MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, are leading nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle. 

On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head. 

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops. 

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.

The letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Jose Hernández (PR-At Large), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristin McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris  Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

Issues: Immigration, Public Safety & Criminal Justice

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of H.R.8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for the Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation acts to maintain robust funding for our allies, counters our adversaries, and supports President Trump’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. After voting in favor of the legislation, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“True leadership isn’t merely declared – it is upheld through the choices we make, the priorities we fund, and the resolve we show in putting America first and protecting our national interests. This legislation reflects that philosophy by replacing the drift of previous administrations with direction and ensuring our investments bolster U.S. security, influence, and prosperity. President Trump has made clear that our nation will lead with purpose and confidence – both at home and on the world stage. The Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart answered that call with legislation that prioritizes strength over symbolism, strategy over bureaucracy, and results over rhetoric. It directs resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities by reinforcing our alliances, pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China, and confronting illicit actors and transnational networks. It also eliminates billions in unnecessary spending because great nations are defined not by how much they spend, but by how wisely they invest. Today’s passage demonstrates Article I in action – where the power of the purse strengthens America’s security, advances our values, and ensures a stronger future,” said Congressman Cole.

Key Provisions in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2027

• Champions America First foreign policy by redefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect United States national security.
• Codifies President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programs, climate change mandates, or radical gender ideologies.
• Prioritizes funds and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.
• Maintains all long-standing pro-life protections.
• Allows only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies or consulates.
• Holds foreign governments accountable for persecuting people of faith.
• Provides unwavering support for Israel.
• Includes Foreign Military Assistance for Taiwan and the Philippines.
• Denies the Chinese Communist Party access to U.S. backed resources.
• Prohibits funds to the Taliban.
• Prioritizes fiscal sanity and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve long-term goals in the interest of United States national security.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on Massie Amendment #8 to H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2027:

“Today, the Massie Amendment presents an unfortunate choice to the House. As one who is committed to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and supportive of a two-state solution, I respect Leader Jeffries’ decisive proposals to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. For the good of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, it clear that U.S. policy must change to attain that goal.

“The United States must be a force for security and stability. The American people are rightly demanding an end to a perpetual cycle of war, and the Netanyahu government cannot maintain its current course. Therefore, while this amendment is ill-conceived, I vote yes for the message that it sends.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation he authored and introduced to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in San Jose the Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic. The legislation is co-led by Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-41) and was cosponsored by every member of the California Congressional delegation. 

Pat Tillman displayed immense passion on the football field, in the classroom,

and in service to the U.S. Army after the September 11th attacks.

This legislation honors the legacy of South San Jose native Pat Tillman, who left a successful career in the NFL to serve his country in the U.S. Army following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Tillman’s service, his ultimate sacrifice, and commitment to our country embodies the very spirit of America.

The bill required support from the full California Congressional delegation for passage. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate, and Rep. Panetta will continue to work with colleagues from both parties to honor this American hero and help advance the legislation swiftly.

Rep. Panetta speaks on the House floor to push for the passage of

his bipartisan legislation to honor Corporal Tillman.

To watch the video, click HERE or on the above photo.

“Renaming the San Jose VA clinic after Corporal Pat Tillman is about carrying on his legacy of patriotism and passion, as well as the progress we must make as a nation. Pat did nothing half-baked, did everything with a full heart, and represented the very best of our country in academics, athletics, and in service to the United States of America,” said Rep. Panetta. “In this day of division and dysfunction, we must always be reminded of the service and sacrifice for our great nation that Corporal Tillman exemplified. At the same time, the circumstances surrounding his death in friendly fire remind us how our Army, Congress, and our country must ensure that this never happens again and how we can always do better when it comes to serving those who serve us. I’m proud to lead the California delegation in this effort to rename a South San Jose VA clinic in Pat’s honor, and will work closely with our California Senators to ensure we properly cement his legacy.”

“Pat Tillman answered the call of his country in the wake of September 11th, exchanging his Arizona Cardinals uniform for an Army Ranger uniform,” said Rep. Calvert. “His extraordinary sacrifice embodies the patriotism that inspires so many to serve. I am thankful the House has passed this bipartisan bill from my colleague, Rep. Panetta, to honor Pat’s legacy.”

