MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the State of Tennessee will receive $20,219,887 for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Corporation and Shelby County Healthcare Corporation (Regional One) for expenses they incurred in responding to the COVID-19 emergency declared in April 2020. The funding is from the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The funding covers purchases the hospitals incurred – including medicines, rented equipment, contracted services and other expenses – in response to the pandemic. The money goes to Tennessee and is expected to be redirected to the institutions: $17,482,440 to Methodist Le Bonheur and $2,737,447 to Regional One.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“It’s been a long time coming but this funding to reimburse our Memphis medical establishment is welcome. The federal government agreed to step in during the pandemic to keep the population safe and prevent further harm, and this funding reimburses our hospitals for the investments they made.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by Reps. Tony Wied and Pete Stauber, introduced the Protecting Lifesaving Operations during Winter Storms Act, or the PLOW Storms Act, legislation aimed at ensuring snowplow operators and road commissions can keep critical winter response vehicles operational during severe winter weather events.

The legislation addresses growing concerns from road commissions and public works departments regarding increasingly unreliable diesel emissions systems that can force snowplows into reduced-power “derate” modes or sideline trucks entirely during dangerous winter storms.

“For communities across the First District, snowplows are not optional – they are lifesaving equipment,” said Rep. Bergman. “When plow trucks are disabled during winter storms because of federal emissions mandates, lives are put at risk. The PLOW Storms Act restores common sense by ensuring our road commissions have the flexibility and reliability they need to keep roads open, emergency vehicles moving, and families safe.”

The legislative proposal was developed following conversations between Rep. Bergman and road commission leaders in Chippewa County.

Robert Laitinen, Manager of the Chippewa County Road Commission, noted, “The (PLOW Storms Act) is a tremendous step forward that will provide the Chippewa County Road Commission and all other agencies like us the regulatory certainty that we need to be able to modify our existing heavy diesel fleet and to order new units in a configuration that allows us to regain the reliability that we once enjoyed and that the motoring public deserves.”

Laitinen continued, “Having multiple plow trucks down during a winter storm event due to unreliable diesel emissions equipment or enduring imposed loss of engine power (derate events) due to overzealous emissions regulations is not simply an inconvenience – in our line of work it endangers many lives. Thank you to Congressman Bergman for having the fortitude to bring this issue to light and for offering a very reasonable and functional solution. This measure, if passed, will be a major improvement in overall public safety for every resident in Michigan and the rest of the snowbelt states.”

The PLOW Storms Act seeks to provide local agencies with greater certainty and operational flexibility to maintain dependable winter maintenance fleets capable of responding effectively during severe snow and ice events.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, alongside Ranking Member Ro Khanna of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, Ranking Member Jim Himes of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Ranking Member Adam Smith of the House Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reaffirm the United States’ longstanding One-China Policy during his visit to the People’s Republic of China, warning that any deviation from decades of bipartisan Taiwan policy could undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The lawmakers wrote: “For decades, the United States has contributed to the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait by grounding its One-China Policy in the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances. The TRA (P.L. 96-8; 22 U.S.C. §§3301 et seq.) requires the United States to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.”

The letter further stated that U.S. policy has long maintained that Taiwan’s future must be resolved peacefully, while underscoring that the Six Assurances made clear Washington did not abandon Taiwan following the 1982 U.S.-China Joint Communiqué on arms sales. The lawmakers noted that the Second Assurance states the United States has “not agreed” to consult with Beijing in advance on arms sales to Taiwan, arguing that longstanding American commitments have helped preserve stability across the Taiwan Strait by deterring Chinese aggression and preventing a conflict the American people overwhelmingly seek to avoid.

“Delays of Congressionally approved arms sales to Taiwan undercut the maintenance of effective cross-Strait deterrence, and even the possibility of the PRC unduly influencing the United States’ Taiwan policy undermines the spirit of both the TRA and the Six Assurances,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers requested the president do the following:

• Formally notify and proceed with the export of Congressionally approved arms cases to Taiwan;
• Affirm the Administration’s commitment to the One-China Policy, as based on the TRA, Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances; and 
• Oppose any PRC attempt to dictate U.S. policy toward Taiwan.

“Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait rest on the United States’ steadfast adherence to the principles which it has upheld for decades,” the lawmakers concluded.

Read the letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced a $10,992,431 federal grant for Tampa International Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The funding will support the reconstruction of airport infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. Specifically, this award funds the first phase of a larger project to repave 9,100 feet of existing taxiway and 8,300 feet of existing runway.

“Investing in Tampa International Airport means investing in Tampa Bay’s economy, tourism industry and good-paying local jobs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “These federal funds will help modernize airfield infrastructure at TPA by repaving taxiways and runways, improving reliability and efficiency for the millions of travelers and businesses alike that rely on TPA every year. Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the world, but to keep it that way, we must ensure that the airport keeps pace and is constantly modernizing.”

“We’re grateful for the continued strong support from U.S. Representative Kathy Castor and our congressional delegation, as well as the FAA, in helping fund critical infrastructure improvements at Tampa International Airport,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens. “TPA serves as a key economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, and as passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that this repaving project moves forward in a timely and efficient manner. This Airport Improvement Program grant will help us modernize and maintain our airfield infrastructure, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for our passengers and airlines while supporting the continued growth of our region.”

Castor has championed federal infrastructure investments across Tampa Bay to improve roads and bridges, strengthen airport infrastructure and support Port Tampa.

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

The United States of America observes National Police Week from May 10, 2026, through May 16, 2026. As part of the weeklong observance, officers killed in the line of duty will be honored. This includes Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Jeremy Hall, who was killed by an inmate attack in November 2025. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Officer Hall served the River North Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, with professionalism, integrity and courage. Ninth District communities and Virginia law enforcement continue to grieve his tragic loss and honor his service.

“In DC this week, Congress will vote on a resolution that memorializes Officer Hall and all law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. Their names will also be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, where Officer Hall’s contributions to the Virginia Department of Corrections and his local communities will be forever honored. 

“The Ninth District of Virginia is served by dedicated law enforcement professionals. They meet a variety of challenges, support safe communities and work for our protection. On this National Police Week, I thank Ninth District law enforcement officers and their families for their sacrifices.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith’s Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record that honors Officer Hall can be found here.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on a series of bills to honor and help law enforcement agencies:

–       H.R. 5625 – Cashless Bail Reporting Act

–       H.R. 6260 – Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025

–       H. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers (Rep. Griffith is original co-sponsor of resolution)

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

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the House Floor in support of a bipartisan resolution calling on the President to prioritize the release of Jimmy Lai and other jailed human rights activists and religious prisoners detained by the government of the People’s Republic of China.

In her remarks, Pelosi condemned Beijing’s repression of democracy advocates, Uyghurs and religious minorities while warning that America “loses all moral authority” if commercial interests silence advocacy for human rights.

Watch Pelosi’s Floor remarks here.

Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below:

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank the gentleman, Congressman Olszewski from Maryland, “Johnny O,” as we call him, for his leadership and his beautiful statement on what we are challenged with right now and how this legislation addresses that.

I always want to praise Mr. Smith for his leadership on human rights throughout the world. What is it, Chris? We’ve been working on these things for 30 years? He’s not paying attention—but 30 years with Frank Wolf, going and visiting people in prison and trying to make sure people knew.

Because, you know, they say that these autocrats, the President of China for one, the most horrible form of torture that they can put on a prisoner is to tell them nobody even remembers them or cares about them or even knows why they are in prison.

That’s why I thank you both for bringing this legislation to the Floor, so that we, on the Floor of the House of Representatives, can make sure that they know they are not forgotten.

I rise today in strong support of this resolution, calling on the President to prioritize the release of these courageous individuals who have been unjustly detained by the government of the People’s Republic of China simply for exercising their fundamental human rights.

Jimmy Lai sits in prison because he dared to defend democracy and free press in Hong Kong. And Mr. Smith talked about Jimmy, and his son Sebastian, his daughter Claire—now they have a grandbaby in the family, and Jimmy has not been able to see the baby while they torture him in prison there.

And then Dr. Gulshan Abbas has disappeared because of Beijing’s repression of Uyghurs. She’s there because of what her sister has testified to us, Mr. Smith mentioned, and that is engaging in transnational human rights suppression.

