MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Emerita, and Young Kim (R-CA-40), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen support for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in religious communities.

The bipartisan Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act would establish a dedicated National Resource Center through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in faith communities. The Center would provide training, technical assistance, and resources to religious institutions, victim service providers, and community partners to better address domestic violence and support survivors from faith communities.

“Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault deserve support that meets them where they are, including in their places of worship,” said Rep. Frankel. “For so many, faith is a source of strength and healing. This bipartisan bill would help faith-based organizations better support survivors, expand access to critical support, and ensure that survivors across religious communities can find safety, dignity, and the tools they need to rebuild their lives.”

“Survivors of domestic violence deserve compassionate, culturally attuned care,” said Rep. Kim. “That’s why I am proud to support the Supporting Survivors from Faith-Based Communities Act, which empowers trusted faith-based organizations on the front lines. These groups provide critical safety, counseling, and support to individuals and families in crisis, helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.” 

“For too long, the unique experiences of survivors in faith communities have been overlooked in federal law,” said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. “We and our Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence are proud to have worked with Representatives Frankel and Kim to develop the Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act. We applaud their bipartisan leadership and consistent commitment to standing with women and girls.” 

While the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has established grant programs to support different demographic groups that face unique challenges when addressing domestic violence, there is currently no dedicated program for survivors in communities of faith. Individuals in religious communities often face distinct barriers when seeking help, including navigating religious practices and accessing services that align with their faith. For example, survivors across many faith traditions may require accommodations related to dietary laws, modesty, or access to gender-specific counseling, all of which can affect their ability to seek safe and appropriate support.

Reps. Frankel and Kim were joined by six original cosponsors: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).

This bill is supported by leading faith-based and domestic violence advocacy organizations, including Jewish Women International (JWI), Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA), Shalom Task Force (STF), Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), The Dinah Project, Catholics For Family Peace Education and Research on Domestic Abuse, Peaceful Families Project, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd (U.S. Region), Domestic Violence Outreach (DVO), Hope Rise Thrive, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (NAC), Pax in Familia, and Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday demanding full public disclosure of any People’s Republic of China (PRC)-linked business dealings, investments, trademarks, licensing agreements, or other financial relationships involving Trump, his family, or senior administration officials as Trump meets with General Secretary Xi Jinping in Beijing.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi warned:

“Given the national security and economic stakes in the U.S.-China relationship, the American people deserve confidence that outcomes of the summit and U.S. policy are being conducted solely in the national interest, not influenced by private financial motivations.”

Krishnamoorthi also noted:

“To date, you have not divested from your own multi-billion-dollar business interests or created a blind trust, and though you have reportedly handed daily management of the Trump Organization to your children, you and your family still stand to profit from deals related to your family’s businesses.”

Krishnamoorthi additionally warned against concessions or policy shifts that could create “even the appearance of personal benefit,” and noted that he is particularly concerned about concessions related to advanced AI chip exports to Beijing, changes in U.S. declaratory policy toward Taiwan, or discussions involving U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

The letter cites congressional findings and public reporting showing that during Trump’s first term, entities tied to the PRC government spent more than $5.5 million at Trump-owned properties and that Trump-affiliated businesses received numerous trademarks and approvals from Chinese authorities while Trump was president.

Krishnamoorthi requested that Trump publicly disclose the following information:

1. Any current or recent business dealings, investments, trademarks, or licensing agreements in China involving you, your family, the Trump Organization, or affiliated entities
2. Any pending or recently approved trademarks, permits, or regulatory approvals granted by Chinese authorities to Trump-affiliated entities
3. Any financial interests held by senior administration officials or immediate family members that could present a conflict of interest involving China policy

The letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal emergency funding helped support an unprecedented public health response in Washington state. FEMA finally releasing these reimbursements helps replenish coffers and strengthen health care systems, which protects affordable health care options for local families.

“I will keep working to ensure that Northwest Washington health care systems, departments and providers – including Skagit Regional, Island Hospital, WhidbeyHealth, PeaceHealth, Providence Regional in Everett, Swedish Health in Edmonds, local county and city departments of health and more – are reimbursed for the investments they made in keeping people safe and healthy.”

