MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

LOS ANGELES, CA – Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee and South Bay representative, released the following statement today, in response to the recent explosion and fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo:

“I am relieved that the explosion and fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo was effectively contained, and I am grateful that there were no reported casualties. I commend all of the firefighters and first responders who were involved in responding to this emergency.

“This incident is a sobering reminder that safety is of paramount importance at refineries, especially when they are located in densely populated regions like Los Angeles County. Even well-run refineries can have accidents, and it is imperative that refinery operators do everything possible to ensure that refinery operations do not cause harm to workers, contractors, or the surrounding community. 

“It was fortunate that this Chevron refinery does not use hydrofluoric acid (HF). HF is a highly toxic chemical used in the refining process at some refineries, including the Torrance refinery, which is located in my congressional district. An accidental release of this dangerous chemical could injure or kill large numbers of people in the surrounding community. An investigation by the Chemical Safety Board concluded that the Torrance refinery’s 2015 explosion, which launched an 80,000-pound piece of equipment into the air, close to a container of HF, could have been catastrophic if the toxic chemical had been released. 

“We cannot afford to keep taking chances. That is why last year I introduced the Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of HF at Refineries Act (H.R.10441). This bill would prohibit the use of HF to refine petroleum at new refineries and require existing refineries that currently use HF – like the Torrance refinery – to convert to a safer alternative within 5 years. 

“I am hopeful that this incident will provide an incentive for the Torrance refinery – as well as other refineries that still use HF – to stop using this dangerous chemical and convert to a safer technology. It would be a good business decision.

“I urge all refineries to invest in the safest available technologies and put safety first in all of their operations. Nothing is more important than the safety of our workers, our families, and our communities.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — released the following statement on the two-year anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.

“I will never forget visiting Israel in the wake of October 7 and watching the harrowing footage of Hamas’ barbaric massacre — footage I agreed to bring home and show to other members of Congress. Hamas’ savagery on that day knew no bounds. They not only assaulted women, burned children, and murdered entire families in cold blood, but they also recorded themselves doing it,” said Chairman Emeritus Mccaul. “Two years later, we remember the horrors of that day, honor the nearly 1,200 innocent lives lost and 251 people taken captive, and pray for the safe return of all remaining hostages, including the 20 still alive in captivity.

“Today, we are closer to peace than we’ve been since Hamas started this gruesome war, thanks to President Trump’s efforts. After decades of hostility, his plan opens the door to prosperity and peace for both Israel and the Palestinian people. If Hamas knows what’s good for them, they will release all hostages, disarm, and relinquish power — without delay.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) issued the following statement on Tuesday, October 7, two years after Hamas’ terrorist attack in Israel:

“Today marks two years since Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack – a day that saw 1,200 innocent Israelis killed, thousands more injured, and 251 taken hostage. I am spending today reflecting on and remembering those who lost their lives and those who have yet to be returned home to their loved ones. I condemn this attack and am keeping the families of those who are still missing in my heart.”

“Since the events of October 7, the world has changed. Prime Minister Netanyahu has used this horrific tragedy to further the goals of his extremist right-wing government and has triggered a humanitarian crisis beyond comprehension. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank – particularly children – have had their homes destroyed, endured malnutrition and starvation, and suffered mass casualties that have left the world watching in shock. The scale of death, destruction, and barbarity suffered by civilians over the last two years is simply unacceptable; and I implore the Trump administration to work with our international partners in the region to broker a true, lasting peace agreement.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

WATCH: Harder speaks with KCRA about his new bill to lower costs
 

STOCKTON – In case you missed it, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) spoke with KCRA’s Brandi Cummings yesterday about new legislation to finally crack down on hidden junk fees that are driving up costs for working families. Harder’s Lower Internet Costs Act forces internet service providers to lower internet plan prices by banning hidden fees and requiring more transparency in pricing models. Read the highlights from conversation below:

KEY POINTS:

• Brandi Cummings – “Service fees, equipment rentals, data overages, installation fees – internet companies add hundreds of dollars to the average household bills every year. Now one Congressman wants to help crack down on those costs.”
• “This right now is absolutely unacceptable,” said Rep. Harder. “People are getting nickel-and-dimed by deceptive internet service plans. We’ve all seen it where you find a plan that says it’s going to cost $40 a month – by the time you finally get to checkout, it’s $100 or more.”
• “There’s so many additional fees that are getting tacked on, this bill would fix all of that,” Harder continued. “It creates one requirement that there is an all-in fee for any internet service plan that will ultimately save families hundreds of dollars per year.”

Watch the interview here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

LODI – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) demanded an immediate reversal of cuts that will cancel funding for the Lodi Energy Center Hydrogen Project, which would lower energy bills, create jobs, and clean up our air. The U.S. Department of Energy is cancelling nearly $8 billion in projects across the country, which includes $35 million for the Lodi hydrogen facility. If completed, the Lodi project would be the only one of its kind in Northern California.

Valley families desperately need more clean energy:

• California ratepayers pay the second highest bills in the country, and for many families, monthly energy bills are often higher than their rent.

• Clean energy shortages make our air quality worse – Stockton and Sacramento rank among some of the worst air quality metropolitan areas in the country.

“It’s outrageous that the Department of Energy is pulling the plug on this vital project. Valley families desperately need cheaper energy, better air quality, and good paying jobs. This project was a win-win-win,” said Rep. Harder. “I’m calling on the Energy Secretary to immediately reverse these cuts and stop making life more expensive in the Valley. Washington needs to learn that our health, wallets, and future are not negotiable.”