In addition to that, Christian pastors and their families are persecuted simply for worshiping freely. Pastor Jin Mingri, we’ve heard about him. Pastor Gao Quanfu and Pang Yu and Abbas—I talked about Dr. Gulshan Abbas.

This has always been bipartisan and bicameral—House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans always coming together on these pieces of legislation. I want to call special attention to what our Speaker Johnson did a few months ago.

He was invited to address the House of Commons in this, our [semiquincentennial] year of our country, and I asked him if he would mention Jimmy Lai in his speech. And he did, and he told me it got a good response. So we thank the Speaker for making that appeal to the House of Commons.

Here, this resolution makes clear that human rights cannot be separate from America’s engagement with China. The release of these individuals must remain a priority at the highest level of diplomacy.

While the President is on his visit there, he is bringing with him a long list of business leaders. I have to say: if we do not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interest, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights anywhere in the world.

With this resolution, the House reaffirms that America will continue to stand for freedom, human rights and the principle that no person should be imprisoned simply for what they believe.

So let’s make this, as always, a strong bipartisan vote. I thank the Chairman, Mr. Smith. I thank Johnny O. I urge a strong bipartisan vote in support of this resolution.

I yield my time to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a founding member and co-chair of the bipartisan Public Shipyard Caucus, joined the New Hampshire and Maine Congressional delegations in calling for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to provide an explanation for its refusal to comply with recent court orders and process an Unfair Labor Practice charge (ULP) filed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Metal Trades Council on behalf of its members. In their bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers note that FLRA cites President Trump’s Executive Order limiting the collective bargaining rights of federal employees as its reason for inaction despite a court order halting implementation of the policy. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Susan Collins (ME), Maggie Hassan (NH), and Angus King (ME) and Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) signed the letter.

The lawmakers wrote, in part: “We write today regarding the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s (FLRA) refusal to process Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges filed by members of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Metal Trades Council (MTC) on behalf of its members. The MTC has brought forward a ULP charge to the FLRA but has been informed that due to President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251, limiting the right of certain federal employees to engage in collective bargaining, the FLRA would not process the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employee ULP case. However, recent court rulings have nullified portions of that order, and the FLRA should be acting in accordance with the court order.”

They continued: “Considering the Court’s injunction and the importance of this issue to our constituents, we respectfully request that the FLRA provide prompt clarification regarding its handling of ULP filings brought forward by unions representing workers under federal agencies impacted by President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251.”

The lawmakers asked FLRA for responses to the following questions:

1. Is the Federal Labor Relations Authority refusing to process Unfair Labor Practice charges brought forward by unions representing federal workers?
2. Is the FLRA acting in accordance with the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia’s October 1st injunction in AFL-CIO v. Trump? What steps is the FLRA taking to ensure compliance with the injunction?
3. What is the status of the ULP charge brought forward by the Metal Trades Council at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?
4. What is the legal basis for the FLRA’s refusal to process ULP charges in light of the court’s October 1st injunction?

A full copy of the letter can be read HERE.

Congressman Pappas is a founding member and co-chair of the bipartisan Public Shipyard Caucus and representative for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He leads the bipartisan Protecting Public Naval Shipyards Act, which would exempt the workforces of America’s four public shipyards, which are responsible for repairing and retrofitting the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carriers and submarines, from recent hiring freezes and mass layoffs. During the conference process for the FY 2026 NDAA, Pappas successfully called on the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to include these provisions in their final bill text, which was signed into law on the evening of December 18, 2025. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON – Today, House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), along with 56 Democrats, warned the Secretary of Education Linda McMahon that the Department of Education’s reported plan to eliminate the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) will significantly harm millions of students across the country. 

Specifically, the Members warned that dismantling OELA would undermine federal support for approximately 5.3 million English learners and weaken the Department’s ability to administer Title III programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act effectively.  The Members urged the Department to halt any efforts to eliminate OELA and provide transparency regarding any future actions that could affect support for English learners.

“It stretches credulity that the Department could determine whether such proficiency was occurring without having an office specifically designed to assess the learning of English,” said the Members. “The Department’s decision will undoubtably disrupt the administration of programs designed to support English learners.”

