MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Brian Hughes was named as the de facto Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center by the White House. Hughes, who led Trump’s 2024 presidential election campaign in Florida, has deep ties to the White House but no background or expertise in space launch systems. He served as NASA’s Chief of Staff from May to December of 2025. During his tenure, he illegally implemented Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 Presidential Budget Request before NASA’s budget was approved by Congress. Science Committee Democratic staff detailed his illegal actions in their recently released Minority Staff Report, Mission Aborted: How NASA Illegally Implemented the President’s Budget Request Without Congressional Approval. 

“I am deeply concerned that Brian Hughes, a political hack that has a proven record of harming the agency, has been named the de facto Director of Kennedy Space Center at such a critical time of global consequence for NASA and our leadership in space exploration,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “It is unconscionable that the White House would bring him back and frustrating that NASA did not bother notifying the Committee in advance of this decision.”

Ranking Member Lofgren continued, “We are not going to beat China to the Moon by putting a political operative in charge of launching our astronauts into space. Brian Hughes does not possess the background, knowledge, expertise, or temperament to hold a position of such immense responsibility. The leader of Kennedy Space Center, who also has been granted responsibility for Wallops launch operations, must be beyond reproach in both character and competence. It is no place for a former Trump campaign consultant who personally directed the agency’s illegal implementation of the White House budget last year, as the Committee’s oversight recently detailed. This decision is inexcusable. NASA must reverse it immediately.”

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

ROMULUS, MI — This weekend, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens joined Ranking Member Ro Khanna and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell for the Michigan leg of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s “Heartland Tour,” meeting directly with autoworkers, union leaders, and manufacturers at GM Romulus Propulsion and UAW Local 600 in Dearborn.

The visits brought Members of Congress directly to Michigan manufacturing facilities, focusing on the growing threat from global auto competitors and the need for a stronger American industrial strategy that protects union jobs and domestic supply chains.

At GM Romulus Propulsion, Stevens toured the powertrain facility and met with plant leadership and representatives from UAW Local 163 to discuss global supply chains and pressures facing the U.S. auto sector. 

Afterwards, the delegation visited UAW Local 600 in Dearborn for a roundtable with union leadership and autoworkers about job security, trade enforcement, and the challenges facing Michigan workers.

“Michigan workers are on the frontlines of America’s competition with China,” said Rep. Stevens. “The future of the auto industry will be determined by whether we invest in American manufacturing, strengthen our supply chains, and stand up for union labor. That’s why it was so important to bring Congress directly to Michigan to hear from the workers and manufacturers driving our economy every single day.”

Stevens highlighted several pieces of legislation she has introduced to strengthen American manufacturing and protect Michigan auto jobs, including the No Chinese Cars Act, legislation to stop foreign  automakers from bypassing U.S trade rules by routing production through third countries like Mexico. 

“Michigan put the world on wheels, and Michigan will build the future of advanced manufacturing,” Stevens continued. “But we need a smart industrial strategy that protects workers, enforces trade laws, creates good-paying jobs, and lowers costs making sure we are making and building right here in America. That’s why the No Chinese Cars Act is critical to stand up for Michigan workers and fight back against efforts to undercut Michigan manufacturing.”

Stevens also discussed her broader legislative efforts to support domestic manufacturing and union workers, including the Unearth America’s Future Act, the Union Auto Workers Job Protection Act, the Make Congress Drive Union Made Act, and the Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act.

B-Roll for media use linked HERE

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

ARCADIA, CA – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) proudly announced the winners of her 17th Annual Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition, with Jasmine Ung’s work titled “Marching for Justice & Equality”, earning first place.

The Artistic Discovery Competition is a nationwide program that honors the creativity and vision of high school students. Each year, Rep. Chu’s district competition showcases the extraordinary talent of young artists from California’s 28th District. A panel of local judges selected the winners based on originality, technique, and emotional resonance.

As the first-place winner, Ung’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, alongside other winning pieces from across the country. Additional standout submissions will be exhibited in Rep. Chu’s Washington, D.C. and district offices.

“I’m honored to continue this tradition and uplift the voices of our youth through art,” said Rep. Chu. “This is truly a special moment because it’s so important to recognize the incredible young artists we have in the San Gabriel Valley. These young artists have all used art to tackle challenging problems, speak about difficult emotions, and to inspire each and every one of us to pursue a better version of ourselves.”

This year’s winners and their artworks are below: 
 

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
May 9, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORT OF MULTIPLE GUNSHOTS IN FREDERIKSTED

St. Croix, USVI — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement in response to a report of over 100 gunshots fired in Frederiksted, St. Croix:

“The ongoing violence in our territory weighs heavily on me. Every incident is a painful reminder of how much work remains for us.