Corporal Tillman served with distinction in the 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was killed in action by friendly fire in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, and posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) issued the following statement: 
“I believe this amendment is the wrong approach to U.S. policy in the Middle East. By undermining the Obama-led Memorandum of Understanding, this amendment would compromise our national security, hurt our efforts to achieve peace in the region, and sabotage our ultimate goal of a two-state solution. This amendment could have far-reaching and unintended consequences, including threatening the U.S. embassy in Israel, undermining peace-building efforts and cutting off humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. 
“In the future, we will have the opportunity to review the nature and scope of our direct security and diplomatic assistance to Israel, but we should not do it as part of a rushed response to a poorly-drafted amendment to one appropriations bill. I believe it’s wrong to abandon our allies and walk away from our agreements during such a fragile moment. That is why I opposed this amendment and similarly opposed the Massie amendment to eliminate aid to Jordan. I also voted against the underlying bill because it weakens our national security and undermines our goal of building a lasting peace in the Middle East.”

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

Larsen Votes No on Republican Amendment to Limit Funds for Humanitarian Efforts; Israel

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released a joint statement after their legislation, H.R. 3514, the “Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act,” passed the Ways & Means Committee. The legislation passed unanimously by a vote of 42-0.

The legislation, which has a bipartisan supermajority of nearly 300 House co-sponsors, now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

“We are incredibly pleased to see the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act advance out of our committee and move to the full U.S. House of Representatives,” the Members said. “This legislation puts patient care and patient outcomes first, and it will greatly modernize and streamline the prior authorization process. Today’s vote moves this critical legislation one step closer to becoming law.”

“Patients should be able to make medical decisions with their doctors without unnecessary red tape standing in the way,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act builds on the Ways and Means Committee’s bipartisan work to improve the prior authorization process and ensure Pennsylvania seniors have timely access to the treatments and care that are best for them. Medicare Advantage insurers should not excessively use prior authorization as a barrier to delay needed care. I appreciate Representative Kelly’s leadership in advancing reforms that increase transparency, reduce burdens, and put patients and their doctors back in charge of health care decisions.”

You can WATCH and DOWNLOAD Kelly’s full committee remarks in the YouTube link above.

BACKGROUND

Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. But it’s not without fault. The current system often results in unconfirmed faxes of a patient’s medical information or phone calls by clinicians which takes precious time away from delivering quality and timely care.

Prior authorization continues to be the #1 administrative burden identified by health care providers, and three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to prior authorization. In recent years, the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied. More recently, HHS OIG released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules

Health plans, health care providers, and patients agree that the prior authorization process must be improved to better serve patients and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for clinicians. In fact, leading health care organizations released a consensus statement to address some of the most pressing concerns associated with prior authorization.

More than 35 million American seniors, including more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Establish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
• Increase transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.
• Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including   expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.
• Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
• Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.

Previously, Rep. Kelly led similar legislation in the 118th Congress. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The bill text can be found here and a section-by-section can be found here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues to urge the Trump Administration to reinstate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ phone line. One year ago, the administration ended the LGBTQ+ “Press 3” option. Following sustained bipartisan pressure and Congress appropriating funding to restore the service, the administration has announced plans to bring it back “by the end of the year” — but today’s coalition demanded that those lifesaving services be reinstated without further delay.

“A year ago today, we stood here because the administration made the decision to shut down the 988 LGBTQ+ youth crisis line,” said Davids. “I said then that it was the wrong decision. It was and still is. Because this has never been about politics. It’s about people. It’s about a young person who feels completely alone and is trying to decide if tomorrow is worth it, and making sure someone is there to answer the phone in that moment.”

Since its launch in 2022, the LGBTQ+ subline under the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been a critical, life-saving resource for LGBTQ+ youth and adults facing mental health crises. The line has handled nearly 1.3 million calls, texts, and chats from LGBTQ+ individuals seeking support. Its closure comes at a time of growing need — just last year, over 40 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide, according to national surveys. 

The decision to shut down the LGBTQ+ subline drew widespread concern from mental health experts and civil rights organizations. Although the administration has pledged to reopen the line, advocates remain concerned that organizations with the most experience serving LGBTQ+ youth, including The Trevor Project, which helped establish the original program, may not be included in the updated 988 Lifeline. 

Along with Davids, today’s press conference included Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), as well as The Trevor Project and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act, which would amend the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)’s federal charter to add a membership eligibility requirement that limits membership to an individual who is a woman and otherwise satisfies the genealogical and membership qualifications established by the corporation.

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Quote Attributable to Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06):

“The DAR has a longstanding tradition of celebrating and empowering women who represent the exceptional heritage of the birth of our Nation. However, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the organization has now abandoned the very principles on which it was founded. Rather than honoring and preserving a lineage-based organization for women, it has embraced radical gender ideology at the expense of the women it was created to serve. The Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act is common-sense legislation that requires the Congressionally-charted DAR to return to serving the true daughters of the American Revolution,” said Rep. Cline.

