MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), a cosponsor of H.R. 4776, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, released the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee advanced the comprehensive permitting reform package:

“I am proud to stand with Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) in advancing the bipartisan SPEED Act out of the Natural Resources Committee. Our nation’s permitting system is broken. It’s been weaponized for over 50 years to block projects rather than build them. This isn’t a partisan issue. From critical minerals in Northern Minnesota to clean water infrastructure and roads that every community needs, endless delays hurt families, raise costs, and kill American jobs.

“The SPEED Act does not weaken bedrock environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, or Endangered Species Act. It simply streamlines the NEPA process and closes loopholes that have been exploited from day one to stop good projects through endless litigation and red tape.

“In Northern Minnesota, we face some of the worst impacts. Projects like Twin Metals, NewRange, and Talon Metals are stalled, costing us the chance to mine the critical minerals the world needs for batteries and national security. Even basic water and road projects miss our short construction window because of delays—adding hundreds of thousands of dollars that local taxpayers end up footing for these critical infrastructure projects.

“I am appreciative of the committee for adopting the amendment I offered alongside Rep. Golden, which reflects months of bipartisan collaboration to provide certainty for project sponsors and protect approved projects from being yanked away for political reasons when administrations change. It takes politics out of permitting, something both sides say they want.

“I urge the full House to quickly pass the SPEED Act and finally deliver real permitting reform.”
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), in partnership with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, today announced $20 million in federal funding for the construction of a new air traffic control tower at the Duluth International Airport. 

This critical investment closely follows a recent visit by Congressman Stauber and Secretary Duffy to the Duluth Airport, home to the nation’s third-oldest operational air traffic control tower. During the visit, both officials emphasized their commitment to securing the full funding needed to move the project forward. 

Of this funding, Stauber stated, “The Duluth International Airport connects the Northland to the rest of the world, making it an important economic driver for our region. Since arriving in Congress, I have worked to secure the funding necessary to replace this aging tower, not just to ensure safety, but also to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of our airport. I’m proud to have worked closely with Secretary Duffy to deliver this significant investment, and I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for recognizing the importance of this project for Minnesota’s Eighth District.”

This $20 million builds on the $10 million in federal funding Congressman Stauber secured for the project in 2024. Once this latest funding is formally awarded, roughly $10 million more will be needed to begin construction.

Congressman Stauber will continue to work with federal partners to secure the remaining funds and get this project across the finish line.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement announcing that she will not seek reelection in 2026:

“For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of a lifetime serving the people of New York City in the United States Congress. After much reflection, I have decided that this will be my last term in Congress. This was not an easy decision, but I believe that the time is right for me to move on and for a new generation of leaders to step forward.
 
I grew up in a small town of sugar cane fields in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. My family did not have much. Nine children in a wooden house. Politics in Washington felt a world away. If you had told that little girl she would one day be the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, she would never have believed it.
 
As a teenager, I came to New York to pursue a master’s degree, and this city changed my life forever. New York took me in, welcomed me, and presented opportunities I never thought possible. I fell in love with its energy and with the people who make this city what it is. In New York, I found my voice, discovered my purpose, and dedicated myself to the fight for justice and opportunity. There is truly no city like it in the world.
 
I first ran in 1993, because I believed the voices of my community, immigrants, workers, families struggling to get by, were not being heard. I made history that year as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, representing a newly drawn district that finally reflected the people who lived in it. Back then, there were only three Latinas in the House. One of the greatest honors of my career has been helping open the doors for those who came after us.
 
Over 33 years, I have poured my heart into this work and am proud of all we have achieved together. I became the first Latina to chair a full committee in Congress, and as the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, I worked to expand access to capital and open doors in the federal marketplace for women, minorities, and veterans. One of my proudest accomplishments was creating the Women-Owned Small Business contracting program, which became law in 2001 and has helped thousands of women entrepreneurs get ahead.
 
As Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I worked with President Obama to confirm Justice Sonia Sotomayor as the first Latina on the Supreme Court. I helped craft major reforms after the Great Recession and led efforts to support small businesses during COVID.

