MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON –  Last night, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), co-founder and co-chair of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus (CSJC), celebrated the passage of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (CVFSA), bipartisan legislation that ensures consistent, year-to-year funding for the Crime Victims Fund (CVF). The bill allows states and local victim service providers to reliably sustain critical programs for survivors of crime. 
The Crime Victims Fund, financed through criminal fines and penalties rather than taxpayer dollars, is the primary federal funding source for Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants. These grants support essential services such as crisis counseling, emergency shelter, legal assistance, and advocacy for victims and their families. Stabilizing this funding ensures programs nationwide can continue delivering critical services, as highlighted by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators (NAVAA). 
“Survivors of crime shouldn’t have to face uncertainty when accessing critical services,” said Rep. Costa. “This bipartisan bill stabilizes the Crime Victims Fund, giving families and communities in California and across the country the certainty that help will be there when it matters most. Local programs will be able to plan ahead, retain staff, and continue providing the critical support survivors rely on every day.” 
Costa was proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Ann Wagner (MO-02), along with other original bipartisan cosponsors, including Rep. Schmidt (KS-02), Rep. Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Moran (TX-01), and Rep. Bice (OK-05). 
The House passed the legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting Congress’s commitment to victims of crime nationwide. With stabilized funding, states and local agencies can deliver uninterrupted VOCA-funded services, providing peace of mind for victims and their families who rely on these critical resources.  The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. 
Full text of the bill is available HERE. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Twelve Members of Congress have returned to federal court after the Trump-Vance administration secretly re-imposed a policy that blocks unannounced congressional oversight of federal immigration detention facilities. The Members filed a motion urgently asking the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to order the administration to explain how this new policy is not a violation of federal law guaranteeing Members of Congress the ability to conduct oversight of ICE facilities. The court’s December order affirmed all Members’ rights under federal law to conduct this oversight.

The lawsuit, Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al., was filed in July 2025 after the Trump-Vance administration unlawfully imposed a policy requiring Members of Congress to give advance notice before conducting oversight visits at immigration detention facilities, interfering with Congress’s constitutional oversight authority, and preventing lawmakers from examining conditions and government conduct as incidents of violence against detainees was on the rise.

Last month, the court preliminarily stopped DHS’s policy, affirming the rights of Members to conduct unannounced visits. However, after an ICE officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen last week, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem quietly signed a new memorandum reinstating the same seven-day notice requirement. The existence of the memo, which had not been shared with plaintiffs or the court, only came to light after three members of the Minnesota congressional delegation were subsequently denied access to an ICE facility in Minnesota, despite having the court order in hand.

The plaintiffs include Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa; Rep. Jason Crow; Rep. Veronica Escobar; Rep. Dan Goldman; Rep. Jimmy Gomez; Rep. Raul Ruiz; and Rep. Norma Torres.

In a joint statement, the plaintiffs said: “In December, a federal court acted to restore Members of Congress’s ability to conduct essential congressional oversight on behalf of the American people. Now, rather than complying with the law, the Department of Homeland Security is attempting to get around this order by re-imposing the same unlawful policy. This is unacceptable. Oversight is a core responsibility of Members of Congress, and a constitutional duty we do not take lightly. It is not something the executive branch can turn on or off at will. Today, we are going back to court to defend the rule of law, protect transparency, and ensure that no administration can hide behind closed doors.”

Read the filing HERE.

The Members of Congress are represented in this suit by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight.

“What are they hiding? Why does the Trump-Vance administration continue to implement policies to block members of Congress – who represent the people and have legal obligations to conduct oversight – from accessing ICE facilities? The answer has become more and more clear: what ICE is doing is harmful and indefensible, and this administration does not want checks and balances,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “A federal court issued an order in December preventing the Trump-Vance administration’s attempts to prevent individual members of Congress from conducting oversight, and yet Secretary Noem and DHS appear to be seeking to circumvent the court’s order. This threat to the rule of law and our system of checks and balances should concern every single American. We look forward to seeking answers in court about what the government has done here.” 

