MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Today, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) led Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-2), Lucy McBath (D-GA-7), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6), and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) in introducing the Protecting Students on Campus Act, bipartisan legislation to confront rising antisemitism and other forms of discrimination at colleges and universities.

At a time when hate is surging domestically and globally—resulting in horrific antisemitic violence, including Sunday’s deadly shooting in Bondi Beach, Australia—this legislation provides meaningful protections to ensure students can learn in safe, inclusive environments.

“Antisemitism and hate are surging on college campuses and around the world, and the consequences are deadly—as we saw in the vile attack in Bondi Beach,” said Rep. Frankel. “Students cannot learn if they do not feel safe. The Protecting Students on Campus Act gives students clear pathways to report antisemitism and discrimination, strengthens accountability for colleges, and helps ensure campuses are places where hate is not tolerated.”

The bill increases transparency, oversight, and accountability by enhancing the role of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), helping schools identify discrimination early and take action to protect students.

The urgency is unmistakable. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), 83 percent of Jewish students report witnessing or experiencing antisemitism on campus since October 7. Nationwide, antisemitic incidents have increased nearly ninefold over the past decade.

“Jewish students deserve better than empty promises when antisemitism erupts on campus. The Protecting Students on Campus Act transforms rhetoric into action by requiring real transparency and giving students the tools to hold their universities accountable,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). “In this climate of rising antisemitic incidents on campus and in Jewish communities around the world, as we’ve seen with the recent, horrific attack at Bondi Beach, this legislation couldn’t come at a more urgent time. We thank Reps. Frankel, Bacon, McBath, Ciscomani, and Stevens for their leadership and urge the swift passage of this legislation so that our campuses remain places of learning, not fear.”

“American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report found that 35% of Jewish college students experienced antisemitism during their time on campus and 48% felt unsafe or avoided expressing their views or Jewish identity. These numbers reflect an alarming reality: Jewish students are being targeted and marginalized in unprecedented ways. AJC applauds Representatives Frankel (D-FL), Bacon (R-NJ), McBath (D-GA), Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Stevens (D-MI) for taking action by introducing the Protecting Students on Campus Act, legislation that empowers students to report discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, while providing critical accountability to ensure the U.S. Department of Education responds appropriately to federal complaints,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee.

The Protecting Students on Campus Act is endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Jewish Federations of North America.

For the full text of the bill, click here.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security — questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a committee hearing titled, “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.” McCaul and Noem discussed the administration’s efforts to secure our nation’s air, land, and sea.

Click to watch

McCaul’s exchange with Secretary Noem:

Chairman Emeritus McCaul: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Madam Secretary, great to see you.

This hearing reminds me of the novel “A Tale of Two Cities.” The [Democrats] see it as the worst of times, but I see it really as the best of times. And what do I mean by that? Under the Biden administration, 15 to 20 million illegal aliens — unvetted as you indicated — came into this country. What I think is most disturbing is director Kent’s testimony: 18,000 known or suspected terrorists got into this country under the Biden administration.

That’s why we impeached Mayorkas. I was one of the managers. He told his Border Patrol [agents]: you don’t have to pay attention to federal law when it says “shall” detain aggravated felons. He disregards our law and says: you know what? “May detain. It’s discretionary.” And guess what? We have thousands of aggravated felons now … in this country today. That was the worst of times. Let me go to the best of times.

[This is] the most secure border I’ve seen in my 22 years of Congress. I’ve dealt with this for a long time, coming from Texas, being chairman of this committee. The daily crossings are 95% down from the prior administration. That’s the best of times.

Zero catch and release. My very first bill in Congress 22 years ago was to end catch and release. Twenty-two years later, we finally have achieved that goal. That, Madam Secretary, is the best of times. An all-time record low. America is safer today. …

And when I look at the Venezuelan vessels attacked, the president had every right under the Constitution — Article II — [in] international waters, [with] cartels designated as FTOs, coming into our country to spread poison to kill Americans. If that’s not self-defense, I don’t know what is.

And then finally, Madam Secretary, thank you for taking out the shadow Iranian oil tanker headed from Venezuela to Cuba, getting around our sanctions that Congress passed. I’m finally seeing an administration flexing its muscle in this hemisphere, which has been neglected for so many years.

So air, land, and sea is your charge; it’s the military charge as well. I see the land secure. I see the maritime border as getting more secure. And I applaud you for that.

