MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) introduced the Jumpstart Savings Act, today. This important legislation will help Americans save tax-free for careers in the trades, skilled labor, and apprenticeship-based professions while strengthening the nation’s workforce as the United States rebuilds its manufacturing and industrial base.

The Jumpstart Savings Act establishes tax-advantaged savings accounts modeled after 529 college savings plans. These accounts allow individuals and families to save for apprenticeship programs, trade certifications, tools, equipment, and small business startup costs associated with skilled professions.

The manufacturing sector is projected to need 3.8 million new workers by 2033, with nearly half of those positions expected to go unfilled due to a lack of training. The average startup cost for a small business in the trades can exceed $100,000, creating a significant barrier to entry for many Americans seeking high-paying, in-demand jobs. By aligning tax policy with workforce development, this legislation helps remove those barriers and expands access to skilled careers.

The bill authorizes states to administer Jumpstart Savings programs and requires program administrators to report contributions, distributions, and account activity to both account holders and the Internal Revenue Service.

BACKGROUND: Proven Success in West Virginia

Congressman Moore previously championed a similar initiative at the state level while serving as West Virginia State Treasurer. Drawing on his own experience working as a welder, Moore authored and successfully implemented the West Virginia Jumpstart Savings Program, the first state-level tax-advantaged savings program designed to help residents save for tools, equipment, certifications, licensure, apprenticeship expenses, and business startup costs related to skilled trades and technical occupations.

The program was passed unanimously by the West Virginia Legislature and signed into law, with strong adoption across multiple industries. 

Permitted Uses of Jumpstart Funds: 

Under the Jumpstart Savings Act, qualified expenses include:

– Costs necessary to start and operate a small business related to the specific trade or occupation

– Replacement of tools and equipment essential to the business

– Expenses associated with Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship programs

– Tuition, books, fees, and required equipment for associate degree or certification programs at community and technical colleges

– Certification and licensure fees required to enter a trade or occupation

-529 account savings can be rolled into Jumpstart Savings accounts

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“Too many hardworking Americans are locked out of the trades not because they lack skill or work ethic, but because the upfront costs are simply too high. I experienced this firsthand working as a welder—tools, equipment, certifications, and startup expenses add up fast. 

The Jumpstart Savings Act helps workers overcome those barriers by giving them a tax-free option to save, start a business, and build a career in the trades. This is about restoring opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and making sure the United States has the skilled labor it needs to usher in America’s Golden Age.”

Joining Congressman Riley M. Moore on this resolution are the following members of Congress: Representatives Michael Rulli (OH-06), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Barry Moore (AL-01), and Craig Goldman (TX-12).

“The Jump Start Savings Act encourages working Americans to save tax-free for the tools, trucks, and training they need to succeed. By supporting those pursuing good-paying union and trades jobs, we are reminding the next generation that there are more paths to success than just through a four-year college. This bill is about dignity of work, growing American manufacturing, and making sure Americans are equipped to earn a great living with their hands without drowning in debt” Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06) said.

“The average startup cost for a small business in the trades is $100,000. I’m proud to team up with Riley Moore to create Jumpstart Savings — so working Americans pursuing the trades can afford real start-up costs of building a career, like tools and equipment, licenses, and apprenticeship expenses. I’ll keep working to expand pathways into good-paying jobs without forcing people to borrow their way there” Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) said. 

Organizations that support this resolution are the following: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Associated Builders and Contractors, and The Heritage Foundation.

“Jump Start Accounts would be a powerful and tax-free tool for individuals to more easily pursue apprenticeships and careers in Teamsters-represented industries” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters commend Representative Moore for his support for the millions of Americans who choose paths outside of four-year colleges.”

“The Jumpstart program is a forward-looking investment in America’s workforce,” said Kristen Swearingen, Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Builders and Contractors. “By giving individuals, a tax-advantaged way to save for apprenticeships, certifications, tools and trade education, this bill removes financial barriers and expands access to rewarding careers in construction and the skilled trades. This legislation empowers workers, strengthens local economies and helps ensure we have the upskilled workforce needed to build and maintain our communities.”

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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 – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Scott Peters (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced the Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act, a bill to clarify that children enrolled in Medicaid who have a suspected rare disease or genetic disorder can access genomic sequencing, a diagnostic tool that has quickly become the standard of care, to help get answers more quickly.

