MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — ICYMI, yesterday, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, the lead Democrat on the Federal Lands Subcommittee, questioned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on his agency’s role in a series of taxpayer-funded vanity projects that President Trump is spearheading across the nation’s capital—including a $13 million makeover of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 

The Trump administration is currently asking Congress for a $10 billion slush fund to support desired construction and rehabilitation projects across the D.C. area. That number is well above the $3.5 million deferred maintenance and repair figure reported by the National Park Service to bring assets in the region to an acceptable and safe condition. Public reporting has also suggested that some of these million-dollar contracts were awarded through a non-competitive bidding process.

Meanwhile, Trump and Burgum are seeking to enact sweeping cuts to facets of the National Park System in communities across the country—proposing a $757 million, or 26%, reduction in National Park Service operations funding.

In yesterday’s Natural Resources hearing, Rep. Neguse pressed Burgum for answers about the contractor renovating the Reflecting Pool, but the Secretary was unable to provide clarity. This builds on mounting confusion around the project after President Trump changed his own story on the matter in a series of Truth Social posts. 

Watch and download the full exchange HERE. A full transcript is available below. 

NEGUSE: Are you familiar with Atlantic Industrial Coatings? 

BURGUM: Uh, I’m not familiar with that.

NEGUSE: So Atlantic Industrial Coatings is a company—are you familiar with that company? 

BURGUM: You’re saying Atlantic? I’m not familiar with Atlantic. 

NEGUSE: Okay. Atlantic Industrial Coatings is the company that received a no-bid federal contract for the project at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Are you familiar with that now?  

BURGUM: I’m familiar with that project. Yes. 

NEGUSE: But not the company?  

BURGUM:  Uh, I wasn’t familiar with that specific name of the company. 

NEGUSE: Okay. You’re familiar with the fact that a company received a no-bid contract to do the work on that project, correct? 

BURGUM: I’m familiar that we have, that we’re working on a project to restore, uh, the reflecting pool before the, uh, summer season with record attendance. Yes.  

NEGUSE: And that was through a no-bid, $13 million contract, right? That’s not up for debate. That’s a fact. 

BURGUM: I’m positive that we followed all of the required bidding rules. So, you’re emphasizing the word no”-bid,” like something nefarious has happened. I reject that thesis. 

NEGUSE: Okay, explain it to me, I’ll ask you the question. My understanding of the federal procurement rules is that a no-bid contract is reserved for situations where, “any delay would cause serious injury to the government.” Your proposition is what? That there’d be serious injury to the government if this company didn’t get the $13 million contract to do this particular project right now…

BURGUM: Well, I think we do have a sense of urgency. I mean we got handed a record amount of deferred maintenance. We had 19 fountains across the city that didn’t work…

NEGUSE: That’s the serious injury to the government? 

BURGUM: I’m not. I suppose a lawyer could decide that. But I think that maybe all of us could agree that we would want to have our nation’s capital looking great for the 250th. I mean, this is a common-sense decision. 

NEGUSE: I would say, just the last question. Who picked this company? Because President Trump, a few months ago, in a New York Times article, said, “I have a guy who’s unbelievable at doing swimming pools… He looked at it. He called me up. He said: ‘Sir, we can do something on it.” 

Last night he posted on Truth Social: “Also, I didn’t give out the contract, Interior did, to a contractor I did not know, and have never used before.” So Interior, he’s talking about you. Did you give this $13 million no-bid contract to this company that’s never done business with the federal government before? 

BURGUM: The gentleman that you’re talking about that has done, uh, construction work regarding pools and fountains for President Trump, is not part of this contract. He’s working. He just, he’s just a citizen that cared about it and offered some free advice. There is, there’s nothing there there in terms of any dollars flowing to anybody that worked for President Trump.  

NEGUSE: Then who picked this company, that’s what I’m getting at.  

###

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

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in honor of State Representative Erin Koegel for a decade of service to the residents of Fridley, Columbia Heights, Spring Lake Park, and Hilltop in the Minnesota House of Representatives. You can watch the full video here. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota State Representative Erin Koegel for her incredible work serving in the Minnesota Legislature.

“I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Rep. Koegel during my time serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and I quickly learned how thoughtful, dedicated, and strategic she is when it comes to serving her constituents.

