MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON DC – Today, Middle East North Africa Subcommittee Ranking Member Brad Sherman (CA-32), Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Middle East North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Michael Lawler (NY-17) led a bipartisan letter urging the government of the United Kingdom (UK) to fast-track long overdue legislation proscribing the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. 

The letter was signed by a total of 20 bipartisan Members, including Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Mike Carey (OH-15), Earl “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Thomas Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Mike Levin (CA-49), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Christopher Smith (NJ-04), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), (Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25). 

“Every day the British Parliament fails to vote on this legislation is another day that the IRGC evades the full impact of our nations’ combined sanctions,” said Congressman Sherman. “The IRGC has waged terrorism around the world for decades, and earlier this year murdered some 30,000 Iranian protesters. The UK must stand with the Iranian people and join the United States in designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization.”

“The IRGC is one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations and has the blood of innocent civilians, Americans, and dissidents on its hands,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Iranian regime continues to export terrorism, threaten our allies, and brutally suppress its own people through the IRGC and its proxy networks. The United Kingdom should immediately join the United States and our allies in formally proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist organization and send a clear message that the Western world will not tolerate terrorism, political violence, or antisemitic attacks.”

“The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in standing up to a brutal regime that uses the IRGC to suppress dissent at home and export terror abroad. The United Kingdom should move without further delay to formally proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization and stand in solidarity with the thousands of innocent Iranians who have risked and, in many cases, lost their lives in pursuit of freedom. The United States and our allies must remain united in applying maximum pressure on the Iranian regime and holding the IRGC accountable for its violence, repression, and destabilizing activities around the world,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. 

Recognizing the threat the IRGC posed, the United States designated it a terrorist organization in 2019. Canada followed suit in 2024, Australia in 2025, and the European Union in February of this year. 

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a leading state sponsor of terror. The IRGC is integral to the Islamic Republic’s overseas operations and has committed violent terrorist acts, cyberattacks, surveillance operations, and targeted assassinations throughout the Middle East and around the world. 

This all comes in addition to the IRGC’s brutal repression of the Iranian people. including its murder of an estimated 30,000 Iranians during protests earlier this year. 

Congress is united in calling on the UK to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The UK can still stand on the right side of history and immediately proscribe the IRGC to end their impunity in committing atrocities around the world.

Read the text of the letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Red Bay, AL — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) highlighted continued progress on the City of Red Bay’s lighting improvement project after the Alabama Department of Transportation awarded the construction contract for the installation of roadway lighting from the Bear Creek Bridge to the 9th Street West/Water Plant intersection.

The project is being funded through federal Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Aderholt specifically for Red Bay as part of his efforts to improve infrastructure and public safety across Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District.

“This project will directly improve public safety and infrastructure in Red Bay by providing much needed lighting to areas of concern for residents and drivers,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt. “I was glad to help secure and support funding for this project because nighttime lighting increases visibility, strengthens community confidence, and reduces opportunities for criminal activity.”

“I have long believed that our rural communities deserve the same top-notch access to infrastructure and safety improvements, and these funds are a real step towards that goal.”

The contract for the construction of the lighting project was awarded to Big River Electric, Inc in Killen, AL. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) and 60 of his House colleagues in opposing the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The lawmakers wrote to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, expressing concerns that the proposed changes would eliminate the agency’s world class research program, increase fire risk, and exacerbate the ongoing staffing crisis at the agency.

“The Forest Service manages more than 193 million acres of public lands across our nation, making it the federal government’s second-largest public lands agency. The decision to relocate the agency’s headquarters and eliminate its world-class research program undermines our efforts to confront the dual crises of climate change and catastrophic wildfires while worsening the already severe loss of staff and expertise since the start of President Trump’s second term,” wrote the lawmakers.

 

“The United States is about to enter what many predict will be a devastating fire season, driven by extremely dry vegetation and a severe snow deficit directly linked to climate change. This reorganization proposal would close 57 of the agency’s 77 research stations across 31 states, including stations that study wildfire, drought, pests, and climate change — all of which pose immediate and growing threats to our national forests and nearby communities — and threaten to take decades of staff expertise with them,” continued the lawmakers.