“The Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act takes an important step toward improving outcomes for children facing rare, complex, and often undiagnosed medical conditions,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “For too many families, the search for answers can take years-often involving countless tests, ongoing uncertainty, and significant emotional and financial strain. This legislation clarifies access to advanced genomic sequencing and research tools that can lead to earlier diagnoses, more targeted treatments, and better care for children with rare diseases. This legislation also continues important momentum started by several states, including my home state of Florida, which passed the groundbreaking Sunshine Genetics Act last year.”

Background:

More than 30 million Americans live with a rare disease, and over half are children. For many families, the search for a diagnosis-often called the “diagnostic odyssey”-can take 4 to 8 years, involve multiple misdiagnoses, numerous tests that do not yield the needed answers, and cost thousands of dollars in additional health care expenses. Whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing can dramatically shorten this process and provide patients with answers in days or weeks to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.

The legislation clarifies that genomic sequencing is covered under Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit for eligible children in both inpatient and outpatient settings and directs states to implement an inpatient diagnosis-related group add-on payment to support access in hospital settings. Studies show that genomic sequencing is not only clinically effective, but also cost-efficient in certain cases, and major medical organizations recommend its use for pediatric patients with suspected rare diseases or undiagnosed conditions.

The Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act was also inspired, in part by  Project Baby Bear, led by Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego from 2018 to 2020. The study found that the use of these rapid diagnostic tests to help patients get treated more quickly can save lives and thousands of dollars in unnecessary health care costs per patient. Project Baby Bear’s success prompted other states to follow suit and begin their own pilot programs: Project Baby Manatee in Florida, Project Baby Deer in Michigan, and Project Baby Badger in Wisconsin.

“San Diego is home to groundbreaking scientific innovations, especially in genomics, which helps diagnose and treat some of the world’s most pressing diseases,” said Rep. Peters. “It’s hard enough for parents and families to face an unknown medical future for a young child and they should have access to every available diagnostic tool. Medicaid coverage for whole genome sequencing will allow doctors to better target treatments and improve children’s lives. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to turn innovation into real results for patients.”

“Too many families spend years searching for answers while their child’s condition worsens,” said Rep. Veasey. “The Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act requires Medicaid to cover whole genome and whole exome sequencing to ensure children and their families can receive accurate and timely diagnoses. This bill is about empowering families with the hope, clarity, and tools necessary to take charge of their child’s health.”

“For families of children with rare and undiagnosed conditions, there are often more questions than answers. Genetic and genomic testing gives physicians the tools to properly diagnose and treat sooner. The Genomic Answers for Children’s Act removes barriers so more children can access this life-changing diagnostic technology and begin receiving the treatment they need,” said Rep. Balderson

“I’m proud to co-lead the Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act because far too many children with rare diseases wait years for a diagnosis. With millions of kids affected by conditions that are often genetic and hard to identify, this bill helps families get answers sooner so children can receive the right care at the right time. Earlier clarity can make all the difference for a child’s health and a family’s peace of mind,” said Rep. Mullin.

“I’m proud to support the Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act, which will allow more children across our nation to access this powerful tool, providing them and their families with the more accurate diagnosis they need and deserve,” said Rep. Salazar. “Genomic sequencing is revolutionizing the way we approach healthcare. In my district, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital uses it as a core component of its Pharmacogenomics Program.”

This bill is endorsed by: Rady Children’s Hospital, National Society of Genetic Counselors, Ambry Genetics, Avery’s Hope, Firefly Fund, Histiocytosis Association, NW Rare Disease Coalition, Born a Hero Research Foundation, Rare Rising, Children’s Minnesota, Baylor Genetics, American Clinical Laboratory Association, Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MI AAP), Genome Medical, MI Rare Alliance, The Bonnell Foundation, Bronson Children’s Hospital, Aimed Alliance, KIF1A.org, CureLGMD2i, PWSA|USA, Child Neurology Foundation, Michigan Hospital Association, and Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Alliance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) led a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the U.S. Department of State to continue publicly condemning the Iranian regime’s violent repression of peaceful protesters following reports of lethal force, mass arrests, and intimidation of civilians.