Today, FEMA released $538.5 million to reimburse Washington state health care departments and systems for their costs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

– $1.96 million to Skagit County Public Health Hospital District #1
– $4.1 million to PeaceHealth
– $7.2 million to Swedish Health Services
– $6.1 million to Providence Health & Services Washington
– $262.95 million to Washington State Department of Health
– $2.24 million to Washington State Military Department

Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“This $3.9 million is great news for Whatcom County families. These dollars will directly help local folks get back on track after the devastating floods in November 2021. I am glad the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released these long-overdue funds, and I will keep fighting for federal dollars to help Northwest Washington communities recover from natural disasters and prepare for future disasters.”

FEMA announced the release of $3.9 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for homeowners in Everson, Lynden, Ferndale, and Bellingham to support buyouts for flood-damaged homes. Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight over FEMA.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

Rep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were impacted by disastrous flooding in November 2021, which damaged critical infrastructure and over 2,000 homes. In December 2021, Rep. Larsen joined Washington’s congressional delegation in a letter to then-President Joe Biden to support Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for federal Individual Assistance. He followed up on flood recovery efforts in Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearings on FEMA disaster preparedness in 2023 and called attention to the agency’s failure to provide effective assistance to residents in Whatcom County.

Rep. Larsen is leading bipartisan legislation to reform FEMA, which would streamline the federal government’s disaster response and recovery programs while also making FEMA a cabinet-level agency once again. The bill rewards effective state and local preparedness, cuts red tape and ensures that relief efforts are fast, fair and free from political bias. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved Rep. Larsen’s Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 in September 2025.

More recently, Rep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were damaged in the December 2025 floods. In March, Rep. Larsen applauded the news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses impacted by December’s floods. In April, Rep. Larsen welcomed the Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state, and criticized FEMA’s decision to deny Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assistance.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

To my colleagues in Congress, I urge you to stand with America’s consumers, America’s farmers, and America’s energy future by making nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. Together, we can finally deliver the certainty, affordability, and energy independence the American people deserve.  

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), co-chair of the Biofuels Caucus, took to the House Floor to urge his colleagues to cement America’s energy independence by passing his Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.  
 
During his remarks, Smith highlighted how a vote for nationwide, year-round E15 is a vote for America’s consumers, America’s farmers, and America’s energy future. By making nationwide, year-round E15 a reality, Congress would provide immediate relief for consumers at the pump, deliver much-needed market certainty for farmers, and achieve President Trump’s goal of American energy independence.

Click the image above to watch a video of Smith’s remarks
Click here to download audio
Click here to download video

Following is a transcript of Smith’s remarks as prepared for delivery:  
 
M. Speaker,    
 
I rise today to urge my colleagues to move toward America’s energy independence and pass my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.   
 
With global tensions, volatile fuel prices, and persistent uncertainty in the energy sector, energy independence is no longer a theoretical goal but a vital part of America’s national security and economic survival.   
  
Fortunately, E15 is the winning solution—it is a reliable, clean, and affordable homegrown fuel that strengthens every link in our domestic energy supply chain.   
  
Nationwide, year-round E15 would provide immediate relief to consumers—lowering costs at the pump in my district up to 52 cents per gallon—at a time when families need it most.
 
It would increase demand for corn by over 2 billion bushels a year, delivering the certainty, opportunity, and market development America’s farmers have unequivocally called for.   
  
E15 is compatible with 97% of vehicles on the road today and can be delivered through existing infrastructure—as the past five years of summertime waivers have already demonstrated.  
  
The question is no longer whether E15 makes sense; it does. The question is whether Congress will allow consumers to have this access.   
  
To my colleagues in Congress, I urge you to stand with America’s consumers, America’s farmers, and America’s energy future by making nationwide, year-round E15 a reality.   
  
Together, we can finally deliver the certainty, affordability, and energy independence the American people deserve. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Don Beyer (D-VA), and U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Charity Parity Act, which would allow taxpayers to make direct qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their employer sponsored retirement plans.