OELA provides grants for language instruction, educator training, and critical resources for multilingual students.  Eliminating OELA will create inefficiencies, reduce oversight and accountability, jeopardize nearly $900 million in funding, and ultimately undermine civil rights protections and Congress’s intent to ensure equitable educational opportunities.

The letter was signed by Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Greg Casar (TX-35), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), John Garamendi (CA-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc A. Veasey (TX-33), Ed Case (HI-01), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), Sean Casten (IL-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Analilia Mejia (NJ-11).

To read the full letter, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON, May 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) today introduced legislation to end child hunger in the United States. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America — regardless of income — and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools. 

“It is outrageous that, while the billionaire class has never had it so good, one in five children will go hungry in America this year,” Sanders said. “The United States is the richest country in the history of the world. Nobody should be going hungry. And what we learned during the pandemic is that a universal approach to school meals works and helps kids do better in school. States across the country continue to prove this every day. It is time for Congress to reinstate universal school meals at the national level to finally ensure no student goes hungry.” 

“No child should have to sit in a classroom hungry or worried about where their next meal will come from,” Omar said. “As a former nutrition educator and someone who experienced hunger firsthand, this fight is deeply personal to me. I have always believed you must feed kids’ bellies before you can feed their brains. That is why I am proud to partner again with Bernie Sanders to introduce the Universal School Meals Program Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to students year-round. Universal school meals are not a luxury—they are a necessity.” 

“School meals improve food security, health outcomes, and academic performance—simply put, they help kids succeed. Several states—including my home state of Massachusetts—have permanently implemented free universal school meals, helping expand access to breakfasts and lunches for all students. It has been hugely successful in increasing participation, reducing stigma, and making life a little easier and more affordable for families,” said Rep. James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee. “It is long past time we permanently implement universal school meals nationwide and increase reimbursement rates to ensure every student can go to school knowing they have two healthy meals to fuel their learning.” 

“Millions of families already face hunger in this country. But with Republicans cutting SNAP and families struggling with the high cost of living, it is even more urgent that we pass the Universal School Meals Program Act,” said Rep. Gwen Moore. Congress can and should help end child hunger, and I implore my colleagues to support this legislation.”

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 comes at a critical moment: the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have enacted the deepest cuts to federal nutrition programs in history, slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion, imposing harsh new bureaucratic requirements that have stripped food assistance from millions of Americans, and refusing to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown in fall 2025.

Congress funded universal school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that the model increases school meal participation, reduces the stigma for students from low-income households and removes stress on families to secure healthy meals for their kids. While Congress let the universal model expire at the end of the 2021–2022 school year, nine states — Vermont, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico and New York — have passed laws to provide universal school meals. This legislation builds on this progress to return the model nationwide.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent food security report — which the Trump administration has now ended — 48 million Americans, including over 14 million children, are food insecure. Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are 18 or younger. It is time to permanently make school meals free to all students, regardless of income, and finally address this crisis. Studies show time and again that students with free access to breakfast have improved attendance and better performance in school, and that free meals reduce financial stress for both students and families. Moreover, free and accessible school meals improve health outcomes, relieve the stigma associated with school meals and reduce behavioral incidents. Parents will not be forced to deal with paperwork or subjected to threats to have their children taken away.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 provides the most cost-effective and inclusive model for students, families, teachers, public schools, childcare providers and communities by:

• Providing free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to every student — regardless of income.
• Eliminating school meal debt for every public school student in America by reimbursing schools and ending harassment of parents and students over unpaid bills. In a 2025 survey, the School Nutrition Association found that nearly 1,400 school districts across the country hold a median of $6,000 in unpaid meal debt.
• Increasing the reimbursement rate for schools to get closer to the actual cost of producing meals.
• Incentivizing schools to buy from local farms, bringing food from nearby farms into schools while supporting local economies.
• Providing summer meals to all children and increased SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) to lower-income children. Currently, only communities where 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch may operate a summer meals program. This bill makes all communities eligible, regardless of income.
• Strengthening and expanding the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to allow three meals and a snack each day, eliminate the two-tiered reimbursement rate for CACFP, and allow childcare providers to receive the highest reimbursement rate regardless of income.

