MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined Palm Beach State College (PBSC) President Ava Parker and PBSC students to celebrate the opening of the college’s renovated Respiratory Clinical Lab—expanded through the $700,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Frankel.

“Working people build our community, and Palm Beach State College’s students are training for some of the most essential jobs in our health care system,” said Rep. Frankel. “With this federal investment, this new respiratory clinical lab provides the opportunity for students to access the tools and hands-on experience they need to work hard and earn good wages while delivering life-saving care to our neighbors. When working people do well, our entire economy and community grow stronger.”

PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D., added, “Thanks to Congresswoman Frankel’s support, our students now have a state-of-the-art lab that gives them the real-world training that sets them apart in today’s competitive job market.”

PBSC’s 35-year-old Respiratory Care program—accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care—has had a 100 percent job placement rate for 25 years, preparing students for careers as Registered Respiratory Therapists. These workers operate ventilators, assess lung function, and provide critical treatments—skills that became even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when PBSC stepped in to help supply local hospitals with equipment and trained personnel.

The newly expanded lab provides upgraded access to medical gas lines, ventilators, and specialized equipment, allowing the college to train more students in essential skills such as intubation, ventilator management, pulmonary testing, and neonatal and cardiac resuscitation.

To learn more about PBSC’s Respiratory Care program, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), alongside Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), introduced the Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act, a bipartisan bill to help lower prescription drug costs by protecting generic drug makers from abusive lawsuits and preserving patient access to affordable medications.

“Families across Virginia and the nation are facing rising prescription drug prices that strain their budgets and put their health at risk,” said Congressman Cline. “The Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act is a commonsense solution that protects competition in the marketplace and ensures patients can get the medications they need at a price they can afford. By reinforcing a key pathway that brings safe, effective generics to market, we’re putting patients ahead of profit.”

The legislation strengthens protections for the use of “skinny labels,” a critical regulatory tool that allows generic and biosimilar manufacturers to seek FDA approval for uses of a drug that are no longer protected by patents. This pathway accelerates access to more affordable alternatives while respecting valid intellectual property rights.

“For years, generic manufacturers have used skinny labels to lower drug costs without infringing on brand-name patents,” Cline continued. “But now, some pharmaceutical companies are exploiting legal loopholes to sue generic competitors and delay their entry into the market. Our bill stops that abuse and restores fairness to the system.”

The Skinny Labels Big Savings Act ensures that generic manufacturers who obtain FDA approval for skinny label uses are not held liable for method-of-use patent infringement when operating by federal law. It also provides clarity that drugmakers can describe their generics as FDA-approved therapeutic equivalents, provided that description aligns with FDA regulations. Importantly, the bill reinforces that the use of skinny labels does not weaken legitimate patent rights, but rather supports a system that was designed to bring savings to patients, insurers, and taxpayers alike. The bill has earned the backing of key patient and consumer advocacy organizations, including Patients for Affordable Drugs NOW and the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.

“We have a prescription drug affordability crisis in this country. Lawsuits have eroded the “skinny label” pathway and delayed the rollout of lower-cost alternatives. With this bill, we are leveling the playing field and allowing generic drug manufacturers to get their lifesaving prescription drugs to the market faster, driving down costs for patients,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.

“Since the passage of Hatch-Waxman 40 years ago, skinny labeling has saved patients and the health care system billions of dollars annually,” said John Murphy III, President and CEO for the Association of Accessible Medicines. “Without hesitation, AAM applauds and supports legislation that will provide a safe harbor for skinny labeling, propelling patient access to lower-cost generic medications and protecting the overall health care system. Thank you to Representatives Cline and Lofgren for their hard work on behalf of patients.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14) announced several leadership updates within his congressional offices. Benjamin Burnett will assume the role of Chief of Staff effective December 2025, succeeding Yardena Wolf, who will transition to Senior Advisor. Cassie Baloue will expand her responsibilities and serve as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Washington, D.C. office while continuing in her role as Communications Director. Desiree Broome will take on the role of Deputy Chief of Staff in the District Office in addition to her current position as District Director. Carly Sincavitch will also broaden her portfolio, serving as Legislative Director while continuing as Senior Advisor.

“Ben, Cassie, Desiree, and Carly are exceptional public servants whose leadership and creativity strengthen our entire operation,” said Congressman Swalwell. “I’m grateful for the chance to recognize their dedication and talent through these promotions, and I have every confidence this team will continue delivering results for my constituents. And as Yardena transitions to Senior Advisor, I’m grateful she will continue providing our office with her invaluable service.”

