MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“We cannot continue to force survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking into an impossible choice between forced confinement with their abusers, or living on the streets,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Even as they face daily abuse and exploitation, people are evicted or denied housing based on the outlandish grounds that they’re involved in criminal activity. Discrimination like this, which overwhelmingly hurts women and children, must end now. So, I’m very proud to work across the aisle to break this cycle of injustice and help people find safe harbor from abuse.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, recognized six school districts in Texas’ 25^th Congressional District for earning the 2026 Career & Technical Education (CTE) Districts of Distinction designation from the Career & Technical Association of Texas.

The recognized districts are:

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

“ITI appreciates the leadership of Congresswoman Carol Miller and her colleagues in sending this letter urging USTR Ambassador Greer to raise the Republic of Korea’s Cloud Security Assurance Program (CSAP) in the ongoing U.S.-Korea trade talks. The CSAP certification requirements continue to pose a barrier to trade for U.S. cloud service providers. Robust U.S. technological leadership depends in part on ensuring fair market access, and we welcome Congress’ efforts to promote consistency and reciprocity among U.S. trade partners,” said Jason Oxman,  President and CEO of ITI 

Background

• Korea restricts which cloud providers may store government data based on the sensitivity of the data, allowing U.S. companies to handle only low tier government data limited to public information and front facing websites.
• Korea’s National Intelligence Service is moving to formalize data localization requirements that would permanently block U.S. cloud providers from serving the Korean government, actions that directly conflict with the Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and the Korea Strategic Trade and Investment Deal negotiated under President Donald Trump.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced an $18.9 million investment from Fukoku Korea to establish a manufacturing plant in Henry County, Virginia. According to a press release, this investment will support 60 new jobs. Following news of this announcement, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“International companies like Fukoku Korea continue to rely on communities in Virginia’s Ninth District to develop manufacturing operations.

“I am excited that Fukoku Korea has placed its trust in Henry County as the site for this nearly $19 million investment. This investment will go a long way in supporting local manufacturing jobs, encouraging potential business growth and inspiring hope for more opportunities.”

BACKGROUND

According to Argus Media, Fukoku Korea is a consolidated subsidiary of Japan-based Fukoku. Fukoku has maintained a U.S. presence since 2001.

Fukoku Korea makes specialized automotive components, including rubber-based products and engine parts. The Henry County plant will manufacture rubber damper pulleys for automotive engines and thermal gap fillers for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

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

“I rise today in strong support of this War Powers Resolution.

“This is a war of choice disguised as a war of necessity. During the last several days, President Trump offered a shifting list of justifications: regime change, retribution, helping protesters, stopping Iran’s missile and nuclear weapons program. A program Trump claimed just last year that he obliterated, and a ballistic missile program that the Department of Defense says is not going to be capable of reaching the US until 2035.

“Then Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, offered another, that he had to strike first in case Iran might retaliate after a possible Israeli attack. Think about that, not because Iran posed an imminent threat, not because Congress authorized war, but because someone else might attack. This is not a strategy. This is cherry picking facts and lying to the American public to justify a predetermined decision to launch a war.

“So Americans are asking two questions, why are we doing this, and how does it end?

“The constitution is clear, the president cannot start a war alone. So we need to make sure that the people’s representatives are involved, because once troops are in harm’s way, missions expand and working families get a knock on the door that changes their lives forever.

“The cost of this war will not just be measured by dollars spent, but in lives lost, bodies broken and conflicts that rarely stay where they stay confined to where they began with that.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

This morning, Representative Sharice Davids offered the following statement after voting to pass a Farm Bill out of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee:

“It’s been eight years since Congress passed a Farm Bill, and Kansas farmers are operating in an environment of high input costs, tight margins, and unstable markets due to reckless tariffs. I voted to advance this Farm Bill because it strengthens crop insurance, invests in agricultural research and rural development, and keeps us moving toward the certainty producers need.

“That said, this should have been a more bipartisan, consensus-driven process. Farm Bills are strongest when they are built together, and maintaining that coalition — including strong nutrition assistance programs that help families manage high grocery prices while supporting farm demand — is critical to long-term success. This is not a final product, but moving it forward keeps us on a path toward delivering the predictable policy, open markets, and lower costs Kansas producers and families are asking for.”

Background:

Davids submitted several amendments to strengthen the bill for Kansas families and producers, including one praised as “an excellent amendment” by Republican Chairman “GT” Thompson (PA-15). The accepted amendment is supported by Kansas Wheat and would direct the Natural Resources Conservation Service to study the impacts of winter wheat as a cover crop through harvest. Currently, winter wheat is treated one way if it’s grown as a cover crop and another way if it’s grown as a regular cash crop, even though it can do both at the same time when managed properly. Studying this could remove this unnecessary red tape, help farmers make better choices, protect the soil, and support rural communities.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) joined Jacksonville’s Landstar for a Rutherford Ride Along and tour of their Field Operations Center in St. Augustine with Landstar’s professional driver, Michael Smith.