On the air [security] piece, I chair the special events task force — that’s FIFA, the Olympics, [and] the 250th anniversary. Drones are the biggest threat as I see it. I see it in Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and I see it across our border, and I see it at these events. … And with the new NDAA authorization to allow federal and state and locals to work together to identify hostile adversary drones, and take them down, can you tell me how that will impact your ability, Madam Secretary, to better secure these special events?

Secretary Noem: Thank you, Congressman McCaul. And thank you for your leadership. I understand you are retiring, and I’m sad about that. You’ve been a statesman. Thank you for serving with such dignity.

The counter drone and drone technology that is out there today, frankly our authorities haven’t kept up with. And so thank you for that legislation. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to truly defend the homeland. Here at the Department of Homeland Security we are going to be investing upwards to $1.5 billion into drone technology and counter drone technology and mitigation measures that we can deploy, not just across different NSC events or large scale events that we are responsible for the security on, but also that we can use to partner with cities and states for celebrations and different things that they may hold as well. So we have the responsibility at the Department of Homeland Security for FIFA and the 11 cities that will be hosting the matches here in the United States — also the Olympics, the America 250 celebrations, also other national security events that happen such as Mardi Gras and other events that are going on throughout the country.

So this program that we will have will not only work within the events that the department is responsible for, but we will be able to sign agreements with states and cities to provide measures that they don’t currently have. And we’re working with the FAA as well to get what we need to be able to operate. And we don’t want us to detect. We don’t want to just monitor. We need to mitigate. We need to take these drones down. …

Chairman Emeritus McCaul: There is so much technology out there today – counter drone technology that I have been working to get into Ukraine to protect them from Russian drones that we can deploy at these events. I’d love to visit with you on that at a later date. And thank you for your service.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul — chairman emeritus of the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security — issued the following statement after voting to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.  

“Funding our military, ensuring our warfighters are ready to win against any adversary, and taking care of our servicemembers are some of Congress’ core duties. This year’s NDAA accomplishes those goals and delivers on the president’s peace through strength agenda,” said Rep. McCaul. “In addition to improving our servicemembers’ pay and quality of life, the bill delivers new capabilities to our warfighters at a faster pace, revitalizes our defense industrial base to improve readiness and boost our economy, and funds the Golden Dome, which will protect Americans from modern threats like hypersonic missiles for years to come. I was proud to vote for this bill and ensure our nation is prepared to face — and overcome — the challenges of the 21st century.”

McCaul championed several of the provisions in this year’s NDAA, including:

Title LXXXVII, a provision that builds on McCaul’s DFC Modernization Act.

“In the great power competition with China, the DFC is a crucial tool to form partnerships that strengthen U.S. national security. Much like my DFC Modernization Act, this provision will increase the DFC’s investment firepower and allow us to partner with high-income countries in important sectors like energy, critical minerals, and rare earths. I’m proud to have played a role in the inception of this provision, which will make the DFC more effective in advancing U.S. interests around the globe.” -Rep. McCaul

Title LXXXV, a provision to restrict outbound investment, which includes the sector-based approach McCaul has championed for years.

“For years, I’ve worked to prevent American investment dollars from flowing into sectors that empower our adversaries’ military development and surveillance states. The comprehensive and preventative approach in this provision will ensure the CCP and other adversaries cannot leverage U.S. capital to prop up their war machines and advance their malign agendas.” –Rep. McCaul

Text of the AUKUS Improvement Act, legislation he introduced with Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.).

“The AUKUS security pact, which I prioritized as chairman, serves as a critical deterrent to China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The inclusion of this provision in the NDAA will build on that momentum, enhance collaboration amongst AUKUS defense companies, and help establish the deterrence needed to prevent the CCP from instigating a worldwide catastrophe.” -Rep. McCaul

Sections 8362-8363, which are similar to a provision McCaul championed in the State Department Reauthorization to identify, track, and locate abducted Ukrainian children and to hold Russia accountable with sanctions.

“The Russian Federation’s abduction of at least 20,000 children is evil in its purest form. By abducting, indoctrinating, and militarizing these children, Russia is preparing a generation of children for war with NATO. I’m proud to stand on the right side of history by fighting for their repatriation, which is a national security imperative — and a moral imperative.” -Rep. McCaul 

Title LXXXVI, which deputizes state and local authorities to address drone threats at mass gatherings — one of the primary goals of McCaul’s “Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events.”

