MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Peter Welch (D-VT) in introducing the Banning Antiquated Duties and Delivering Equitable American Levies (BAD DEAL) Act to repeal Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and refund all duties paid under this authority. Over the weekend, trade talks between the United States and Canada broke down, resulting in the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods under Section 338. In response, Canada is pledging dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs slated to come into effect after Labor Day.

The United States and Canada share one of the world’s largest and most integrated trading relationships. In 2025, bilateral trade in goods and services totaled approximately $872 billion, including nearly $426 billion in U.S. exports. Canada is the United States’ second-largest trading partner and the top merchandise export market for 32 states. These new tariffs threaten to disrupt cross-border supply chains, raise costs for American families and businesses, and invite further retaliation against U.S. industries.

“This Administration’s senseless tariff policies and self-defeating trade wars have already hurt American businesses and raised costs for working families. Now, the President’s 40-year fixation on tariffs is producing yet another bad deal for the American people by imposing massive new duties on Canada, our second-largest trading partner and a longstanding ally,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to join Rep. Schneider and other Ways and Means colleagues in introducing the BAD DEAL Act to repeal this antiquated authority under Section 338 and refund the duties American businesses have already been forced to pay. It is long past time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over trade and put an end to this Administration’s destructive tariff regime.”

“Every American deserves a fair shot to get ahead, and Trump’s capricious and costly tariffs are making it exceedingly difficult to simply make ends meet,” said Rep. Schneider. “President Trump’s brazen and counterproductive trade war only damages the long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbor, and second largest trading partner, Canada. This is a bad deal! It’s a bad deal for American families, and it’s a bad deal for American small businesses. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to introduce the aptly named BAD DEAL Act to repeal this outdated tariff authority AND refund the tariff duties paid. We will continue fighting to rein in Trump’s costly tariffs and reassert Congress’ authority before his on-again, off-again trade policy damages our international relationships for years to come.” 

In addition to Rep. Panetta, cosponsors of the BAD DEAL Act include Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10). 

In 2025, Rep. Panetta joined Rep. Schneider in introducing the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, which would repeal Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

Full text of the bill is available here. 

###

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

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers is awarding a $38.3 million contract to Weeks Marine to begin a targeted sand replenishment project in Monmouth County, including sections of the towns of Monmouth Beach, Sea Bright, and Long Branch. With this funding, the Army Corps of Engineers will be able to complete the sections of the project covered by both the base contract and its options.

“Beach replenishment is about keeping people safe,” said Pallone. “With strong coastlines, our residents, businesses, and communities are better equipped to face extreme weather events. I’m glad I was able to secure the federal funding necessary to support this project, which will make these Jersey Shore communities more resilient in the years to come.”

Congressman Pallone secured $37 million in federal funding for the project, which will be matched with a combination of state and local funds. The contract includes a section of Monmouth Beach starting at the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion and going north to the Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club. Sea Bright will see most of their ocean beach front replenished and the area in Long Branch north of Pier Village to Seven President’s Park will also receive sand.  

The US Army Corps of Engineers will place 1.3 million cubic yards of sand across these three towns. The project is expected to begin in late fall, finishing by March 2027.

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

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced the application process for nominations to U.S. service academies has opened for the 2026-27 school year.

Exceptional student leaders and scholar-athletes in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District may be nominated by Congressman Baird to one of four U.S. Service Academies – U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and the U.S. Naval Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination at this time. 

“Attending a service academy is an honor steeped in history and a privilege,” said Congressman Baird. “Students have the opportunity to pursue a top tier education while serving their country. The academies are competitive and rigorous schools, but they are well worth the determination. It is my privilege to assist and nominate Indiana’s best and brightest on their paths to becoming the next generation of America’s leaders.” 

The service academies offer a fully funded four-year education, including tuition, books, and board. Upon completion, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as officers in their respective branches of service. The privilege of attending a service academy requires a five-year commitment to military service upon graduation.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and, on July 1 of the year of entry, be at least 17 years old but not yet 23 years old to enter any of the academies, except the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, which has a maximum age of 25.

