MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) announced the introduction of the Predatory Truck Leasing Prevention Act (H.R. 5423), legislation to crack down on exploitative leasing practices in the trucking industry that trap truck drivers in cycles of debt and prevent them from becoming independent owner-operators.

“Current predatory leasing arrangements exploit hardworking truck drivers who are simply trying to build a career and support their families,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Far too many drivers are trapped in crushing debt, denied fair pay, and prevented from ever owning their trucks. These abusive practices push dedicated workers out of the industry, create unnecessary financial stress, and can even put drivers and the public at risk on our roads. My bill will help put an end to these abusive practices, level the playing field for drivers by giving them a fair shot at ownership, strengthen the trucking workforce, and make our roads safer.”

While traditional lease agreements can allow truckers to operate as independent small businesses, many lease-purchase or “lease-to-own” arrangements are structured in ways that exploit drivers. Under these agreements, a motor carrier (or related entity) owns a truck and leases it to a driver, who makes payments in hopes of eventually owning the vehicle and agrees to operate it exclusively for the motor carrier. In these schemes, the lessor and motor carrier are effectively the same entity. 

Companies offering these agreements often offer false promises of fair compensation, future ownership of the truck, and independence from employer-employee requirements. While the supposed goal of these agreements is for the driver to become a full-fledged owner-operator at the end of the lease, these schemes rarely work out that way. Instead, drivers are often paid pennies on the dollar and have their work limited by the motor carrier to prevent them from ever securing ownership of the truck. They are also provided with no independence to seek better compensation or more steady work with other motor carriers. This exploitative system pushes individuals who genuinely desire a career in trucking out of the industry and further contributes to driver churn. The financial and personal pressures resulting from escalating debt can also create highway safety risks.

Created by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to address these problems, the Truck Leasing Task Force (TLTF) was tasked with examining the terms, conditions, and fairness of common truck leasing arrangements. In January 2025, following a series of productive meetings and discussions with stakeholders, TLTF submitted its findings to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Labor, and Congress. The final report found that inequitable lease-purchase programs negatively affect individual drivers (especially new drivers), the trucking workforce, the health of the industry, and roadway safety.

The Predatory Truck Leasing Prevention Act would implement the TLTF recommendations and require the U.S. Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations to prohibit the use of predatory commercial motor vehicle lease-purchase programs by motor carriers within one year of enactment.

The Predatory Truck Leasing Prevention Act is endorsed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and Teamsters.

“OOIDA and truckers across America applaud Representative Brownley for taking on the predatory lease-purchase schemes that have fleeced truck drivers for decades. These scams dangle the promise of ownership but leave drivers broke, trapped in debt, and kicked to the curb with nothing to show for it. These schemes represent the worst in trucking and the Predatory Truck Leasing Prevention Act would put a stop to this practice once and for all,” said Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer.

“Predatory truck leasing arrangements target decent hardworking people looking for careers in the trucking industry only to lead them to financial ruin,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters Union was proud to serve on the Truck Leasing Task Force and applauds Representative Brownley for using its recommendations to craft the Predatory Truck Leasing Prevention Act. This bill can finally help put an end to these nefarious practices in a core American industry. The Teamsters strongly endorse the legislation.”

“Truck drivers keep America moving. They deserve fair treatment and a real chance to succeed. The Predatory Truck Leasing Prevention Act will help stop abusive practices, restore integrity to the industry, and ensure that drivers can build sustainable careers while keeping our roads safe,” added Brownley.  

Read the text of the bill here.

Issues: 119th Congress, Jobs, Economy, and Small Business

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement regarding today’s vote on a resolution concerning Charlie Kirk:

“Last week, Charlie Kirk was gunned down in an apparent act of political violence. As I publicly stated on the day of this tragedy, political violence against any individual or group is unacceptable and incompatible with our country’s laws, values, and ideals. My sincere prayers and condolences go out to his family.

“If this resolution were to simply condemn Charlie Kirk’s murder, it would have had my vote. Unfortunately, it was an attempt to use this tragedy as an opportunity to lionize his beliefs. While he was entitled to have and express his beliefs freely, some of them are offensive to me and to the many people targeted by his invective and vitriol. They do not reflect the highest and noblest values of America, nor my Judeo-Christian faith, and I cannot condone them.

