MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding recently passed legislation that would enhance Republicans’ efforts to assert more federal control over Washington, D.C. and undermine the District of Columbia’s home rule authority:

“This week, Republicans demonstrated once again that they would rather meddle in local issues in the District of Columbia than govern the United States. They advanced four bills that further undermine DC’s autonomy and the will of those who live, pay taxes, and vote in the District of Columbia. Instead of respecting home rule and the right to self-determination, Republicans voted to restructure DC’s criminal justice system and disregard the input of Washingtonians and their elected officials. That isn’t democracy. Washingtonians did not vote for the National Guard to patrol their streets. They did not vote for masked federal agents to roam through their city, whisking people away into unmarked cars. They certainly did not vote to make the House GOP their mayor. The people of our nation’s capital deserve better. I believe they deserve statehood. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do what I did and reject this legislation.”

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after voting on Republicans’ partisan Continuing Resolution:

“Over the past nine months this administration, aided by this Majority, has done everything possible to stop the government from functioning for the American people. They have purged federal workers, dismantled vital agencies, and cut critical services for the American people to the bone. Now they would rather bring our government to the verge of a shutdown than work with Democrats to stop Americans’ health care costs from skyrocketing. 

“House Republicans may have successfully jammed through their partisan Continuing Resolution today, but that doesn’t change the fact that their bill is a failure: a failure to pass a single annual appropriations bill out of the Congress, a failure to stand up to Trump’s radical cuts, a failure to lower costs, and – crucially – a failure to protect Americans’ health care. Democrats and I are willing to work with anyone in good faith to accomplish those objectives. Republicans continue to leave us, and the American people, waiting.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) and Young Kim (R-CA-40) introduced the bipartisan Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act to improve stillbirth research and data collection and help prevent stillbirth in the United States.

According to the CDC, stillbirth affects 1 in 175 pregnancies, with over 20,000 babies born still each year. In the United States, the annual number of stillbirths far exceeds the number of deaths among children aged 0-14 years from accidents, preterm birth, SIDS, drownings, fire, and flu combined.

“Too many families are suffering from the heartbreak of losing a baby to stillbirth, and it’s past time for Congress to step up and provide tools to save mothers and babies,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “The maternal and infant health crisis is devastating to all, and there is still so much we don’t know due to barriers in data collection. Estimates are that nearly one in four stillbirths could be prevented – that means lives saved and families spared enormous pain. That’s why I am proud to work with bipartisan colleagues, Reps. Kim, Kelly and Joyce and Sens. Booker and Daines in reintroducing the SHINE for Autumn Act. Together, we can reduce stillbirths, close gaps in care and improve outcomes for moms and babies across the nation.”

“As a mom and a grandma, I have experienced both the joys of pregnancy and pain of loss firsthand. Helping moms, moms-to-be, and their babies is personal to me,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Far too many families in our nation experience the heartbreak of stillbirth, yet this enduring crisis remains overlooked and underfunded. The SHINE for Autumn Act will give us the tools to better understand, prevent, and respond to stillbirths, while ensuring moms, babies, and families receive the support they deserve. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to bring hope and solutions to families across the country.”

“Despite spending the most money on healthcare per capita in the world, the United States has failed to make significant improvements when it comes to understanding and preventing stillbirths,” said Rep. Dave Joyce. “Congress must step up to prevent this avoidable loss of life. This legislation marks a long-overdue step forward in addressing stillbirths, advancing maternal and infant health, and ensuring the United States catches up to where it should be in prioritizing this critical issue. I am proud to again co-lead this bipartisan bill that will help save lives across the country.”

“Stillbirth is a deeply painful experience for mothers and families,” said Rep. Robin Kelly. “I’m incredibly thankful for Debbie’s brave advocacy as she turns her pain into action so no other family will experience heartbreaking stillbirth. I’m committed to delivering the healthy pregnancy and life every mother and baby deserves.”

“Nobody should have to experience the immense sorrow of losing a baby,” said Sen. Cory Booker. “We must address the maternal and infant health crisis that continues to result in thousands of families grappling with the unthinkable every year in the United States. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is aimed at increasing data collection, research, education, and public awareness around stillbirths so we can save lives and put an end to this crisis.” 

“Stillbirth is a tragedy faced by thousands of moms and families every year, both in Montana and throughout the nation,” said Sen. Steve Daines. “I’m glad to join my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to help expand research, education, and data collection surrounding stillbirths, so we can save lives and provide hope for stillbirth families.”