While a nomination is required to gain admission to a service academy, it does not guarantee admission. The admissions process is extremely competitive; therefore, interested students should prepare all application materials well in advance. 

The admissions criteria includes: strong academic performance and standardized test scores, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Candidates must have a demonstrated history of strong leadership, community involvement, and receive an official Congressional nomination (except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which does not require a nomination).

Up to 10 individuals may be nominated for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. 
The deadline to submit an application for an academy nomination is Friday, November 6, 2026. 

The application can be found here.

For questions, please contact the office of Congressman Baird at 202-225-5037.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

GILBERT, ARIZONA- As Congress returns from its annual August work period away from the nation’s capital, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) is urging Arizona’s U.S. Senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, to help secure Senate consideration and passage of his Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment (CSAFE) Act.

“It’s been 227 days since the U.S. House unanimously passed my CSAFE Act to deliver long-overdue legal clarity and serious consequences for criminals who coerce and exploit children,”said Congressman Biggs.“Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate has yet to consider this legislation. That’s why I’m calling on U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego to join my efforts to protect our children and champion this meaningful policy to the finish line in their chamber. Passage of this bill would close gaps in federal law that allow predators to hide behind screens, anonymity, and outdated statutes while young lives are shattered. It’s time for action. It’s time for the U.S. Senate to pass CSAFE.”

The CSAFE Act, H.R. 6732, strengthens federal law by explicitly prohibiting the coercion of minors into self-harm, suicide, animal abuse, or other degrading and abusive acts—conduct that has proliferated through online platforms and anonymous digital networks. Under the bill, criminals who coerce minors into such acts would face up to 10 years in prison, enhanced penalties of up to 20 years if serious bodily injury results, and life imprisonment if a victim dies as a result of the coercion.

H.R. 6732 is currently pending with the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the beautiful National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week. Typically held in April, park week was moved to August this year to align with this week’s National Park Service’s 110^th birthday, celebrated August 25^th. National Park Week is an annual celebration of gorgeous natural landscapes, viewpoints, hiking trails, shorelines, historic battlefields, and protected wildlife and woodland areas.

Recent ASG photo with Park Liaison Pua Tuaua, Lt Governor Pulumataala, and Park Superintendent Paul PT Lathrop

“Our National Park of American Samoa emphasizes special places within our beautiful islands, showcases our ancient culture, and protects wildlife and bird habitat,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to our entire Park team, and happy birthday to the National Park Service and all its personnel. Thank you also to all our people who take personal care and responsibility in the seemingly small choices that cumulatively do so much to help our islands stay beautiful, whether in or out of the Park borders.”

American Samoa and its National Park has birds such as the Ti’otola (bright-plumed Pacific kingfishers and flat-billed kingfishers of regional varieties that differ from those elsewhere), while rugged Pola Island, offshore from Vatia, is among American Samoa’s nesting sites for tropical seabirds including the Fua’o (brown and red-footed boobies), and Ta’i’o (shearwaters) as part of a rich diversity of species, with local and migratory birds from as far as Alaska, like the Bristle-thighed Curlew. 

The National Park of American Samoa has several unique and rare features within the national system. It is the only one in the South Pacific, so it has plants and species not found anywhere else in the United States. It is also a multi-site Park, within several islands, and it protects certain offshore coral reefs. 

The NPS is part of the Department of the Interior, under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources Committee, where Amata serves as Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, and serves on the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The United States has 63 National Parks and 433 total sites, and National Park Week is an initiative of the NPS and the National Park Foundation.