“The Trump administration has now made clear that it is willing to defy both Congress and the courts to conceal conditions inside immigration detention facilities, effectively enabling — if not openly endorsing — ongoing abuse and neglect,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “A federal court affirmed that members of Congress have a clear legal right to conduct unannounced oversight visits, yet DHS appears to have quietly resurrected the very policy the court stopped. That kind of end-run around the law undermines transparency, accountability, and the constitutional system of checks and balances. We are proud to stand with members of Congress as they demand that the administration explain their latest secrecy and obstruction.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter sends $500K to Georgia for right whale monitoring and protection

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced $500,000 in funding for the Georgia Conservancy to leverage existing Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology to transmit information about North Atlantic right whales’ seasonal management areas to vessels, protecting both mariners and the critically endangered species. 

This funding, included in the House-passed Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, will help prevent vessel strikes in right whale calving grounds off Georgia’s coast without harming shipping and other necessary economic activity in the area. AIS technology is already required worldwide on vessels 65 feet and over. 

“Using existing technology to monitor for right whales and protect mariners is a common-sense solution to a challenging coastal problem. Preserving this species does not have to come at the expense of boater safety or robust economic activity. With this funding, we are ensuring a bright future for coastal Georgians and the marine life that calls our waters home,” said Rep. Carter.

“DNR supports developing applications for innovative technologies that can be paired with data collected by us and partner agency field teams to mitigate vessel interactions with critically endangered North Atlantic right whales in their core calving grounds. Sustained funding for the collaborative AIS Messaging System Initiative on our coast is a great opportunity to refine this approach into an effective tool for mariner safety and right whale conservation,” said Jessica Thompson, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Marine Mammal Program.

“Georgia Conservancy is grateful to Representative Buddy Carter and his staff for their support of this technological approach to a challenging coastal issue. Vessel strikes pose a significant threat to the critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale, whose only known calving ground is in the waters of coastal Georgia. Investing in AIS technology helps to protect this incredible species and provides safeguards to the boating community and our coastal economy,” said Katherine Moore, President, Georgia Conservancy.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Representative Gomez represents Los Angeles’s Koreatown, the largest Korean American community in the country, and has sponsored the Korean American Day resolution every year he has served in Congress. 

“On behalf of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, I commend Congressman Jimmy Gomez for his leadership in honoring Korean American Day and for his partnership with the Korean American community.  We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that the history, contributions, and the enduring legacy of Korean Americans remain a vital part of America’s story,” said Robert Ahn, President of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles.

Full resolution text here

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Hemp Planting Predictability Act to provide a two-year extension on the hemp provision passed in the FY2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations bill that restricts the definition of legal hemp. Congressman Baird was joined by House Oversight and Accountability Chair James Comer (KY-01), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14), and Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08). 

“Planting and growing crops requires planning well in advance,” said Congressman Baird. “Congress created a regulatory environment in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed for certain investments, and farmers were operating within this environment. The hemp provision included in the Continuing Resolution and Appropriations bills passed in November 2025 disrupted planting decisions that had already been made. Congress should not have passed such a sweeping policy change that upends a growing industry. Instead, Congress should have given farmers more time, creating a more stable environment for farmers to modify their future planting decisions. I am proud to introduce this legislation to ensure farmers have predictability and sufficient time to adjust to new laws that affect their livelihood.”

“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Rep. Baird’s bill to extend the implementation of new hemp restrictions by two years,” said House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman Comer. “This common-sense extension gives farmers and America’s hemp industry the time they need to adapt while Congress works to establish a clear, reasonable regulatory framework. I have championed the hemp industry since my time as Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture and remain committed to bipartisan solutions in Washington that support our local farmers and provide certainty for this growing industry.”  

“Recent changes to hemp production and processing regulations pulled the rug out from under Minnesota’s hemp producers, craft brewers, and retailers at a time when too many business owners are already dealing with high prices and uncertainty,” said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Craig. “I’m proud to be introducing this common-sense legislation with my colleague Rep. Baird to fight these ill-thought-out policies and support the farmers and small business owners who make up Minnesota’s $200 million hemp industry.”  