 

Panetta and his colleagues urged USDA to halt the proposed reorganization and immediately consult with Congress on the best path forward for the Forest Service, an agency that lost an estimated 25% of its total staff in 2025, thanks to this Administration’s firings and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Rollins and Chief Schultz:

 

We write to express our strong opposition to the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service announced by the Department of Agriculture on March 31, 2026. The Forest Service manages more than 193 million acres of public lands across our nation, making it the federal government’s second-largest public lands agency. The decision to relocate the agency’s headquarters and eliminate its world-class research program undermines our efforts to confront the dual crises of climate change and catastrophic wildfires while worsening the already severe loss of staff and expertise since the start of President Trump’s second term.

 

The United States is about to enter what many predict will be a devastating fire season, driven by extremely dry vegetation and a severe snow deficit directly linked to climate change. This reorganization proposal would close 57 of the agency’s 77 research stations across 31 states, including stations that study wildfire, drought, pests, and climate change—all of which pose immediate and growing threats to our national forests and nearby communities—and threaten to take decades of staff expertise with them. Already, this administration’s efforts to dismantle the Forest Service have already led to a nearly 40 percent reduction in hazardous fuels work, leaving forests, public lands, and surrounding communities vulnerable, and the proposed reorganization threatens to make that damage even worse.

 

Public land agencies across the nation—including the Forest Service—are already reeling from devastating staff losses that began in February 2025, when the agency illegally fired thousands of staff. This was swiftly followed by the systematic harassment, intimidation, and pressure on staff to resign or retire, leading to the loss of more than 25 percent of Forest Service personnel, including “red card” staff qualified to assist with the agency’s wildfire response efforts. Additionally, the administration has repeatedly proposed slashing the agency’s budget. President Trump’s FY 2027 budget proposed a 75 percent across-the-board cut, the wholesale elimination of Forest Service research and state, private, and tribal forestry programs, and the transfer of wildfire management responsibilities to the Interior Department.

 

Relocating the Forest Service’s headquarters would further weaken the agency by driving out experienced staff, disrupting operations, compromising institutional knowledge, and ultimately rendering its mission unachievable. During the first Trump administration, the Department of the Interior moved the Bureau of Land Management from Washington, D.C. to Grand Junction, Colorado – a decision that resulted in an exodus of 87 percent of staff and a generational loss of expertise from which the agency has never recovered. The Government Accountability Office found that the implementation was thinly justified and implemented in a haphazard manner.

 

The proposed Forest Service reorganization follows the same destructive pattern. It threatens to permanently cripple the agency, sever fire management from public land stewardship, and gut the research that underpins science-based forest management, including wildfire response. It is also the latest in a series of attacks on the Forest Service carried out without necessary congressional approval or input. We therefore ask that you provide Congress with the details of any consultations, comment opportunities, analysis, and decision-making processes related to this proposal so that Congress can fully evaluate it and represent the interests of our constituents and the American people, who have a direct stake in keeping Forest Service lands public, accessible, and healthy.

 

Our nation’s public forests are not just a lumber yard. They provide us with clean air and water, offer unmatched outdoor recreational opportunities, and fortify communities and ways of life across the country. We urge you to halt all reorganizational efforts and immediately consult with both parties in Congress on a responsible path forward for the Forest Service.

Sincerely,

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

TORRANCE, CA – The City of Torrance in partnership with Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County) and the Torrance Police Department hosted a press conference and ceremonial check presentation today recognizing $1,031,000 in federal funding secured for the City’s Public Safety Digital Infrastructure Expansion Project.

The funding will support expanding public safety communications capabilities through the installation of new Citizen Broadband Radio System (CBRS) sites throughout Torrance. The project will strengthen dedicated wireless network coverage to support emergency response, investigations, and critical public safety operations citywide.

Mayor George K. Chen welcomed Congressman Lieu and thanked him for his continued partnership and advocacy for public safety initiatives and said, “This funding represents more than technology, it represents preparedness, resilience, and most importantly our shared commitment to protecting the people who live, work, and visit Torrance.”

Congressman Lieu said, “I am pleased to have secured over $1 million to support Torrance Police Department’s Real Time Response Center. This funding will help local law enforcement further modernize their public safety operations and ensure police are able to be responsive to community needs. Getting federal dollars to our community where it is needed most is a high priority of mine and I’m grateful for the partnership of local officials in these efforts.”