The letter raises particular concerns over reports that Iranian authorities have escalated their crackdown by targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and medical facilities, and denying injured protesters access to urgent medical care, actions that constitute serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

In the letter to Secretary Rubio, the lawmakers wrote:

“The Iranian people have made clear their demand for a secular, democratic, non-nuclear republic grounded in political pluralism and respect for human dignity. Protesters have also explicitly rejected all forms of authoritarian rule, whether Iran’s former monarchy dictatorship or its current theocratic system, and seek the right to determine their own future. Recent international reactions against the regime’s brutalities underscore the urgent global concern over continued violence against civilians and abuses of power in Iran.”

The letter calls on the Department of State to maintain a strong, public posture condemning the regime’s abuses and to reaffirm America’s commitment to universal human rights and solidarity with the Iranian people.

This letter was signed by 59 Members of Congress.

“The Iranian people have made it unmistakably clear that they reject this regime and the system of repression it has imposed on them,” said Rep. Weber. “From mass arrests to targeting hospitals, the regime has shown it will use any means to silence political dissent. The United States must continue to condemn these abuses and stand with the Iranian people as they demand the right to determine their own future.”

Read more from the Washington Reporter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Highlights Michigan Infrastructure Priorities

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar testified in front of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to advocate for key infrastructure priorities impacting Michigan.

“Infrastructure projects are critical to public safety, economic growth, and the long-term resilience of our communities,” said Moolenaar. “I appreciate the Committee’s attention to these Michigan priorities, and I will keep working to ensure Michigan’s Second Congressional District receives the support it needs.” 

The testimony can be found here. Moolenaar highlighted the need for investment in aviation infrastructure at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, including replacement of the aging air traffic control tower to improve safety and support future expansion. He also stressed the importance of expediting FEMA funding to complete restoration of the Midland Center for the Arts following the 2020 dam failures, allowing the community to fully reopen this vital cultural hub. Additionally, Moolenaar emphasized continued support for the Army Corps of Engineers Tittabawassee River Watershed study to advance long-term flood mitigation solutions for mid-Michigan communities. 

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

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

Congress has made steady progress towards full-year government funding. In November, President Trump signed the first three appropriations bills into law. Building off that momentum, the U.S. House of Representatives passed three more appropriations bills last Thursday. Following that big win, the Appropriations Committee took another step in moving full-year funding measures forward by introducing two more bills over the weekend.

As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, I am of course very proud to see the progress we are making. We are giving policy force, focusing on our priorities, and implementing the mandate of the American people. Through these bills, we are advancing President Trump’s golden age and ensuring the government remains open and working for the taxpayers.

However, one of the most significant achievements of the appropriations bills, which are often not talked about enough, is the delivery of critical community projects nationwide.

Last Spring, every member of the House was given the opportunity to participate in the annual appropriations process. Through something referred to as “community project funding,” we were able to request funding for specific projects in our communities, so long as the projects have a federal nexus and meet other requirements established by the law, House Rules, and the Appropriations Committee. 
So, now, as we move forward in passing funding legislation ahead of the January 30^th deadline, we are seeing Members’ requests become law as part of these bills – an achievement we can all, no matter our political preferences, take pride in.

I know that I, for one, can confidently say I am very proud to see what I have been able to secure for Oklahoma’s Fourth District through these appropriations bills. 

For example, in November, through the Military Construction appropriations legislation, I was able to secure funding for both Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill Army Installation. Then, just last week, I secured funding for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office to acquire Rapid DNA technology systems that they have wanted for quite some time. Additionally, a critical $1.351 billion for the National Weather Service, including the National Weather Center in Norman, and $20.9 million for tornado severe storm research, including the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory at the University of Oklahoma, was secured. 

Through the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, I secured funding for the Moore Public Works Authority Water Transmission Line Project and to support tribes throughout the Fourth District. From money for activities that lead to lower costs for rural homes and farms to projects at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and so much more, I can truly say these funding packages will make a difference in Oklahoma and in Members’ districts throughout the country – and there is so much more to be secured in the next six appropriations bills.

So, as we continue to work to pass full-year funding for the government, I look forward to sending more appropriations bills to President Trump’s desk and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting these critical pieces of legislation.

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

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of H.R. 7006, a two-bill funding package covering the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) and the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations measures for the fiscal year 2026. After voting in favor of the package, he released the following statement: 

“Congress is maintaining momentum on full-year government funding. President Trump signed the first three appropriations bills into law in November. Then, last Thursday, the House passed a package of three more funding bills. Now, today, we added two more bills to that tally,” said Congressman Cole.