“As chairman of the special events task force, I have been laser-focused on the growing threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems. According to the NFL, there has been a 4,000% increase in drone sightings at stadiums in the past five years. This provision takes a major step toward securing our upcoming games by ensuring state and local law enforcement officers have the authorities needed to prevent drone attacks before they occur.” -Rep. McCaul

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Financial Services Chairman Rep. French Hill (AR-02) and Subcommittee on Capital Markets Chair Ann Wagner (MO-02) released the following statement supporting the Trump Administration’s decision to advance reforms that strengthen transparency and accountability in the proxy advisory process.

Chairman Hill and Subcommittee Chair Wagner: “For too long, a small number of firms have held disproportionate influence over corporate governance decisions that impact millions of investors. These reforms will help ensure shareholder voting is fair, well-informed, and focused on maximizing value for all investors. Strengthening oversight of proxy advisers and reinforcing fiduciary accountability in proxy voting will enhance the integrity of our capital markets and increase investor confidence. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and regulators to ensure these reforms are implemented effectively, protect investors, and promote transparent corporate governance.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) secured key provisions in H.R. 6644 the Housing for the 21st Century Act to expand access to affordable housing through cooperative ownership models while strengthening Congressional oversight to protect tenants in federally monitored public housing authorities.

Velázquez successfully included targeted language in Sections 101, 405, 406, and 407 of the legislation to explicitly recognize housing cooperatives as eligible entities for federal housing programs and funding. These clarifying provisions added the term “cooperative(s)” where applicable, ensuring that cooperative housing developments are not excluded from participating in existing programs due to ambiguous statutory language. 

“Cooperative housing is one of the strongest tools we have to preserve long-term affordability and keep working families in their communities,” said Velázquez. “In a city like New York, where rising housing costs are driving displacement, cooperatives provide a resident-owned model that stabilizes neighborhoods and protects affordability from market pressures. The provisions I secured ensure cooperatives remain accessible, sustainable, and a central part of our affordable housing strategy.”

Cooperative housing provides financially stable, resident-owned housing to more than 1.5 million families nationwide and remains a critical source of affordable homeownership and housing stability, in New York City. 

In addition to expanding cooperative housing, Velázquez secured new oversight and transparency requirements in Section 502 to strengthen accountability for public housing authorities overseen by a federal monitor or receiver.  The provision responds directly to chronic maintenance issues at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the court-appointed federal monitor’s lack of coordination and collaboration with the city’s Congressional Delegation. 

This enhanced oversight ensures taxpayer dollars are being used effectively, residents’ needs are addressed, and lawmakers are providing NYCHA and other struggling PHAs with the resources and tools they need to improve their operations and conditions.   

“For too long, NYCHA residents have endured unsafe conditions while the court-ordered federal monitor has had limited interaction with our city’s Congressional delegation.  Today we are changing that.  By requiring monitors and receivers to provide annual reports and testimony to Congress we can help provide public housing authorities around the country with the resources they need to facilitate repairs and improve the lives of residents,” said Velázquez.   

The provisions advance a comprehensive approach to affordable housing and deliver meaningful protections and opportunities for New Yorkers facing a housing affordability crisis.

Find the quotes of support here.

Find the full legislation here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums For All Americans Act:

“I’m pleased to see the House pass real change for our healthcare system,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “This bill gives people more choice, helps lower costs, and represents a step in the right direction. These reforms will lead to decreases in insurance premiums in the coming years. Folks in my district need more immediate relief. Families are still facing costs that are needlessly high, teetering on the edge of insurmountable healthcare expenses. Congress has a responsibility to address this before even more people are priced out of coverage entirely.” 

The Lower Health Care for All Americans Act represents a significant step toward making health insurance more affordable, particularly for small employers and individual consumers. The bill expands Association Health Plans, allowing small businesses to join together to access group rates and larger networks on ACA exchanges. It also deregulates Stop Loss Insurance, encouraging more employers to offer health benefits without the burden of Obamacare’s red tape. Employers can now place funds in employee accounts, giving workers greater flexibility to choose the plan that works best for them.

