. The Ratepayer Protection Act would preserve local control over siting and permitting decisions – because these are decisions that should be made by the people and communities where these facilities are being built.

Equally troubling is the immense water usage required for cooling these facilities. In a state where water resources are already under pressure from population growth and climate challenges, diverting millions of gallons for private corporations is neither sustainable nor in the public’s best interest. The county faces moderate to extreme drought conditions, limiting our public water supplies and hurting our farming communities. Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay Water are grappling with huge new water demand requirements and costs. Plant City is already turning to creative water solutions, like reuse for crop freeze protection, and population growth that are threatening local aquifer levels. Community leaders have expressed to me their strong opposition to data centers that could further strain our limited water supplies.

I am also deeply concerned about the new state law permitting nondisclosure agreements for data centers. Secret deals are wrong. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and prevents residents from fully understanding the environmental, economic, and infrastructural impact on their lives. Our community deserves immediate open access to information about developments that could affect our daily lives for decades to come.

Data centers cannot come at a cost to neighbors who are already facing high grocery, gas, utility, health care and housing costs. We need to make sure these projects actually bring good-paying jobs to our community and that workers, families, and neighborhoods aren’t forced to pay the burden of rapid technology growth, while out-of-state tech billionaires get richer.

Please act decisively to protect Hillsborough County’s residents, resources, and long-term sustainability. 

I respectfully urge you to prioritize the public interest over private profit.

Thank you for your time, service, and commitment to our community.

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

Rep. Gomez Responds to DHS Decision to Delay Deportations as TPS for Salvadorans Expires

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement condemning an official Department of Homeland Security social media post that depicted a man labeled “Mr. Singh” in a Transformers-style deportation graphic, told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out”:

“Our government should never use its power to demonize people or suggest that their faith, heritage, or identity means they do not belong here. Yet in an official social media post styled as a movie poster, the Trump Department of Homeland Security depicted a man labeled “Mr. Singh” as the villain, told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out.” More than 160,000 people in the United States share the surname Singh. When the government demonizes a name carried by so many Sikh families, it fuels xenophobia and casts suspicion on an entire community. Sikh and South Asian Americans are as American as anyone. This is our country and our home, and there should be no room for hate here.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) demanded that the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take immediate action to address the misuse of Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems after an NBC News investigation identified dozens of videos appearing to show Tesla driver asleep or otherwise disengaged behind the wheel while their vehicles were moving.

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Krishnamoorthi cited an NBC News investigation that identified 43 videos appearing to show individuals asleep in the driver’s seat of moving Teslas, including 17 posted this year alone. Tesla’s own documentation states that Autopilot and Full Self-Driving require active driver supervision and are not autonomous driving systems.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes:

“A recent NBC News investigation identified 43 videos that appear to show individuals asleep in the driver’s seat of moving Teslas, including 17 posted this year alone. These incidents are particularly alarming because Autopilot and FSD require active driver supervision and are not autonomous driving systems. As these technologies become increasingly prevalent on American roads, DOT and NHTSA must ensure that manufacturers have adequate safeguards to prevent foreseeable misuse and that drivers are not encouraged to place dangerous levels of reliance on systems that still require their full attention.”

Krishnamoorthi noted that NHTSA has previously identified shortcomings in Tesla’s driver-engagement safeguards. In an earlier engineering analysis of Autopilot, the agency concluded that Tesla’s system did not sufficiently ensure that drivers remained attentive and used the technology appropriately, identifying a mismatch between Autopilot’s substantial control over the vehicle and its safeguards for keeping drivers engaged.

NBC News also reported on videos appearing to show Tesla drivers sleeping at highway speeds, using laptops, watching videos, and otherwise disengaging while FSD was operating. NBC News also reported that some drivers said they had been able to evade the cabin-camera monitoring system, including by wearing sunglasses or obstructing the camera.

Krishnamoorthi also raised concerns about messages Tesla reportedly began displaying to drivers with software update 2025.32.3. WIRED reported that those messages included “Drowsiness detected. Stay focused with FSD” and “Lane drift detected. Let FSD assist so you can stay focused.” Because FSD requires continuous human supervision, Krishnamoorthi questioned whether encouraging a driver whom the vehicle has already detected as drowsy to use the system creates an additional safety risk.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes:

“Advising an alert driver who experiences a momentary lane drift to use a driver-assistance feature is one thing. Encouraging a driver whom the vehicle has detected as drowsy to ‘stay focused with FSD’ presents a fundamentally different safety question. FSD requires continuous human supervision, yet the message appears to encourage use of the system precisely when the vehicle has detected that the driver may be less capable of providing that supervision.”

The concerns come as NHTSA conducts an ongoing engineering analysis involving approximately 3.2 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. The agency is examining whether FSD’s degradation-detection system can identify reduced roadway visibility and provide drivers with an adequate warning and sufficient time to respond. The investigation identifies nine incidents, including one fatality and one injury.

Krishnamoorthi is demanding answers to the following questions:

1. Is NHTSA aware of the growing body of publicly available videos showing Tesla drivers apparently asleep or otherwise disengaged from the driving task while Autopilot or FSD is operating? Has the agency assessed whether these incidents indicate a systemic problem with Tesla’s driver-monitoring or driver-engagement systems?
2. Has NHTSA communicated with Tesla regarding videos depicting drivers sleeping, using laptops, watching video, gaming, or otherwise disengaging from the driving task while FSD is operating? If so, what information has Tesla provided regarding the frequency of such behavior and the effectiveness of its safeguards?
3. What data has NHTSA collected or requested from Tesla—through the Standing General Order or other authorities—concerning driver inattention, drowsiness, or apparent driver disengagement in crashes involving Autopilot or FSD? How many such incidents has the agency identified since January 1, 2024?
4. What is NHTSA’s current assessment of the effectiveness of Tesla’s cabin-camera-based driver-monitoring system? Specifically, has the agency evaluated its performance when the cabin camera is obstructed, visibility is impaired, or drivers use sunglasses, hats, or other means that may interfere with detection?
5. What findings would lead NHTSA to conclude that Tesla’s driver-monitoring or driver-engagement systems constitute a safety defect requiring corrective action, including a safety recall?

Krishnamoorthi requested a written response by September 30, 2026.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s letter is available here.

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)