“With this two-bill funding package, we are advancing the mandate of the American people and continuing to reign in President Trump’s golden age. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are supported, and consumer freedom is safeguarded. We protect our nation by strengthening cyber defenses and dismantling the networks that enable terrorism and drug trafficking. By realigning our diplomacy and national posture to deter threats, peace through strength is being restored,” said Congressman Cole.

“I am very proud of the hard work the Appropriations Committee, our Cardinals, Democratic Ranking Members, and Republican leadership has put in to get this legislation through the finish line. These bills serve a clear purpose – safety, security, and freedom – and I look forward to sending it to President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Cole.

Key Provisions in the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026

Financial Services and General Government

• Modernizes the IRS to better support taxpayers and crack down on fraud.
• Supports entrepreneurship and small business development.
• Maintains “Buy American” provisions.
• Protects consumer freedom in kitchen appliance, other tool, and recreational vehicle products through prohibition of Biden-era regulations.
• Maintains critical pro-life riders.
• Invests in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program to strengthen interdiction efforts and stop narcotics from entering our borders.
• Takes steps to identify underutilized federal office spaces to cut wasteful Washington spending.

National Security, Department of State, and Related Agencies

Oklahoma Priorities/ Congressman Cole Secured in the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026

Financial Services and General Government 

• $28 million for Native Initiatives at the Community Development Financial Institution Fun, improving financial capacity for tribal nations to expand community development.
• $5.3 million for Native American outreach through the Small Business Association’s Office of Native American Affairs.
• $324 million for the Community Development Financial Institution Fund, allowing for access to opportunities and economic growth in rural communities.
• $27 million for the Small Business Association’s Women’s Business Centers.
• $45 million for the Election Assistance Commission’s Election Security Grants to ensure our elections are safe from cyber threats and other bad actors.
• Secured language requiring the General Services Administration to audit all its technology to identify IT products that were produced by companies with ties to the People’s Republic of China.
• Secured language requiring the Office of Management and Budget to work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of the National Cyber Director to submit a report to Congress on the status of the deployment of Endpoint Detection and Response solutions, as well as a timeline of full coverage to combat cyber threats from sophisticated adversaries like Russia and China.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Co-chair of the Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATR) Caucus, today cheered the reinstatement of nearly $2 billion in grants to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The reinstatement of this funding, which spanned more than 2,000 grants across the nation that addressed issues from youth overdose prevention to prenatal and postpartum care for women, comes just one day after grantees received letters from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly cancelling this funding.

Yesterday, Tonko led 100 colleagues in the House in a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. calling for clarity from the administration on the reason for the sudden slash in grants and demanding that funding be restored immediately.

“Following a groundswell of opposition, the Trump administration announced that they would restore funding to the thousands of programs that provide lifesaving behavioral health care across the nation,” Congressman Tonko said. “I’m proud of the swift and resolute push by myself, my colleagues, media, and advocates to call attention to these disastrous cuts and hold this administration accountable for the pain they would inflict. The announced reversal of these cuts is a victory for anyone who cares about addressing mental health and addiction in our communities. But let’s be clear, these cuts should never have happened in the first place.

Tonko continued, “The notice of these cuts sent shockwaves of chaos through the organizations seeking to address mental health and addiction and fear for the countless individuals who depend on this treatment. These are people’s lives on the line, and they should never be so callously and senselessly swept aside. I’ll be following closely to ensure that every dollar that Congress approved for these programs is delivered. To this administration I implore — do better.”

Rep. Tonko has been sounding the alarm on Trump administration cuts to SAMHSA and the impact on funding for communities for the last year. In March of 2025, he held a roundtable with fired SAMHSA workers about the devastating impact of cuts to the agency, and has repeatedly called out further actions by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to cut these programs and fire staff.

The letter can be viewed HERE. Members who signed on are as follows:

Co-leads: Tonko, Paul; Dean, Madeleine; Beyer, Donald; Salinas, Andrea; Fitzpatrick, Brian; Trahan, Lori; Pettersen, Brittany; Matsui, Doris; Moulton, Seth; Amo, Gabe; Carter, Troy; Balint, Becca; Schrier, Kim;