Joining Sanders and Omar as cosponsors on this legislation are Reps. Jim McGovern, Gwen Moore, Pete Aguilar, Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Jake Auchincloss, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragan, Joyce Beatty, Wesley Bell, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Nikki Budzinski, André Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Sean Casten, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, Steve Cohen, Angie Craig, Suzan DelBene, Mark DeSaulnier, Maxine Dexter, Debbie Dingell, Dwight Evans, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Frost, John Garamendi, Sylvia Garcia, Jesús “Chuy” García, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Josh Gotteimer, Adelita Grijalva, Jared Huffman, Jonathan Jackson, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, John Larson, Summer Lee, Stephen F. Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, Betty McCollum, Morgan McGarvey, LaMonica McIver, Christian Menefee, Grace Meng, Joseph Morelle, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Jerry Nadler, Richard Neal, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Frank Pallone, Jr., Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Stacey Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Marilyn Strickland, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Juan Vargas, Nydia Velazquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Frederica Wilson and 19 Senators. 

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 is endorsed by nearly 100 organizations, including the American Heart Association, Food Research & Action Center, Hunger Free America, Hunger Free Vermont, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, National Education Association (NEA), National Family Farm Coalition, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Afterschool, Vermont Foodbank, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, and Washington School Nutrition Association.

Read the bill here.

Read a summary here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Los Representantes Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Greg Casar (TX-35) y Sara Jacobs (CA-51), junto con 17 colegas del Congreso, enviaron una carta al secretario de Defensa Pete Hegseth manifestando profunda preocupación por presuntas violaciones de derechos humanos durante recientes operaciones militares conjuntas entre Estados Unidos y Ecuador. Los legisladores también solicitan la suspensión de las operaciones mientras se lleva a cabo una investigación y exigen aclaraciones sobre el fundamento jurídico y el alcance de la participación estadounidense.

En la carta, los legisladores citan múltiples declaraciones de la Administración Trump relativas a operaciones militares conjuntas contra organizaciones no identificadas “designadas como terroristas en Ecuador”. Los legisladores también señalan que una investigación realizada por The New York Times reveló que uno de los sitios atacados en estas operaciones conjuntas parece haber sido una granja lechera y ganadera sin vínculos con narcotraficantes ni grupos armados. Según The New York Times, el 3 de marzo, “personal militar ecuatoriano interrogó y agredió a civiles desarmados, incendió viviendas e infraestructura, y sometió a los detenidos a torturas antes de que el lugar fuera bombardeado desde el aire el 6 de marzo”.

Los miembros del Congreso advierten que “si fuerzas estadounidenses proporcionan asistencia de seguridad nueva o continua a unidades que hayan participado en actos como tortura, ejecuciones extrajudiciales o desapariciones forzadas, y no existe una investigación o procesamiento creíble en curso, ello constituiría una violación de las Leyes Leahy, que prohíben la asistencia a fuerzas de seguridad extranjeras implicadas de manera creíble en graves violaciones de derechos humanos sin medidas efectivas para llevar a los responsables ante la justicia”.

La carta también expresa la preocupación de los legisladores por el fortalecimiento de los vínculos entre las Fuerzas Armadas estadounidenses y el Gobierno de Ecuador bajo el presidente Daniel Noboa, cuyo gobierno —afirman— ha experimentado una “alarmante tendencia autoritaria y antidemocrática”. Entre otras cosas, Noboa y sus aliados han reprimido violentamente las protestas lideradas por pueblos indígenas, amenazado a la Corte Constitucional del país y desempeñado un papel central en la disolución de partidos de oposición y en la prohibición temporal del principal partido de oposición de Ecuador.

Los miembros del Congreso concluyen planteando una serie de preguntas de supervisión sobre el fundamento jurídico y el alcance de la participación de Estados Unidos en estas operaciones conjuntas, incluidas posibles implicaciones relacionadas con las Leyes Leahy, y solicitan una respuesta antes del 22 de mayo.

Una copia completa de la carta puede encontrarse en este enlace.  

También puede encontrar una traducción de la carta en este enlace.

Esta carta también está firmada por los Congresistas Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

Las siguientes organizaciones apoyan la carta: Amnesty International USA, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Human Rights First, Latin American Working Group (LAWG), Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, StoptheDrugWar.org, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), y Win Without War.

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