Harder has fought for this project every step of the way:

• Historic funding – Harder helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provided this $35 million investment in Lodi.

• Local priority – Harder successfully pushed the Department of Energy to prioritize the Lodi hydrogen facility in the award funding process.

• Immediate reversal – Harder is sending a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright demanding an immediate reversal of these cuts and a restoration of the Lodi project.

“This project would have brought millions to the City of Lodi, not only through clean and affordable energy but by creating good-paying local jobs and positioning Lodi as a central hub in the clean energy future,” said Lodi City Councilmember Mikey Hothi. “Thank you to Representative Harder for taking up the mantle on this. As proposed, this would be among the first truly green hydrogen projects in the United States, a landmark we should be proud to host.”

If completed, the Lodi Hydrogen Project would be a historic asset and economic driver for the Valley. Constructed at the Northern California Power Agency’s (NCPA) existing natural gas facility, the project would produce clean hydrogen energy and increase grid reliability without any additional strain on precious Valley water supplies.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

MANTECA – Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) helped kick off the 4th annual Durga Puja Festival with the Manteca Indians, American Desi Society, and over 600 people from Manteca. One of the biggest Hindu celebrations of the year, Durga Puja brings together family, friends, and neighbors to honor tradition with dancing, great food, and a packed night of entertainment.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone for coming out and showing their support, as well as the over 200 volunteers who worked day and night to make the 2025 Durga Puja such a success,” said Rep. Harder. “From amazing artwork to exquisite foods and one-of-a-kind shows, the contributions of Manteca’s Indian community are on full display and help make the Valley such an incredible place to call home.”

Harder was joined by representatives from the Manteca Indians and American Desi Society, as well as Manteca Mayor Gary Singh, and hundreds of families from across the Valley.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

STOCKTON – Last night, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) hosted his 2025 Military Scholarship and Opportunity Night at the San Joaquin County Office of Education to give Valley students an opportunity to explore exciting military careers. The event brought together representatives from U.S. service academies, ROTC programs, and military recruiters to provide middle and high school students and families with information about scholarships, military career opportunities, and the congressional nomination process for America’s service academies.

“Nominating Valley students to our nation’s service academies is one of the greatest honors of my job,” said Rep. Harder. “We have some of the hardest-working kids in the country right here in our community, and I’m so proud to see them take the first steps toward service, leadership, and opportunity.”

 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Following completion of the Smith Canal Gate Project, Harder called for a federal flood risk re-evaluation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and the entire Georgia Democratic delegation sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) urging him to call the U.S. House back to Washington immediately to engage in good-faith bipartisan efforts to address the healthcare crisis Republican created. Below and here is a copy of the letter.

The Honorable Mike Johnson
Speaker of the House
H-232, The Capitol
Washington DC, 20515

Dear Speaker Johnson:

With health insurance premiums set to double for more than 20 million Americans and government funding lapsed, we are shocked to learn that you have decided the U.S. House of Representatives will not even come to work this week. House Republicans have now not come to work for 18 days.

Overwhelming majorities of Americans want Congress to act to prevent huge increases in health care costs and to end the government shutdown. We urge you to call the U.S. House back to Washington immediately to engage in good-faith bipartisan efforts to address these issues.

Our constituents get up each morning and come to work. With Georgians’ health care on the line and government funding expired, they expect the same from the Members of Congress who represent them.

Sincerely,

Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Raphael Warnock, Congressman Sanford Bishop, Congressman David Scott, Congresswoman Lucy McBath, Congresswoman Nikema Williams.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, and Congressman Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter today to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard demanding all intelligence and law enforcement materials related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their network of associates as the Oversight Committee continues its investigation into the Epstein files.

In their letter, the lawmakers wrote:

“Numerous public reports, including reports from attorneys representing survivors and court filings and investigative journalism, have raised significant questions regarding Mr. Epstein’s extensive contacts with foreign nationals, his unexplained sources of wealth, and his potential ties to foreign or domestic intelligence entities.”

“Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking conspiracy deserve justice and closure, and the American people deserve a full accounting.”

In pursuit of relevant information, the letter requests documents, reports, financial intelligence, and communications concerning Epstein and Maxwell’s contacts, foreign ties, and potential involvement with intelligence services. The lawmakers also directed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to preserve all relevant documents and electronically stored information.

Specifically, Krishnamoorthi and Garcia requested the following materials no later than October 21, 2025:

1. All reports, assessments, memoranda, briefing materials, or other intelligence, counterintelligence, law enforcement documents, or other materials in your possession or control referencing Mr. Epstein or Ms. Maxwell in any context, whether as primary subjects or in connection with third parties;

2. All references to Mr. Epstein or Ms. Maxwell in signals intelligence, human source reporting, or other intelligence materials in your possession or control. To the extent minimization procedures or U.S. person privacy protections mean the names of Mr. Epstein or Ms. Maxwell do not directly appear in a given product, please produce all documents where there is reason to believe the names of Mr. Epstein or Ms. Maxwell would appear but for the application of such procedures or protections;

3. All financial intelligence reports referencing or related to accounts or business entities involving Mr. Epstein’s or Ms. Maxwell;

4. All internal memoranda, briefings, communications, or comparable preparations relating to security risks posed by Mr. Epstein or Ms. Maxwell, including any discussions of involvement with foreign intelligence services;

5. All communications and documents reflecting foreign government inquiries to your agency concerning Mr. Epstein or Ms. Maxwell; and

6. Any communications or other correspondence by agency personnel, including electronic correspondence, referring or related to Mr. Epstein, Ms. Maxwell, or their activities.

Their letter is available here.