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

Today, Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week.

The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.”

The letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

“On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record,” the Members continued.

“We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible,” the delegation concluded. “An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures.”

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President:

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible.

This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.

On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record.

We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible.

An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures. We appreciate your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Panetta Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Hire, Train, and Retain New Prosecutors

Washington, DC – Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral, Helping Improve Recruitment and Retention Efforts for Prosecutors Act (HIRRE Prosecutors Act) of 2025. The legislation would allow local governments to better support, hire, train, and retain local prosecutors critical to protecting local public safety. The HIRRE Prosecutors Act would create a competitive federal grant program to better assist district attorneys in prosecuting cases and protecting the rule of law, with the staff and resources they need to get the job done. Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02) is also co-leading this effort.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many local prosecutors’ offices have seen increased turnover. Some states have seen turnover rates as high as 43.5% in a single year, struggling to both retain and fill the staff critical to upholding the law. Unlike police departments, local prosecutors receive little to no federal assistance. The HIRRE Prosecutors Act would address that gap through a new program modeled on the successful, decades-old COPS Hiring Program, which would invest $10 million annually in the hiring, training, and retention of prosecutors and staff.

“Our local officials lack essential resources to effectively prosecute offenders. This legislation would provide support through the Department of Justice, helping to stabilize police departments and strengthen local attorney offices responsible for prosecuting cases,” said Rep. Bacon. “For those facing staffing and resource shortages in Nebraska, the added support from this bill would help ensure that cases are handled efficiently and fairly. Specifically, the HIRRE Prosecutors Act would establish a program offering competitive grants to district attorneys’ offices, with the goal of reinforcing public trust in the legal process.”

“For far too long, our local district attorneys’ offices haven’t had the resources they need to compete with private, better-paying law firms for top talent,” said Rep. Panetta. “The HIRRE Prosecutors Act would create a first-of-its-kind federal grant program to invest in the legal talent needed to work as prosecutors and hold people accountable. With these types of grants, the federal government can play its part to help our local prosecutors’ offices properly seek truth and justice and help enhance public safety.”

“I’m proud to join Rep. Panetta in support of this historic program that provides support for our state, territorial, local, and tribal prosecutors, who work each and every day to protect the public,” said Rep. Neguse. “This bill, the HIRRE Prosecutors Act, will ensure that communities across the nation, especially folks in our rural and mountain communities, can recruit and retain qualified attorneys.”

“Since the pandemic, district attorney offices have faced significant recruitment and retention challenges, which has been exacerbated by a lack of federal support needed to address workforce shortages” said Brian R. Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC). “The HIRRE Prosecutors Act is a critical step to remedy this – establishing a grant program that mirrors the support currently given to local law enforcement through the COPS Hiring Program to ensure that district attorneys’ offices have the resources they need to prosecute cases and uphold the rule of law in our communities. Thank you, Congressman Panetta, for your leadership and commitment to supporting local district attorneys across the country.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

Donald Trump’s out-of-control behavior continues to put the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people at risk. At the same time, House Republicans have zero interest in holding this corrupt administration accountable.

When Republicans gained full control of government this year, they promised to lower the cost of living on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up. Life in America is more expensive and Republicans have not done a damn thing to address the affordability crisis. In fact, Donald Trump believes it’s a hoax.

House Democrats remain laser-focused on fighting to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and clean up corruption. Moving forward, Congress must reclaim its constitutional role as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. 

Impeachment is a sacred constitutional vehicle designed to hold a corrupt executive accountable for abuse of power, breaking the law and violating the public trust. The effort traditionally requires a comprehensive investigative process, the collection and review of thousands of documents, an exacting scrutiny of the facts, the examination of dozens of key witnesses, Congressional hearings, sustained public organizing and the marshaling of the forces of democracy to build a broad national consensus. None of that serious work has been done, with the Republican majority focused solely on rubber stamping Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. Accordingly, we will be voting “present” on today’s motion to table the impeachment resolution as we continue our fight to make life more affordable for everyday Americans. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA), which includes major improvements to servicemember quality of life, ensures our warfighters remain the most lethal and well-equipped in the world, and codifies all or part of 15 of President Trump’s executive orders to promote his Peace Through Strength agenda.