The SHINE for Autumn Act aims to bridge gaps in stillbirth data, research, and education by:

• Providing grants to states to support consistent, secure data collection, assessment, and reporting on stillbirth and risk factors;
• Strengthening privacy protections to ensure sensitive health data is protected; and
• Directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with health care providers, to develop best practices and educational materials for state health departments on stillbirth data collection and prevention strategies.

The SHINE for Autumn Act is named in honor of Autumn Joy, who was born still on July 8, 2011. Her mother, Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya, has spent more than a decade advocating for families and giving a voice to the stillbirth community.

Read the bill HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Florida House Democrats sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to urge preservation of the Clean Air Act “Endangerment Finding” following the Trump Administration announcement seeking to end this vital air quality and climate safeguard, increasing risks like extreme heat, floods, and poor air quality.

“The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change and its impacts. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: pollution from fossil fuels is heating our planet, making extreme weather disasters like hurricanes more severe, and increasing costs on our pocketbooks,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers closed, “By eliminating the Endangerment Finding, the Trump administration aims to undermine other protections against climate pollution: clean car and truck standards, power plant rules, oil and gas rules, landfill rules, and more. It means giving polluters a free pass to pollute at the expense of families across the country. It means our constituents will face more climate chaos and more pollution, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution, health harms, and higher costs.

“We urge you to maintain the Endangerment Finding and protect the health and welfare of Floridians and communities across the country.”

Read the full letter here and below:

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We are deeply concerned about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to eliminate the 2009 Endangerment Finding and what that will mean for the State of Florida and the health and safety of our neighbors.

The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change and its impacts. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: pollution from fossil fuels is heating our planet, making extreme weather disasters like hurricanes more severe, and increasing costs on our pocketbooks.

The EPA’s proposal relies upon an irresponsible and extremely flawed draft report from the Department of Energy, as part of a larger campaign to replace sound science with a political agenda, all to manufacture a basis for the federal government to cease protecting Americans from the harms of planet-warming pollution.  

It is well-documented how climate change fuels extreme weather. Rising global temperatures due to climate change contribute to stronger hurricanes, more frequent flooding, and more extreme heat, among other impacts. The threats have never been more dire or more clear to communities across the country, especially those in coastal and storm-prone states like Florida.

In 2024, hardworking Floridians were affected by eleven extreme weather events that resulted in more than $135 billion in damages and at least 286 deaths. Hurricanes Helene and Milton headlined one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricane seasons in modern U.S. history, and both storms were rapidly intensified and made worse by climate change. Beyond the immediate damage, these events fundamentally reshape our communities and cause long-term economic harm. For example, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster, and an additional 25% close a year later. We know that many of our neighbors lost their homes or livelihoods during the 2024 hurricanes, and many are still trying to recover and rebuild. 

This summer, Floridians are facing dangerous, above-average temperatures – extreme conditions that have been made five times more likely because of greenhouse gas pollution, primarily from the transportation and energy sectors. Florida has the highest numbers of heat-related illnesses in the United States and more than 26% of Floridians are highly vulnerable to extreme heat. Our state loses an estimated $11 billion in productivity because of heat-related illnesses each year. 

Florida is also on the front lines of a home insurance crisis, created in part by climate pollution and climate-fueled disasters. Since 2021, following four major hurricanes, insurers have increased premiums by nearly 30% statewide, making Florida the most expensive state in the country to buy homeowners insurance. Thousands of Florida homeowners have seen their premiums double or triple in recent years. Climate risk is driving insurance companies to raise rates or withdraw from the state entirely – seven Florida insurers became insolvent between January 2022 and February 2023, disproportionately harming homeowners who are already struggling to make ends meet. 

By eliminating the Endangerment Finding, the Trump administration aims to undermine other protections against climate pollution: clean car and truck standards, power plant rules, oil and gas rules, landfill rules, and more. It means giving polluters a free pass to pollute at the expense of families across the country. It means our constituents will face more climate chaos and more pollution, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution, health harms, and higher costs.

We urge you to maintain the Endangerment Finding and protect the health and welfare of Floridians and communities across the country.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, D.C.) — On Friday, September 19, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor, reaffirming that he continues to stand firmly in protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

