MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

“Families deserve answers as prices keep climbing”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Trump administration once again refused to release the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, trying to hide what Michiganders see every day: prices are continuing to climb.  

In response to the administration’s blocking of key inflation data, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“While Trump tries to hide the consequences of his chaos tariffs, Michiganders are experiencing the reality of his reckless economic policy every day. Costs keep going up and up and up, especially at the grocery checkout. That’s why I introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act – to lower food prices and stop Trump’s unfair price hikes. Families need real relief, not more delayed data.

“I’ll keep fighting to put Michigan families first, lower costs, and make groceries and everyday essentials more affordable for Michiganders.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Following the vote on the Republicans’ spending bill, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released the following statement:

“Tonight, I voted no on the Republicans’ spending bill because their plan fails Michiganders, ignores working families, and offers lip service instead of actually lowering costs for our families.

“Republicans have time and time again voted to raise health care costs and threatened health care coverage for families who depend on it. I won’t rubber-stamp a plan that leaves Michiganders worse off. I will keep fighting to lower costs, expand affordable health care, and create jobs while investing in our manufacturing economy to support the hard-working families across our state.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) introduced the Veterans Transition Support Act to improve the disability claims process for veterans. The bill would expand the Solid Start program to help transitioning service members file claims pre-separation and minimize interruptions in medical care and benefits. 

Due to time constraints in a service member’s transition to civilian life, inconsistent education about filing disability claims, and difficulties accessing the necessary health records, veterans often face difficulties when filing for benefits and lengthy waits before receiving benefits. The Veterans Transition Support Act would amend the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Solid Start program by requiring that a VA representative contact transitioning service members 120-210 days prior to separation to coincide with their eligibility to file a VA disability claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. Filing a claim through the BDD program would ensure service members still have access to their medical and personnel records and enable the VA to rapidly deliver a decision. This bill aims to provide veterans with a more seamless transition and less of a coverage gap between exiting the service and receiving benefits.

The legislation is endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Common Defense. 

“Those who served deserve a disability claims process that is simple, efficient, and honors their service. But our veterans too often encounter barriers filing post-discharge VA disability claims and lengthy waits before receiving benefits,” said Rep. Beyer. “By expanding the Solid Start program, our legislation would encourage more service members to take part in the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program and file their disability claims early. This would streamline their claims process and minimize the gap between their discharge and when they begin to receive benefits. With this bill, we hope to ensure veterans receive the services and benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary gaps in care and support.”

“Our service members selflessly dedicate themselves to our nation – but unfortunately, I often hear of the challenges associated with transitioning out of the military,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, bicameral bill to streamline the medical and disability claim process to ensure our veterans have access to the care and support their service earned. By requiring proactive outreach prior to separation from the service, it is my hope that this legislation will help make the process not only smoother but also ensure veterans do not slip through the cracks and miss opportunities to apply for benefits that they have earned.”

“Our nation’s veterans face lots of challenges during the transition back to civilian life, but our commitment to them shouldn’t end when their service does,” said Rep. McGarvey. “That’s why we’ve got to invest more in successful programs like Solid Start, which eases the transition from DoD to the VA, and keep building up the arsenal of resources our vets need to be set up for success in civilian life.” 

“The VFW supports the Veterans Transition Support Act to enhance the VA Solid Start Program by adding an outreach call to service members before separation from the military. As longtime advocates for improved transition support, the VFW believes this is a practical and meaningful step to better inform veterans of the benefits and services they have earned,” said Associate Director of VFW’s National Legislative Service Joy Craig. “The timing of the call would coincide with when service members are eligible to file expedited disability claims through the VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, ensuring access to benefits at the earliest possible moment. The VFW thanks Representative Beyer for introducing this important legislation and prioritizing a smooth transition for service members from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs.” 

“The transition from military service to civilian life can be difficult for veterans who must overcome obstacles that hinder their ability to gain and sustain meaningful employment,” said DAV’s National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “DAV is proud to support the Veterans Transition Act of 2025, which aims to improve this transition by mandating early, proactive outreach through the Solid Start program —as early as 210 days before separation. We applaud Representatives Beyer, Ciscomani, and McGarvey for their leadership on this vital issue that will ensure every service member gets the help they have earned.”

“Too many veterans fall through the cracks because the disability claims process is stacked against them from day one,” said Common Defense’s Deputy Director for Government Relations John Kamin. “Common Defense is proud to support Congressman Beyer’s Veterans Transition Support Act, which takes a smart, commonsense approach to make sure servicemembers get critical guidance before they separate—when they still have access to their records and can actually act on it. By strengthening the VA’s Solid Start program, this legislation will help veterans get the care and benefits they’ve earned without needless delays and red tape.”

Full text of the Veterans Transition Support Act is available here, with a one-pager available here. 