Currently, retirement savers can exclude up to $110,000 in QCDs from their gross income annually. However, QCDs must be made directly from an individual’s IRA to eligible charitable organizations. Distributions from employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are not eligible for QCD treatment. Individuals who wish to make charitable contributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to first roll over the funds to an IRA, creating unnecessary costs and additional steps for retirement savers.

The Charity Parity Act would allow direct QCDs from employer-sponsored retirement plans. By doing so, it would ensure retirement savers are treated equitably regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. Eliminating rollover-related fees, financial burdens, and the administrative complexity for savers who would otherwise need to transfer assets from employer plans to IRAs before making a charitable contribution would make it easier to give to charity and in higher amounts.

“Our laws should encourage charitable giving and seek to make such generosity as easy to carry out as possible. Giving to others in need is a hallmark of the American character and part of what makes our country great,” said Rep. Kelly. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a practical step toward ensuring Americans can contribute and donate to the causes of their choice without issue.”

“Charities provide a critical range of services across the country and have been facing mounting pressures in recent years, both from rising demand and higher prices. While progress has been made in Congress to support the generosity of the American people, further work is needed to put the charitable sector on more stable footing,” said Rep. Beyer. “The Charity Parity Act would reinforce recent bipartisan successes and encourage additional giving by providing equal treatment for savers wishing to donate to charity regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. I want to thank Rep. Kelly, and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and hope to see it enacted into law as soon as possible.” 

“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Sen. Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”

“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Sen. Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”

Text of the Charity Parity Act is available here.

The legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of charities and other nonprofits, including: American Heart Association; Association of Fundraising Principles; American Retirement Association; Mental Health America; Salvation Army; National Council of Nonprofits; Independent Sector; The Nonprofit Alliance; National Association of Charitable Gift Planners; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; United Way Worldwide; Infant Crisis Services; Mountain Area Health Education Center; The Church Alliance; Mountain Aging Partners, Inc.; Association of Art Museum Directors. 

“The Charity Parity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that empowers seniors to support the causes they care about while strengthening the charitable organizations that help people live longer, healthier lives. By building on the Legacy IRA Act and expanding Qualified Charitable Distributions to include 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, this legislation makes charitable giving more accessible and equitable for retirees. We are grateful to Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer for their leadership in helping nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy for the American Heart Association.

“Nonprofits are America’s backbone, delivering critical services effectively, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities,” stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. “Despite this vital role, nonprofits today are facing significant, unprecedented financial challenges that have forced many local organizations to cut back on the services they provide, reduce staff, or even close their doors. I applaud Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for introducing bipartisan legislation to make it even easier for Americans to support nonprofits that provide essential services to their neighbors.”

“We thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Cramer and Coons for introducing this important bipartisan bill to expand charitable giving opportunities for retirement-age Americans,” said Michael Kenyon, President & CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “QCDs from IRAs have long been a valuable tool for donors to support causes they believe in, and extending this option to employer-sponsored plans is a commonsense step that will unlock greater philanthropic support. As gift planners, we support policies that reduce friction in giving and empower donors to act on their generosity and leave their legacy. This proposal would do just that.” 

“American retirement savers should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to support charitable causes simply because their savings are held in a 401(k), 403(b), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan instead of an IRA,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “The Charity Parity Act builds on the success of SECURE 2.0 by ensuring retirement savers are treated fairly regardless of where they hold their assets, while making it easier for Americans to give back to the organizations and communities they care about most. By reducing administrative burdens, this legislation can help encourage greater charitable giving while strengthening retirement security.”

“The Nonprofit Alliance welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Charity Parity Act. This legislation will allow seniors to make qualified charitable distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts and is an important step toward increasing participation in charitable giving by expanding options to do so. We sincerely thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for their introduction of this timely legislation,” said Shannon McCracken, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance.

“Since its creation in 2006, the IRA Charitable Rollover has helped older Americans use their retirement accounts to make a difference and support the causes they care about. Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer each have a long history of working to advance charitable giving, and Independent Sector applauds them for their continued leadership. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and fees, this commonsense legislation will help more charitable dollars reach their intended target: American communities and our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector.

