MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) sent a letter to American Battle Monuments Commission Chairman Michael X. Garrett expressing concern about the removal of two displays focused on Black American soldiers from the visitor center at the Netherlands American Cemetery.

“More than 10,000 U.S. troops who fought in World War II are commemorated at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, including 172 Black service members. The cemetery visitor center, where the displays about Black service members were, shares the history of those Americans commemorated at the cemetery,” wrote the lawmakers. “One display that was removed told the story of George H. Pruitt, a Black soldier in the 43rd Signal Construction Battalion, who died trying to save a comrade. The other display described how Black American service members fought to protect freedom abroad while still fighting for their own civil rights at home. We are confused why the displays were removed given they were just added to the visitor center in September 2024. Further, we are concerned that with the removal of these displays there will be no information provided about Black troops at the cemetery.

“We are frustrated to learn that Dutch politicians, including the mayor of Eijsden-Margraten, where the cemetery is, and the governor of Limburg, the Dutch province containing the cemetery, have reached out to you and have not yet heard back on their requests for the two displays to be reinstated,” the lawmakers continued. 

Brownley and Dingell requested answers to the following questions: 

1. When were the two displays on Black service members removed from the cemetery visitor center? Were any other displays removed from the visitor center when either of these two displays were removed? 
2. Why were these displays removed?
3. What steps will the cemetery take to ensure the stories of Black service members who are buried on the grounds continue to be told? 
4. Will the cemetery restore the displays to their appropriate place in the visitor center?

The full text of the letter is available here and below.  

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November 24, 2025

Michael X. Garrett
Chairman
American Battle Monuments Commission
2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201

Dear Chairman Garrett:

We write to express our shock at the removal of two displays focused on Black American soldiers from the Netherlands American Cemetery’s visitor center. Those commemorated at the cemetery gave their lives for our nation, for our future, and for our freedom. They deserve to be honored, and their stories and sacrifices tell a history we must never forget.

More than 10,000 U.S. troops who fought in World War II are commemorated at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, including 172 Black service members. The cemetery visitor center, where the displays about Black service members were, shares the history of those Americans commemorated at the cemetery. One display that was removed told the story of George H. Pruitt, a Black soldier in the 43rd Signal Construction Battalion, who died trying to save a comrade. The other display described how Black American service members fought to protect freedom abroad while still fighting for their own civil rights at home. We are confused why the displays were removed given they were just added to the visitor center in September 2024. Further, we are concerned that with the removal of these displays there will be no information provided about Black troops at the cemetery.

We are frustrated to learn that Dutch politicians, including the mayor of Eijsden-Margraten, where the cemetery is, and the governor of Limburg, the Dutch province containing the cemetery, have reached out to you and have not yet heard back on their requests for the two displays to be reinstated. In light of this, we request a response to the following questions within the next two weeks.

1. When were the two displays on Black service members removed from the cemetery visitor center? Were any other displays removed from the visitor center when either of these two displays were removed?
2. Why were these displays removed?
3. What steps will the cemetery take to ensure the stories of Black service members who are buried on the grounds continue to be told?
4. Will the cemetery restore the displays to their appropriate place in the visitor center?

Thank you for your consideration in this important matter and for ensuring that all our troops are honored appropriately.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Veterans’ Affairs