Benjamin Burnett joined Congressman Swalwell’s office in 2019 and has since served as Legislative Director and National Security Advisor. Raised in Menlo Park, California, he is a Bay Area native from the district currently represented by Congressman Sam Liccardo. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Northeastern University, where he was mentored by former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. Benjamin is the longest-serving member of Swalwell’s Washington, D.C. team. 

“I am honored to lead Congressman Swalwell’s team of outstanding public servants focused on working for our constituents,” said Burnett. “I plan to be a Chief of STAFF, and not the other way around. The people of California’s 14^th Congressional District can trust that the Congressman, and his staff, have their backs.”

Cassie Baloue joined Congressman Eric Swalwell’s office in 2022 as Digital and Press Secretary and was promoted in 2024 to Director of Communications. She previously served as Press and Staff Assistant for Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41). Her early dedication to public service was recognized with the Achievement Award from the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee during her Congressional Black Caucus Foundation internship. Cassie was born in Northern Illinois and was raised in Walnut Creek, CA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Merced.

“I’m blessed to work alongside such a talented and committed team,” said Baloue. “Leadership, to me, means empowering the people around me and making sure our office always puts its strongest voice forward for the Congressman and our constituents. I’m deeply thankful to Congressman Swalwell for his trust and mentorship, and I’m honored to help guide the work and vision of this office.” 

Desiree Broome joined the office in 2021 and has served as Constituent Services Representative, Constituent Services Manager, and District Director. In her role as District Director, she has strengthened constituent services, supported staff development, and ensured every constituent’s voice is heard and respected. Born and raised in California’s 14th Congressional District, Desiree is deeply committed to the community she serves. Desiree holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri and a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of California’s 14th Congressional District in this expanded role,” said Broome. “It is the greatest privilege to work alongside a team so dedicated to constituent service, and I remain committed to leading with humility, purpose, and a deep belief in the community we represent.”

Carly Sincavitch joined Congressman Swalwell’s team in 2023, bringing extensive experience from the private sector. She previously worked in the legislative and public policy practice at Arnold & Porter, where she developed deep expertise across a broad range of policy areas. Her combination of substantive policy knowledge and downtown experience has made her an invaluable member of Team Swalwell. Born in Chicago and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Carly graduated from Clemson University with dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and philosophy.

“I’m thrilled to lead Congressman Swalwell’s legislative team at a time when policymaking is at a pivotal moment,” Sincavitch said. “It is a privilege to serve the people of California’s 14th District, and I am truly honored that the Congressman has entrusted me with advancing his policy agenda.”
 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Dec. 4, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) introduced the STEEL Act, Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations Act, legislation that will enhance trade enforcement legislation and prevent dumping, an unfair trade practice by foreign nations that sell subsidized goods in the United States and devalue the prices of American steel and other domestic products.

“For years, foreign steel producers have undercut American steel and tube producers by exporting their product at prices below the cost of production. These harmful — and even illegal — trade practices have hurt Pennsylvania steel producers, leading to job losses in communities across Pennsylvania and the United States,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations (STEEL) Act puts American companies first, and it fully rejects the idea that foreign companies can participate in the U.S. market against U.S. companies without playing by the same rules.”

“Western Pennsylvanians know how decades of wimpy trade law enforcement have hurt American workers and industry,” said Congressman Deluzio. “We’ve got to make a change, and that means stopping trade cheats from ripping us off. I’m glad to work with Congressman Mike Kelly on this bill to put some muscle back into our trade enforcement laws and help level the playing field for American jobs and industries.” 

Read the full bill text here.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“For too long, bad actors have sought to evade U.S. trade laws through fraud, transshipment and other schemes. These actions have hurt American businesses and workers, including in the American steel industry. By allowing Customs and Border Protection to initiate investigations on its own initiative when it finds evidence of evasion of antidumping or countervailing duty orders, this bill will give CBP an additional tool to crack down on these illegal schemes,” said Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute. “AISI commends Representatives Mike Kelly and Chris Deluzio for their leadership in introducing this important legislation. AISI urges Congress to pass this and other trade enforcement legislation to ensure strict and vigorous enforcement of U.S. trade laws and to hold trade cheaters accountable.”

“Steel pipe and tube producers across the country have long borne the brunt of unfairly traded imports that erode market share and put U.S. manufacturers and workers at risk. The Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) has been an essential tool for the Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports (CPTI) and its member companies in stopping bad actors from evading antidumping and countervailing duties intended to counter unfair trade practices. Unfortunately, gaps in the current statute have still allowed some importers to exploit loopholes and avoid lawfully imposed duties,” said RogerB. Schagrin, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports (CPTI).  “CPTI commends Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) for their leadership in the introduction of this legislation to strengthen the Enforce and Protect Act. By enabling U.S. Customs and Border Protection to proactively investigate duty evasion and by curbing frivolous appeals, this legislation will strengthen enforcement and deliver meaningful relief to American manufacturers and workers across the country who rely on fair and effective trade laws. We look forward to working with Representatives Kelly and Deluzio to support this critical legislation and the jobs it protects.”