I have fought for a more humane immigration system that treats people with dignity. When the Muslim Ban was announced in 2017, I joined Congressman Jerry Nadler at JFK to help free two detained travelers. Moments like that remind me why I entered public service.
 
I have always sought to be a consistent voice for peace in Washington. I was proud of my opposition to the War in Iraq and other interventions during the Global War on Terror. In 2023, I was one of 13 House members to call for an immediate ceasefire in the horrific war in Gaza.
 
I have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in New York to clean up our environment, improve transportation, and support public housing residents. And throughout my career, I have championed Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination, including passage of the Puerto Rico Status Act in 2022.
 
There is still so much work to be done, and I feel the urgency of this moment every day. Our country faces crises on multiple fronts. Every day the Trump administration is working to undermine civil rights and our democracy. At the same time, the American Dream is slipping further away for working people as wealth inequality worsens and life becomes less affordable. But I believe in the resiliency of the American people and the ability of a new generation of leaders who are ready for these great challenges. New York’s recent mayoral election showed that Americans are hungry for change and determined to build a better future. My district is home to so many dedicated elected officials, community leaders, and activists, and I have complete confidence that NY-7 will remain in good hands.
 
I want to express deep gratitude to my family, my friends, and the dedicated staff who have stood with me every step of the way. None of my accomplishments over the course of my career were possible without your support. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and pushing me to be better.
 
I do not yet know what the next chapter holds, but I know I will continue fighting for the city I love and for an end to Puerto Rico’s colonial status. Serving New York has been the honor of my life. I will always be grateful for the trust my constituents placed in me over all these years.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced their proposed rule to define waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule will provide needed clarity and reduce permitting barriers while ensuring EPA fulfills its mandate to protect navigable American waters.

“Today’s announcement is a win for farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the United States. For years, overreaching and inconsistent WOTUS definitions have created burdensome red tape and threatened property rights in rural America. I applaud Administrator Zeldin for taking the necessary action to restore certainty and common sense.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith released the following statement after voting for H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act:

“The crimes of Jeffrey Epstein are appalling. The American people deserve transparency into who else participated, who else knew, and why Epstein received the treatment he did from prosecutors.

“Today’s vote is another small step towards accountability and justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes. I appreciate the work which the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has already done to release more than 65,000 documents relating to Epstein, and I hope further accountability will be the result as additional files are reviewed and released.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement applauding the passage of H.R. 6019:

“Included in the Senate’s version of the continuing resolution to reopen the government was a self-serving provision designed to enrich several sitting United States senators using taxpayer dollars.

I condemned this provision in the Rules Committee and, before we voted to reopen the government and end a 43-day shutdown, introduced H.R. 6019, which will repeal the provision and ensure that it cannot be abused.

While several of these senators have announced that they do not intend to sue the federal government, one continues to express his intent to do so, for tens of millions in taxpayer dollars. This is wrong, and it cannot be allowed to happen.

I am grateful for House Republican leadership’s quick work to schedule a vote on H.R. 6019, and I call upon the Senate to immediately take up and pass this legislation.

Americans are tired of politicians using their power to grow their own wealth. I am proud the House voted 426 – 0 to repeal this language and will continue working to ensure that Congress serves the American people, not the other way around,” said Rep. Scott

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in support of H.R. 4405 

“The push to release the Epstein files is about justice for the victims and holding the perpetrators to account.

“It’s impossible to comprehend why President Trump and his most loyal allies in Congress have done everything possible to hide the Epstein files for months on end. The President has the absolute power to release the files, as he has done with other major cases such as the Kennedy assassination.

“Because of the President’s refusal to voluntarily release the files, today the House will vote to release them.

“I will vote yes.

“Since the inauguration, the Trump Administration has gone from calling for the Epstein files’ release, to calling them a hoax, to now reopening investigations focusing only on his political enemies. This must end and justice must be delivered to Epstein’s victims.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on his vote against H. Res. 878:

“I have the greatest sympathy and respect for my colleague Rep. Chuy Garcia as he and his family confront personal tragedies and health challenges. I appreciate his lifelong commitment to his community that he has demonstrated over decades of service and admire his strength and commitment to his family that is reflected in the difficult decision to retire from Congress. 

