MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to cut hydrogen hub funding for Washington:

“I am outraged by the Trump Administration’s senseless decision to gut one billion dollars in funding that supports the emerging hydrogen economy across the Pacific Northwest, including in Washington’s Eighth District. 

“Under the cover of a shutdown, this Administration launched a politically motivated attack on a project that both parties have championed, which will bring billions of dollars in investments to strengthen our economy, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and bolster our domestic clean energy production. At a time when rising prices are already squeezing families across the country, this action hits Washington consumers hard by increasing utility bills and kneecapping U.S. competitiveness in the global energy race.

“This is not over. As a strong supporter of clean energy innovation, I will do all I can to reverse this decision, stand up for my constituents and our economy, and defend the future of hydrogen development across our region.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) released the following statement about the beginning of the government shutdown:

“I have always been committed to serving the people of the Eighth District. Over the last few months, it has become abundantly clear that people are struggling with rising costs on everything from groceries to healthcare.

“Instead of working across the aisle to address these issues, Republicans have continued to fall in line behind President Trump to play partisan games, which has led us to this current moment.

“I know that a prolonged shutdown hurts all of us, especially working families, seniors, and our brave service members here in the Eighth District. I also cannot vote for a funding bill that is harmful to the people I represent. That is why I stand ready and urge my Republican colleagues to come to the table to achieve a bipartisan compromise that helps people afford and access healthcare, lowers costs, and funds essential government programs.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) led her Democratic Doctors Caucus colleagues on a letter to the Energy and Commerce and Oversight and Government Reform Committees, demanding immediate oversight into the Trump Administration’s baseless and dangerous report linking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to higher rates of autism.

“We Members of Congress, and the American people, were left frustrated and confused following the September 22^nd press conference in which the President and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr. linked Tylenol use during pregnancy and vaccinations to ASD. American families are seeking direction and expertise from our nation’s healthcare leaders,” the letter states.

The letter continues, “President Trump and Secretary Kennedy pledged to identify the cause of ASD by September. Instead of working with researchers who have spent decades studying the complex genetic and environmental factors contributing to ASD, the Administration rushed to premature and misleading conclusions…Americans deserve robust evidence-based recommendations when it comes to their health. We will not stand by and let this Administration make sweeping public health claims without being fully transparent on the science.”

The letter comes on the heels of a Democratic Doctors Caucus statement condemning HHS Secretary Kennedy and President Trump’s irresponsible press conference, highlighting this forthcoming report. Congresswoman Schrier has led the charge on holding HHS Secretary Kennedy accountable for his reckless actions. She led a letter to the CDC back in April calling out the Trump Administration for ignoring an abundance of established medical research disproving the ties between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 

The full text of today’s letter can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Janesville, WI (October 16, 2025) – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) led members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation in asking Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to end his opposition to the new federal tax credit scholarship program. Wisconsin families need approval from Governor Evers to participate in the new program and Evers thus far refused to grant that approval.

In the letter, Steil writes, “Low- and middle-income families deserve access to the same quality educational opportunities as those who are more fortunate. Denying Wisconsin families educational opportunities for the sake of partisan politics is irresponsible, unfair, and counterproductive to our shared goal of improving educational outcomes for Wisconsin students.” 

These funds can be used for a variety of vital educational needs, including tuition, school supplies, support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and transportation. Opting out will mean denying Wisconsin families access to this assistance.

The letter was also signed by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Representatives Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08).

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Janesville, WI – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced he will be holding a telephone town hall on Friday, October 10, at 12:00 p.m. CT to discuss the ongoing federal government shutdown, his work to reopen the federal government, and the shutdown’s impact on Wisconsin families. Congressman Steil has held numerous in-person listening sessions this year across the 1st District, including in Beloit, Bristol, Elkhorn, Janesville, and Mount Pleasant. This is Congressman Steil’s ninth telephone town hall of the year.

“One of my top priorities is to be available and accessible to Wisconsin families,” said Steil. “I look forward to hearing from residents about the challenges they are facing, discussing the ongoing government shutdown, and having a productive conversation about how we can move our nation forward.”

Residents of the 1st Congressional District can sign up for Congressman Steil’s Telephone Town Hall by going to Steil.house.gov/live or calling his office at (608) 752-4050.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

JANESVILLE, WI (September 26, 2025) – Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced that the veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP), has awarded a grant up to $931,500 to the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. The grant will help fund the improvement of the cortege assembly area, roads, parking, flag assembly area, and landscaping. The cemetery serves more than 420,000 Veterans and their eligible family members in the region.