“For a decade, Rep. Koegel has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday people – passing landmark transportation legislation to invest in roads, bridges, and transit, and expanding worker protections for pregnant and breastfeeding Minnesotans.

“My belief in co-governance is made possible through my colleagues at the state and local level, and Rep. Koegel has been a great partner in this work.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of her work for years to come!

“Thank you, and I yield back.”

###

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

Washington – Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Kevin Kiley (I-CA-03), and Carol Miller (R-WV-01) introduced a tripartisan resolution to designate May 17^th as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a dangerous and deadly medical condition that often impacts infants born prematurely or with medical complications. 

“NEC often strikes in the first weeks and months of a child’s life, quickly turning what should be a happy time for families into a nightmare,” said Rep. Thompson. “I’m honored to introduce this resolution to raise awareness for NEC and promote the importance of continued medical research and support for families impacted by this devastating disease.”

“With no known single cause, it is important that we raise awareness for necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous and life-threating condition that impacts infants in the most precious stages of their lives. I am proud to join Congressman Thompson in introducing this bipartisan resolution that brings attention to this disease and supports research with the goal of finding a cure,” said Rep. Kiley.

“I am thrilled to be joining Congressman Thompson in establishing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day to shine a light on the devastating disease that strikes our most vulnerable — newborns. NEC is a frightening, often life-threatening condition, that no family should have to face without adequate support and resources. Raising awareness is essential to driving the medical research that will one day spare other families this heartbreak. We must continue to stand together and bring real hope to all those affected by this disease,” said Congresswoman Miller.

Davis resident, Jennifer Canvasser, founded the Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society after her son, Micah, died from complications of the disease. The NEC Society operates out of Davis and through Jennifer’s leadership, the organization has become the world’s leading NEC-focused nonprofit.

“When my son, Micah, tragically died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), our family was not only devastated but also isolated and alone to navigate the lifelong heartache caused by this cruel disease. After Micah’s passing, I founded the NEC Society to advance research, education, and advocacy for a world without NEC. On behalf of the families, clinicians, and scientists working tirelessly to protect babies like Micah, we are deeply grateful for Congressman Thompson’s leadership and support as we raise awareness about the urgent need to accelerate science so we can prevent NEC,” said Jennifer Canvasser.

NEC is a dangerous intestinal inflammatory disease that can affect premature or otherwise medically fragile infants. Upon diagnosis, many babies have only hours or days before their intestines become necrotic, which can progress to sepsis, multisystem organ failure, and death. NEC is a complex, multifactorial disease with no single cause, no clear etiology, no cure, and no known way to eliminate the risks of NEC for medically fragile infants.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

May 15, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ENGAGED ON WATER SPIRIT FREIGHT DISRUPTION AFFECTING VIRGIN ISLANDS SUPPLY CHAIN

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) is actively engaged with federal authorities and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority following docking restrictions imposed on Water Spirit Freight Services V.I., Inc., a St. Croix-based cargo carrier that has provided island-to-island freight service across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the broader Caribbean for more than two decades.

We all recognize this disruption poses a direct concern for Virgin Islands residents and businesses who depend on Water Spirit’s freight service for the timely movement of goods between St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, and San Juan.

Congresswoman Plaskett’s office reached out directly to the U.S. Coast Guard and has remained in continuous contact with USCG and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. The office has also reached out to Water Spirit to help determine what the best path forward is—pursuing all forms of engagement to ensure that the Virgin Islands has a voice in these discussions as authorities work toward a resolution.

“Virgin Islanders depend on reliable cargo service — this is not an abstract maritime matter, it is a supply chain issue that affects real people and real businesses in our territory,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “My office has also reached out to our own local port authority for additional support. We will continue to monitor developments and continue our advocacy for a resolution that protects the uninterrupted flow of goods to and from our territory.”

###

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

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement on President Trump’s visit to China:

“President Trump continues to treat one of America’s adversaries like a reality show, and America is paying the price.

“President Trump let China hold the upper hand from start to finish. He did nothing to hold China accountable for its unfair trade practices, nothing to improve or restore global security, and nothing to protect American workers and manufacturers. Instead, he surrounded himself with CEOs, flew to Beijing to strike business deals and then came back with virtually nothing to show for it.

“But perhaps most alarming, Trump refused to commit to protecting Taiwan – a major gift to Beijing. He has once again showed his willingness to trade U.S. national security for corporate interests.