“I’m proud to support this legislation to delay the harmful hemp provision and give Congress the time we need to do this right,” said Congressman Moore. “A decision with major consequences for farmers and small businesses belongs in the Agriculture Committee, instead of being buried in a government funding bill. I’ll keep fighting to ensure North Carolina’s hemp growers have a seat at the table and aren’t regulated out of business.” 

“I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Baird and local businesses in Colorado’s 8th District on this much-needed fix to support responsible hemp production,” said Congressman Evans. “Colorado’s 8^th District is home to 59 operating hemp facilities — including processors, retailers, extraction sites, and ingredient labs — that play a critical role in our state’s economy and help thousands of veterans access products that improve their physical and mental health. While we develop a long-term regulatory framework that improves public safety and grows domestic supply chains, this bill provides a path forward for the hemp industry, supports local jobs, and strengthens American competition.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks on the steps of the Supreme Court at the Alliance Defending Freedom’s Protect Women’s Sports Rally, urging the Supreme Court to uphold common sense and basic truth, preserve the original meaning of Title IX, and protect the future of women’s athletics.

“Some things are just right, and some things are just wrong, and we have to stand and say that with conviction and clarity and consistency,” Speaker Johnson said.

Watch the Speaker’s remarks here.

Read Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:

“I’ve got a couple of words for you this morning, I want to encourage you. Common sense is back to Congress. I want to thank the Alliance Defending Freedom for having the courage to stand and fight for women and girls all across this country. I know ADF well, I used to be one of their litigation attorneys. Sometimes I miss that work.

“Listen, speaking of courageous individuals, we have a lot of brave women here. One of them is my Attorney General from the State of Louisiana, Liz Murrill is here, and she’s been one of the fighters. You’ll hear from her in a moment. All of these folks are fierce advocates and defenders of women’s sports and the truth that underlies that.

“I’m the dad of two girls. My girls were athletes as well. We know what’s fair and what’s right. I’m proud to stand with you as we fight to protect female only spaces and sports, and truly the future of women’s athletics. Every Republican here in this House is with you. We stand in solidarity with you and you know that. Every young woman and girl has the right to compete safely and fairly.

“Now, here’s the thing. After four years of woke nonsense, President Trump is back and Republicans are truly doing that: restoring common sense. Isn’t it nice to have a president who can clearly answer what a woman is? Isn’t that something?

“In January of last year, House Republicans passed the legislation — the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act — requiring all schools receiving federal funding to uphold the original meaning of Title IX and to keep biological men out of women’s sports. We voted on the legislation in the last Congress as well, and not one Democrat joined us on that legislation.

“We filed an amicus brief on behalf of House Republicans for this litigation that’s going on today, and I believe the American people voted resoundingly for a return to common sense and a return to objective truth. Some things are just right, and some things are just wrong, and we have to stand and say that with conviction and clarity and consistency. And that’s why you’re here and that’s why we appreciate you so much.

“House Republicans will always stand for American women and girls, and we hope and pray that this Supreme Court will do exactly the same. We’re with you in solidarity. God bless you.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today,Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Greg Casar (TX-35), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) joined by 22 colleagues introduced the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, which establishes a national minimum wage floor of $45,000 for full-time education paraprofessionals and education staff working in public K-12 schools. This bill, led in the Senate by Senator Ed. Markey (D-MA), recognizes the essential role that classroom aides, bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, and clerical staff play in keeping schools running and students safe. More than one-third of these workers earn under $25,000 a year. This bill will ensure that no one working full-time in a school earns poverty-level wages.

“Behind every successful school day, there is a team of workers you don’t always see. They help students learn one-on-one, prepare their meals, provide safe rides to and from school, and keep the classrooms clean, yet sometimes they make less than $25,000 a year. The majority of these paraprofessionals and education support workers are women and people of color. This bill is about dignity and economic justice,” said Congressman García. “It will ensure living wages, reduce staff turnover, and bring more stability and safety to our schools.”

“Paraprofessionals provide crucial support to students and teachers in the classroom,”said Congresswoman Hayes. “I am pleased to co-lead the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, which increases wages for support staff and acknowledges their role in helping to create a positive learning environment. Some of the best ways we can support students is to invest in high quality education personnel and supportive environments.”