“I was proud to join Landstar for a Rutherford Ride Along to learn more about the people and processes that keep our supply chains moving across Northeast Florida and nationwide,” said Rutherford. “These men and women help drive our economy and get goods where they need to go, safely and efficiently. I was honored to walk a day in their shoes and see firsthand the professionalism and commitment these drivers, like Michael Smith, bring to their jobs. Thank you for driving our economy forward.”

Michael Smith is a 25-year Landstar veteran, a Million Mile Safe Driver, and recipient of the organization’s highest driver honor, the Roadstar award. Smith specializes in transporting highly sensitive and specialized freight, including military-related equipment and other critical shipments supporting national defense operations worldwide.

Together, Rutherford and Smith conducted a comprehensive pre-trip inspection of “Goldie,” Smith’s tractor, before hitting the road. They traveled from the Jacksonville headquarters to Landstar’s Field Operations Center in St. Augustine. Rutherford met with other members of the Landstar team to talk about the daily realities of professional drivers traveling along America’s highways today.

Rutherford continued, “Many thanks to the whole team at Landstar for giving me a behind-the-scenes look at their operations here in Northeast Florida and the opportunity to join them for a Rutherford Ride Along!”

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Landstar operates an asset-light transportation model supported by a nationwide network of approximately 1,000 independent agents, more than 8,000 independent BCOs, over 1,300 employees, and access to 70,000 capacity providers across North America.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today welcomed the United States Coast Guard’s decision to establish a new training center at the former Birmingham-Southern College campus, ensuring the historic campus will continue to serve those pursuing education, training, and service to the nation.

The Coast Guard is expanding its training capacity as it grows its workforce and modernizes its force structure to meet evolving maritime security missions. The Birmingham-Southern campus will help support that effort by providing facilities capable of hosting recruits and training personnel preparing for service in the Coast Guard.

“Today’s announcement is further proof that this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years,” said Secretary Noem. “Thanks to President Trump’s visionary leadership and historic investment in the Coast Guard, the Service is shattering records across the board — including in recruitment. Last year’s recruitment exceeded 110% of active-duty enlisted goals, and the Coast Guard is on track to add 15,000 new members by 2028. This next generation of heroes deserves training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission, and that is exactly what they are going to have in Alabama.”

“With Birmingham-Southern being my alma mater, it was important to me to ensure this campus could continue to serve those seeking to learn and improve their lives,” said Aderholt. “I’m confident the United States Coast Guard will do just that. I want to thank Senator Britt and Senator Tuberville for their partnership as we worked together to encourage the Coast Guard and the White House to ensure this campus remains an important footprint in Alabama.”

“This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Senator Katie Britt. “I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve. This announcement further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel.”

“I’m thrilled that President Trump and Secretary Noem selected Birmingham-Southern as the new land-based training facility for the United States Coast Guard,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville. “This move will save American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Alabama and the Coast Guard are a natural partnership. Our state is already home to every branch of the military, and we have the infrastructure, resources, and personnel ready to ensure the Coast Guard continues to operate at the highest level.”

The Coast Guard’s presence will allow the Birmingham-Southern campus to continue its longstanding legacy of education and service while bringing new opportunities and federal investment to the Birmingham area. Alabama has a strong tradition of supporting those who serve, and the new training center will help prepare the next generation of Coast Guard servicemembers.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04) and James Moylan (Guam-AL) introduced the Lowering Student Loans Act, legislation to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and set a fixed 2 percent interest rate for all Federal Direct student loans.

The bill would establish a fixed 2 percent interest rate for all new Federal Direct Loans issued on or after July 1, 2026, including Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS, and Direct Consolidation Loans. It would also automatically reduce the interest rate to 2 percent for existing Direct Loans currently carrying higher rates. The 2 percent rate would be fixed for the life of the loan.

“Too many Americans are doing everything right only to see their balances grow because of high interest rates,” said Congressman Thompson. “This bill is a simple, targeted fix. By lowering interest rates to 2 percent and locking them in for the life of the loan, we help borrowers pay down their principal faster, reduce long-term costs, and finally make real progress toward financial stability.”

“For many students and families, the biggest barrier to opportunity is not getting into college—it’s the cost of paying back the loans afterward,” said Congressman Moylan. “Capping federal student loan interest rates at 2 percent is a practical step that helps borrowers reduce long-term costs, pay down their principal faster, and build financial stability. This bipartisan bill helps ensure that higher education remains a pathway to opportunity, not a lifetime of debt.”

What the Bill Does

• All new Federal Direct Loans issued on or after July 1, 2026, would carry a fixed 2 percent interest rate.
• Existing Direct Loans with rates above 2 percent would automatically be reduced to 2 percent beginning July 1, 2026, with advance notice to borrowers and the opportunity to opt out.
• The 2 percent rate would remain fixed for the life of the loan.
• Borrowers with certain older Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans would have the option to consolidate into the Direct Loan program to access the lower 2 percent rate.
• The Secretary of Education would be required to notify borrowers and loan servicers of the change and establish a complaint resolution process to address any errors or delays.

