MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump fired the remaining members of the independent and bipartisan Election Assistance Commission:

“As the lead sponsor of the Help America Vote Act, which created the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, I am appalled at the Trump Administration’s latest partisan attempt to interfere in election administration. The Supreme Court having given him a green light to do as he pleases with independent agencies, President Trump has now decided to paralyze an agency whose sole purpose is to make it easier for Americans to vote and have their votes counted accurately. This is, no doubt, a shameless effort to tip the scales of the upcoming midterm elections by making it harder for voters in urban and minority precincts to participate. Clearly, this President recognizes that the American people are fed up with his Administration and the Republican Congress – and that his party cannot win in a fair election.

“When Congress enacted the Help America Vote Act in 2002, it was with overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate and was signed into law by a Republican president. We came together to pass HAVA because both parties recognized the danger in Americans losing trust in our voting systems following the debacle of the 2000 election. This President’s strategy, on the contrary, is to erode that trust at every opportunity. And the current Court has been his willing accomplice.

“The President continues to attempt to nationalize federal elections to conform to his erroneous view that the 2020 election was stolen – a claim rejected by every court case that alleged the elections were not properly conducted by the states. The Help America Vote Act and the Constitution could not be more clear: while election results may be partisan, election administration is not.”

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

Watch Rep. Gomez’s full video here

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) met with seniors at Estrada Courts in Boyle Heights to hear directly from residents, provide updates on federal investments improving their community, and discuss ongoing efforts to protect programs seniors rely on, including Social Security and Medicare. 

“Coming back to Estrada Courts is always one of my favorite parts of the job because the seniors here never hesitate to tell me what’s on their minds.  Today, they had a chance to talk to me about social security and money coming into Estrada Courts to help maintain their units, to get brand new windows, painting everything.”  said Rep. Jimmy Gomez in video. “These conversations remind me why I fight every day in Washington to make sure seniors have the resources, dignity, and security they’ve earned after a lifetime of hard work.” 

Estrada Courts is home to more than 1,000 residents and has been the recipient of significant federal Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Gomez, including: 

  – $999,500 (FY2023) to preserve Estrada Courts as affordable housing through exterior painting, critical repairs, and other improvements. 
  – $2 million (FY2026) to install air conditioning units and ceiling fans in all apartments at Estrada Courts.  
  – $500,000 proposed (FY2027) to continue Phase II of the Estrada Courts Air Conditioner and Ceiling Fan Project, building on previous investments to help residents adapt to extreme heat. 
  – $650,000 (FY2022) for Project SOAR, expanding college, career, and workforce advising opportunities for youth and adult residents living in public housing communities, including Estrada Courts. 

The visit comes a day after Rep. Gomez and his team partnered with local organizations to distribute air purifiers and other emergency supplies to Estrada Courts residents impacted by the nearby Lineage Logistics fire. While supporting residents through immediate emergencies remains a priority, Rep. Gomez continues working to secure long-term federal investments that strengthen affordable housing and quality of live for Estrada Courts residents.  

### 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

NJ 6th District Congressman called on the Trump Administration to answer for documented food safety and sanitation failures and warns GEO Group should lose its contract if conditions are not immediately corrected

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens toured Celanese’s newly expanded Michigan Technology Center, meeting with employees and company leaders to discuss how sustainable manufacturing is driving the next generation of technological innovation.

Celanese, a global chemical and specialty materials company, is a major producer that powers Michigan manufacturing. The company operates more than 50 manufacturing facilities across 27 countries, with a strong focus on sustainable product development and responsible materials management.

“Michigan manufacturers have always led through innovation, and Celanese is showing what that leadership looks like,” said Rep. Stevens. “Their Michigan workforce is advancing technologies that strengthen our manufacturing base while making it more sustainable, keeping Michigan at the forefront of global innovation.”

Since taking office, Congresswoman Stevens has visited hundreds of manufacturers across Michigan, working directly with employers and workers to strengthen the state’s industrial base. She continues to champion Michigan manufacturing through legislation and her work on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. 

PHOTOS AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA RELEASE BELOW:

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After reports that the Trump Administration plans to erect new fences at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue NW outside the White House, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced she will introduce a bill to prohibit new fencing from being installed at the White House, including Lafayette Square, the Eisenhower and Treasury Buildings, and the Ellipse. 

“The openness of areas around the White House and our democracy is our strength, not a security weakness that needs to be fenced off,” Norton said. “More fencing around the President’s Park would send the wrong message to the nation and the world by continuing to transform our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.

“Security is not only about reducing risk. It’s also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Public property should be open to the public. We should not leave citizens peering at their democracy from behind fences.”

Norton has long advocated for using the least restrictive means necessary for securing public property, introducing a bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Capitol, a separate bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Supreme Court, and a third bill to prohibit permanent fencing specifically around Lafayette Square. She also introduced a bill to authorize a 21-member commission, with the president designating nine members and the House and Senate leadership each designating six members, to investigate and offer recommendations on the balance between public access to and security in federal buildings and other federal property.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced the introduction of H.R. 9517, the bipartisan UNLOCK AUKUS Act, to strengthen the AUKUS security partnership by providing the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom greater flexibility to collaborate on advanced defense technologies while preserving critical national security safeguards.

