MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced the victories she secured in the Senate’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 District of Columbia Appropriations bill, which was released yesterday. In addition to other victories for D.C., the bill would secure $40 million for the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG) and increase the DCTAG annual and lifetime awards. Notably, the bill does not contain 18 of the anti-home rule riders included in the House version of the bill.

Norton secured the following victories:

• The bill provides $40 million for DCTAG, an increase in the annual DCTAG award from $10,000 to $15,000, and an increase in the lifetime DCTAG award from $50,000 to $75,000.
• The bill has only the two existing legacy riders, prohibiting D.C. from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women and prohibiting D.C. from spending its own local funds to commercialize adult-use marijuana, whereas the House version of the bill contained 20 anti-home rule riders.
• The bill would provide $50 million for emergency planning and security costs related to the federal presence in D.C.
• The bill exempts D.C. from federal government shutdowns in FY 2027.
• The bill provides $6 million for D.C. Water for ongoing work to control flooding in D.C. and to clean up the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek Park.
• The bill provides $4 million to combat HIV/AIDS in D.C.
• The bill provides $600,000 for the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program.

Norton expressed disappointment that the bill would continue to prohibit the District from spending its own local funds on abortion services for low-income women and on recreational marijuana commercialization.

“Although I am disappointed that the marijuana and abortion riders are included yet again in the D.C. appropriation bill, I am pleased that the 18 other riders that were included in the House version were not,” Norton said. “D.C. has a larger population than two states, and its residents are equally worthy of deciding their own local affairs. The 700,000 people who live in the nation’s capital are no less worthy of the benefits of democracy than any other American, and I will use every tool at my disposal to see that they receive as many of those benefits as possible.”

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

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) shared the following statement upon the passing of Bishop Reginald Jackson:

“Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson was a revered leader and a steadfast advocate for justice, equality, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to serving both our faith community and the broader society has left an indelible mark on countless lives both in Georgia and beyond.

“He tirelessly pursued social justice, education, and community service and was instrumental in addressing the pressing challenges of our time. 

“Though we are deeply saddened by his loss, we take comfort in his legacy which will continue to inspire future generations.

“My wife, Vivian, and I extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his ministry. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately championed.”

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

PHOTO: Congressman Bishop welcomes presenters and audience members to the 2025 Military Family Summit hosted by the Congressional Military Family Caucus at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Georgia in August.

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Military Families Caucus, introduced H.R. 6146, the Stabilizing Tours to Advance Readiness (STAY) Act, a bipartisan bill to reduce unnecessary Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and improve quality of life for military families.

Military families move every 2–3 years, often with little predictability. This creates challenges for retention, spouse employment, children’s education, and community stability. These frequent moves also impose substantial costs on the Department of Defense.

The STAY Act requires the Department of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of PCS frequency and Navy sea–shore rotations, and to identify opportunities to extend tour lengths where mission readiness would not be affected.

“Our servicemembers put themselves in harm’s way and make huge sacrifices in defense of our country. By instructing the Defense Department to review PCS frequency, not only are we ensuring that we do our best to reduce waste and improve efficiency as well as retention, but also we are creating greater stability for our military families so that they can live, learn, work, and enjoy stronger ties to the communities in which they live,” said Rep. Bishop.

“As a Navy veteran, military spouse, and mom of a servicemember, I know how disruptive constant PCS moves can be,” said Rep. Kiggans. “Frequent relocations strain families, impact children’s education, and make it harder for military spouses to build stable careers. The STAY Act takes a data-driven approach to reduce unnecessary moves, strengthen family stability, and help the services retain the talented people they need to win.”

About the STAY Act

The bill requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to submit a report to Congress evaluating ways to reduce unnecessary moves and rotations. Specifically, the report must:

• Analyze PCS and sea–shore rotation costs and the potential savings of reducing move frequency;
• Assess the impacts of frequent PCS moves on retention, spouse employment, and children’s education;
• Identify billets and duty stations where longer tours would be feasible without harming readiness or career progression;
• Recommend any legislative or policy changes needed to pilot or implement longer tour lengths.

Why It Matters

Frequent PCS moves create well-documented challenges for military families, including:

• Spouse unemployment rates consistently 3–5 times the national average;
• School transitions that disrupt academic achievement and special education continuity;
• Loss of community ties and support networks;
• Significant relocation costs borne by DoD and taxpayers.

Virginia’s Second Congressional District is home to thousands of Navy families and NAS Oceana and Georgia’s Second Congressional District, home to a multitude of Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps families at Ft. Benning, Robins AFB, and Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany. Reducing unnecessary moves for these communities, as well as the hundreds of others across the country and world that are home to U.S. military installations, would provide greater stability for local schools, employers, and service members.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

Chicago, Il — Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) has been named the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives on Welfare policy for the 118th Congress, according to the newly released Interest & Legislative Effectiveness Scores from the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL).