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Ranking Member of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Chicken Caucus, and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-00) led dozens of Members of Congress in a letter calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately restore full avian influenza surveillance and coordination amid renewed outbreaks across the country.The request comes as poultry farmers nationwide confront a sharp rise in bird flu outbreaks — with more than 90 new detections in the last 30 days, and over 1.6 million birds infected, according to USDA data. In the State of California, the poultry and egg industry supports over 120,305 jobs and contributes nearly $121 billion to the national economy. Continued High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks threaten producers in the San Joaquin Valley, disrupt farm operations, and endanger local and national food supply chains. 
The economic impact is already reaching consumers: this year, Thanksgiving turkey prices have risen sharply, with wholesale prices surging 75% since October 2024 to $1.71 per pound. This follows a temporary dip from 2023 to 2024 and reflects the ongoing effects of HPAI, which first appeared in 2022. 
“We write to express our deep concern about the recent rise in avian influenza—a now seasonal epidemic impacting poultry farmers and driving up grocery prices across the United States…And as we approach the holiday season, it is concerning that without avian influenza surveillance at full capacity, families across America may eat without traditionally American-produced centerpieces on their holiday dinner tables.” the Members wrote.  
Costa warned that California’s poultry farmers—especially those in the San Joaquin Valley—are facing some of the most severe impacts from the current avian flu crisis. 
“The San Joaquin Valley is the heart of California agriculture, and our poultry farmers are on the front lines of the avian flu crisis. When they face challenges, we all pay the price—from farms to grocery stores,”said Rep. Costa.“Restoring full avian flu surveillance is essential to protecting our food supply and ensuring that the farmers who feed America get the coordinated support they deserve.” 
In the letter, Members sounded the alarm of reduced surveillance efforts, highlighting reports that the USDA-coordinated National Animal Health Laboratory Network had suspended its weekly calls, “reducing appropriate coordination and critical information sharing that is imperative to combating avian influenza.”
The letter also points out that furloughs and Reduction in Force actions (RIFs) at USDA and CDC are limiting real-time reporting capacities, hampering farmers’ ability to respond to outbreaks in real time and save their flocks from infection. 
The Members conclude with a clear request to the USDA: “We respectfully call on the Department to reestablish avian influenza surveillance and research programs to their prior level of excellence—and strengthen them further—to protect all poultry, dairy, and livestock farmers from further impact. Without swift action to reduce viral loads, the economic toll—from farm losses to rising grocery costs—will continue to grow.”  
The full letter is available here.

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

November 24, 2025 | Press Releases

Watch Rep. Steube’s Remarks Here
PUNTA GORDA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) joined local officials at a press conference today at the Punta Gorda Weigh Station Northbound highlighting their Safer Truckers Act.  This bill would create lawful U.S. residency requirements for the issuance of commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) and establish reporting requirements for the adherence of English proficiency standards with penalties for states that fail to meet said standards.
“Commercial truck drivers bear an enormous responsibility in keeping our roadways safe for commuters,” said Rep. Steube. “If you are unable to comprehend the rules and signs of the road, you have no business behind the steering wheel of a truck. My Safer Truckers Actwill ensure our highways and streets are safe for drivers and commercial truckers, free from dangerous and incompetent individuals.”

“Getting behind the wheel of a car can be one of the most dangerous things Floridians do every day—and we must do all we can to make sure our roads are as safe as possible,” said Senator Moody. “That is why I’m fighting to pass my Safer Truckers Act. We’ve seen across the country how reckless sanctuary policies allowing illegal aliens to operate commercial trucks can be deadly and endanger other motorists. The time for action is now, and I want to thank Congressman Steube for joining me today to get this legislation across the finish line.” 

The Safer Truckers Act has the support of the American Trucking Association and the Florida Trucking Association.
“On behalf of Florida Trucking Association, I applaud the introduction of The Safer Truckers Act of 2025 by Florida’s own Senator, Ashley Moody,” said Alix Miller President and CEO of Florida Trucking Association. “The number one priority for the trucking industry is safety. Senator Moody’s proposal will close loopholes that have allowed unauthorized and unqualified drivers to operate heavy commercial vehicles and reinforce the integrity of our licensing system; improving security on America’s highways.”
The Safer Truckers Act establishes two new requirements to existing federal standards for issuance of Commercial Drivers Licenses. First, CDLs may only be issued to U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, and individuals with a valid work visa. Second, states are required to provide accurate reporting to the federal government on the effectiveness of their English proficiency requirements for individuals applying for a CDL. Should a state fail to meet this new requirement, the Department of Transportation may revoke said state’s eligibility for federal highway funds. 
Along with the Safer Truckers Act, Representative Steube joined with Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) last week to introduce the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act. This bill would require all commercial learner’s permit (CLP) tests to be administered in English, reinforcing President Trump’s executive order of April 28, 2025, concerning English-language proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers.  
Read the Safer Truckers Act text here.
Read the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
November 24, 2025                                                  202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT LEADS CONGRESSIONAL CALL FOR IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIAN NATIONALS

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) led 48 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging the immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond the February 3, 2026, expiration date. The letter highlights Haiti’s dire humanitarian crisis, recently compounded by Hurricane Melissa, which killed at least 43 people and brought catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage to the island nation.