“Frederiksted holds a very special place in my heart and in the work of my office. We have seen this town endure years of neglect and deterioration — and we have also seen the resilience of the people who refuse to give up on it. I am continually inspired by the residents, business owners, advocates, and community members who show up every single day committed to making the town of Frederiksted better. My team and I stand with you, as we always have.

“Frederiksted deserves safety, investment, and the full attention of every level of government. We will continue to fight for nothing less.”

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

May 09, 2026 | Press Releases

Watch the Video Here.
SARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the latest installment in his ongoing Veterans History Project Series, honoring the military service of constituents from Florida’s 17th District. This interview features Colonel Robert J.M. Gaddis, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer who served more than 26 years in uniform and continued supporting U.S. Special Operations efforts following his military retirement.
Born and raised in Indian Hill, Ohio, Gaddis graduated from The Ohio State University in 1986 as a Distinguished Military Graduate through the ROTC program before commissioning as an Infantry officer in the United States Army. Following graduation, he completed Airborne School, Ranger School, and Pathfinder training before reporting to Panama with the 193d Infantry Brigade (Light). During his military career, Gaddis deployed throughout Central and South America, including missions to El Salvador, Peru, and Honduras, and led infantry assaults during Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama.
Colonel Gaddis then later served with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and held leadership assignments with U.S. Southern Command, the U.S. Embassy in Senegal, and U.S. Military Groups in Nicaragua and Ecuador, overseeing security cooperation and counter-drug operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Following his retirement from the Army in 2012, he continued serving in civilian leadership roles at Special Operations Command South.
Colonel Gaddis also received numerous military honors and decorations for his service to the United States, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.
“I’m grateful to Colonel Robert Gaddis for his decades of service to our country in the United States Army,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “As a fellow Army veteran, I appreciate Colonel Gaddis’ leadership in combat operations and his continued commitment to protecting American interests abroad. His leadership and sacrifice should be an inspiring example for the future generations of Americans.”
Please click here to watch the full interview.
Be sure to check Congressman Steube’s YouTube channel in the future for upcoming interviews.
The Office of Congressman Greg Steube will submit the interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.
Initially started in 2000, the Veterans History Project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of the United States military veterans and Gold Star Families so that future generations may hear directly from the veterans and better understand their service. Researchers, scholars, and educators rely upon VHP collections as a primary source. The oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials supplement historical texts and valued cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks of the United States military who served in World War I through the more recent conflicts are eligible to participate. For more information on the VHP, please visit https://www.loc.gov/vets/.
If you live in Florida’s 17th Congressional district, please visit https://steube.house.gov/services/vhp to participate.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, met with leaders at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora to discuss state and federal initiatives they are leading to support Buckley, servicemembers, and their families. It was the fourth meeting of Congressman Crow’s Future of Buckley Task Force.

Joining Crow at the roundtable were U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, and Centennial Mayor Pro Tem Amy Tharp. The group discussed efforts to improve quality of life for servicemembers and base personnel; the modernization of equipment for the Colorado Air National Guard; and preparations for the upcoming fire season.

“Buckley is not just a major economic driver for our community—it’s also a key facility keeping Coloradans and Americans safe,” said Congressman Crow. “I’ve been proud to partner with Senator Bennet, Senator Hickenlooper, and state leaders to deliver for Buckley, but our work isn’t over. I look forward to taking what we heard today to ensure Buckley has what it needs to fulfill its mission and to ensure the servicemembers and families here are taken care of.”

Buckley Space Force Base is a key economic driver for Colorado. The base employs 3,100 active duty members, 4,000 National Guard personnel and Reservists, 2,400 civilians, and 2,500 contractors. It is estimated that Buckley contributes $2.4 billion annually to the local economy. 

This fourth meeting of the Future of Buckley Task Force builds on Congressman Crow’s longstanding work to support Buckley Space Force Base. Last year, Congressman Crow secured key priorities in the Annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in response to needs at Buckley and among its servicemembers, including bipartisan legislation to make healthcare and dental coverage more affordable and accessible for servicemembers and efforts to bolster Colorado’s aerospace industry. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement in response to the U.S. Court of International Trade ruling that President Trump’s 10 percent Section 122 global tariffs were an unlawful abuse of executive authority:

“President Trump never gets tired of losing in court.

“While American families are drowning due to record-high prices, and farmers and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet because of his tariffs, he keeps doubling down on the same failed, illegal and reckless trade policies.

“Democrats are ready to end this chaos. It’s time for Republicans to join us and put their constituents first, not Donald Trump.”

Background:

Ranking Member Sánchez and Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced the bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act to terminate the 10 percent tariffs issued by President Trump under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the Better Energy Storage and Safety (BESS) Act. Co-led by Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10), this bipartisan legislation would allow the federal government to implement critical improvements to ensure safe energy storage, including by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct robust energy storage safety research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities within its energy storage programs.