The legislation also increases transparency for Pharmaceutical Benefits Managers (PBMs), cracking down on practices that drive up drug costs. Additionally, it ends the practice of insurers inflating silver plan prices to capture larger federal subsidies. These changes are expected to save federal dollars, reduce premiums by an estimated 11%, and reduce reliance on costly insurance payouts.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Research and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Haley Stevens (D-MI) sent a letter to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acting Under Secretary Craig Burkhardt demanding an explanation for the termination of SMART USA Institute, a semiconductor research and development program authorized by Congress through the CHIPS and Science Act.

“We worry that NIST’s arbitrary and capricious decisions to terminate its financial commitments will shake confidence among its current and future partners, even long after this Administration leaves office,” the Ranking Members wrote in their letter. “NIST has a reputation as a neutral and steadfast partner that can work with any industry and academic organization. This reputation is very much at risk. Few companies would willingly seek partnership with an organization that cancels its obligations on a whim.”

 The letter can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Washington, DC – On December 6, 2025,  Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, received the Uncommon Height Crystal Stair Award at the 90^th Annual National Council of Negro Women’s gala, in Washington, DC. This award is the highest honor given by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). 

Upon receiving the Uncommon Height Crystal Stair Award, Congresswoman Waters issued the following remarks:

“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to accept the 2025 Uncommon Height Crystal Stair Award, named after my dear friend, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.  In 1958, Dr. Height became the president of NCNW and guided the organization for forty-two years, through the height of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. While often one of the only women in the room, Dr. Height was considered a member of the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement. And under her leadership, NCNW did more than march; it built institutions. It created programs, policies, and platforms. 

“Dr. Height, who believed deeply in strengthening Black families, launched The National Black Family Reunion, a celebration that reaffirmed our shared values and heritage. I remember fondly when she and I first organized the Black Family Reunion in Los Angeles. In those moments, we were reminded that our struggle is not our own, but it’s for children, mothers, grandparents, and our communities. Throughout her lifetime, Dr. Height met with every President from Roosevelt to Obama. And as I stand here this evening, I wonder what she would think about the current administration. 

“We are living under the rule of a cruel, deplorable, wannabe dictator of a president in the Oval Office. Trump’s attacks on DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), Black History, Reproductive Freedoms, Healthcare, Education, Voting Rights, and Housing are attacks against the Black family. But these are the same battles Dr. Height taught us how to fight. I consider what Dr. Height would do if she were here today. She would not wait; she would act! She would organize, she would lead. 

“And know this: as long as I have a voice, as long as I have a vote, as long as I have a platform, I will continue to march, I will continue to build, I will continue to fight. Because when we fight, we win!!”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, sent letters on December 9, 2025, to six executive branch agencies in response to the Trump administration’s executive orders terminating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies and programs. The letters ask how the agencies are implementing these anti-DEIA executive orders and what steps – if any – they have taken to ensure they are not violating civil rights law. The letters were signed by 40 Members of Congress.  

“Everyone deserves to have access to living-wage jobs; safe, affordable housing; quality health care; and educational opportunities,” said Congresswoman Waters. “Yet, the Trump administration’s anti-equity executive orders seek to weaponize civil rights enforcement, terminate longstanding legal government programs, and dismantle important, decades-old legal tools for ferreting out discrimination. Pursuant to these executive orders, the Trump administration has sought to cut funding for research into cancer, Black maternal health, autism, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and HIV; halt programs to improve teacher development and quality; withhold funding for domestic violence services, food access, and school-based mental health supports; and terminate grants for college preparatory programs. These attacks have harmed people of all backgrounds in this country: Black, white, Latino, Asian American, and Indigenous; from urban and rural areas; of every gender, sexual orientation, and ability. People in America deserve to know how the Trump administration is implementing these harmful executive orders.”  

Each letter was signed by the following 40 Members of Congress: Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Shontel M. Brown, André Carson, Troy A. Carter, Sr., Yvette D. Clarke, Steve Cohen, Danny K. Davis, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Cleo Fields, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Sylvia R. Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Al Green, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Jonathan L. Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Robin L. Kelly, Timothy M. Kennedy, Summer L. Lee, Jennifer L. McClellan, LaMonica McIver, Kelly Morrison, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ayanna Pressley, Delia C. Ramirez, Janice Schakowsky, Terri A. Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Bennie G. Thompson, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Lauren Underwood, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica S. Wilson.  

The letters were sent to the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, and the Environmental Protection Agency.