The legislation does not change repayment plans, forgiveness programs, or borrower protections. It is narrowly focused on reducing interest-driven balance growth so borrowers can pay down principal faster and reduce long-term repayment costs.

You can watch the livestream of the press conference here.

The Lowering Student Loans Act is endorsed by the American Youth Association, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), National Education Association, and Young Invincibles.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
“The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is proud to endorse the Lowering Student Loans Act, which would set a fixed 2 percent interest rate on all federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026. By reducing rates for both new and existing loans, the bill offers practical, immediate relief to millions of borrowers and brings greater predictability to a system marked by rising costs and uncertainty. High interest rates fall hardest on students who already face steep barriers to college access. A stable 2 percent rate lowers long-term repayment burdens, strengthens financial stability, and helps keep higher education within reach. NACAC urges Congress to advance this commonsense measure to support students and families nationwide.”
— Sean Robins, Director of Advocacy, National Association for College Admission Counseling

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
“Students and families rely on federal student loans to make higher education possible, and they deserve interest rates that are fair, transparent, and manageable. The Lowering Student Loans Act would provide meaningful financial relief while committing to a predictable, stable interest rate that allows students to plan for the future with greater confidence. When borrowers can anticipate what their loans will cost over time, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about enrollment, completion, repayment, and long-term financial goals.”
— Melanie Storey, President & CEO, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC)
“As the External Affairs Vice President of the Associated Students of the University of California, I strongly endorse the Lowering Student Loans Act introduced by Congressman Thompson. Capping federal student loan interest rates at a fixed 2 percent would provide stability to a system currently relying on fluctuating, market-based formulas tied to U.S. Treasury yields. By lowering and stabilizing interest rates, this legislation would ease long-term financial strain, expand access to higher education, and empower more students to pursue their academic and professional goals without the disproportionate weight of debt.”
— Calvin Yang, External Affairs Vice President, Associated Students of the University of California

American Youth Association (AYA)
“Representative Thompson’s legislation is critical for future generations of aspiring leaders. Student loan debt is one of the greatest barriers young Americans face when pursuing higher education. The burden of interest alone shapes life-changing decisions: where to go to school, financial freedom post-graduation, and even whether to go to school at all. This bill is a critical step forward that lowers student loan burdens and expands financial freedom. The American Youth Association is proud to endorse legislation that empowers the next generation of aspiring leaders to invest in their futures without being crushed by debt.”
— Aanya Ujjval, National President, American Youth Association

The Lowering Student Loans Act has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and a bipartisan group of colleagues have re-introduced legislation to increase transparency and provide greater insight about the growing national debt.

The Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act, introduced with GOP Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), would require the President’s annual budget and congressional budget resolutions to include the ratio of the public debt to the estimated gross domestic product (GDP). The House Budget Committee passed this legislation by voice vote in the 118th Congress. 

“It’s essential that the national debt is front of mind for lawmakers when making decisions about the federal budget,” Golden said. “Equipping Congress with more information about bills’ impact on the debt will enable more informed lawmaking, and I’m encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for this easy solution.”

The national debt stands at nearly $39 trillion, according to data from the Treasury Department, and is currently on track to reach 175 percent of GDP by 2056, according to the latest long-term outlook by the Congressional Budget Office. Interest payments on the debt are the fastest-growing line item in the federal budget and already eclipse nearly all social safety net spending. 

Continued unchecked debt growth threatens to crowd out essential services such as Social Security and Medicare. 

“Our national debt is the greatest internal threat to our country,” Smucker said. “Tackling our national debt must be a priority. This legislation increases transparency and creates accountability in Washington to deliver real, tangible solutions. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the urgency of addressing the debt crisis, and I’m hopeful this legislation will help correct our fiscal trajectory and ensure our nation’s long-term economic prosperity.”

Additional cosponsors of the Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act include Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Don Davis (D-NC-01), Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-WA-03), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) and Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02).

This legislation is endorsed by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) and Concord Action, two organizations focused on addressing the nation’s debt. 

“The public deserves to know the size and scope of planned debt and deficits,” said Maya MacGuineas, president of CRFB. “Requiring congressional and presidential budgets to include debt and deficit figures relative to the size of the economy, as in this bill, would help the public and lawmakers understand the fiscal goals in such budgets.”

“The Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act is a common-sense step to ensure that both Congress and the President clearly present our nation’s debt as a share of the overall economy, one of the most widely used indicators of fiscal health,” said Dr. Carolyn Bordeaux, executive director at Concord Action. “Concord Action thanks Congressman Smucker and Congressman Golden for their leadership in advancing greater accountability and transparency in the federal budget process.”

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