Torrance Police Department, City Staff and the Information Technology Department were also recognized for their collaboration in advancing the project and helping Torrance remain one of the safest and most forward-thinking cities in the region.

Police Chief Robert Dunn emphasized the growing importance of reliable technology infrastructure in modern policing. He said, “Public safety today depends not only on the dedication of our officers and first responders, but also on the strength and reliability of the technology systems that support them. This investment will help ensure our personnel have the tools they need to communicate, coordinate, and respond when it matters most.”

The project will support the Torrance Police Department’s Real Time Response Center (RTRC) with the addition of expanded CBRS sites on City-owned assets strengthening wireless coverage citywide improving emergency response and coordination. The investment reflected continued collaboration across federal and local partners with a shared goal to strengthen community safety and modernize critical infrastructure for the future. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressmen Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County) and Sean Casten (D-IL) led 54 House Democrats in an effort to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms more aggressively.

“Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets,” the lawmakers wrote. “…We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.”

Prediction markets have grown rapidly in scope and visibility, allowing users to wager on outcomes ranging from elections and sporting events to military actions, geopolitical developments, and major cultural events. As these markets become more prevalent, so too does the risk that individuals with access to confidential government, corporate, or event-related information may use that information for personal profit.

Recent events have underscored the need for stronger enforcement. There have been several high-profile incidents of suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms, including on both Polymarket and Kalshi. These incidents include suspiciously timed trades predicting U.S. military actions against Iran, the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, performances at major cultural events, the outcomes of congressional elections, and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed,” the lawmakers continued.

On April 23, 2026, the DOJ charged a U.S. servicemember with wire fraud for allegedly using classified information to make $400,000 from bets on Polymarket related to the U.S. military operation to remove Venezuela’s leader. This case highlights the significant national security, market integrity, and public trust risks posed when individuals allegedly exploit nonpublic information to trade on real-world events.  

In addition to Reps. Casten and Lieu, the letter was signed by Reps. Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Joyce Beatty, Janelle Bynum, Greg Casar, Ed Case, Maxine Dexter, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Sylvia Garcia, Dan Goldman, Adelita Grijalva, Josh Harder, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Levin, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Sarah McBride, Betty McCollum, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Robert Menendez, Grace Meng, Seth Moulton,  Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Pappas, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Deborah Ross, Raul Ruiz, Andrea Salinas, Hillary Scholten, Brad Sherman, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Bonnie Watson Coleman, George Whitesides, and Nikema Williams.

Text of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Dear Acting Attorney General Blanche:

We write to express serious concerns about potential insider trading on prediction market platforms. Federal anti-fraud and market manipulation laws apply to these platforms, just as they do to traditional financial markets. We urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to further prioritize criminal investigations and civil actions targeting abuses in prediction markets to protect U.S. financial markets, investors, and the public from fraudulent conduct.

Recent suspected violations implicate significant geopolitical, sporting, and cultural events and risk creating perverse incentives for persons with access to confidential or classified information. For example, one anonymous trader has made nearly $1 million from dozens of suspiciously timed and accurate bets on military actions the U.S. has taken against Iran. Another trader with the username “Magamyman” made more than $550,000 from placing bets that Iran’s Supreme Leader would be removed, just before his assassination. In addition, ahead of the Super Bowl LX halftime show, unusually large trades were placed on Polymarket and Kalshi predicting that Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin would perform before there was any public confirmation. One social media user estimated that these suspected insiders made up to $3 million across multiple platforms. Lastly, the Nobel Institute is investigating a bet placed by a newly-created account on Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado winning the Nobel Peace Prize hours before the announcement, resulting in a profit of more than $50,000.

Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets.

The DOJ has pursued several insider trading cases, including in coordination with U.S. financial market regulators, and criminally prosecuted individuals under federal wire fraud statutes. These cases include charging a Coinbase employee for tipping off others with insider information in order to trade cryptocurrencies, prosecuting Biotech’s CEO for misleading investors and engaging in insider trading in connection with Covid-19 and HIV drugs, and bringing charges against individuals who participated in an alleged insider trading scheme involving cancer treatment companies. The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed.  

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton has stated that just “because it’s a prediction market, [it] doesn’t insulate you from fraud.” We appreciate that the DOJ recently took action against a U.S. soldier for allegedly using classified information to make profitable prediction market bets related to the U.S. mission that captured Venezuela’s leader.