In related legislation, Amata is an original cosponsor of the Committee-passed bipartisan America the Beautiful Act, H.R. 9250, also known as the Great American Outdoors Act 250, which has since its introduction attracted the public support of well more than half of the House of Representatives. This bill builds on the original GAOA, signed into law in 2020, a landmark generational investment in national parks and public lands, and reauthorizes its Legacy Restoration Fund at $1.9 billion yearly to maintain, restore, and improve parks and related infrastructure. Notably, the bill states that “amounts remaining in the Fund after the allocations required under subparagraph (A) may be allocated for transportation projects of the covered agencies, including paved and unpaved roads, bridges (etc.) …”

Also, Amata is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan EXPLORE Act (Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act), which became law on January 4, 2025. This Congress, the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act was passed by the House 279-141 and awaits a Senate vote. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

This week, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined more than 180 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief at the Supreme Court in the case of St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy. In this case, religious preschools are seeking an exemption from the nondiscrimination provision in Colorado’s universal preschool program so they can refuse to admit LGBTQ+ children or the children of LGBTQ+ people while still receiving public funding. 

“It’s not complicated: organizations accepting taxpayer dollars should not be allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ+ children or parents,” said Rep. Larsen. “I urge the Supreme Court to protect LGBTQ+ families from discrimination, and Icontinue to stand with the LGBTQ+ community in Northwest Washington and across the United States.” 

The members’ brief urges the Supreme Court to uphold the nondiscrimination provision and not grant a religious exemption. The brief argues that: 

1. The Supreme Court defers to legislatures and the political process when assessing exemptions from neutral, generally applicable laws; 

2. Petitioners’ rule would endanger numerous federal nondiscrimination laws that Congress has carefully crafted over decades; and 

3. The Court should be mindful not to destabilize or undermine that legislative role by effectively legislating ad hoc exemptions to nondiscrimination laws. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas’s DISCLOSE Act would empower voters and expose billionaire and special interest control over our government and courts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-1), joined by 70+ Democratic colleagues, urged Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao to reject any effort to rename the future USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) after reports that the Navy is considering naming the carrier after President Trump.

The future USS Doris Miller will be the first aircraft carrier named for an African American and the first named in honor of an enlisted sailor. Doris “Dorie” Miller remains one of the most celebrated enlisted sailors in American military history for his bravery and courage during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The potential move to name the carrier after a sitting president would break with longstanding Navy tradition and diminish the recognition of Miller’s extraordinary acts of bravery and his service to our nation.

As home to Naval Station Great Lakes, naval tradition and history run deep throughout Illinois’ 10th District. Every enlisted sailor in the Navy begins their journey at Great Lakes, completing basic training before going on to serve our nation. The 10^th District has long been proud to play a role in preparing these sailors for service, and we must continue to honor the legacy of those who have helped shape the Navy and our nation.

“A strong Navy is built on the courage and valor of its sailors, both in times of conflict and peace,” said Schneider. “Doris Miller’s extraordinary service, unwavering loyalty to his fellow sailors, and devotion to his country are a source of pride for all Americans. Honoring his legacy is the right thing to do and an opportunity to inspire future generations. Doris Miller should not be robbed of this rightful honor and am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to urge Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Cao to recognize Miller’s heroism and reject another Trump vanity project.”

“The decision to name CVN-81 for Doris Miller recognized not only one extraordinary sailor, but generations of enlisted servicemembers whose courage and contributions have too often gone unnoticed and unrecognized,” the members wrote.

“We urge you to reject this plan and ensure that CVN-81 bears the name USS Doris Miller, the members concluded. “Our Navy must continue honoring the courage of those that answered their country’s call to service.”

View the full text of the letter here and below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Cao:

We write regarding the recent reporting that the Department of the Navy is considering renaming the USS Doris Miller potentially in honor of President Trump.1 Renaming this ship after a sitting President would be unprecedented and break longstanding tradition. Most importantly, this would diminish the recognition of one of our country’s greatest military heroes. It was during President Trump’s first term that the Navy announced CVN-81 would bear Doris Miller’s name. Reversing that decision now would be a significant step backward in honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country.

The future USS Doris Miller will be the first aircraft carrier to be named for an African American and the first named in honor of an enlisted sailor. Those distinctions reflect the bravery and courage during the attack on Pearl Harbor by Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller, who was later awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second-highest honor.