“While Trump’s billionaire buddies get millions in tax cuts, many paraprofessionals and education support staff across the country have to work multiple jobs just to survive,” said Congressman Casar. “Support staff help our schools run effectively and keep students safe. Congress must invest more in public education — starting with raising their minimum wage and strengthening workplace standards.”

“I am proud to co-lead the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, a vital measure to ensure that the staff who are the backbone of our nation’s public education system are paid a living wage,” said Congresswoman Grijalva. “Paraprofessionals and education support staff are essential public servants who provide services that keep our schools running and our students thriving. This legislation helps ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve by providing compensation that reflects their importance to our students’ academic success.”

“Paraprofessionals and education support staff make our schoolssafe, healthy places where all students can learn, grow, and thrive. These educators are a critical part of our education infrastructure, and we must invest in them the way they invest in our students, their families, and their communities,” said Senator Markey, lead Senate sponsor of the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act. “As Trump and MAGA Republicans fight to cut public education and attack educators across the country, I am grateful for Rep. García, Rep. Hayes, Rep. Casar, and Rep. Grijalva’s partnership on this legislation, which will uplift paraprofessionals and education support staff and give them the support and resources they need to succeed.”

“Education Support Professionals strengthen our schools and communities by making sure our students are safe, healthy and ready to learn every day. But too many of these educators are forced to work two or three jobs to support their families, when one job should be enough.  By passing the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, Congress will show they recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our ESPs – both inside and outside the classroom. We want to thank Representatives García, Hayes, Casar and Grijalva for introducing this legislation, and we urge Congress to act swiftly in passing it to demonstrate to our Education Support Professionals that, as a nation, we respect and value all they do for our students,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “As the Trump administration continues to take a wrecking ball to public education and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America, this legislation is more important than ever to ensure our students get the support they need.”

The following members are original co-sponsors of the the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act: Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Andre Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and Danny Davis (IL-07).

 The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

 A summary of the bill can be found here.

A full copy of the bill can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, during the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing titled “Drugs, Thugs, and Fish: Examining Coast Guard Law Enforcement Efforts,” Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) underscored the urgent need for strengthened maritime law enforcement, improved international cooperation, and greater accountability in U.S. Coast Guard operations.

The hearing featured testimony from Rear Admiral David C. Barata, Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities at the U.S. Coast Guard, and Heather MacLeod, Director for Justice and Homeland Security Programs at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

A rough transcript of Carbajal’s full opening statement is available below and a video can be found here.

Good afternoon, and thank you, Chair Ezell, for calling today’s hearing.

The U.S. Coast Guard is the nation’s premier, multi-mission law enforcement agency. As the only uniformed service to conduct both Homeland Security and Defense missions, the importance of the Coast Guard cannot be understated.

One of the reasons why the Coast Guard is so successful is their unique status as both a branch of the military, and as a law enforcement agency. When the Coast Guard conducts counter-drug missions, they not only successfully stop, board, and search vessels suspected of trafficking illegal narcotics, but they also detain individuals who often provide critical intelligence on the drug trafficking organizations that put them on that vessel in the first place.

This critical piece of the puzzle is only made possible by the precise and professional actions of our Coast Guard boarding teams. Upholding American Constitutional values and the international rule of law is exactly why the Coast Guard is so successful.

Another unique aspect of the Coast Guard is its ability to enter into bilateral and [multilateral] agreements with other countries to help bolster law enforcement efforts for both the U.S. and its partners. This real-time engagement with other countries not only helps preserve rules-based order in the maritime domain, but it also helps the U.S. engage in strategic soft power diplomacy across the world.

While the Coast Guard continues to put up record-breaking numbers of drugs seized and migrants rescued at sea, the numbers behind its budget have not increased at an equal rate.

There’s no doubt that we’ve seen an increased demand on Coast Guard law enforcement efforts, but we cannot forget the personnel who make these missions possible.

I am very concerned that the [DHS] appropriations bill will not appropriately fund the Coast Guard operations and support account – Coast Guard assets don’t run themselves.