Additionally, the NDAA included key provisions to support the entire Louisiana military community, including Barksdale Air Force Base and Air Force Global Strike Command, Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center, and Camp Minden.

Shreveport Times: “Barksdale, other Louisiana bases score big wins in defense bill” here or below:

Barksdale Air Force scored big wins in the annual National Defense Authorization Act passed by the U.S. House late Dec. 10, pushed through by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson of Shreveport-Bossier.

The nation’s troops will earn a 3.8% raise in the bill, while funding also will advance key initiatives at Barksdale, Fort Polk and other Louisiana military installations.

“This legislation includes important House-passed provisions to ensure our military forces remain the most lethal in the world and can deter any adversary,” Johnson said in a statement. “The legislation improves the livelihoods of America’s brave men and women in uniform by giving them a well-deserved pay raise, and ensures our warfighters have access to the best and most innovative military technologies.”

A new study shows Louisiana’s military economy accounted for $17 billion in annual activity statewide during 2024, a 77% increase in overall economic activity since 2021.

Republican Congressman Clay Higgins of Lafayette said he will continue to advocate for defense investment in Louisiana as the state’s only member of the House Armed Services Committee.

“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I worked very hard to ensure Louisiana’s military bases and defense industry businesses were properly authorized and funded,” Higgins said in a text to USA Today Network Dec. 11. “The NDAA provides significant growth for shipbuilding programs in Louisiana and I will always support the men and women of our military.” 

Barksdale Air Force Base

• Weapons Generation Facility Dormitory ($18 million): This dormitory will be built to support the new $275 million Weapons Generation Facility, which is currently under construction.
• Child Development Center Design ($2.2 million): This funding will support a new Child Development Center at Barksdale. It will build a 13-room addition to the existing CDC. The existing facility is undersized and in poor condition.
• Air Force B-52 program: The NDAA includes $931 million for the continued modernization of the B-52. These upgrades will allow the B-52 to continue to serve as the core of the Air Force’s bomber mission.
• Long range standoff weapon: $607 million to support the continued development of the new Long Range Standoff Weapon (LSRO). The LRSO will replace the existing air launched cruise missiles (ALCM), which have been in service since the 1980s.
• Air Force Global Strike Command: The NDAA establishes the Global Strike Command as an Air Force Major Command.  The Commander of Global Strike Command will continue to serve as the single point of contact to the secretary and the chief of staff of the Air Force for carrying out all aspects of nuclear and long-range strike missions of the Air Force, solidifying even further the importance of Barksdale Air Force Base’s Global Strike Command.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Praises Passage of FY26 Defense Policy Bill

Washington – Yesterday, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Cyber, Information Technology and Innovation Subcommittee, voted with his House colleagues to support final passage of S.1071, the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority of 312 to 112, and is now headed to the Senate and then to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. This essential annual legislation, which contains multiple sections authored by Rep. Bacon, authorizes defense spending and sets the policy and priorities for the Armed Forces.

“My colleagues in the House have demonstrated that when we cooperate, we can pass bipartisan legislation that benefits our national security. Once again, we have maintained the trust of the American people by passing the annual defense authorization,” said Rep Bacon. “There are significant highlights in this bill for the 2^nd Congressional District of Nebraska, and the entire country. This year’s NDAA revolutionizes the way that the Pentagon purchases weapons systems for our warfighters while also taking care of our all-volunteer force and their families. I commend Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Smith, my fellow Members of the Committee and Congress, and all the staff who worked tirelessly to bring this bill to the finish line.”