“Haiti represents the most acute humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere. The ongoing political and security crisis, fueled by violent gangs and now exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, makes the continuation of these protections both statutorily appropriate and essential to America’s moral values and national security interests,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Haitian TPS recipients have maintained full compliance with all legal requirements, contribute $4.4 billion annually to the United States economy, and pay over $1 billion a year in federal taxes. They are integral members of American communities working in healthcare, construction, agriculture, transportation, and countless other sectors that keep our nation running.”

The letter details the catastrophic conditions in Haiti, where violent gangs have killed more than 3,000 civilians this year and displaced over 1.4 million Haitians—more than 10 percent of the country’s population. Half the country’s population is experiencing life-threatening hunger. Hurricane Melissa further devastated the nation by destroying homes, contaminating water supplies and agricultural land, damaging healthcare facilities, and eliminating critical infrastructure needed for humanitarian aid.

The signers wrote, “If the Trump administration does not renew TPS for Haitians by February 2026, it will deal a significant blow to both the American and Haitian economies. Beyond the economic impact, allowing TPS to lapse would further destabilize Haiti, creating opportunities for adversary nations, including China and Russia, to establish greater footholds in a region of vital importance to American security. We are deeply concerned that the Administration is actively deporting Haitians back to life-threatening conditions and gang-controlled territory.”

The congressional letter requests an 18-month extension of Haiti’s TPS designation, a comprehensive review of conditions in Haiti incorporating assessments from multiple federal agencies and humanitarian organizations, and engagement with Congress to explore legislative solutions providing more durable protections for Haitian nationals and other vulnerable populations.

“As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday—a time that reminds us of the importance of community and caring for our neighbors—we are called to act on those values year-round,” Congresswoman Plaskett added. “Haitian TPS recipients have complied with all legal requirements, contributed meaningfully to American communities, and provide essential support to their families in Haiti. Extending TPS is consistent with the statute’s purpose, reflects the reality of conditions on the ground, and serves both our humanitarian values and our national security interests. I would like to thank my Democratic colleagues for joining my call to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond February 2026.”

The Members of Congress who joined Congresswoman Plaskett’s letter are:

 Joyce Beatty

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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

Headline: Carter donates salary during shutdown to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

SAVANNAH, GA – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced that he has donated his congressional salary for the 43 days that the government was shut down to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. 

This donation comes after Rep. Carter sent a letter requesting that his pay be withheld during the duration of the shutdown, a time when Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia stepped up to assist Georgia families on SNAP, WIC, and other government services that lapsed in funding, including those service members and federal employees who missed paychecks or had them threatened.

“Second Harvest helped many Georgians through the uncertainty of the shutdown; however, its impact has been felt in our area for many years, and countless families have been touched by its service and generosity. This donation will help ensure it and its volunteers can continue their great work through the holiday season, and I thank Second Harvest for being a valuable partner in Coastal Georgia,” said Rep. Buddy Carter. 

 

“We are deeply grateful to Rep. Earl ‘Buddy’ Carter for his gracious donation to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia,” said Dan Umbel, President of the Board of Directors. “At a time when many families are facing heightened need, Rep. Carter’s support strengthens our ability to fight hunger across our region and reflects a true commitment to the well-being of every neighbor we serve.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Timber Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act alongside Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) to permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP).  