As GAO has noted, insufficient asset readiness – coupled with workforce shortages hinder the Coast Guard’s impact. We must address this issue.

The Coast Guard’s international collaboration is imperative. The Coast Guard is also a party to bilateral and multilateral agreements and conventions to protect natural resources and fish stocks from exploitation around the globe.

Further, the Coast Guard works hand in hand with NOAA to protect and enforce our domestic fisheries, which is a multi-billion-dollar industry. This mission cannot be overlooked as well.

Finally, while I have serious concerns about the Administration’s actions in Venezuela, I am encouraged by the Coast Guard’s actions to enforce the law at sea.

The Coast Guard’s recent detention and seizure of dark fleet vessels operating outside of international laws highlights the risks inherent in a “flag of convenience” system.

American flagged vessels are owned by Americans, crewed by American mariners, and follow American laws. We should be doing everything we can to encourage other countries to follow suit.

I look forward to today’s hearing, and the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Coast Guard. 

I am proud to champion the service and the dedicated Coasties who prove day in and day out that the Coast Guard is truly a global force for good.

With that, I yield back. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

This week, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) urged the Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Force to fully evaluate the community, environmental, and operational impacts of the proposed super-heavy rocket launch facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base. 

In a letter sent to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman, Carbajal acknowledged the critical role Vandenberg plays in national security and the Central Coast’s economy. However, the Congressman emphasized that the rapid increase in launch activity has already created significant noise and environmental pressures on Central Coast communities.

“Vehicles launched from Vandenberg travel south, and as they proceed down the coast, sonic booms affect communities far down range, as opposed to Cape Canaveral, where launches travel east and away from land.  As a result, a greater number of communities in my district experience more sonic boom impacts, and a super-heavy vehicle would likely increase both the severity and geographic reach of those impacts,” wrote Rep. Carbajal.

The Congressman also raised concerns about potential harm to the base’s unique ecosystem. Vandenberg supports hundreds of plant and animal species, including 17 federally listed as threatened or endangered.

Rep. Carbajal continued, “Vandenberg has been a responsible steward of this land, helping to conserve and protect this delicate ecosystem. As more of the base is developed and sonic booms become more frequent, it is vital that these species receive the full protection afforded under federal law.”

In closing, Carbajal requested written responses within 30 days to a series of questions regarding noise mitigation, environmental protections, and operational impacts. He also asked the Department of the Air Force and the Space Force to provide ongoing updates to his office and the community as planning progresses.

“I do recognize the advantages that super-heavy launch vehicles provide to civil, commercial, and national security space missions. However, advancements in space technology must not impose undue burdens on nearby communities or come at the expense of the local environment. We must work to find a balance and compromise,” concluded Carbajal. 

As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Carbajal has worked to address space launch noise and its effect on local residents.

In December 2025, Carbajal secured language in the annual defense policy bill to require commercial space launch services to study noise caused by launches and identify potential technologies to mitigate noise to the extent practicable. 

In June 2025, Carbajal introduced the Space Launch Noise Mitigation Study Act to require the Department of the Air Force to assess the impact of space launch activity on neighboring communities and make recommendations for noise mitigation.

In December 2024, Rep. Carbajal secured language in the annual defense policy bill that – for the first time – acknowledged the impact of space launch noises on nearby communities and called for more resources to be allocated to communities impacted by the launches. 

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Meink and General Saltzman,

Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting the Space Force and advancing our national security space programs. Vandenberg Space Force Base, located within my district, plays a critical role in our national space ecosystem, and it is an honor to represent the service members and civilians who work there to protect our national security. As you know, Vandenberg has experienced a significant increase in space launch activity in recent years, from just a handful of launches annually to 66 in 2025, and this tempo is projected to continue growing. 

Reliable and affordable access to space is essential to both our national security and economic growth. My district, and the entire state of California, have benefited from the recent growth in the space industry. The launch cadence achieved at Vandenberg is a significant operational and technological achievement. However, this rapid increase in launch activity has also resulted in noise impacts on the local community and surrounding environment.