On December 7, 1941, Miller was serving aboard the USS West Virginia when Japan’s attack began. At the time, Miller was a Mess Attendant Third Class, and after his station came under fire, despite lacking proper training, he took control of an anti-aircraft gun and fired at incoming aircraft. Even when the ship began to sink, it was only when he ran out of ammunition did he abandon his position. But in the process, he still managed to assist his fellow wounded sailors and help them reach safety. Doris Miller’s story is one of extraordinary bravery, service, and pure patriotism. When he served, segregation restricted the roles available to Black sailors and servicemembers. Yet, when his country came under attack, Miller did not hesitate for one second to put himself in harms’ way to defend his fellow sailors and his nation. This story embodies the finest traditions of the United States Armed Forces. 

Black Americans have served in every major American conflict, often defending a country that did not provide or even recognize their equal rights while home. Their service and sacrifice are an integral part of our country’s military history. The decision to name CVN-81 for Doris Miller recognized not only one extraordinary sailor, but generations of enlisted servicemembers whose courage and contributions have too often gone unnoticed and unrecognized.

In 2020, then-Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly announced the decision to honor Doris Miller by placing his name on CVN-81, the newest and most powerful warship. It was Acting-Secretary Modly who said that the decision honored “the contributions of all our enlisted ranks, past and present, men and women, of every race, religion, and background.”

Our aircraft carriers are among the most visible symbols of American military power. They are stationed all over the world, projecting strength, protecting our national security, and reminding our allies that we will have their backs at their time of need. The names these ships carry should preserve the legacies of Americans whose service, sacrifice, and leadership represent the very best of our democracy and our Armed Services.

There is no question that Dorie Miller meets that standard. His story deserves to be remembered aboard one of the most powerful warships ever constructed. There has never been a time when we have named a warship after a sitting president. Changing course now to satisfy a sitting President’s ego, especially one who dodged military service to his country, would be shamefully wrong.

We urge you to reject this plan and ensure that CVN-81 bears the name USS Doris Miller. Our Navy must continue honoring the courage of those that answered their country’s call to service.

###

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 $1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand the maternity care workforce under the direction of Dr. Mary Fouquier of the College of Nursing. Congressman Cohen also announced Methodist Le Bonheur Community Outreach will receive a grant of $450,000 for its Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program from HRSA. 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $921,871 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to study the structural basis of signal instigation under the direction of Dr. Georgios Skiniotis, director of its Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology. Proteins are 3-dimensional and drug-binding, and can subtly alter that shape to induce, enhance, reduce, or prevent something else downstream in the biological system from occurring. Dr. Skiniotis’ team will use advanced cryogenic electron microscopy techniques to directly observe several proteins, the metabotropic glutamate 2 and 5 (mGluR2 and mGluR5), and γ-aminobutyric acid B receptors (GABABR) which bind the neurotransmitters glutamate and glycine receptor, in combination with another critical protein class, called the G-proteins. The mGluR2, mGluR5, and GABABR are part of a substantial class of receptors, called the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Approximately 35 percent of all FDA-approved drugs target these GPCRs. Thus, the detailed structural information that Dr. Skiniotis’ team seeks to uncover will assist in the development of new drugs for these critical targets.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“In a region with high levels of infant and maternal mortality, these investments in training nurses and outreach to the community will save lives. St. Jude continues to do critical research at the cellular level that will result in discoveries and improve outcomes. I congratulate all three recipients of this funding for the life-saving work they are doing.”

# # #

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) announced today that Memphis Shelby County Schools, Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) and the Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, with offices in Covington, will receive a total of $916,030 to address storm disaster-related expenses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Memphis Shelby County Schools will receive $250,850 for repairs and Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation will receive $541,134 for replacement utility poles and transformers as a result of the storm that was declared a disaster in February. Both figures represent the 75 percent federal share for reimbursements.

MLGW will receive $124,046 for costs associated with managing public assistance grants as a result of storms last summer. That figure represents 100 percent of the cost incurred.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Our region has taken quite a bruising in recent years from straight-line winds and tornadoes. This FEMA funding will help reimburse the costs incurred locally and the investment will improve the local economy.”

# # #