Signers: Auchincloss, Jake; Bell, Wesley; Bishop, Sanford; Bonamici, Suzanne; Bresnahan, Robert; Brown, Shontel; Budzinski, Nikki; Carbajal, Salud; Casten, Sean; Castro, Joaquin; Chu, Judy; Cohen, Steve; Davis, Danny; DelBene, Suzan; Deluzio, Christopher; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Doggett, Lloyd; Elfreth, Sarah; Escobar, Veronica; Espaillat, Adriano; Fields, Cleo; Figures, Shomari; Fletcher, Lizzie; García, Jesús; Gillen, Laura; Goldman, Daniel; Grijalva, Adelita; Harder, Josh; Hernández, Pablo; Horsford, Steven; Hoyle, Val; Ivey, Glenn; Jacobs, Sara; Jayapal, Pramila; Kamlager-Dove, Sydney; Kelly, Robin; Kennedy, Timothy; Khanna, Ro; Krishnamoorthi, Raja; Landsman, Greg; Larsen, Rick; Larson, John; Lee, Summer; Lee, Susie; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; Lynch, Stephen; McClellan, Jennifer; McDonald Rivet, Kristen; McGovern, James; McIver, LaMonica; Meeks, Gregory; Meng, Grace; Morrison, Kelly; Moylan, James; Norcross, Donald; Omar, Ilhan; Panetta, Jimmy; Pappas, Chris; Pelosi, Nancy; Pocan, Mark; Pou, Nellie; Pressley, Ayanna; Quigley, Mike; Ramirez, Delia; Randall, Emily; Riley, Josh; Rivas, Luz; Scanlon, Mary Gay; Schakowsky, Janice; Schneider, Bradley; Simon, Lateefah; Smith, Adam; Stansbury, Melanie; Stanton, Greg; Strickland, Marilyn; Suozzi, Thomas; Swalwell, Eric; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Mike; Tlaib, Rashida; Tokuda, Jill; Vasquez, Gabe; Walkinshaw, James; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; Whitesides, George; Williams, Nikema

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

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman Pete Stauber introduced H.J. Res. 140, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) disapproval resolution that would reverse the Biden Administration’s illegal mining ban in Northern Minnesota. Following the resolution’s introduction, Congressman Stauber released the following statement:

“The Biden Administration’s decision to enact its illegal mining ban in Northern Minnesota was not only an attack on our way of life and cost countless good-paying, union jobs, it also put our nation’s mineral security at risk. By locking up the Duluth Complex—the world’s largest untapped copper-nickel deposit—President Biden cemented our nation’s reliance on foreign adversarial nations like China for critical minerals that will be necessary for the United States to compete and win in the 21st Century.

“I am proud to stand with the hardworking men and women of Northern Minnesota and protect our region’s way of life and our rich, 145-year mining history. I look forward to Congress’s swift consideration of H.J. Res. 140, so we can send this resolution to President Trump’s desk and prevent future administrations from enacting similar, dangerous mining bans in the future.”

Background: In January 2023, the Department of the Interior, at the direction of former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, issued Public Land Order (PLO) 7917, instituting a 20-year mineral withdrawal covering 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota. This mineral withdrawal banned mining and other responsible resource extraction in a strategically significant area of the Duluth Complex, which is the largest untapped copper-nickel deposit in the world. Under the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Department of the Interior is required to notify Congress of public land orders impacting an excess of 5,000 acres. The Biden Administration failed to properly transmit PLO 7917 to Congress in January 2023.

Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress has the authority to review and disapprove of federal actions within 60 Senate session days of the action’s submission to Congress. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval addressing a federal action is passed by both chambers and signed by the President, it is nullified and ceases to have effect (or is treated as never having taken effect). Additionally, under the CRA’s substantially similar provision, when a federal action is successfully disapproved of by Congress, the executive branch is prohibited

from taking a substantially similar action in the future. Now that the Trump Administration has properly transmitted PLO 7917 to Congress, it is now eligible for Congressional review under the CRA.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board urging them to reject the motion submitted by the proponents of the Uinta Basin Railway project and to engage in a comprehensive review of the project, including robust public comment. 

“We urge the Board to reject the motion submitted by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to reaffirm the Board’s previous approval of the project with a truncated review. Instead, the Board should engage in a thorough, rigorous evaluation of the project that includes robust public participation and a supplemental environmental impact statement that considers the project’s risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, air, and climate,” wrote the lawmakers.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the Board’s original environmental review failed to take a “hard look” at the project’s effects on Colorado communities, as required by law. The lawmakers emphasize that input from Colorado communities is crucial, particularly from local governments and water districts located along the proposed rail line. A train accident or spill could have catastrophic effects not only on Colorado’s water supplies, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation assets, but also on the broader Colorado River Basin. 