On December 30, 2025, the Department of the Air Force released a request for information (RFI) to lease Space Launch Complex-14 (SLC-14) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, seeking information regarding the operation and maintenance of a heavy/super-heavy launch capability at the site. While the development of SLC-14 will strengthen our national security capabilities and benefit the local economy, my constituents and I have concerns regarding a super-heavy vehicle launching from the Central Coast.  

The Central Coast has experienced a notable uptick in sonic boom disturbances as launch cadence has increased in recent years. I appreciate the efforts that Vandenberg leadership has made to minimize these impacts, including noise monitoring, trajectory changes, launch alert messages, and shifting non-critical launches to waking hours when feasible. These actions have helped mitigate impacts from current launch vehicles, but a super-heavy vehicle will produce substantially greater sonic boom effects. Vehicles launched from Vandenberg travel south, and as they proceed down the coast, sonic booms affect communities far down range, as opposed to Cape Canaveral, where launches travel east and away from land.  As a result, a greater number of communities in my district experience more sonic boom impacts, and a super-heavy vehicle would likely increase both the severity and geographic reach of those impacts. 

I am also worried about the effect super-heavy launches could have on the local environment. Vandenberg supports exceptional biological diversity, with approximately 395 animal species and 455 plant species across its nearly 100,000 acres.  Of these, 17 animal species are federally listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Vandenberg remains largely undeveloped due to its long-standing use for missile testing and space launch, which has allowed these species to thrive. The land has been managed so effectively that biologists are still discovering new species on the base that are believed to be endemic to this region. Vandenberg has been a responsible steward of this land, helping to conserve and protect this delicate ecosystem. As more of the base is developed and sonic booms become more frequent, it is vital that these species receive the full protection afforded under federal law. 

My final concern is the effect that super-heavy launches will have on overall base operations. The greater explosive potential associated with a super-heavy launch vehicle will require a larger blast danger area than that required for small and medium launch vehicles. Many other vital space operations are concentrated on the south side of the base, near the proposed site. The boat dock, which is essential to transporting launch vehicles and other large components, is only about a mile away from the proposed site of SLC-14. I am concerned that a regular cadence of super-heavy launches will cause base operations in the area to be regularly paused, which could lead to delays for other launches, limit use of the boat dock, or cause other disruptions to mission-critical base activities. 

I respectfully request written responses to the following questions within 30 days of this letter being sent.

• Will a super-heavy launch pad result in additional closures at Jalama Beach County Park? Will the area in which public spaces are closed be expanded further than those associated with current launches?
• How is Vandenberg working to minimize noise disturbance from sonic booms today? Will super-heavy launches make noise mitigation efforts more challenging?
• Have any models or analyses of how sonic booms from a super-heavy vehicle will travel south along the Central Coast been conducted? If so, what were the outcomes? 
• Will the Department of the Air Force work closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure threatened and endangered species are protected to the maximum extent possible? 
• Will a super-heavy launch pad at SLC-14 have an impact on the ability to consistently use the boat dock?
• Will a super-heavy launch site have any impact on the operations of nearby launch sites, whether active or in development?
• How will super-heavy launches affect operations across the base?

I do recognize the advantages that super-heavy launch vehicles provide to civil, commercial, and national security space missions. However, advancements in space technology must not impose undue burdens on nearby communities or come at the expense of the local environment. We must work to find a balance and compromise. As you move forward with plans to develop a heavy/super-heavy launch pad at SLC-14 or other sites at Vandenberg, I ask that you provide regular updates to my office and the community, and that you give full and careful consideration to the concerns outlined in this letter. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson discussed Republican efforts to drive down gas prices, rebuild the public trust in Congress through The Stop Insider Trading Act, and finish the FY26 appropriations process.