“Though I unequivocably condemn political violence and Charlie Kirk’s heinous assassination, I could not support this resolution.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Lead Democrat of the U.S. Congressional Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, released the following statement after Russian aircraft violated Estonian airspace:

“This is yet another breach of NATO airspace and a dangerous escalation by Putin’s regime. These repeated violations show that Russia’s aggression is not limited to Ukraine but is directed at NATO itself. NATO’s quick and united response proves the Alliance is strong and prepared. If Russia keeps choosing this reckless path, it will face serious consequences.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, has shown nothing but weakness. His refusal to hold Russia accountable and his constant attacks on our allies have only emboldened Putin. If Trump wants to prove he is not weak, he must finally condemn Russian aggression, support Ukraine, and stand with NATO.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement after voting no on the Republicans’ continuing resolution:

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have been inflicting pain on working Americans for eight months, passing legislation to take away healthcare from 15 million Americans in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, and driving up costs on everyone else. 

“Now they are refusing to extend vital ACA tax credits that would protect 4 million Americans from losing their coverage and save tens of millions more from crushing premium increases.

“Democrats introduced a continuing resolution that would keep the government open while addressing the healthcare crisis President Trump and Republican lawmakers have single-handedly created. 

“Our plan would preserve coverage for millions, prevent premium spikes for tens of millions, fully fund community health centers, and continue investments in lifesaving research. Instead of negotiating in good faith to help working families, Donald Trump told Republicans, “Don’t even bother dealing with them.”

“I could not in good conscience vote for a Republican continuing resolution that abandons families, risks millions of Americans’ healthcare, and leaves our public health system weaker.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted in favor of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep government funded until November 21, preventing a government shutdown on October 1, when the current funding law expires. 

Unlike many previous stopgap funding bills, the CR contains no major changes to federal policies, programs or current spending levels. The bill passed the House 217-212. 

“There’s a lot of important work to be done in Congress, none of which will be any easier if Mainers are suffering the harms of a government shutdown,” Golden said. “At the top of my mind are critical conversations around the need to prevent health care price spikes and lost coverage for millions of Americans.

“With the Republican trifecta, there’s no path forward on health care without GOP support. That’s why I remain focused on my bipartisan effort to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits that make coverage affordable for Mainers,” Golden said. “This clean, short-term CR will keep the lights on and give us more time to set policies and funding levels for the future.”

A federal government shutdown would have immediate effects on Mainers, particularly the more than 11,000 federal employees who would be either furloughed or forced to work without pay. Acadia National Park would likely be forced to close, jeopardizing the shoulder season for small businesses and workers, while federal food assistance, housing assistance, small business support and other programs could be paused. 

A shutdown also would give President Donald Trump and the executive branch extraordinary leeway in determining which aspects of government are “essential,” and which can be shuttered. 

Meanwhile, Mainers are facing massive health care cuts as a result of the partisan reconciliation bill enacted by Republicans this summer. The most immediate concern is spiking premiums on track to hit tens of thousands of Mainers who buy health insurance on the state’s individual marketplace, coverME.gov, when enhanced premium tax credits expire in January. 

Roughly 85 percent of Mainers who buy coverage on the marketplace use tax credits to help afford their coverage. If Congress does not act, those Mainers face a $180 average monthly premium increase in January, with rural Mainers aged 60-64 facing the sharpest increase. 

Golden is leading efforts to extend the tax credits through 2026. 

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

WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement on U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s letter to Governor Wes Moore regarding the reconstruction of the Key Bridge:

“The Key Bridge was bigger than Baltimore and Maryland – its collapse took away a vital transportation artery for the broader region and a gateway to the Port of Baltimore. As we have with other major infrastructure disasters with nationwide implications, Congress came together on a bipartisan basis to provide the full resources necessary for reconstruction to ensure it can be rebuilt as quickly and efficiently as possible. The federal government’s commitment to fund the rebuild is enacted into law, and the construction contract was awarded through a legal, competitive, transparent process. We will continue working with the Department of Transportation and our partners to keep delivering on this national priority and commitment.”

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.