“The sacrifices our veterans and service members make can never be taken for granted. It’s critical to ensure we are properly honoring our fallen heroes and their families. I’m grateful to see the Trump Administration announce this grant for veterans in Wisconsin,” said Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01).

Background:

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Washington, DC (September 24) – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) joined Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) in introducing the House companion bill to Senator Ron Johnson’s (R-WI) Eliminate Government Shutdowns Act. This legislation implements an automatic two-week Continuing Resolution (CR) for departments where appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year have not yet been authorized, preventing the possibility of a government shutdown. Funding will remain at current levels and the two-week CR will be automatically renewed until new appropriations are authorized by Congress and signed into law.

Steil previously introduced similar legislation in the 116^th Congress.  

“Like most Americans, I am tired of arbitrary deadlines and political fights shutting down the federal government,” said Steil. “Decades of dysfunction and continued brinkmanship in D.C. do not help deliver the policy solutions Wisconsin families need. It’s time to reform the status quo and ensure that Congress is working to deliver thoughtful, productive legislation for the American people. Thank you, Senator Ron Johnson and Congressman Dusty Johnson for your partnership on this issue.”

“Shutdowns are stupid, and everyone knows it,” said Johnson. “I was sent to Congress to make sure the government serves South Dakotans – it can’t possibly serve South Dakota if it is closed. Almost every other country does not face the threat of a government shutdown. The Eliminate Shutdowns Act will keep the government open, so it can work for you, while encouraging Congress to pass new funding packages.”

 Read the bill HERE.

 

 

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) called on congressional Democrats to work with Republicans to reopen the government. On Friday, September 19, 2025, Rep. Smucker and a majority of the House of Representatives voted in favor of a short-term continuing resolution to keep government funded through November 21, 2025, to allow for negotiations on full-year funding legislation.

“Democrats flatly rejected a short-term continuation of government funding at the very same spending levels they already voted for just months ago. Instead of being honest that this stunt is political theater, Democrats are trying to mislead the American people by pretending this is about healthcare. But here’s the reality: not one of those programs is even touched by this 7-week funding bill. They know that, and they know shutdowns pose the greatest threat to the very programs they are claiming to protect. There is no spin that can save them from this reality. Any disagreements on policy should not hold hostage the paychecks for our brave service members and government employees,” said Rep. Smucker. “Shutting down the government is no effective way to legislate—this is completely irresponsible. Government shutdowns only cost the taxpayers more money.”

“The American people don’t deserve this. I call on Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats to put politics aside, do what is right for our nation, and end this shutdown immediately,” said Rep. Smucker. 

Smucker has also cosponsored H.R. 5401, the Pay our Troops Act, to ensure members of the United States Armed Forces would be paid during any government shutdowns.

Smucker also sent a letter to House of Representatives Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor, requesting that his paycheck be withheld during the duration of a government shutdown.

Smucker added, “Until government funding resumes, and the brave members of our United States Armed Forces receive their paychecks, Members of Congress should not be paid.”

Click here to read the letter. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) reintroduced legislation to develop America’s workforce and strengthen our economy. 

The USA Workforce Investment Act and the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act create opportunities for American workers to advance their skills and obtain quality jobs, while helping American businesses fill available roles necessary for success. 

“Job creation and job preparation must go hand-in-hand,” Rep. Smucker said. “Investing in opportunities to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy is a win-win for American workers and businesses.”

The USA Workforce Investment Act (H.R. 5493) would encourage charitable donations for community-based apprenticeship initiatives, career and technical education, workforce development, and K-12 educational preparedness. Eligible nonprofits include educational institutions, community organizations, training institutes, community colleges, scholarship groups, and labor union-affiliated nonprofits. This legislation was previously advanced by the Committee on Ways and Means last session. 

Cosponsors for the USA Workforce Investment Act include Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Max Miller (R-OH-07), and Adrian Smith (R-NE-03).

Rep. Smucker made the following statement on the introduction of the USA Workforce Act:

“Thanks to this administration’s pro-growth agenda, Main Street is thriving and the demand for skilled jobs is growing. This legislation will prepare American workers with the necessary skills to succeed and help businesses thrive by meeting workforce demands. A strong workforce is critical for success, and when small businesses thrive our economy thrives.” 