“Washington State’s timber industry supplies our region with good paying jobs, helps reduce the risk of wildfires, and is a tool in responsibly managing our forests,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The SAWMILL Act gives timber mills the ability to grow their operations and support rural communities who stand to benefit even more from a strong, local timber industry. As we work in Congress on a wide range of policies to protect our forests, this legislation is a positive step we can take to make sure the federal government is making it easier for the industry to be successful here at home.” 

Rep. Sewell said, “Alabama’s rural landowners and forestry sector too often can’t access sawmills and other wood processing infrastructure which increase property values and advance the mission of forestry conservation. I am proud to join Rep. Newhouse in introducing the SAWMILL Act, which will bring critical infrastructure to rural communities, expand access to new markets for rural landowners, and encourage conservation of the environment.” 

TPEP offers low-interest, long-term loans for timber and wood processing companies to invest in their facilities and equipment, with a particular emphasis on supporting timber mills processing hazardous fuels. This simultaneously boosts rural economies and reduces wildfire risk on public lands.

The legislation is supported by the American Wood Council, American Forests, and The Lumber Manufactory (TLM). 

Jackson Morrill, President and CEO, American Wood Council, said, “Our nation’s sawmills and wood processing facilities directly employ nearly half a million Americans, with individual mills serving as economic drivers in their communities. When a mill closes, the whole community suffers, and some unfortunately never recover. We applaud Representatives Newhouse and Sewell for introducing the SAWMILL Act to help protect U.S. wood product manufacturing and rural jobs.” 

Rebecca Turner, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer, American Forests, said, “For generations, sawmills have been economic engines of rural America. Now, the SAWMILL Act would support sawmills that are stepping up to restore our forests. Thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Newhouse and Sewell, the SAWMILL Act is a win-win-win — saving tax-payer dollars, promoting healthy forests, and helping rural communities thrive.” 

Michael Grasso, CEO, TLM, said, “The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) applauds Congressman Newhouse and Congresswoman Sewell for introducing The SAWMILL Act in the House of Representatives, which will permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Loan Guarantee Program (TPEP). TPEP is a vital tool to promote the revitalization of our country’s sawmill and wood processing infrastructure, while also supporting healthy forest management, wildland fire mitigation, and stimulating economic opportunity across rural America. In addition, the SAWMILL Act directly addresses the objectives outlined in the Executive Order for Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.” 

Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.  

See full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

22 November 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Reps. Barragán and Kamlager-Dove Lead Letter to Call Out DOJ’s Quiet Removal of Study on Violent Right-Wing Domestic Terrorism

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last month, U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) led a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi to express their strong concern over the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) removal of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study “What NIJ Research Tells Us About Domestic Terrorism” from the DOJ website.

The letter urged the DOJ to provide an explanation for the removal of the study, disclose whether there was White House involvement, and clarify the Executive Orders used as the basis for DOJ’s review of websites and research materials.

The NIJ study concluded that violent acts committed by far-right extremists have outpaced those committed by far-left extremists or other groups. Yet, despite these findings, the Administration has publicly advanced false claims that “the Radical Left” is the primary driver of political violence.

“The quiet removal of this critical study is yet another attempt by the Trump administration to rewrite history,” said Rep. Barragán. “To erase the dangers of right-wing extremism not only undermines public trust in both the DOJ and our government, it is also a threat to our national security. The suppression and misrepresentation of critical reports like this allow Trump to push harmful narratives and permits domestic terrorism against American communities because of their beliefs and ideals. That is un-American. The DOJ must republish the report.”

“Domestic terrorism and political violence must be forcefully condemned and confronted, regardless of who commits it,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “Yet, by quietly removing this report, the Trump Administration is attempting to hide the prevalence of far-right violent extremism to reinforce its dangerous, false narrative that left-wing extremism alone is one of the gravest problems facing our country. This is more than an attempt to score cheap political points; it serves a pretext for Trump to target political opponents, and it jeopardizes our national security by sweeping extremist violence under the rug. The report must be republished.”