“Fundraisers work every day to connect generosity with community needs, and the Charity Parity Act removes unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of that generosity. By allowing seniors to give directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, this bipartisan legislation modernizes charitable giving and puts donors—not paperwork—at the center of the process. The Association of Fundraising Professionals strongly supports policies that make it easier for people to give and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities,” said H. Art Taylor, President & CEO of the Association of Fundraising Principles.

“With art museums typically depending on gifts for a third of their revenue, donations are what enable free and reduced admission, educational programs, and a host of community services.” said Christine Anagnos, Executive Director of the Association of Art Museum Directors. “AAMD offers its thanks to Reps. Beyer and Kelly and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on the Charity Parity Act.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7), led a bipartisan letter to National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross. Along with 33 of their colleagues, the letter urged the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) to develop a federal-industry plan in preparation for a large increase in vulnerability disclosures discovered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. 

The letter follows Anthropic’s recently announced Claude Mythos Preview. According to Anthropic, Mythos identified thousands of high-severity zero-day vulnerabilities in every major operating system and every major web browser, including vulnerabilities that had survived years of human review and automated testing. As of Anthropic’s April 7 announcement, more than 99 percent of those vulnerabilities remained unpatched. 

Latta and Matsui warned that these new advanced AI systems could help defenders uncover serious software flaws more quickly than existing disclosure, patching, and deployment systems can keep pace. 

“America’s adversaries are not waiting for us to figure this out,” said Latta. “If AI can find serious vulnerabilities in widely used software, China and other bad actors will look for ways to use similar tools against us. We need to make sure trusted American defenders have the coordination, access, and support required to stay ahead. This bipartisan letter urges ONCD to convene the agencies, software providers, and security providers who can make that happen.” 

“Advanced AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape,” said Matsui. “These tools have enormous potential to help us find and fix dangerous software vulnerabilities before our adversaries use them against us, but we must prepare now. We need a coordinated strategy that brings the federal government, industry and trusted defenders together to manage disclosures, speed up patching and protect the systems Americans rely on every day, from hospitals and banks to utilities, schools and basic communications.” 

Background: 

The letter asks ONCD to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),the Department of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), acting through the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO), supporting federal coordination and implementation, to convene government and industry for a coordinated response. They request that the plan assess existing efforts to identify critical software vulnerabilities; support defenders and critical infrastructure operators in finding, fixing, deploying, and verifying patches; establish a framework to handle sensitive and risky AI-generated findings; and monitor sudden increases in the capabilities of advanced AI models. 

The letter requests a staff-level briefing from ONCD within 30 days; a written response within 45; and a review of any barriers demanding congressional action, such as antitrust, liability, or other statutory barriers. 

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the Monitor Accountability Act set to come to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this week, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) shared several letters of support for his legislation from law enforcement organizations:

“Court-appointed monitors play an important role in ensuring compliance with federal court orders, and we support efforts to ensure that these monitorships are structured, transparent, and focused on measurable progress. We are encouraged by provisions that increase public accountability, including transparency in monitor activities and costs, public input, and clearer expectations around structure and duration.”– Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse, President of the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association

“Recent data, including PORAC’s March 2026 research brief, Evaluating Police Consent Decrees: From Compliance to Results, which examined decades of federal monitorships, shows that federal monitorships divert resources from communities, cost over $10 million per year on average, and often last more than a decade. While imposing these steep burdens on communities, the process operates behind closed doors, obstructs departments’ good-faith efforts to achieve compliance, and threatens public safety. In fact, monitors have a financial disincentive to find agencies in compliance and have repeatedly moved the goal posts in some cases. This legislation advances the targeted, transparent, and outcome-driven reforms we have long advocated.”– Brian R. Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California

“This legislation introduces necessary accountability by establishing clear standards, enhanced oversight, and greater public visibility into a process that has too often lacked meaningful checks and balances. Notably, the language in this bill reflects principles outlined in a 2021 memorandum issued by then–Attorney General Merrick Garland under the administration of former President Joe Biden, underscoring a bipartisan foundation for these reforms.”– Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, President of the Major County Sheriffs of America