CEL’s comprehensive analysis ranks Members of Congress based on their ability to advance substantive, meaningful legislation. Congressman Davis earned the top ranking among all House Democrats in the Welfare policy arena—an area in which he has long been a national leader, championing legislation to strengthen social safety-net programs, reduce poverty, support children and families, expand access to healthcare, and promote economic mobility.

“I have spent my entire career fighting to ensure every person, no matter their circumstance, has access to opportunity, dignity, and the basic supports needed to thrive,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis. “This recognition reflects the work of my staff, my colleagues in Congress, and the advocates and organizations on the ground in Chicago and across the nation who push us to keep expanding justice. Our communities deserve effective representation, and I will continue legislating with urgency and purpose.”

Davis has consistently been one of Congress’ most active lawmakers on issues central to working families and vulnerable populations, authoring and advancing legislation on child welfare, foster care, reentry, nutrition programs, childcare access, and family economic stability.

CEL’s full analysis and rankings are publicly available:
• Executive Summary: https://thelawmakers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/118th_ILES_Highlights_final_20251117.pdf
• Full Scores: https://thelawmakers.org/find-representatives

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei released the following statement after celebrating the annual Capitol Christmas Tree lighting. This year’s tree was selected from the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, marking the first time Nevada has been represented in this tradition. 

“Watching a tree, grown in the heart of Nevada’s Second Congressional District, light up the West Lawn of the Capitol stands as one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of my service in Congress,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “Nevadans know the beauty of our state, and this year, for the first time since this tradition began, that beauty was shared with the nation.

“I’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone who was involved, from the selection of the tree to its careful journey to Washington, D.C. This was a proud day for Nevada, and I was honored to be part of it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

63 million Americans provide unpaid, essential care to loved ones who have chronic illnesses or disabilities or face age-related health challenges

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) introduced the American Water Stewardship Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for several long-standing programs to maintain and improve water quality throughout the nation, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

“The Great Lakes are not only national treasures, but economic powerhouses, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative helps keep these waters clean and safe for all Americans to enjoy,” said Congressman Stauber. “Lake Superior is the backdrop of countless special memories for many Minnesota families, and I am proud to work on legislation that will preserve and protect these waters for future generations.”

“The Great Lakes are one of the best things about living in Michigan. They’re important to our jobs, how we spend our time off, and our drinking water; so many things depend on the health of the Great Lakes,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans to make sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative keeps going so we have this treasure for generations.”

In addition to the GLRI, the American Water Stewardship Act reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Island Sound and Columbia River Basin Restoration programs, the National Estuary Program, and the EPA’s BEACH Act program. All of these programs will help address water quality issues and carry out ecosystem restoration projects around the country.

Background: The GLRI provides the most significant investment in the Great Lakes ecosystem – the largest system of fresh surface water in the world – targeting Areas of Concern, invasive species, non-point source pollution, and projects to support habitats and local species. More than 8,000 projects have been carried out through the GLRI program in partnership with states, non-profits, and other community partners, generating more than $3 in economic activity for every federal dollar invested through the GLRI program.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Minnesota Republicans and several other members of Congress sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz demanding immediate action to revoke a substantial number of illegally issued non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) in Minnesota, a failure exposed by a recent federal audit by the Department of Transportation. The letter highlights the latest example of Governor Walz’s failed leadership and chronic mismanagement of state affairs, putting the safety of Minnesotans and Americans at risk.

“First, it was the rampant fraud schemes like Feeding Our Future and Housing Stabilization Services, where billions in taxpayer dollars were siphoned off, some even making its way to terrorists. Now, this administration is actively compromising the safety drivers on our roads.” Said Congressman Stauber. “This waste, fraud, and abuse must come to an end. Minnesotans and the American people deserve better.”

The Minnesota GOP federal delegation has repeatedly called for transparency and accountability from the Walz Administration regarding its handling of multiple major fraud crises, receiving no substantive response to date. This latest development only reinforces concerns regarding the Walz Administration’s priorities and competence.

To read the letter, please click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) released the following statement regarding agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using physical force against Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) when she conducted oversight into the due-process rights of her constituents affected by raids in her district: 

“I strongly condemn today’s disgusting display of violence against Congresswoman Grijalva, who was pepper-sprayed along with her staff and pushed aside by ICE agents as she asked questions about her community members being disappeared off the streets by ICE raids.

“We are in a dangerous moment for American democracy. ICE agents are continuing to act with lawlessness and impunity and are cheered on by the President of the United States. If they are allowed to intimidate, harass, and physically assault members of Congress for doing their jobs, no one is safe in this country.

