MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law various measures that restrict Second Amendment rights. One bill in particular, SB 749, creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases or transfers an “assault firearm.” Additionally, the bill targets large capacity ammunition feeding devices such as magazines that hold 15 or more rounds of ammunition. The law gives Virginia’s gun owners until July 1, 2026, to make preparations for the new gun restrictions. 

Following Governor Spanberger’s action, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The Governor Spanberger gun grab is wrong! Not only do these extreme bills restrict Second Amendment rights, but they punish law-abiding gun owners in Virginia’s Ninth District.

“This latest action, taken together with attempted partisan congressional redistricting and pushing higher energy costs, shows that the Spanberger Administration is failing to deliver for rural communities in Virginia. These actions hurt rural Virginia!

“As the co-sponsor of the National Constitutional Carry Act in Congress, I will continue to stand up for lawful gun owners at the federal level and fight back against the radical left’s attempts to infringe on our fundamental right to bear arms.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith is a co-sponsor of H.R. 645, the National Constitutional Carry Act. The bill allows lawful U.S. gun owners to carry a firearm in any U.S. community, regardless of local or State law.

Congressman Griffith’s recent e-newsletter on his support for Second Amendment rights can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Travel demand has already taken a hit due to higher costs and travel delays under the current Administration, yet popular booking sites continue to mislead consumers.

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

Larsen Releases Statement on Today’s Votes

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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement after House Republicans again voted against an Iran War Powers Resolution:

“Republicans have once again turned their backs on their constituents and voted against Rep. Gottheimer’s War Powers Resolution, even as this war drives up costs for the American people with no end in sight. In doing so, they are faithfully mirroring President Trump’s own indifference to the crisis he created, made plain this week when he said, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation’ when negotiating with Iran.

“This war was illegal from day one. The administration has never credibly established that Iran posed any imminent threat justifying military action, and even if it had, the War Powers Act is unambiguous: without Congressional authorization, the president must draw down forces after 60 days. We are well past that deadline. There has been no progress on resolving any of our core objectives with Iran, fighting continues on both sides, and military blockades—which are themselves acts of war—remain in place.

“But the dam is breaking. Today’s tied vote signals that more Republicans are no longer willing to write this president a blank check for endless war. Next week, Democrats will again force a vote on a War Powers Resolution. To those who refuse to cede Congressional power and believe in the rule of law, join Democrats in calling for an end to this disastrous, open-ended war. Enough is enough.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), the top Democrat on the House Financial Institutions Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding Kevin Warsh taking over as Chair of the Federal Reserve:

“Today, Kevin Warsh takes over for Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve. He has big shoes to fill. 

“As Chair, Jerome Powell provided a steady hand that was unaffected by political pressures from the highest office in our country. He guided the historic soft landing of our economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and has overseen our monetary policy during major economic turmoil. 

“Having served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors during the 2008 financial crisis, Warsh has experience navigating economic turmoil and should understand the importance of effective regulation. I look forward to working with Chair Warsh to maintain a Federal Reserve free from political influence.”

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

“As we mark Jewish American Heritage Month this May, we honor generations of Jewish Americans whose faith, resilience, and leadership in all facets of American life have contributed to our nation’s strength.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representatives Ed Case (Hawai’i-01) and Jill Tokuda (Hawai’i-02) today introduced a resolution in the U.S. House to congratulate the University of Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) men’s volleyball national championship on Monday.

“I join my Congressional delegation teammates and all throughout our country and world who call our Hawai’i home in extending my deepest congratulations and ‘chee-hoos’ to the Rainbow Warriors for winning it all and showing everyone our own home-grown version of grit and resilience in the face of adversity,” said Rep. Case.

“Wherever we are, your die-hard Rainbow Warrior fans will always have your back and will cheer you and your fellow ‘Bows on each and every year because you are truly ‘Our Team, Hawaii’s Team’.”

“By bringing home another NCAA Championship, the UH Men’s Volleyball team has further established itself as a powerhouse program, and once again brought immense pride to our entire state because when the Bows win, all of Hawaiʻi wins,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Congratulations to all the players, Coach Wade, and the dedicated staff for showing the nation what Hawaiʻi’s student-athletes can achieve through hard work, perseverance, and true teamwork. You’ve made us all proud to be part of the Rainbow Warrior ‘ohana.”

A companion resolution has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono. 

House resolution is here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, co-chairs of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) introduced H.R. 8791, the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, following years of bipartisan work to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities. The legislation is co-led by HBCU Caucus Vice Chairs Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), and Caucus Members Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) and Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-AL).

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation, IGNITE (I nstitutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education) Act, would direct the Department of Education to award competitive grants to historically Black colleges and universities for the renovation, repair, and construction of campus facilities, including classrooms, research labs, student housing, and broadband infrastructure, while expanding research capacity, developing workforce skills, building entrepreneurial capacity, and advancing AI education for generations to come.