Quote Attributable to Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee:

“The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded in 1890 to empower women to celebrate their unique legacy in the American founding, but today, the organization is insulting the very women it was designed to serve by denying the inherent dignity of womanhood and embracing radical gender ideology. Being a “daughter” of the Revolution is no longer a stipulation of membership, and the once highly selective organization now allows men masquerading as women to join the DAR’s ranks. This month, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that womanhood belongs to biological women. DAR has a responsibility to the American public to uphold that common-sense truth, and Congressman Ben Cline’s Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act will ensure that DAR belongs to the real daughters of the American Revolution, not to sons,” said Penny Nance.

Quote Attributable to Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project:

“The Daughters of the American Revolution have been staunch defenders of our American heritage for over 135 years. It’s no surprise, then, that the radical left has made the DAR their next target, attempting to force this storied organization to allow biological males into their ranks. This is why the American Principles Project enthusiastically endorses Congressman Ben Cline’s Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act, legislation which would preserve the DAR’s longstanding female-only membership. At a time when almost every women’s space is under attack by gender ideologues, it is crucial that Americans of common sense stand up against this insanity. We commend Rep. Cline for his leadership on this issue and urge all members to support this bill,” said Terry Schilling.

Quote Attributable to Daniel West, Government Relations Director for Heritage Action:

“Until the left gave up on biological reality, it was understood The DAUGHTERS of the American Revolution was a women’s only group. Rep. Cline’s self-evident legislation reaffirms that membership in this storied institution is reserved for women and prevents confused men from interfering in a federally chartered women’s society. Heritage Action will not allow woke virtue-signaling to degrade historic organizations like the DAR,” said Daniel West.

Quote Attributable to Beth Parlato, Senior Legal Counsel of Independent Women: 

“Women have the legal right to maintain institutions, spaces, and opportunities of their own. The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded by women, for women, and its identity should not be erased to satisfy “gender ideology.” Congressman Cline’s legislation recognizes a simple truth: a women’s organization must be allowed to remain a women’s organization. Independent Women is proud to support the Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act and its effort to protect the integrity and legacy of this historic institution,” said Beth Parlato.

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Background: In 2024, the Daughters of the American Revolution adopted a non-discrimination provision that its current leadership has interpreted as preventing the organization from denying membership based on an applicant’s transgender identity.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Congratulates Thessalonica Lagafuaina on Representing American Samoa

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata is congratulating Thessalonica Lagafuaina for representing American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Thessalonica Lagafuaina for representing American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable

“Congratulations to Thessalonica for representing American Samoa in this important national forum and contributing our territory’s perspective alongside students from across the country,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I am proud of her willingness to learn, engage in thoughtful discussion, and represent our islands with distinction.”

Held July 8–11, the inaugural NextGen Roundtable brought together young people from across the nation and U.S. territories to examine major public policy issues, engage in respectful dialogue, and strengthen the skills of informed civic participation. The program was hosted by the Close Up Foundation in partnership with the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab, Generation Lab, and the Hoover Institution’s Center for Revitalizing American Institutions.

Lagafuaina with other conference members

“This is the first year Close Up held the Next Gen Roundtable, and I was honored to represent our territory at this conference,” said Lagafuaina. “This is my second time representing American Samoa for the Close Up program.”

Lagafuaina previously represented American Samoa through the Close Up Foundation in 2025, when she and 13 other students traveled to Washington, D.C., for a two-week civic education program. During this year’s conference, she met students from across the United States and neighboring U.S. territories, reunited with mentors from her previous Close Up experience, and met Close Up President Mia Charity.

“Close Up is such a great opportunity, especially for our local kids, as it gives them the chance to see and meet other kids from around the nation and other islanders from nearby territories,” said Lagafuaina. “It also aids in developing an open mind, understanding more about the government, and getting a close up experience of so many historical monuments and places.”

Lagafuaina said the experience strengthened her understanding of government while creating friendships and connections that will last beyond the conference.

“Overall, I am grateful for the program and everything it had to offer; the lessons, skills, and many long term friendships,” said Lagafuaina.

“I appreciate Thessalonica’s commitment to representing American Samoa, and I encourage more of our students to pursue opportunities like Close Up that broaden their horizons, strengthen their leadership skills, and inspire future public service,” said Congresswoman Amata.

Lagafuaina is a recent graduate of Tafuna High School, Class of 2026, and is from the villages of Nuʻuuli and Futiga.

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