Highlights from the FY 2026 bill include:

• Authorizes over $900 billion for national defense with significant investments in the defense industrial base, munitions production, and critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, space, autonomous systems, and hypersonic weapons, as well as a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers
• Sets major reforms to the defense acquisition system to speed development and fielding of modern technologies while reducing bureaucracy
• Preserves U.S. force posture in Europe and authorizes additional security assistance to the Baltic Nations and Ukraine
• Fully funds modernization of the U.S strategic nuclear deterrent as well as scientific capabilities and nuclear command, control, and communications architectures
• Boosts compensation for our servicemembers, invests in barracks improvements, reforms on-base housing, and supports childcare for military families
• Protects senior military leaders from being dismissed or forced to resign without explanation
• Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide additional information and transparency to Congress on the counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean

In addition, this year’s NDAA contains numerous legislative proposals sponsored by Rep. Bacon, including: 

• Authorization of support to Ukraine and the Baltic Nations of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia to counter Russian aggression
• Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide an acquisition and fielding strategy for the F-47 advanced fighter aircraft program
• Creates a program of record for a combined military-civilian medical surge capability
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network
• Directs significant security upgrades to DoD mobile telecommunications
• Directs the major defense acquisitions programs to prepare digital manufacturing transition plans for critical components
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Center for Strategic Deterrence and WMD Studies at the National Defense University
• Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to produce a study on the future of the Airborne Operations Center
• Authorizes $15 million for USSTRATCOM’s nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) rapid engineering architecture collaboration hub (REACH) initiative at Offutt AFB

The text of the NDAA and related documents can be found here. Watch Rep. Bacon’s remarks on the FY26 NDAA here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 312-112. This legislation is a bipartisan agreement between the House and Senate to enhance our national security by building a ready, capable, lethal fighting force to deter our adversaries and protect the United States.

Importantly, this NDAA includes multiple provisions authored by Congressman Huizenga that address China and Strategic Ports (H.R. 1701), NATO defense spending, and a historic overhauling and streamlining of the public diplomacy arm of the State Department (H.R. 5251). The legislation now heads to the Senate.

“Overall, this bipartisan agreement strengthens our national security, provides our troops with a well-deserved pay raise, and enhances our military readiness,” said Congressman Huizenga. “My bipartisan Strategic Ports Reporting Act allows the United States to not only evaluate the strategic investments by China, but more importantly counter China’s expansionist policies in the Western Hemisphere. This NATO provision strongly reinforces the American position that our European Allies meet their new spending commitments of 3.5% on defense and 1.5% on military infrastructure. Lastly, my bipartisan provisions to overhaul public diplomacy and strategic communication at the State Department will make the United States more effective at countering adversaries and promoting American Leadership.”

“This restructuring has been needed for years, and I am proud to have delivered these crucial reforms to enhance American Diplomacy and improve our ability to address threats to our national security,” continued Congressman Huizenga.  “By streamlining the public diplomacy structure at the State Department, it will align personnel, budgets, and regional teams across the globe under a single chain of command. This will help ensure messages are integrated, disciplined, and strategically directed.  Importantly, this overhaul also requires annual reports to Congress that include clear metrics, benchmarks, and adversary-response assessments which will enhance the ability of Congress to conduct oversight over the State Department and more effectively weigh in on matters of national security. Additionally, these reforms require and enforce results-based mana

gement across educational and cultural exchanges, aligning them with strategic priorities and foreign policy outcomes making the State Department as a whole more efficient and more effective.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after President Trump announced the restoration of attainable fuel standards.

The Biden Administration used fuel economy standards to implement a de facto EV mandate. This decision by the Biden Administration caused prices to rise for consumers and made it more expensive to make cars, trucks, SUVs, and automotive parts here in Michigan. By restoring common sense and setting more attainable fuel economy standards, President Trump is making the process of buying a car more affordable and strengthening jobs across Michigan’s auto sector. These actions are very similar to policies I have supported in Congress. When these actions are coupled with energy exploration and provisions such as my No Tax on Auto Loan Interest, it will drive down costs and make life more affordable for Southwest Michigan residents without federal subsidies that deepen our national debt.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Huizenga Statement on $400 Million Investment for SMRs at Palisades

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Alayah Phipps 

December 11, 2025                                                    202-813-2793 

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO ADVANCE REAUTHORIZATION OF HOPE/HELP TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAM FOR HAITI 

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after the House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously approved the reauthorization of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE Act) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP Act) which will now advance to the House Floor for a vote: 

“Today marks a significant victory for Haiti and for smart, strategic U.S. engagement in the Caribbean. The unanimous, bipartisan vote to advance the reauthorization of HOPE/HELP demonstrates that when it comes to supporting our neighbors and advancing our shared interests, Democrats and Republicans can still come together to do what’s right. 