“Thanks to the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA), the OCTG Manufacturers Association (USOMA) has seen more than $400 million in unpaid antidumping and countervailing duties assessed —more than any other industry—through this vital enforcement tool,” said Guillermo Moreno, President of Tenaris US and Chairman of USOMA. “Still, more must be done to stop bad actors from evading duly imposed AD/CVD orders. Our members applaud the leadership of Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) for introducing legislation that will strengthen CBP’s ability to pursue duty evaders and curb frivolous litigation that wastes government and industry resources. We look forward to working with congressional leaders to enact these critical reforms and ensure that American manufacturers are fully protected from loopholes and delay tactics.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) celebrated the announcement that the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is receiving an award of $31,787,140 for the acquisition of hybrid Buses and implementation of a new Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system. The funding was awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Tonko sent a letter in support of this project to the FTA to help secure this funding.

“Residents and visitors across our Capital Region depend on CDTA to get them to their homes, jobs, school, healthcare facilities, and so much more,” Congressman Tonko said. “From strengthening our region’s electric bus fleet, to driving investments with our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to supporting CDTA’s expansion of services to Montgomery County, I’ve never slowed in my effort to support and expand CDTA. This latest tremendous award will further enable CDTA to serve our region, with lasting benefits for our businesses and workers, and to the health of our communities and environment. I’m delighted by this latest funding and will keep my foot on the gas to invest in clean, accessible transportation in our region and beyond.”

“We want to thank Congressman Tonko and our Capital Region delegation for helping to advance the needs of CDTA. Thank you to the FTA for awarding us this critical LoNo emission grant that will allow CDTA to purchase partially zero emissions hybrid-electric buses and new technology systems,” said CDTA CEO Frank Annicaro. “This investment supports our long-term commitment to reducing emissions and delivering reliable, sustainable service to the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing our work to bring the best possible service to the Capital Region.”

The CDTA serves a ridership of more than 16 million across a 3,586-square-mile area. This project, titled, Acquisition of Deisel-Electric Hybrid Buses and Implementation of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System for Transit Modernization, would expand accessibility and service to the region.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman David Kustoff’s bill, the Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (H.R. 5345), by unanimous consent. This legislation creates a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals whose Social Security numbers have been stolen.`

“Victims of identity theft shouldn’t have to fight their way through government bureaucracy just to get their identity restored,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act is a commonsense bill that will improve government efficiency and ensure victims get access to timely relief.”

“Instead of adding more red tape, callbacks, and confusion, our government should make it easier to help victims of identity theft. The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act ensures families have a single point of contact at the SSA when their Social Security number is compromised,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I want to thank Representative Kustoff for sponsoring this important bill, which will deliver much-needed help to victims of identity theft.”

Background:

Identity theft continues to pose a serious challenge across the country. In 2024 alone, there were more than 3,000 reported data breaches, including many leaks which involved Social Security Numbers. When that information is exposed, the fallout for victims can last for years, and dealing with federal agencies often adds to the frustration.

H.R. 5345 gives victims a single, dedicated contact at the SSA to help them resolve issues tied to identity theft. This change gives Americans a more effective way to protect their assets when their information is compromised. It replaces a confusing, bureaucratic reporting process at the SSA with one that is far easier to navigate.

Congressman Kustoff’s bill now moves to the Senate for further action. Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff’s remarks on the House Floor. Click here for the full text of the bill.

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

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) both members of the House Ways and Means Committee, today introduced the Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would give working Americans new flexibility to transfer their Roth retirement accounts when changing jobs, helping them consolidate their savings and reduce duplicative fees. 

Current law prohibits workers from rolling over Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) into employer-sponsored plans. This restriction forces many Americans to maintain multiple small retirement accounts, resulting in unnecessary expenses and, in many cases, leading workers to cash out their savings early and lose critical retirement funds.

“Millions of Americans rely on Roth IRAs to help prepare for retirement. As more people use these accounts, we need to make it easier for workers to move their savings into the Roth options offered through their jobs,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “I’m grateful to work with Congressman LaHood and Senators Barrasso and Bennet on this bipartisan, bicameral effort to give people a simple way to roll over their savings to build a stronger foundation for retirement.”

“Building retirement security is critical to the well-being of American families and the long-term strength of our economy,” said Congressman LaHood. “Our bipartisan bill will allow for the consolidation of assets, reduce duplicative fees, simplify retirement savings, and help families across the country better plan for their future. Congress must continue to remove unnecessary barriers and find solutions that help American workers build for a comfortable retirement. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague, Representative Sanchez, and Senators Barrasso and Bennet on this commonsense legislation.”

Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), both members of the Finance Committee, introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Retirement savings belong to the workers who earn them, and those savings should follow them throughout their careers,” said Senator Barrasso. “The Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act creates new options for workers to bring retirement savings with them when changing jobs. This commonsense reform will strengthen retirement security and help Wyoming families build stronger financial futures.”

“Workers shouldn’t lose track of their retirement savings just because they change jobs,” said Senator Bennet. “Right now, outdated rules prevent Roth retirement accounts from moving with workers the way traditional accounts can. This bill fixes that gap – ensuring all workers can consolidate their retirement savings, reduce fees, and keep their nest egg growing no matter where their career takes them.”

“With the rapid expansion of state auto-IRA programs – nearly all of which default savers into Roth IRAs – and with Americans changing jobs more often than ever, the need for true retirement savings portability has never been greater,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “Allowing workers to move their Roth IRA balances into designated Roth accounts within employer-sponsored retirement plans is a smart, timely, and sensible solution. The Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act will reduce duplicative fees associated with maintaining multiple accounts, curb retirement savings leakage through seamless auto-portability, and ensure workers can carry their Roth savings with them as they move through their careers. The American Retirement Association applauds Senators Barrasso and Bennet and Representatives LaHood and Sánchez for their leadership on this critical issue.”

Background:

The Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act:

• Allows workers to transfer (or “roll over”) Roth IRA balances into employer-sponsored retirement plans when starting a new job.
• Creates parity with traditional IRAs, which already have this rollover flexibility.
• Preserves the tax-advantaged treatment of these rollovers and coordinates with existing distribution rules for designated Roth accounts. 

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement condemning President Trump’s newly released national security strategy: 

“This document is emblematic not only of Donald Trump, but the cynical, dog-eat-dog philosophy that has taken hold across his administration. It discards decades of values-based U.S. leadership in favor of a craven, unprincipled worldview. Trump appears to believe every nation should fend for itself, signaling to our allies that the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner, and to our adversaries and competitors that now is open season to act without fear of American pushback. 

“‘America first’, as this administration frames it, is not a strategy. It ignores America’s core strengths: our democratic values, our network of like-minded allies, and the multilateral institutions that have helped the United States shape the global order. That rules-based system, while imperfect, has overwhelmingly benefitted the United States and our allies. Here ‘America first’ simply means America alone, and that leaves us more vulnerable.  

“Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. Nearly a year into this administration, the only north star guiding Donald Trump’s national-security decision-making is using the levers of government to enrich himself and his wealthy donors. The State Department has been gutted to empower unaccountable special envoys pushing corrupt business deals. American foreign policy is for sale under the Trump administration.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Joaquin Castro, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, today introduced a resolution condemning President Trump’s pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted and sentenced in an American court to 45 years in federal prison for trafficking drugs into the United States.

“While the Trump administration carries out its reckless military buildup and potential war crimes in the Western Hemisphere under the guise of preventing drugs from entering our country, Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez—an actual, convicted narco-trafficker who flooded American communities with 400 tons of cocaine—illustrates the hypocrisy and corruption that are hallmarks of this administration. It further demonstrates that the administration’s real objective for its military buildup and lethal strikes is less about drugs and more about threatening a reckless and open-ended war with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.

“President Trump owes an explanation to the families impacted by Hernández’s drug trafficking conspiracy, and to the American people, on why he pardoned someone who stated his goal to ‘shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.’ Our Congressional colleagues should join in condemning this lawlessness and scrutinizing Trump’s corrupt ties to a growing list of pardoned individuals. But one thing is crystal clear: Trump is not acting for the benefit of Americans.”

A PDF of the resolution can be found here.

Original cosponsors include every Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, including Representatives Dina Titus, Sara Jacobs, Greg Stanton, Jonathan Jackson, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in support of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which have filed a temporary restraining order to stop the State Department from moving forward with a reduction in force (RIF) in defiance of PL. 119-37, which the president signed into law and explicitly prohibits such actions:

“AFGE and AFSA should not have to file this injunction. Congress was clear when it passed the latest CR: the Trump administration must stop its efforts to fire career public servants. Yet, Secretary Rubio is ignoring the law and moving ahead with RIFs anyway. It’s shameful how far this administration is willing to go to put fellow Americans, who have dedicated themselves to our country at home and abroad, out of their jobs. The continued purge of expertise at the State Department is strategic self-immolation. It undermines our national security, and weakens America’s ability to lead. Secretary Rubio’s actions are completely unacceptable and must be reversed in accordance with the law.”