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

 Previously, the Virginia Department of Energy awarded the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) a $1,950,000 Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program grant. The AMLER funds support construction of a two-story commercial office space at the Southern Gap.

Today, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) attended a check presentation for the AMLER funds.

Following the event, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Buchanan County is using AMLER funds to reinvigorate the local economy, attract businesses and drive regional investments.

“I considered this project so important that I drove to Grundy from Washington, D.C., after voting to reopen the government at 8:30 pm last night.

“This AMLER grant for nearly $2 million helps the Buchanan County IDA pursue a construction project that provides rentable commercial space and housing to potential residents and businesses in Buchanan County.”

BACKGROUND

In January 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Rep. Griffith made the announcement for this AMLER award.

Administered by the Virginia Department of Energy, AMLER projects include but are not limited to infrastructure improvements and site redevelopment. Such work may also include cleaning up gob piles and taking down high walls to make the area safe and developable.

As the leading advocate in Virginia for the AMLER program, Rep. Griffith was instrumental in ensuring the inclusion of the Commonwealth in the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) pilot program, now known as AMLER. Since then, Southwest Virginia has been able to obtain tens of millions of federal dollars.

This year, Rep. Griffith testified to a Congressional panel to protect funding for the AMLER program.

Last year, Rep. Griffith successfully added an amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill to make the AMLER program run more effectively.

In 2024, AMLER awarded $10 million to projects in deep Southwest Virginia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing November 10 – 16, 2025, as National Caregiving Youth Week. The resolution honors the contributions and commitment of children and adolescents under 18 years who serve as primary or secondary caregivers for a loved one who is aging, has a chronic illness, disability, frailty, or other health condition requiring regular assistance. It is estimated that there are over six million caregiving youth nationwide.

“All over the country, there are young people who set aside their own needs—school work, extracurricular activities, and time with their friends—to serve as caregivers for members of their family who may be elderly, ill, or disabled,” said Rep. Frankel. “November is National Family Caregivers Month, and we’re proud to recognize the tremendous work and sacrifice of these young caregivers.”

“Our country is home to millions of kindhearted youth who care for family members that need their help,” said Rep. Salazar. “I am honored to co-lead this resolution recognizing caregiving youth whose sacrifices humble and inspire all of us.”

“More than six million caregiving youth in the U.S. remain largely invisible, trying to balance school and life while providing essential care for a chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family member,” said Dr. Connie Siskowski, President and Founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY). “Most people don’t realize the challenging, difficult, and otherwise adult roles these children must take on through no fault of their own, all while their brains and bodies are still developing. They deserve and need formal support and accommodations within systems of education and health care. As one boy said, ‘Dr. Connie, where would our country be without caregiving youth?’ No child should feel alone in this journey as they strive to succeed academically and personally.”

The resolution:

• Supports the designation of National Caregiving Youth Week;
• Recognizes caregiving youth in the United States as an underserved and underrecognized population;
• Encourages educators, policymakers, health care professionals, and others to become more familiar with the work, needs, and contributions of caregiving youth; and
• Supports Federal initiatives to provide up-to-date nationwide research on caregiving youth.

The Members were joined by 5 original cosponsors: Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12)

The resolution is supported by the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY).

For full text of the resolution, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after passage of the Republican spending bill.

“I voted no because this Republican spending bill leaves working families sicker and poorer while making health care more expensive for everyone,” said Rep. Frankel. “Millions of Americans—their budgets already stretched to the limit—will see their health insurance premiums skyrocket, forcing them to choose between seeing a doctor and paying the rent.
 
I’m not giving up. The fight is just beginning.”­

Source: United States House of Representatives – CONGRESSMAN JIM HIMES (4th District of Connecticut)

Connecticut Congressional Members Urge Defense Department to Strengthen Investment in Black Hawk Platform | Press Releases | Congressman Jim Himes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – ICYMI: Congresswoman Haley Stevens voted NO on the Republicans’ spending bill because it failed to lower costs for Michigan families and did nothing to make health care more affordable for Michiganders.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing and reading about Haley standing up against the GOP spending bill: 

Deadline Detroit: Michigan Democratic Congress Members Speak Out After Voting No On GOP Spending Package

By: Allan Lengel 

• Some Michigan Democratic members of Congress spoke out Wednesday night, explaining why they voted against the GOP spending package to reopen the government.
• “Tonight, I voted no on the Republicans’ spending bill because their plan fails Michiganders, ignores working families, and offers lip service instead of actually lowering costs for our families.”
• “Republicans have time and time again voted to raise health care costs and threatened health care coverage for families who depend on it. I won’t rubber-stamp a plan that leaves Michiganders worse off. I will keep fighting to lower costs, expand affordable health care, and create jobs while investing in our manufacturing economy to support the hard-working families across our state.”