The legislation builds on Huizenga’s longstanding efforts to strengthen AUKUS and ensure America’s closest allies can work together more effectively to meet evolving security challenges. By removing an outdated statutory restriction that no longer reflects today’s strategic environment, the bill strengthens cooperation among trusted partners while maintaining strong protections for America’s most sensitive defense technologies.

“As the Chinese Communist Party rapidly expands its military capabilities, the United States must ensure our closest allies can innovate and work alongside us without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “The UNLOCK AUKUS Act strengthens one of the world’s most important security partnerships, meets the security challenges of today, and delivers a force multiplier to the AUKUS partnership.”

“AUKUS provides a once-in-a-lifetime security enhancement for all three nations. Pillar I is happening in real-time in the Indo-Pacific and in our shipyards, and Pillar II is making exciting new progress with the recent announcement of collaboration between the three nations on payloads for undersea unmanned vessels,” said Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT). “Through the UNLOCK AUKUS Act, Congress is building on that announcement by streamlining further collaboration on advanced missile capabilities in Pillar II. I’m excited to partner with my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral bill, which reaffirms the clear-eyed and stalwart commitment by both parties in Congress to make AUKUS a success.”

“Although the AUKUS Partnership has improved defense cooperation with our Australian and British allies through the production of advanced technology like the hypersonic weaponry being developed at Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indiana’s Eighth District, we must do better,” said Congressman Mark Messmer (R-IN). “I am proud to support Rep. Huizenga’s UNLOCK AUKUS Act, which will continue these important efforts, while also removing bureaucratic red tape that is preventing America from reaching our highest potential in our national defense strategic game plan.” 

“Strengthening the AUKUS pact will keep Americans safe and strengthen our values-based alliances with the UK and Australia,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “The bipartisan, bicameral UNLOCK AUKUS Act unleashes the full power of AUKUS for collaboration on 21st century defense systems to protect against our adversaries in the Indo-Pacific, while providing good jobs and supporting American businesses.”

“The Chinese Communist Party is working at lightning speed to advance its military apparatus, and it does not play fair,” said Congressman Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX). “The UNLOCK AUKUS Act empowers the United States and its allies to meet that generational challenge head-on by removing burdensome red tape that slows the transfer of critical military technologies. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill that will strengthen crucial partnerships like the AUKUS defense pact and deter the CCP’s malign activity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

“The strength of our AUKUS partnership is critical to deterring an increasingly aggressive China and countering new, emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would streamline collaboration with our partners and ensure we collectively maintain our technological edge. As co-chair of the House Defense Modernization Caucus, this is simple, smart bill to cut through red tape and accelerate innovation.”

Announced in 2021, AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom that is designed to deepen defense cooperation and promote stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. Pillar I focuses on Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Congressman Huizenga championed this provision, the AUKUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act, which was signed into law in December 2023. Pillar II accelerates cooperation on advanced capabilities including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber capabilities, electronic warfare, hypersonics, undersea technologies, and other emerging defense systems.

To support that mission, Congress previously established a streamlined export framework that allows many defense technologies to be shared more efficiently among the three nations. However, current law automatically excludes all technologies controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), even if there is intent to transfer such articles under AUKUS. The UNLOCK AUKUS Act removes that blanket statutory prohibition and instead allows the President to determine which technologies should remain excluded based on evolving national security considerations.

Huizenga introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Mark Messmer (R-IN), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Blake Moore (R-UT), and Gabe Amo (D-RI). The Senate companion is led by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

The full text of the UNLOCK AUKUS Act is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—80 Members of Congress, led by Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, sent a letter yesterday afternoon urging U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to extend the Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvador, which is currently set to expire on September 9, 2026.

“Not only do the conditions that initially warranted TPS designation for El Salvador in 2001 persist, but serious new humanitarian, economic, and human rights crises compound El Salvador’s inability to handle the return of its nationals,” write the lawmakers in their letter. “The over 200,000 Salvadoran TPS holders currently living in the United States have built deep roots in this country over more than 25 years. Terminating their status would cause immeasurable harm to them, to their U.S.-citizen children and families, and to the American communities and economy they support.”

Salvadoran TPS holders make substantial contributions to the American economy. Nine out of ten Salvadoran TPS holders participate in the U.S. workforce, contributing $5.4 billion to the economy and paying $1.5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes annually. They work in industries facing chronic labor shortages, including construction, transportation, manufacturing, food service, and building and grounds maintenance. Many have lived here lawfully for more than 25 years, building businesses, working in critical industries, paying taxes, and raising families. More than 150,000 children, all U.S. citizens, have a Salvadoran TPS-holder parent in the American workforce. Despite decades of lawful residence and deep ties to the United States, many TPS holders have no available pathway to permanent status under current immigration law. Approximately 20% of Salvadoran TPS holders arrived in the United States at age 16 or younger. Forcing them to leave would mean removal to a country where they have few ties and would be at risk of violence.