The bill would expand on existing authorizations to conduct RD&D activities on battery system failure. This would include improving early detection methods and preventative techniques to reduce risks of fires or explosions like at Moss Landing, while promoting research on the causes of battery failure.

“As we continue to move towards renewable energy, we must ensure that the corresponding and critical technology is safe and secure,” said Rep. Panetta. “Although state-level public utility commissions have the authority and are responsible for ensuring safe and reliable energy service, my bipartisan bill would allow the federal government to make necessary improvements for the research, development, and testing of critical battery storage and clean energy systems. As we strive to reduce our carbon output with clean energy facilities, including battery storage, I believe the federal government has a role to play to ensure the safety and protection of our environment and communities.”

“Energy storage is a critical piece of America’s energy future, and we have to make sure we are building it on a foundation that is safe and reliable. These systems are going into homes, onto the grid, and into communities across the country, and right now our testing and safety standards have not kept pace with how fast the technology is moving. This bill closes that gap, puts the right agencies to work on the hard problems, and makes sure we are stress-testing these systems before failures happen in the field, not after,” said Rep. Harrigan.

Additionally, the BESS Act would:

• Authorize $30 million per year for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031 to conduct energy storage safety activities.
• Improve coordination between DOE, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the U.S. Fire Administration to develop better testing and validation standards for grid-connected energy storage systems and their associated safety equipment.
• Amend program direction and strategic planning to incorporate energy storage safety.
• Expand the energy storage demonstration programs to include two additional demonstrations that would bolster the safety of both short- and long-duration energy storage systems.

Full text of the bill is available here.

The legislation is supported by American Clean Power Association and the U.S. Energy Storage Coalition.

“The Moss Landing fire underscored the urgent need to strengthen safety standards for battery energy storage systems nationwide. California has taken important steps at the state level, but federal partnership is essential to advancing research, improving coordination with fire officials, and developing stronger testing and safety standards. I appreciate Congressman Panetta’s leadership in moving this conversation forward and helping ensure the clean energy transition continues in a way that is both ambitious and safe,” said State Senator John Laird.

“Grateful to Congressman Panetta for his leadership on strengthening safety standards for battery storage systems. Since the fires at Moss Landing, I’ve been clear: our communities deserve transparency, accountability, and strong protections. The Better Energy Storage and Safety (BESS) Act is an important step to ensure the federal government fully understands the impacts of energy storage in communities like ours so an incident like Moss Landing never happens again,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Oversight and Intelligence Committees, today sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting that the Department of Justice investigate credible reports that the Hungarian government directed public funds to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), raising concerns about potential unlawful foreign influence in U.S. elections.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi cites statements from Hungary’s newly elected prime minister, Péter Magyar, alleging that the government of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán directed government funds to the U.S.-based political organization.

“The use of foreign state funds to support organizations deeply embedded in U.S. electoral politics presents a clear risk of unlawful foreign influence,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

Krishnamoorthi also pointed to CPAC’s growing ties to Orbán’s government, including conferences held in Hungary featuring American elected officials and political operatives. The letter further references reporting that senior Trump Administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, traveled to Hungary shortly before the country’s election and engaged in activities viewed as supportive of Orbán’s reelection effort.

“While international engagement is not inherently improper, the convergence of financial support, political coordination, and reciprocal advocacy on behalf of foreign elected officials raises serious questions about whether these activities crossed legal or ethical lines,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

The letter also warns that CPAC’s expansion into Europe, combined with alleged foreign government backing, could create “a concerning pathway through which other foreign actors could shape U.S. political elections, including during the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.”

“Federal law is unambiguous on this point: foreign governments and foreign nationals are prohibited from directly or indirectly contributing money or anything of value in connection with U.S. elections,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

Krishnamoorthi requested a response from the Department of Justice by May 22, 2026, and specifically asked the Department to:

1. Investigate whether Hungarian government funds were used—directly or indirectly—to support U.S.-based political organizations, including CPAC; 
2. Determine whether any U.S. persons or entities knowingly facilitated or benefited from such funding in violation of federal law; 
3. Assess whether coordination between foreign officials and U.S. political actors constituted an effort to influence U.S. elections; and 
4. Provide recommendations to Congress on any legislative or regulatory gaps that may have enabled such activity. 

The letter is available here.

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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two grants that total $1,211,582. The breakdown for the grants includes:

–       $818,500 for Cardiovascular Diseases Research

–       $393,082 for Biomedical Research and Research Training

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“HHS grants support scientific research at American institutions. 

“These HHS grants, which total more than $1.2 million, help deliver funds for Virginia Tech’s research efforts. I am pleased that research grants like these will continue to be a valuable research aide and economic driver in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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