“We urge the Board to carefully consider those concerns before rendering a decision that could jeopardize the water supplies, environment, and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Without a robust analysis and full public review, the errors identified in the D.C. Circuit Court’s original decision would remain unaddressed, and the legitimacy of the Board’s action would be undermined,” continued the lawmakers.

“We appreciate the importance of expanding our nation’s energy infrastructure, but we cannot accept an approach that places the Colorado River and the 40 million Americans who depend on it at unnecessary risk,” concluded the lawmakers.

Neguse and Bennet have consistently raised concerns about the proposed Uinta Basin Railway and its risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, air, and climate. In June 2025, Neguse and Bennet opposed the expedited review of the Wildcat Loadout facility.  In May 2025, Neguse and Bennet expressed their disappointment with the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition V. Eagle County, Colorado. In October 2024, Neguse and Bennet joined Colorado leaders to support Eagle County’s position before the U.S. Supreme Court in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado. In January 2024, Neguse and Bennet applauded the U.S. Forest Service’s withdrawal of its Record of Decision that would have authorized the issuance of a special use permit for the Uinta Basin Railway. In August 2023, the lawmakers welcomed the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision to overrule the Surface Transportation Board’s approval of the project, vacating its environmental review and ordering a new review. Leading up to these decisions, Neguse and Bennet urged federal agencies to conduct additional environmental review of the risks to Colorado from the proposed project — including to the Council on Environmental Quality in July 2022, and to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency in March 2023.

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Chairman Fuchs:

As the Surface Transportation Board (“the Board”) considers the Uinta Basin Railway project (“the Railway”) on remand from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, we urge the Board to reject the motion submitted by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to reaffirm the Board’s previous approval of the project with a truncated review. Instead, the Board should engage in a thorough, rigorous evaluation of the project that includes robust public participation and a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) that considers the project’s risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, air, and climate. 

In 2021, the Board’s Final EIS concluded that the Railway would enable the shipment of up to 4.6 billion gallons of crude oil per year from Utah through Colorado to the Gulf Coast on as many as five, two-mile-long trains per day. These trains would run for over 100 miles directly alongside the headwaters of the Colorado River – a vital water supply for nearly 40 million Americans, 30 Tribal nations, millions of acres of agricultural land, and a main driver of our state’s recreation and tourism economies.

A train derailment that spills oil in the headwaters of the Colorado River would be catastrophic not only to our state’s water supplies, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation assets, but also to the broader Colorado River Basin. Train accidents and spills are not rare, as the recent derailment of a coal train into the Gunnison River underscores. In addition, an accident along the rail line could further increase wildfire risk at a time when the West already faces severe drought. Many Colorado communities along the proposed railway are still recovering from extreme wildfires, severe flash flooding, and mudslides, while managing water levels at unprecedented lows. This project also poses new hazards for Denver residents, where it is estimated to quadruple the number of rail cars carrying hazardous materials through the city.

The Board’s EIS did not disclose these potential effects on the Colorado River and Colorado communities, a flaw that the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals concluded meant that the EIS failed to take the “hard look” required by law. The U.S. Supreme Court’s May 2025 ruling did not address or disturb this part of the D.C. Circuit’s decision. The Board should conduct a thorough and updated supplemental EIS that assesses these risks. As part of that process, the Board should ensure Colorado communities have the opportunity to have their voices heard. A wide range of local governments, water districts, and other stakeholders along the Union Pacific rail line continue to have grave concerns about the risks of the project. We urge the Board to carefully consider those concerns before rendering a decision that could jeopardize the water supplies, environment, and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Without a robust analysis and full public review, the errors identified in the D.C. Circuit Court’s original decision would remain unaddressed, and the legitimacy of the Board’s action would be undermined. 

Additionally, a detailed supplemental EIS is necessary since the Board’s EIS is now over four years old. Furthermore, the economic analysis underpinning the Board’s decision is now more than seven years old and fails to account for the current global oversupply of oil or the significantly increased cost of steel, two factors that call the Railway’s economic viability into question. 

We appreciate the importance of expanding our nation’s energy infrastructure, but we cannot accept an approach that places the Colorado River and the 40 million Americans who depend on it at unnecessary risk. 

We appreciate your consideration of this important matter. 

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