The companion Senate legislation is led by HBCU Caucus co-chairs Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE).

Read the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act one-pager.

You can watch the full press conference HERE.

Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), co-chairs of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, alongside HBCU presidents, at the press conference announcing the introduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Thursday, May 14, 2026.  You can watch the full press conference HERE.

Congressman French Hill said, “Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities. I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer their students. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a meaningful step toward addressing that. It would help ensure our HBCUs have the facilities and infrastructure to match the excellence of the students they serve. This is the kind of investment that will pay dividends for generations, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Adams and our Senate colleagues to get it done.”

“For generations, HBCUs have educated students who went on to lead in every corner of our country, often while operating with far fewer resources than their peer institutions,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and a senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today’s higher education landscape. From academic buildings and research labs to student housing and technology infrastructure, this bill makes long-term investments that will strengthen our campuses, support workforce development, and expand opportunity for future generations. I am proud to continue this bipartisan work through the HBCU Caucus alongside Congressman French Hill and our Senate partners.”

“HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” said Senator Tim Scott, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Coons on this legislation to strengthen HBCUs in South Carolina and across the country for generations to come.”

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters,” said Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first-generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation.” 

Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) said, “Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Central State University and Wilberforce University, both here in Ohio’s 10th congressional district, have opened doors of opportunity for generations of students and helped prepare the workforce that strengthens our economy, our research enterprise, and our national competitiveness. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a bipartisan effort to strengthen HBCUs, expand opportunity, and ensure students have the learning environments they need to succeed.”

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) said, “As Vice Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, I am proud to support the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. Alabama is home to some of the finest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, institutions that have shaped generations of leaders, innovators, educators, and changemakers. Despite their extraordinary impact, our HBCUs have endured decades of systemic underfunding. This bill represents a transformational investment in the future of HBCUs by modernizing campus facilities, expanding access to technology, preserving historic buildings, and ensuring students have access to the world-class learning environments they deserve.”

Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) said, “This legislation is an important step in assuring that students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities have access to the best and most modern facilities possible. I am proud to support this commonsense legislation, which will help HBCUs across Georgia make critical investments in their students and cover much-needed maintenance costs.”

Congresswoman Shomari C. Figures (D-AL) said, “Despite being historically underfunded and facing severe infrastructure needs, HBCUs have contributed significantly to our nation’s workforce and success. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation helps get HBCUs the investments they need to update their facilities and to thrive, and will be especially impactful in Alabama, which has the most HBCUs in the country.”

What Others Are Saying about the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a longstanding legacy of preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and impact across every sector of our society. The IGNITE our HBCU Excellence Act reflects an important recognition of the value these institutions bring to our nation’s educational landscape and workforce development efforts. At Philander Smith University, we believe investments that strengthen student success, institutional capacity, and innovation create lasting benefits not only for HBCUs, but for the communities and industries we serve. We are encouraged by efforts that support excellence and expand opportunity for current and future generations of students.”
— Dr. Maurice D. Gipson, President, Philander Smith University

“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act represents a critical investment in the future of historically Black colleges and universities and the students and communities we serve. Strengthening research capacity and modernizing infrastructure at HBCUs is essential to advancing workforce development, innovation, economic mobility, and the long-term competitiveness of our nation. We are grateful to Congressman Hill, Congresswoman Adams, and the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for their leadership and continued commitment to expanding opportunities for HBCUs across the country.” Chancellor Graham
— Dr. Anthony Graham, Chancellor, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

“For Shorter College, this moment is both timely and consequential. We serve students whose aspirations are often greater than the resources available to them, students seeking access, advancement, and in many cases, a second chance. That is why the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act matters. It recognizes that HBCUs must have the infrastructure, technology, and institutional capacity to meet the needs of today’s students and prepare them for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. For Shorter College, this investment would strengthen our ability to modernize learning environments, expand workforce-aligned programs, and create meaningful pathways for students who are determined to build a different future. As a private, two-year HBCU, Shorter College opens doors where barriers have too often existed. We are grateful to Congressman Hill, Congresswoman Adams, and the HBCU Caucus for advancing legislation that understands a fundamental truth: when HBCUs are strengthened, communities are strengthened, families are strengthened, and possibilities are expanded for generations to come.”
— Dr Jeffery Norfleet, President, Shorter College

“Long before French Hill was elected to Congress, he was a huge supporter of HBCUs in Arkansas. Consequently, the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at providing federal funding for infrastructure, technology, and facility modernization, is a game-changer to empower both students and the communities where our institutions reside. We are grateful for the support of Representatives Hill and Adams…they are committed to the sustainability of HBCUs, which are also educating the leaders for our country.”
— Bill Walker, President, Arkansas Baptist College

“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help transform our institutions. In order for our nation to reach its full potential, we must strategically invest in and support every postsecondary student population to ensure that our country has the robust workforce capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress is making an affirmative statement that investing in HBCUs and their students is a smart strategic investment to enhance our nation’s global competitiveness. We thank Rep. Hill, Rep Adams, Sen. Scott and Sen. Coons of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for bringing this smart piece of legislation forward and we urge Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act this year.”
— Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund

“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act has the potential to be a transformative investment in HBCUs and the students who depend on them. For generations, HBCUs have nurtured extraordinary talent, yet they have long struggled with unequal access to funding and modern infrastructure. This legislation could reverse those adverse circumstances by providing targeted resources that strengthen both research excellence and campus infrastructure, ensuring HBCUs have the tools to lead in a rapidly changing world.