“China is playing chess while Trump is playing checkers. Competing with the world’s largest authoritarian government requires seriousness and a long-term strategy – none of which we saw from the Trump administration during this visit.”

###
 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement after Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced that he will not run for re-election this year:

“Steve Cohen has been a colleague and a friend for nineteen years, and throughout his life of public service he has earned the respect and admiration of those with whom he has worked on both sides of the aisle.  A passionate fighter for justice, civil rights, and economic opportunity, Steve has drawn on his experience growing up in Memphis’s Jewish community and surviving polio as a child in approaching policy issues with a deep understanding of their personal impact on his constituents.  From health care to education, from voting rights to infrastructure development, on every vote he took Steve asks himself: how will this improve the lives of Tennesseans, particularly the most vulnerable. 

“I join in wishing Steve and his family well as he prepares to retire at the end of this year.  It has been a joy and privilege to serve alongside him, and I look forward to continuing to stand with him in the fight for progress, justice, and opportunity throughout the remainder of the 119th Congress.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott DesJarlais (4th District of Tennessee)

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Scott DesJarlais announced today that through coordinated efforts with VA Secretary Doug Collins that the McMinnville VA Clinic will remain open. 

In March it was announced that the McMinnville VA Clinic would be closing its doors on May 31^st. Through a formal letter and series of phone calls Congressman DesJarlais expressed his concern about the closure. Today, Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District congressman announced the clinic will remain open. 

 

“After a multitude of meetings with Secretary Collins and the VA, I am excited to announce the McMinnville VA Clinic will be staying open.

 

I would like to thank my staff who worked tirelessly in coordination with the DC VA and local TVHS team, Warren County Executive Terry Bell for his aid in finding a solution, members of the Tennessee Delegation for joining me in this coordinated effort, and for the patience of the good people of Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District. 

 

Under Secretary Collins’ leadership the VA has been focused on ensuring our Nation’s heroes get the best care possible that meet their needs and expectations. The McMinnville clinics issues have been a top concern, and we have been working nonstop to ensure the standard of care is raised and will continue to do so moving forward,” said Rep. DesJarlais. 

Patients who receive care at the clinic will be notified by the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) staff with new details about remaining open. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting a federal funding notification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for American Samoa Medical Center Authority.

This discretionary grant of $306,604 for programs under the American Samoa Department of Health at LBJ Tropical Medical Center is for family planning services, covering one year of the five-year project. The funding is through the federal Office of Family Planning, within the HHS Office of Public Health and Science. HHS is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

“Thank you especially to Bethel Mussau-Howard regarding this grant and effort, and all involved. We’re grateful always to the health professionals at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center and our Health Department for medical care for our people,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to HHS for supporting our hospital programs, and congratulations to ASG for their roles ensuring federal funds are obtained.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), co-chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus, along with Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), introduced a resolution recognizing Friday, May 16 as Endangered Species Day. The resolution celebrates the strong role that the ESA has played in protecting America’s imperiled species and the need for greater conservation efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

“For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has proven to be one of our most successful conservation laws, protecting the wide range of biodiversity that sustains our planet. Thanks to the ESA, iconic species once on the brink of extinction – including the bald eagle, our national symbol – have recovered and once again thrive in the wild. By designating Endangered Species Day, we celebrate these remarkable stories of renewal and resurgence and work to strengthen the ESA so future generations can continue to witness the richness and diversity of America’s wildlife,” said Congressman Beyer. 

“The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective conservation legislation ever passed, and its protections are crucial to conserving the species we know and love, like the American bald eagle. It has a 99 percent success rate and has brought back many of our beloved species from the brink of extinction, ” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we must continue working to uphold and strengthen the ESA.”

“Florida’s endangered species are critical to our cultural heritage, our local economy and our way of life. I’m proud to lead this resolution to designate today as ‘Endangered Species Day’ and to highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures,” said Congressman Buchanan. 

In the United States and around the world, more than 2,300 species are recognized as at risk of extinction now or in the foreseeable future, and many more are experiencing declines in populations and future viability. Many scientists categorize our planet’s current biodiversity crisis as the sixth mass extinction event, with plant and wildlife species across the globe facing heightened risk of extinction that is largely driven by human activity.

View the full text of the resolution here. Learn more about the ESA Caucus here.