“Despite – or maybe because of – his record of community service, I was disappointed in the way Rep. Garcia ultimately announced his retirement that, on its face, precluded others from seeking to represent Illinois’s 4^th District in the 120^th Congress. Illinois has a long history of backroom deals and last-minute maneuvers that undermine people’s confidence in politics and politicians. I believe such dealings are a disservice to constituents and yet another symptom of a political system that desperately needs repair to restore the trust of the people. Voters pick their representatives – it must never be the other way around. 

“I also appreciate that Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is willing to bravely step up and speak out when she sees what appears to be unseemly political gamesmanship. While I agree with Rep. Perez that such political maneuvers, though legal, are improper and should be criticized, I do not think consuming precious legislative time in the House of Representatives is the proper place or method for expressing such criticisms. After the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the House should be focused on funding the government, lowering the cost of living, and protecting Americans’ healthcare. We should be working locally to change the state laws that enable, and even empower, abuse of our election system. 

“Furthermore, I fear members bringing their critiques – justified or not – to the floor of the House will lead to an endless flow of personal attacks that will only result in further gridlock and dysfunction. We have spent much of the past 24 hours focused on Rep. Perez’s resolution, only to see it immediately followed with another resolution focused on a colleague filed by Rep. Ralph Norman. These and future such distractions take up valuable House time and resources we could otherwise devote to making healthcare more affordable and bringing down prices that are spiking due to Trump’s policies.

“For these reasons, I voted ‘No’ on H. Res. 878.”

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Votes To Release Epstein Files

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting to release the Epstein files: 

“The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and his conspirators have continuously asked for justice, accountability and transparency. And that is what today’s vote was about. We must release these files to assure the American people that nobody in the federal government is covering up these heinous crimes. Congress must now get back to our fight to lower costs for Americans starting with addressing the health care crisis that is making health insurance unaffordable for too many families.” 

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Education Department Offloading Core Responsibilities

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, issued the following statement after the Department of Education (ED) announced it signed six additional interagency agreements.

“The Trump Administration cannot close a federal agency without an act of Congress. Nevertheless, the Trump Administration is intent on breaking the law and dismantling the Department of Education (ED). Today’s announcement is part and parcel of the Trump Administration’s larger agenda to reduce federal enforcement of civil rights laws and eliminate support for low-income communities.

“A core function of ED is to protect and defend students’ civil rights. The federal government must retain its central role in enforcing students’ civil rights, because historically, when states had no federal oversight, we saw segregation of public schools, a refusal to educate students with disabilities, and a lack of resources for low-income communities.

“Moreover, it is explicitly stated in the Department of Education Organization Act that the purpose of creating ED was because a ‘dispersion of education programs across a large number of federal agencies ha[d] led to fragmented, duplicative, and often inconsistent federal policies relating to education.’ The mass transfer of these programs is not only extremely inefficient and wasteful, but it will result in inconsistent enforcement of federal education policy.

“I am certain today’s announcement will be challenged in Court. Instead of protecting the civil rights of students of color, students with disabilities, English as a Second Language (ESL) students, and low-income students, and closing achievement gaps, the Secretary of Education has spent her tenure dismantling ED. But most of all, I am upset about the irreparable harm this will cause students and families who will be caught up in this Administration’s war on education.

“Congress cannot let this stand. Congressional Republicans must work with Democrats to stop this assault.”

Background: Today, notwithstanding statutes that require these offices be established in ED, the Trump Administration announced that the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (20 U.S.C. § 3414) and the Office of Postsecondary Education (20 U.S.C. § 3415) will both move to the Department of Labor. The Office of Indian Education (20 U.S.C. § 3423c) will move to the Department of the Interior. The CCAMPIS Program (20 U.S.C. § 1070e) and the National Commission on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1002) will move to the Department of Health and Human Services. And International and Foreign Language Education (20 U.S.C. § 1121) will move to the Department of State. To see how this action is part of President Trump’s Project 2025 Agenda to benefit billionaires at the expense of workers, students, and families, click here(see page 352).

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