September 19, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced today the Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act. This bill directs the President of the United States to take necessary action to allow local governments to utilize qualifications-based Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) procurement methods to carry out certain tasks. It also allows for expedited project reviews by raising the “simplified procedure” threshold.
“FEMA has a responsibility to work with local governments during times of crisis. The last thing survivors of natural disasters want to hear is that the federal government is standing in the way of their neighborhood rebuilding,” said Rep. Steube. “My bill ensures FEMA is fully equipped to meet urgent needs on the local level in a swift and flexible manner.” 
A Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) is a project delivery method in which a construction manager is hired to provide oversight and implementation of a project from the design and construction phases to its completion. While FEMA provides funding to the states to rebuild after natural disasters, it requires local governments to adopt pricing as a primary factor for determining assistance. This is further complicated by the fact that several states, including Florida, require qualifications of a CMAR-led project to be the primary factor, resulting in the cancellation or delay of numerous well-deserving projects due to a lack of funding. The Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act fixes this issue by allowing local governments to consider “qualifications” when using Construction Managers at Risk (CMAR) instead of only focusing on pricing.
The bill also addresses shortcomings in FEMA’s approval process for “simplified procedure” projects. Under the status quo, FEMA limits applications for expedited approval to $1,000,000. This low ceiling hamstrings recovery efforts from natural disasters by forcing local governments to choose between accepting an inadequate level of funding or waiting months or even years for Washington to approve the full and necessary amount of relief. The Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act solves this problem by raising the simplified threshold from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, giving our communities the resources they need to rebuild in the aftermath of a disaster.
The Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act has the support of the National Association of Counties. 
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Has Condemned Violence and Extended Condolences to Charlie Kirk’s Family

Congressional Black Caucus Offered Strident Opposition to the Divisive Resolution

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued a statement after joining 118 Democratic colleagues in declining to support H. Res. 719, a divisive resolution on Charlie Kirk put forward by Republican leadership. The Congressional Black Caucus also offered strident opposition to the resolution. Congresswoman Pressley has condemned violence and extended condolences to Kirk’s family, and is a co-sponsor of Congressman Mark Veasey’s resolution to condemn political violence.

“I unequivocally condemn violence in all of its forms. No family, no child, should ever lose a loved one to gun violence. I once again extend my sincere condolences to Charlie Kirk’s wife and children, to the surviving family members of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and to everyone whose life has changed in an instant because of the cruel actions of an assailant with a gun. Our nation has endured harrowing chapters of political assassinations—from John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy to Black civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, and Fred Hampton—and this moment feels stark for many reasons.

“In this moment, it is critical that our elected leaders work to unify, heal, and mend. I do not take that responsibility lightly, and I will continue working to build a truly just America where everyone is safe. Unfortunately, what we are seeing in real time is Donald Trump and Republicans leveraging the senseless death of a public figure to advance and embolden dangerous ideology, rhetoric, and policy actions.

“The resolution brought to the House floor today was not a resolution that simply condemned violence and offered condolences – like H. Res. 746, of which I am an original co-sponsor. Instead, this resolution glorified right-wing extremist rhetoric and lionized someone who has promoted shameful, bigoted ideas that have led to deep and lasting harm. The resolution characterizes the violent rhetoric from groups including Turning Point USA as ‘respectful, civil and Biblical.’

“As a Black woman whose faith teaches me to treat all people with love and compassion, I grieve what happened to Mr. Kirk and his family—and I could not in good conscience support a resolution that canonizes the vilification and dehumanization of Black people, immigrants, our LGBTQIA+ siblings, and other marginalized communities. Language matters, and I will continue to be clear and remain dedicated to working for a more just and inclusive nation for every person who calls America home.”

As a parent, woman of faith and Member of Congress, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has dedicated her career to advancing policies and budgets that keep our communities safe, including . She is a member of the bipartisan gun violence prevention task force and has repeatedly condemned violence in all its forms. 

Congresswoman Pressley, her family and her staff unfortunately receive a high volume of threats and acutely understand the dangerous rhetoric, largely driven by right wing media and actors that jeopardizes the safety of elected officials and public figures.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement on her vote on H.Res. 719. 

“My heart goes out to Mr. Kirk’s family and friends. My heart especially goes out to his wife and children, who should never have had to witness the loss of their husband and father in that way. No child should ever endure such trauma, and I hope his children and family can take solace in the love and support of those around them in the days ahead.

“That said, I chose not to support this resolution. While I strongly support freedom of speech in all its forms, I also recognize that Mr. Kirk engaged in rhetoric that was deeply divisive and hurtful. Out of respect for the communities impacted by that rhetoric, I could not in good conscience vote to endorse a resolution honoring that legacy.

“This moment should not be about further dividing our country. It should be about rejecting political violence, lowering the temperature of our political discourse, and recommitting to respectful debate that leads to a better understanding of who we are as one nation, strengthened and enriched by the diversity of our people and perspectives.

“My commitment remains clear: to defend freedom of expression, to reject violence without exception, and to help build a nation rooted in mutual respect, unity, and shared purpose.”

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Issues: 119th Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Kirk Resolution