Trade associations representing skilled workers support Rep. Smucker’s legislation: 

“Tax incentives for contributions supporting workforce development encourages donors to maximize their gifts to programs that improve the lives of the American people. The USA Workforce Investment Act will foster an environment ensuring apprenticeship programs have the resources to provide first-class instruction for students acquiring skills for success in the building trades. We urge Congress to pass the USA Workforce Act without delay,” said Dan Callies, President, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association. 

The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 5494) is a bipartisan solution to address critical workforce shortages, while safeguarding employment opportunities for American workers.

The legislation responds to pressing labor shortages in essential industries by creating a market-driven temporary worker program that adapts to economic conditions. The bill creates a new H-2C nonimmigrant visa, available to employers who prove their positions have gone unfilled for three consecutive months and in areas where the unemployment rate is 7.9% or less. 

Rep. Smucker made the following statement on the introduction of the bipartisan Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act:

“The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act is a commonsense, bipartisan, and market-driven solution that addresses workforce shortages in key industries while ensuring American workers are prioritized. This guest worker program will help employers fill positions that have remained vacant for months and grow our economy.” 

Cosponsors of Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act include Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Mark Amodei (R-NV-02), Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Don Davis (D-NC-01), Rich McCormick (R-GA-07), and Mike Kennedy (R-UT-03) are cosponsors of the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act.

The legislation enjoys broad support among national industry leaders. 

“People are the restaurant industry’s greatest asset. This year, restaurant operators are forecast to create 200,000 new jobs, but with a shortage of people in the U.S. workforce, it will be a challenge to fill those jobs. There is no silver bullet that will solve the industry’s recruitment challenge, but the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act creates one opportunity to address the issue. We appreciate Rep. Smucker’s leadership introducing EWEA and for his commitment to restaurant operators and the restaurant industry,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association.

“Workforce shortages are the single biggest challenge facing the roofing industry,” said Duane Musser, NRCA’s vice president of government relations. “NRCA strongly supports this bipartisan legislation that will secure our industry workforce and boost economic growth.”  

“America’s hotel industry proudly welcomes millions of guests each year, creating unforgettable experiences and supporting local economies. But finding enough workers to fill job openings in the industry has become a growing challenge. ’The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act offers a vital, bipartisan solution—creating a seasonal H-2C nonimmigrant visa program to help hotels and hospitality businesses meet staffing needs during high-demand times. This commonsense legislation supports small businesses, strengthens our workforce, and ensures we can continue delivering world-class service. We’re grateful to Representative Smucker for his leadership and commitment to the hospitality industry,” said American Hotel and Lodging Association President and CEO Rosanna Maietta.

For a full list of supportive quotes of industry leaders, click here. 

The following groups have endorsed the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act: National Immigration Forum, Critical Labor Coalition, Associated General Contractors of America, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, National Roofing Contractors Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, National Restaurant Association, LIBRE Initiative, American Hotel and Lodging Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Leading Builders of America, Construction Leadership Council, National Retail Federation, National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Roundtable, International Sanitary Supply Association, Secure Growth Initiative, Business Roundtable, Tree Care Industry Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, and Workplace Solutions Association.

Background:

USA Workforce Investment Act: 

Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act: 

• The EWEA will provide temporary visas for workers that will be valid for 3 years along with two potential 3-year visa renewals.

• In its first year, EWEA will offer 65,000 visas. During subsequent years, the number of available visas may fluctuate between 45,000 and 85,000 visas depending on economic and market conditions.

• There are several restrictions to participation in the H-2C program, which ensure that American workers are not deprived of employment opportunities:
  • Program participation is only eligible in areas where the unemployment rate is 7.9% or less.
  • Employers must demonstrate that a certain position has gone unfilled for three consecutive months or is open for 60 days within a 90-day period.
  • Employers must use E-Verify.
     
• To qualify for H-2C classification, interested employee applicants must:
  • Receive an offer of employment from EWEA registered employers.
  • Pass a criminal or national security background check.
  • Not bring any family members into the U.S., ensuring the program is tightly controlled and prevents chain migration.
  • Not be from a country that supports international terrorism as determined by the Secretary of State.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) has reintroduced legislation to strengthen America’s workforce. Below is a list of quotes from national industry leaders supportive of Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 5494). 