“It was particularly meaningful to have Mr. Jean Bernard Henry, Counselor at the Embassy of Haiti, join us for today’s markup. His presence and gratitude remind us that this work has real consequences for real people—Haitian workers, families, and communities who depend on the economic opportunities these programs create. I am proud to lead the charge for HOPE/HELP’s reauthorization because this is the kind of work that matters: supporting our Caribbean neighbors and fostering prosperity throughout the region” said Congresswoman Plaskett. 

Haiti is experiencing a humanitarian, political, and economic crisis and needs both economic and political stability. The dire circumstances in Haiti require immediate action. The apparel sector is of incredible importance to Haiti’s economy and presently is the foundation for the country’s economic development. Given the cascading job losses and extreme security crisis that have displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country’s population experiencing life-threatening hunger, Haiti cannot afford delays in reauthorizing this vital program. 

The HOPE/HELP reauthorization extends the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile and apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment, providing the long-term certainty that Haitian producers and workers need to build stronger, more resilient futures. 

“HOPE/HELP is a trade preference program that boosts development for our allies with strong bipartisan support, and no domestic opposition,” Congresswoman Plaskett continued. “Haiti is an ally, one of the few countries in the Hemisphere that still recognizes Taiwan, and U.S. support for Haiti’s apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and to the Western Hemisphere. 

“I continue to emphasize the great importance of U.S. trade engagement in the Caribbean region. The United States has a responsibility to support its Caribbean neighbors. This legislation creates the foundation for stronger bilateral economic ties, greater certainty for investors that these benefits will be there for Haiti over the long term, and the economic security that is needed for Haiti to rebuild from the ground up and emerge more prosperous and resilient. 

“Today’s committee vote is an important first step, but our work is not done. I urge my colleagues in the full House and Senate to act swiftly to ensure this critical program continues without interruption. Haiti’s workers and families are counting on us.” 

The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, it will proceed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today introduced the State Industrial Competitiveness Act, legislation that strengthens and enhances the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, all while cutting emissions by providing manufacturers with needed resources and technical support to increase their overall efficiency.

Tonko’s bill draws from New York State’s successful Flexible Technical Assistance “Flex-tech” program and is intended to complement and expand upon the work of existing programs, such as DOE’s Industrial Assessment Centers. The legislation also requires that State Energy Agencies coordinate with existing programs that provide assistance to manufacturers.

“Supporting our domestic manufacturers serves our workers, industries, communities, and economy,” Congressman Tonko said. “I’m leading this legislation to deliver that strong support and bring cost-saving opportunities to our domestic manufacturers while addressing the challenges associated with our growing electricity demand. These vital investments will also play a significant role in increasing American competitiveness. I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing this legislation that secures good-paying jobs while reducing emissions and moving us on the path towards a cleaner future.”

David Terry, the President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), stated, “As we push to expand domestic manufacturing, we need to do all we can to help these businesses lower costs and increase competitiveness through energy efficiency technologies that optimize energy use.” Mr. Terry added, “Nearly every state is experiencing substantial increases in electricity demand, which requires actions on both the electricity demand and supply sides to keep costs down.  This legislation is a significant way to help move the nation’s expansion of manufacturing forward as rapidly as possible.”

Jennifer Layke, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, said: “Small and medium-sized manufacturers are the backbone of America’s economy—but rising energy costs threaten their competitiveness. It’s time to invest in proven solutions that lower costs and boost productivity. With a program to support manufacturers around the country in identifying and adopting energy-saving strategies, we can help them save money, create jobs, and build a stronger, more efficient industrial base.” 

Tonko’s legislation enables States and Indian Tribes to establish a Flex-Tech Energy Program that would provide grants to U.S. manufacturers to conduct energy studies and implement recommendations from those studies.

Bill text can be found HERE.