“Thanks to sound economic and energy policy that has restored American energy dominance, those days of the Biden years are over. We’re going into overdrive, and we’re not going backwards,” Speaker Johnson said. “This is not some talking point, this is real economic data. It proves that Trump policies, Republican policies, achieve better economic outcomes for all of our constituents, and they will reverse the Democrats’ cost of living crisis.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On GOP efforts to drive down gas prices nationwide:

As of today, you’ve heard it referenced, 43 of 50 US states now have gas under $3 per gallon. In fact, the average national average right now is $2.79 cents a gallon for gasoline. You’ve got 19 states where you can buy gasoline for less than $2 a gallon, and that’s a result of good policy. Now, contrast that just on the gas prices, one metric, contrast that with what we were all experiencing under the Biden administration. Despite their draining the strategic petroleum reserve to deflate prices artificially, which was a disastrous policy idea in its own right, gas prices still reached record highs. And the national average for a gallon of gasoline was more than $5 a gallon under Biden. Now it’s under $3. And under the Biden years, it cost Americans more than $60 just to fill up a Honda Civic or a Toyota Camry. And now everybody’s buying the big trucks again.

Thanks to sound economic and energy policy that has restored American energy dominance, those days of the Biden years are over. We’re going into overdrive, and we’re not going backwards. This is not some talking point, this is real economic data. It proves that Trump policies, Republican policies, achieve better economic outcomes for all of our constituents, and they will reverse the Democrats cost of living crisis.

On The Stop Insider Trading Act:

It’s no secret the public’s trust in Congress has waned over time. There are a lot of reasons for that. And if you poll visitors in the CVC for example, you’d probably receive a variety of answers on what the theory is on why. Social media doesn’t help, of course, because everybody can go online every two seconds and say what they’re disgruntled about. And Congress takes it on the chin. But every member of this institution has a personal duty to do their part, to restore the trust of the Congress. And particularly as we begin our 250th year as a nation.

And, you know, I think this is a really important theme, but along that line, Republicans are going to take an important step in our efforts to restore the people’s faith in Congress. And one of those big issues is the Stop Inside Trading Act. Now, I want to tip my hat to Congressman Brian Steil. He’s the Chairman of our House Administration Committee, and he’s done an excellent job navigating through the various provisions of this and all the members and making sure everybody’s on board. Everybody wants to block and stop nefarious activity and insider trading. But it needed to be done in a thoughtful manner. And Brian Steil’s done a great job. Members of our House Republican Conference have worked on this issue for years. And the result is a bill that I think we’ll be able to pass with a hope of a wide bipartisan margin. And it’s the direct result of all that advocacy, and of course, outside groups and online watchdogs that who have advocated for this kind of thing for some time. Obviously, members of Congress should not be allowed to profit from insider trading. Obviously doing so abuses the office and diminishes trust here in Congress. And it flies in the face of the oath that we all took before beginning our service here. We won’t be able to change public opinion overnight. But I think with strides like this, the American people can begin to recognize again that Congress can be trusted and we’re working hard, Republicans are, to earn back that trust.

On FY26 Appropriations:

This will be the second consecutive week that House Republicans will advance another set of FY26 appropriations bills. And I just want to say, I told you so. So many people in this room thought we would never do this again. And a lot of members didn’t believe it either. They didn’t believe we could actually break the end of year Christmas omnibus fever and all that. And we’re so proud that that work has come to fruition. And so, this week, you’ll see passage of the National Security and Related Programs funding bill, as well as the Financial Services and General Government funding bill. There’s no omnibus, there’s no CR. We really do believe we’ll be able to prevent that. And a lot of hard work’s gone in, I’ll say, on both sides of the aisle, among the appropriators who’ve done a really good job. Congress is reclaiming the power of the purse. And these two bills are a big step in that. We’ve already, of course, passed six appropriation bills. And we’ll be at eight by the end of this week and next week, the final four measures, we’re very optimistic.

We put in that last bill, and we will get that over the line and get it to the President’s desk for signature. This is how appropriations are supposed to work. This is how the process is supposed to work. It’s a little late, but we’re rebuilding that muscle memory. And you will all see that. Passing annual appropriations bills help Congress exercise our Article I authority, of course, and it helps Republicans implement our policies and things that are aligned with the administration. We cannot govern by CR or omnibus. When we do that, it also loses Congress’s opportunity and credibility. And so, we’re really proud about rebuilding this muscle memory. I promised when I became speaker to jumpstart this, it’s taken a while, but we are finally moving that boulder uphill, as I always say, fixing the process along the way. And that’s a really important thing that everybody can take a lot of pride in.

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