“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will empower HBCUs by strengthening them financially. We—at UNCF—view strengthening HBCUs both from the financial and infrastructure perspectives as the maximum impact Congress can have on the institutions at this time.  When HBCUs thrive, the entire nation benefits. These institutions have long been engines of social mobility and economic growth in our communities. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress will ensure that HBCUs have the capacity to continue shaping leaders, advancing innovation, and serving as vital pillars of our national progress.  We urge Congress to act without delay, pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, and make these vital investments in America’s future.”
— Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF

“Entergy applauds Representatives Hill and Adams for reintroducing the IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act. This important piece of legislation encourages public-private partnerships that will strengthen HBCUs in Arkansas, across the Gulf South region, and nationwide. It would also expand access to capital for campus infrastructure improvements and help build needed STEM and AI talent pipelines. This bill will be an essential tool to help Entergy and other businesses develop our workforce of the future.”
— John Hudson, Entergy Chief External Affairs Officer and President, Entergy Charitable Foundation

Goldman Sachs, Entergy, Century Foundation, Capital One, HomeFree-Usa, Farm Credit Council, Vanguard, LendingTree, TIAA, American Honda Motor Company, Center for Community Self-Help, and the International Franchise Association (IFA) have endorsed the bill. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Guthrie took action to celebrate National Police Week, voting in favor of several bills supporting law enforcement and cracking down on crime in American communities. Additionally, Congressman Guthrie entered a statement into the Congressional Record highlighting the important work that Kentucky law enforcement does to keep the Commonwealth safe. 

“Across the Commonwealth and our nation, police officers put on their uniforms each day knowing they may face danger and spend long hours away from their loved ones, all in an answer to a call of duty to protect and serve their community,” said Congressman Guthrie. “In honor of National Police Week, I was proud to vote in favor of legislation that supports the men and women who wear the badge and keep our communities safe. To every law enforcement officer serving today, thank you. America is stronger and safer because of your dedication and commitment.” 

Background: 
This week, the House voted on seven pieces of legislation that support law enforcement officers and hold criminals accountable. This includes:
H. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers.
H. Res. 1252 – This resolution honors the 363 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2025. Congressman Guthrie was a cosponsor of this legislation.
H.R. 2853, Combating Organized Retail Crime Act – This legislation would establish a Center to Combat Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime within the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional collaboration between federal and state law enforcement, as well as the retail industry, to enhance the ability to investigate and prosecute retail crimes. 
H.R. 2267, the NICS Data Reporting Act – This bill would require the Department of Justice to annually report to Congress about the denials of firearm purchases within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
H.R. 8352, the Criminal History Access Act – This legislation would permit state agencies to access federal criminal databases in order to properly vet applicants for law enforcement positions.
Additionally, on May 11, 2026, Congressman Guthrie entered a statement into the Congressional Record honoring the brave men and women of Kentucky’s law enforcement. The full text of Congressman Guthrie’s entry can be read below. You can view the entry here. 

HONORING THE DEDICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON POLICE WEEK
HON. BRETT GUTHRIE
OF KENTUCKY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 11th, 2026

I rise today to celebrate National Police Week and honor the brave men and women who wear the badge. 

Across the Commonwealth and our nation, police officers put on their uniforms each day knowing they may face danger and spend long hours away from their loved ones, all in an answer to a call of duty to protect and serve their community. 

To everyone who has volunteered to serve in law enforcement, thank you. 

Over the past 15 months, Congress has taken action to back the blue. Last year, I was proud to see the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act signed into law to honor former Tompkinsville and Monroe County Police Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, who was killed in 2012 by a suspect whom he had arrested years earlier. This legislation allows retired officers and their families to be eligible for benefits if they suffer permanent disability or death in an event related to their service.
 
I have also supported the Thin Blue Line Act, which would strengthen penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers, and the Protect and Serve Act which strengthens federal criminal penalties for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Law enforcement officers are a core part of our communities; they are our neighbors, coaches, community leaders, and so much more. They serve on the front lines to protect our families and keep our communities safe.

This week we especially remember the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their service will never be forgotten, and we owe their families a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid.

To every law enforcement officer serving today, thank you. America is stronger and safer because of your dedication and commitment.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)