The new letter also details the grave human rights conditions Salvadoran TPS holders could face if deported. Human rights organizations in El Salvador have documented mass arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, mass trials, the detention of more than 3,000 children, and more than 500 deaths in custody since 2022. Independent reports have also found that migrants deported to El Salvador are commonly incarcerated upon arrival without judicial review or due process. Under federal law, TPS must be extended when conditions prevent a designated country from adequately handling the return of its nationals.

“Ongoing state-sponsored human rights violations, a state of exception with no end in sight, economic fragility, collapsed public services, and documented patterns of detaining and disappearing deportees all confirm that El Salvador cannot handle the return of its nationals at this time,” write the lawmakers.

The statutory standard for TPS stipulates that TPS must be extended if the designated country is unable to adequately handle the return of its nationals. 

“El Salvador clearly meets that standard today,” conclude the lawmakers.

The letter is endorsed by the National TPS Alliance, American Business Immigration Coalition, Allianza Americas, National Day Laborer Organizing Network, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), CASA, CARCEN-LA, FWD.us, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

The full text of the letter is available here.

###

McGovern has championed Temporary Protected Status since helping to create the program as a congressional staffer more than three decades ago. Throughout his career, he has been a global voice for human rights, using his position as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission to defend political prisoners, protect vulnerable communities, and hold governments accountable for human rights abuses around the world.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) introduced the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026, which will reauthorize the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (MRI) program that identifies, maps, and studies domestic minerals, geothermal resources, groundwater, and geologic hazards. 

The legislation supports continued geologic mapping and data collection to better understand the nation’s natural resources. It also includes new language to advance the study and mapping of geologic hydrogen, an emerging domestic energy resource that has drawn growing interest in Michigan and across the country. 

“If we’re serious about strengthening American manufacturing and securing our critical mineral supply chains, we need to understand what resources we have here at home. This program gives us the data we need to make smart, informed decisions and build a stronger future for American workers,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

Earlier this year, Governor Gretchen Whitmer established the Michigan Geologic Hydrogen Exploration and Preparedness Initiative to coordinate statewide planning, research, infrastructure assessment, and environmental evaluation related to geologic hydrogen exploration and development.

Established in 2019, Earth MRI focuses on enhancing our understanding of the geologic features of the United States. The initiative seeks to complete comprehensive mapping of domestic minerals by 2031.

“Before we can begin to develop our domestic resources, we must first identify, map, and study our mineral supply — which is why I’m supportive of Earth MRI and the ongoing domestic mapping efforts at the Department of Interior,” said Congressman Wittman. “Geological mapping produces economic returns many times greater than its cost, increases exploration activities, and strengthens domestic critical mineral supply chains, strengthening our economy and making the U.S. less dependent on foreign adversaries. I am proud to have introduced this legislation with Congresswoman Dingell.”

As Congress and this administration work to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals, reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, and support American manufacturing, Representatives Dingell and Wittman recognize that responsible resource development begins with reliable data. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

The funding will create opportunities for CSUSB faculty and students to improve medical care in the Inland Empire and utilize innovative tools to strengthen research
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced $1,164,085 in grant funding for California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) to expand student research opportunities studying better health outcomes for aging, obesity, kidney disease and improving patient care. 
These grant awards will enable CSUSB students and researchers to explore innovative approaches to understanding diabetes and kidney diseases and the factors that support healthy aging. It will also help researchers to identify ways to strengthen adult day care health services to best support older adults and their caregivers. Additionally, this funding will go toward the U-RISE program, which creates opportunities for students pursuing biomedical research careers, helping to train the next generation of scientists. 
“By investing in medical studies and giving students access to transformative research opportunities, we are training the next generation for careers of the future while also developing the healthcare solutions of tomorrow,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I am proud to announce this grant funding for CSUSB to expand research opportunities for students and faculty and pioneer innovative healthcare solutions here in the Inland Empire.”
“These federal investments advance CSUSB’s mission to expand opportunity, drive innovation, and improve lives,” said CSUSB President Tomás Morales. “By supporting research in nutrition, healthy aging, adult health services, and biomedical workforce development, these awards create transformative opportunities for our students, faculty, and communities across the Inland Empire and beyond.” 
The funding comes as part of four grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Included in the funding is $549,602 for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; $280,845 in Biomedical Research and Research Training; $186,638 in Aging Research and $140,420 in Pharmacology, Physiology and Biological Chemistry Research.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

MIAMI, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, issued the following statement commemorating America’s semiquincentennial:

“Today, we commemorate 250 years since the founding of the United States of America. In 1776, our founding fathers declared that all people are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Through extraordinary sacrifice and determination, our founding fathers established a nation built on democracy.

Americans have defended those ideals since the founding of our great nation. From the patriots who secured our independence to the many heroes who have fought to protect our freedom, countless honorable men and women have answered the call to serve. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our country have enabled the United States to remain a beacon of freedom for people across the globe.

The path to 250 years of freedom and prosperity was built by citizens who believed in America’s continued growth and promise. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we do so with gratitude for our past, pride in our country, and confidence that the enduring ideals of liberty and self-determination will continue to guide the United States for generations to come.

Happy Freedom 250, America.”

###