“The Trump Administration is attacking the most basic liberties and freedoms Americans enjoy. Masked, armed, and often unidentified men now roam our neighborhoods, kidnap community members, and use undue force against those who might protest—including sitting lawmakers with the constitutional authority to conduct oversight into ICE’s practices. 

“We need an immediate Congressional investigation into these agents’ use of pepper spray and force against Representative Grijalva. And Congress must pass the Progressive Caucus’s legislative slate to rein in these abusive practices and restore accountability.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), and Dina Titus (D-NV), leaders in the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, introduced the Realizing Equitable & Sustainable Participation in Emerging Cannabis Trades (RESPECT) Resolution. This sense of Congress acknowledges steps and practices to create an equitable cannabis industry that addresses, reverses, and repairs the consequences of the failed “War on Drugs.”

“For decades, harsh cannabis laws devastated Black, Brown, and low-income communities. Today, those same communities are facing new barriers that prevent many of them from benefiting from the opportunities offered by a multi-billion-dollar industry,” said Rep. Omar. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that cannabis policy expands access to capital and invests in entrepreneurs whose communities were most harmed by outdated drug laws.”

Arrest and incarceration rates for marijuana offenses have been wildly disproportionate, with people of color far more likely to be targeted despite using marijuana at similar rates as white Americans. These laws have entrenched cycles of poverty and inequality. As more states continue to implement or expand marijuana legalization policies, job growth will continue in the industry, making it imperative to create a pathway to economic empowerment for Black and Brown communities to become entrepreneurs, leaders, and educators in this space.

“Marijuana prohibition has failed our communities,” said Rep. Carter. “It has disproportionately harmed people of color, fueling mass incarceration, ruining families, taking away opportunities, and burdening them with criminal records. It’s past time for the federal government to address the racial disparities that persist in the cannabis space and create inclusive pathways for people to access economic wealth.”

“We must elevate the role of equity in the legal cannabis marketplace and take bold, deliberate action to close persistent disparities. The war on drugs has devastated communities of color, and it is long past time to repair the harm and move beyond outdated, punitive cannabis policies,” said Rep. Simon. “I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in introducing this Resolution, which will serve as a meaningful step towards economic and reparative justice.”

“For too long federal and state governments have unfairly prosecuted cannabis usage as a Schedule 1 drug,” said Rep. Titus.“The RESPECT Resolution is a critical step towards policy that addresses the disparities caused by the outdated scheduling of cannabis and the so-called War on Drugs. As Co-Chair of the Cannabis Caucus, I am advancing solutions that will finally put an end to the cycle of unjust incarceration and unequal enforcement.”

In addition to Reps. Carter, Omar, Simon, and Titus, The RESPECT Resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

This legislation is endorsed by Drug Policy Alliance, Last Prisoner Project, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

“The Drug Policy Alliance is proud to endorse the RESPECT Resolution, which calls for urgent action to ensure that cannabis markets and policies are fair for all communities. By highlighting state and local best practices, supporting global decriminalization, and urging states to end criminal penalties, restore rights, and ensure equitable participation in the emerging cannabis economy, the resolution charts a clear path toward meaningful reform. At a time when criminalization remains the law of the land and inequities remain deeply embedded in cannabis markets and policy, this resolution is both timely and critically necessary,” said Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation for the Drug Policy Alliance.

“Last Prisoner Project is grateful to the sponsors of the RESPECT Resolution for their leadership in confronting the deep racial and economic inequities created by decades of cannabis criminalization. This resolution recognizes that while state cannabis laws have evolved, far too many people and communities are still living with the consequences of outdated federal policies. By calling for record clearance, community investment, and equitable licensing, this resolution is a crucial reminder that those most harmed by prohibition must be able to participate in — and benefit from — any legal cannabis market,” said Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives with Last Prisoner Project.

“It is important to remind lawmakers of the ongoing harms caused by marijuana prohibition and the opportunities to begin addressing them through sensible legislation. This resolution should serve as a call for Congress to prioritize dismantling failed criminalization policies, as well as a blueprint for doing so in a way that focuses on repairing the damage inflicted by decades of unjust enforcement,” said Morgan Fox, Political Director at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

Background:

The RESPECT Resolution:

• Urges cannabis reform by encouraging states and localities to adopt the best steps and practices to address equity in the industry and provide economic empowerment to communities of color disenfranchised by the “War on Drugs.”

• Acknowledges the racial disparities that exist in the cannabis industry, particularly for those who have criminal records for a substance that is now legal and regulated in most states.

• Calls on Congress to address, reverse, and repair the consequences of failed cannabis policies and regulations.

• Directs the United States to use its platform to advocate at the United Nations to de-schedule cannabis from international drug control treaties, expunge low-level marijuana offenses, study the impacts of controlling cannabis through international treaties, and treat cannabis as a legal commodity.

Read the full resolution text here.