“The Leading Builders of America appreciates Congressman Smucker’s commitment to addressing real improvements to the nation’s legal visa system. The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act creates a temporary work visa program that not only fills the gap where no program currently exists, it does so in a way that creates clear rules for both employers and workers, providing guardrails to help supplement the US workforce when needed as we work to increase the supply and affordability of housing for American families, and keep our industry moving forward. The EWEA should be a part of every conversation about how to fix the nation’s non-immigrant visa program system.” –Ken Gear, CEO, Leading Builders of America

“America’s hotel industry proudly welcomes millions of guests each year, creating unforgettable experiences and supporting local economies. But finding enough workers to fill job openings in the industry has become a growing challenge. ’The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act offers a vital, bipartisan solution—creating a seasonal H-2C nonimmigrant visa program to help hotels and hospitality businesses meet staffing needs during high-demand times. This commonsense legislation supports small businesses, strengthens our workforce, and ensures we can continue delivering world-class service. We’re grateful to Representative Smucker for his leadership and commitment to the hospitality industry.” – AHLA President and CEO Rosanna Maietta

“The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act is a meaningful step toward a more modern and functional immigration system one that address the damaging labor gaps that many U.S. industries face. This bill will help address real workforce needs while giving workers and families opportunities to thrive, build better lives, and strengthen our economy,” said Daniel Garza, president of The LIBRE Initiative. 

“Now that the administration has controlled the emergency at the border, we need to address the nation’s affordable housing emergency – and we must build more supply to get out of it,” said Jeffrey D. DeBoer, President and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable. “The labor shortage is exacerbating the housing shortage, and we need an estimated 500,000 workers in construction services alone. Congress should develop policies to increase our supply of construction workers so they can build all types of homes in communities across the country. The bipartisan Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act is exactly the kind of smart response we need, and we thank Representative Smucker and the other co-sponsors for their leadership on this critical legislation.”  

“People are the restaurant industry’s greatest asset. This year, restaurant operators are forecast to create 200,000 new jobs, but with a shortage of people in the U.S. workforce, it will be a challenge to fill those jobs. There is no silver bullet that will solve the industry’s recruitment challenge, but the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act creates one opportunity to address the issue. We appreciate Rep. Smucker’s leadership introducing EWEA and for his commitment to restaurant operators and the restaurant industry,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association.

“Contractors list workforce shortages as the number one cause of delayed construction projects. In fact, 92 percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire. Congressman Smucker’s legislation will provide a much needed, lawful, responsible and temporary way for firms to find workers,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America.

 “Labor is the linchpin of hospitality, yet 65% of U.S. hotels still face staffing shortages — especially in housekeeping, front desk, and culinary roles. The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act offers a smart path forward by helping fill these critical jobs and giving hardworking individuals a chance to achieve the American Dream. We can safeguard our nation’s security while welcoming those ready to roll up their sleeves and keep America’s hotels open for business,” said AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake.  

“The Critical Labor Coalition applauds Congressmen Smucker and Cuellar for their continued leadership in addressing America’s workforce challenges. The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act is a common-sense solution which creates legal pathways for employers to fill in-demand positions in the face of an ongoing labor shortage,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director of the Critical Labor Coalition. 

“Small business owners across a range of industries have told us that they are struggling to expand and even maintain their business operations due to labor shortages,” said David Chase, Vice President of the Small Business Majority, which provides leadership for the national small business coalition Secure Growth Initiative. “Legislation like the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act would go a long way toward helping small firms maintain a trajectory of success well into the future by increasing the labor pool for many types of businesses.”

 “Bi-partisan solutions to the nation’s labor shortage are essential to our economy,” said Matt Foster, Vice President of the South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Board member of the Secure Growth Initiative.  “This new visa program, which responsibly allows low-skilled individuals to come to the United States, is important especially for Hispanic business owners who want to grow their businesses but can’t find workers.”  

“The U.S. is in a demographic stagnation.  We simply are not producing native-born workers to fill all the jobs going wanting,” said Frank Knapp Jr, managing director of the Secure Growth Initiative, a national small business coalition representing over 100,000 small business voices.  “The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act addresses our critical shortage of low-skilled, non-agricultural workers with a new H-2C nonimmigrant classification while protecting American workers. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle want sensible immigration policy like this one that will grow, not shrink, our local economies.” 

The following groups have endorsed the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 5494): National Immigration Forum, Critical Labor Coalition, Associated General Contractors of America, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, National Roofing Contractors Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, National Restaurant Association, LIBRE Initiative, American Hotel and Lodging Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Leading Builders of America, Construction Leadership Council, National Retail Federation, National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Roundtable, International Sanitary Supply Association, Secure Growth Initiative, Business Roundtable, Tree Care Industry Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, and Workplace Solutions Association.