“The current court monitor system exercises substantial authority over local law enforcement agencies while operating with limited oversight and transparency. Given the significant financial and operational impact monitors can have on departments and the communities they serve, greater accountability within this process is both appropriate and necessary. H.R. 8365 provides important reforms by creating clearer standards for monitor appointments, compensation, reporting requirements, and overall oversight.”– Darrell Kriplean, President of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association

“By placing reasonable limits on fees, terms, and appointments, while requiring public reporting and opportunities for input, this bill helps ensure that monitorships remain focused, efficient, and results-driven. These reforms will help prevent unnecessarily prolonged and costly consent decrees and court orders that place a heavy burden on local agencies and the taxpayers who fund them. At the same time, the legislation preserves the core purpose of monitoring—achieving constitutional and sustainable compliance.” – Joe Clure, Executive Director of the Arizona Police Association

If enacted into law, the Monitor Accountability Act would require federal district courts to follow common-sense rules when appointing monitors to oversee state or local government agencies. This legislation includes the following terms:

• Term limits: Monitors may serve no more than five years and cannot be reappointed under the same court order, preventing long‑term control by any single individual.
   
• No revolving door: Successive monitors cannot come from the same law firm or employer, ensuring independence.
   
• Fee caps & transparency: Monitor compensation is capped and courts encouraged to require pro bono or reduced-cost work to control costs and ensure transparency.
   
• Public input: Courts must announce the proposed monitor and allow public comment before appointment.
   
• Off-ramp for states / localities: A monitorship may only be extended if the state or locality has not achieved substantial and sustained compliance, preventing open‑ended oversight.
   
• Judicial transfer: After six years, the case must be reassigned to a different judge to avoid prolonged control by a single court.
   
• Retroactive fix: Immediately covers monitorships older than six years, including Maricopa County, triggering required replacement of both monitor and judge.

Read the letter from the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association here.

Read the letter from the Peace Officers Research Association of California here.

Read the letter from the Major County Sheriffs of America here.

Read the letter from the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association here.

Read the letter from the Arizona Police Association here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative John Garamendi (CA-08) joined Rep. Sam Liccardo’s (CA-16) effort in leading a coalition of Bay Area Members of Congress, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Reps. Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in urging the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to prioritize and strengthen federal funding for active transportation infrastructure for walking and cycling.

“The Bay Area’s transportation network increasingly relies on non-motorized options like the San Francisco Bay Trail, which connects communities, parks, schools, and transit across more than 350 miles in nine counties and is planned to expand to 500 miles,” the Members wrote.

The delegation called for robust support for the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside, and the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which help communities build safer pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, trails, and connections to transit.

Currently, insufficient funding threatens access to green and active modes of transportation. The Members urged Committee leaders to increase dedicated funding to make active transportation infrastructure a priority in this year’s surface transportation reauthorization bill.

“Programs and funding dedicated to active transportation routes will help expand safe, reliable access to jobs, schools, and essential services,” the Members wrote.

“These federal funding programs are critical to complete the Bay Trail and other trail networks around the region,” said Save The Bay Executive Director David Lewis. “We need to invest in healthy transportation options that connect more communities with nature, jobs, and critical services.”  

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor after the bipartisan discharge petition for H.R. 2913 – the Ukraine Support Act – received the final signature needed to compel a vote on the House Floor. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:
 

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.
 

“Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the gentleman from California, Mr. Kiley, added the 218th signature to the discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act. Soon, the House will have a long overdue vote on expressing its support for Ukraine and our opposition to the Russian invasion. The people of Ukraine have shown their mettle, their courage, even while a fifth of their country has been overrun and occupied while Russia’s drones targeted civilian neighborhoods. Amid outages of power and heat through bitter winters, the people of Ukraine have endured. Their spirit is undiminished. Their valor is unmatched.

“But Mr. Speaker, Vladimir Putin continues to believe that he can break their will to fight. He believes he can outlast the Ukrainians and [that] he can outlast us. He is wrong. This House has now voted on bipartisan bills to assist Ukraine 12 times since the full invasion in 2022. On average, [those] bills have passed 80% of the votes on this House Floor. We’ll have the opportunity to do it again, to stand for freedom, democracy, and our Ukrainian allies. I yield back the balance of my time.”