WJBK

• Democrat Haley Stevens voted No on the bill.
• She says, “Republicans have time and time again voted to raise health care costs and threatened health care coverage for families who depend on it.”
• “I won’t rubber-stamp a plan that leaves Michiganders worse off.”

WSBT

• Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens from suburban Detroit spoke out about why she voted No on this spending bill.
• “I voted no on the Republicans’ spending bill because their plan fails Michiganders, ignores working families, and offers lip service instead of actually lowering costs for our families.”

CBS Detroit

• Haley Stevens put out a statement about today’s vote, adding she voted No because the spending bill fails Michiganders.

WWJ

• Following the vote on the funding bill, Michigan Congresswoman released the following statement.
• “Tonight I voted no on the Republicans’ spending bill because their plan fails Michiganders, ignores working families, and offers up lip service instead of actually lowering costs for our families.”

WKBZ

• Following the vote, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens said she voted No on the Republican spending bill.
• Because their plan “fails Michiganders, ignores working families, and offers lip service instead of actually lowering costs for families.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) today sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner demanding answers about the tragic death of Nicholas John Acker of Trenton at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park.

“Reports indicate on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Nicholas was found in a mail handling machine and had been dead for 6-8 hours before he was found,” the lawmakers write. “We have been told he checked into work at 11 am and his body wasn’t found until 12:30 pm the following day. The NDC has not said when Nicholas was last seen.”

“Nicholas served nine years in the Air Force and had gotten engaged in the past two weeks. He was a maintenance mechanic at the NDC and had mentioned concerns about the way the facility was run to his fiancée,” the lawmakers continue. “His union management had also raised concerns about safety measures and procedures at the facility, and more than 90 days ago, the union filed an Article 14 grievance stating that management was putting pressure on staff to look for letters while the handling machine was operating. When Nicholas didn’t return home from work on Saturday, his fiancée went to the facility where she waited outside the gates for three hours, as she watched emergency responders arrive, before she was notified of Nicholas’s death.”

“We are requesting answers to questions that have arisen from this unnecessary tragedy,” the lawmakers conclude. “We worry what it means for the workers that officials were not called to the scene until hours after Nicholas died. Further, we are concerned how long Nicholas was in the machine before he was found and whether the machine was operating or turned off.” 

1. When was management made aware of Nicholas’s disappearance, and what actions were taken to locate him? At what time did these actions occur? 
2. Did the clock system flag Nicholas for missing his basic clock rings (check in/out and lunch in/out), and if so, when did it flag him? 
3. When did management learn of Nicholas’s death, and when was this reported to emergency services? 
4. Was the handling machine powered on or off at the time of Nicholas’s death?
5. Why did it take so long to notice Nicholas’s disappearance? 
6. How often are workers accounted for during their shifts? After Nicholas checked in at 11am, did he check in or out again? 
7. Is there video surveillance or monitoring where Nicholas was working? 
8. Did Nicholas have a work sheet, route sheet, or work order for dumper A-17? What time did Nicholas go up to dumper A-17? 
9. When was dumper A-17 last serviced, and did it have a history of breaking down? 
10. What are the safety protocols for going up on dumper A-17 and when employees are working on dumper A-17, are they alone or partnered up? If they do not have a partner, why do they not have a partner?  
11. Have there been any prior accidents with this type of mail handling machine at the NDC or at any other USPS facilities?  
12. Are maintenance mechanics trained on how to withdraw fallen mail or packages from machines and what are the safety protocols for withdrawing the fallen mail or packages? 
13. Is there a certain time during a shift that maintenance mechanics are supposed to withdraw fallen mail or packages?
14. Is there a briefing where tour 1 and tour 2 maintenance mechanics overlap and give updates on the status of maintenance work completed during the prior shift?
15. Does the NDC keep training records, and if so, when was Nicholas trained on the safety procedures for dumper A-17 and for withdrawing fallen mail and packages from machines?
16. Has management advised workers at the NDC to extract fallen mail and packages while the handling machines are operating?
17. Do the conveyor and dumping machines at the NDC have sensors to halt the system when something, or someone, is impeding the moving parts of the machine? Does the conveyor system have emergency stops? If not, why not?
18. Do the maintenance mechanics have a check-in system with their management when they are working in dangerous spots, such as dumper A-17?
19. Where does the NDC keep their Postal Service Form 1767? It is our understanding that this form is where employees can express their safety concerns and receive a response to their concerns from postal management on the same day. However, we have been informed that when the maintenance mechanics raised concerns using PS1767s, the forms were relocated. Had anyone at the NDC filled out a PS1767 with concerns about dumper A-17, and if so, what was done to address their concerns? 

View the full text of the letter here.