Since the 1960s, NIJ research and data collection have been an essential tool for policymakers, law enforcement, and communities in understanding extremist violence. The study reviewed data from 1990 to 2020 and found far-right extremists responsible for the vast majority of ideologically motivated killings. These findings are consistent with independent research that found right-wing extremists responsible for more than twice the number of politically motivated deaths, compared to left-wing extremists, since 2020.

The removal of the NIJ study, paired with misleading public claims, raises serious questions about whether DOJ is suppressing research in favor of partisan narratives. This comes as President Trump’s memorandum on domestic terrorism pledges to focus federal resources on “left-wing terrorism,” while dismissing experts who present contrary evidence.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT); Donald Beyer (D-VA); Jasmine Crockett (D-TX); Henry ‘Hank’ Johnson (D-GA); Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA); Summer Lee (D-PA); Mark Takano (D-CA); and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

To view the full letter, click HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

22 November 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Reps. Barragán and Bell Introduce the Food Assurance and Security Act to Restore USDA’s Annual Food Access Report

Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.)  introduced the Food Assurance and Security Act, legislation that reinstates and protects the federal government’s annual reporting on hunger and food insecurity in the United States. The bill requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with the Census Bureau, to maintain an interagency food security measurement program and publish comprehensive yearly data on household food insecurity—data that was halted under the Trump Administration after its historic cuts to SNAP. 

Last month, Rep. Barragán also sent a letter, joined by 21 other House Democrats, to USDA that urged the continuation of the food security report when the agency first announced its discontinuation. The letter also urged for immediate reinstatement of the agency researchers who were placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave who worked on the survey. 

“I am proud to co-lead this bill, which reinstates the annual food access report published by the USDA. The Trump administration ended this report right after they made the largest cuts to SNAP in history. This cannot be coincidence,” said Rep. Barragán. “Kicking hardworking Americans off SNAP means more people will be forced to go to food banks or shelters because basic groceries are too expensive. We cannot stand by and watch as the Trump Administration tries to hide the real harm of their cuts to food assistance by cancelling this report.”

“Families across the country are struggling to put food on the table, and the last thing they need is a government trying to hide the full scope of hunger in America,” said Rep. Bell. “Restoring this report ensures we confront the real challenges people are facing instead of sweeping them under the rug.”

“Today’s introduction of the Food Assurance and Security Act comes as the Trump administration moves to erase the benchmark Household Food Security Report,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “This report has been our roadmap to understanding who is struggling to put food on the table, and the solutions needed to ensure no one goes hungry in the world’s wealthiest nation. The most recent cuts to SNAP will undoubtedly deepen hunger and hardship. Eliminating this annual data will only hide the reality of hunger, not end it. We can’t let this happen, especially as families grapple with the rising costs of food, housing, health care, and other basic needs. We strongly urge Congress to pass this bill without delay.”

SNAP has proven to reduce food insecurity and strengthen financial stability for young people building their futures. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to the Urban Institute, nearly 3 million young adults ages 18 to 24 are at risk of losing these benefits, as the law includes $186 billion in cuts to SNAP.

Read the full bill text here.

Read the full letter text here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Lucille Hoback Boggess passed away on November 19, 2025. The sister of two Bedford Boys who lost their lives on D-Day, Ms. Hoback Boggess served as Commissioner of Revenue and Board of Supervisors Member in Bedford County and was a leading figure in the establishment of the National D-Day Memorial. In response to her passing, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Lucille Hoback Boggess. Through her tenure as an elected official, becoming the first woman in Bedford County history elected to countywide office, and her tireless advocacy for the National D-Day Memorial, Ms. Hoback Boggess is an icon in Bedford County and Central Virginia communities. I join our region in mourning the loss of an inspirational figure.”

BACKGROUND

In June 2025, Congressman Griffith delivered remarks on the House floor to commemorate D-Day. During his remarks, he honored National D-Day Memorial founder Bob Slaughter and also credited Ms. Hoback Boggess.

In 2023, Congressman Griffith announced that the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service (NPS) inducted Bedford County, Virginia, into its American World War II Heritage Cities Program largely due to its National D-Day Memorial and culture.

Bedford County is the only World War II Heritage City in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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