At the same time, reports that the DOJ dropped its criminal investigation into Polymarket in July 2025, regarding whether the platform had been illegally serving U.S. customers, raise concerns about consistency in enforcement. Polymarket had previously been banned from the U.S. for operating as an unregistered platform and paid a $1.4 million civil penalty under a 2022 settlement agreement. Taken together, these developments risk undermining confidence in the DOJ’s commitment to also holding companies accountable for breaking the law.

We understand that this Administration is increasingly focused on gains in the U.S. stock market. That performance depends on integrity and accountability. We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.

Sincerely, 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

Rep. Massie’s NICS Data Reporting Act Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act, legislation that amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to allow federal funds to be used for vehicle security enhancement upgrades, including bulletproof windows for law enforcement vehicles.

The legislation comes during National Police Week and supports federal, state, and local law enforcement officers by ensuring agencies have greater flexibility to improve vehicle protection as threats against officers continue to rise.

“During National Police Week, I am proud to introduce the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act,” said Congressman Williams. “We honor the sacrifices of our fallen officers and recognize the unwavering commitment of those who continue to serve and protect our communities. As attacks on law enforcement and their vehicles increase, Congress must ensure police forces have the tools they need to adequately protect their officers.”

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Background:

The Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act authorizes certain federal financial assistance to be used for vehicle security enhancement upgrades, including bulletproof windows.

As attacks against law enforcement officers and their vehicles increase, many departments face barriers when using federal grant funding for critical safety upgrades. This legislation ensures law enforcement agencies, including ICE, can access federal resources to improve vehicle security and better protect officers in the line of duty.

Congressman Roger Williams’ legislation was joined by Congressman Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Congressman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), and Congressman Pat Fallon (R-TX) as original cosponsors.

Supporting Organizations: The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA), Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, Fraternal Order of Police.

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25^th Congressional District of Texas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

ALBANY, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Georgia State Representative John White:

“John’s life was a testament to courage, service, and dignity — a man who broke barriers, lifted others, and never stopped working for the common good.

“As one of the first Black television anchors at WALB, John opened doors and set an example for generations, carrying himself with professionalism, grace, and an unshakable commitment to truth. In 1975, he answered another call to serve, joining the General Assembly where we worked together. Over nearly two decades he fought tirelessly for his constituents by championing education, public safety, and opportunity for working families. He was a relentless leader who measured success by the number of lives that were improved.

“John introduced the Georgia Lottery bill in 1977, which was later championed by Governor Zell Miller, and which now funds the Hope Scholarship that supports thousands of Georgia’s college students each year.

“He enlightened classrooms, strengthened neighborhoods, and instilled hope in countless people who benefited from his compassion and conviction.

“My wife, Vivian, and I offer our deepest sympathies to John’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Words cannot fully convey the magnitude of this loss, but may the memory of his warmth, his courage as a barrier-breaker, and his extraordinary devotion to public service bring you comfort. We are better because of him.

“Let us honor John White by carrying forward the values he embodied — leadership, fierce care for our neighbors, and a steadfast commitment to justice and opportunity.

“Rest in peace, my friend. Your life changed lives, and your example will light our way for years to come.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD),  and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement on the settlement in the case regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore:

“Just over two years ago, the collision of the Dali with the Key Bridge left devastation in its wake. Six lives were lost, access to the Port of Baltimore was cut off, and a key transportation artery for our region was rendered unusable. The bridge’s collapse hurt not only our region but our entire nation, impacting our economy and the livelihoods of thousands. However, over the last two years, we have worked together to recover and rebuild. Today’s settlement is another important step towards those efforts. We’re glad to see this action to hold the liable parties accountable and to assist in our progress towards building back stronger.”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $466,103 from the National Eye Institute for research on sphingolipid signaling in vesicating ocular injury under the direction of Dr. Nawajes Mandal, a professor in the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Sphingolipids are a type of lipid found mainly in the membranes of cells which act on multiple different types of proteins to alter cellular functions. Understanding the formation and regulation of these types of lipids will help facilitate the development of drugs to treat conditions in which sphingolipid dysregulation are associated such as Type 2 Diabetes and ocular degeneration. 

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Our medical school stays at the cutting edge of research thanks to investments like this one. I congratulate Dr. Mandal and the UTHSC community for undertaking this critical work.”

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