MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

TORRANCE, CA – The City of Torrance in partnership with Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County) and the Torrance Police Department hosted a press conference and ceremonial check presentation today recognizing $1,031,000 in federal funding secured for the City’s Public Safety Digital Infrastructure Expansion Project.

The funding will support expanding public safety communications capabilities through the installation of new Citizen Broadband Radio System (CBRS) sites throughout Torrance. The project will strengthen dedicated wireless network coverage to support emergency response, investigations, and critical public safety operations citywide.

Mayor George K. Chen welcomed Congressman Lieu and thanked him for his continued partnership and advocacy for public safety initiatives and said, “This funding represents more than technology, it represents preparedness, resilience, and most importantly our shared commitment to protecting the people who live, work, and visit Torrance.”

Congressman Lieu said, “I am pleased to have secured over $1 million to support Torrance Police Department’s Real Time Response Center. This funding will help local law enforcement further modernize their public safety operations and ensure police are able to be responsive to community needs. Getting federal dollars to our community where it is needed most is a high priority of mine and I’m grateful for the partnership of local officials in these efforts.”

Torrance Police Department, City Staff and the Information Technology Department were also recognized for their collaboration in advancing the project and helping Torrance remain one of the safest and most forward-thinking cities in the region.

Police Chief Robert Dunn emphasized the growing importance of reliable technology infrastructure in modern policing. He said, “Public safety today depends not only on the dedication of our officers and first responders, but also on the strength and reliability of the technology systems that support them. This investment will help ensure our personnel have the tools they need to communicate, coordinate, and respond when it matters most.”

The project will support the Torrance Police Department’s Real Time Response Center (RTRC) with the addition of expanded CBRS sites on City-owned assets strengthening wireless coverage citywide improving emergency response and coordination. The investment reflected continued collaboration across federal and local partners with a shared goal to strengthen community safety and modernize critical infrastructure for the future. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressmen Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County) and Sean Casten (D-IL) led 54 House Democrats in an effort to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms more aggressively.

“Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets,” the lawmakers wrote. “…We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.”

Prediction markets have grown rapidly in scope and visibility, allowing users to wager on outcomes ranging from elections and sporting events to military actions, geopolitical developments, and major cultural events. As these markets become more prevalent, so too does the risk that individuals with access to confidential government, corporate, or event-related information may use that information for personal profit.

Recent events have underscored the need for stronger enforcement. There have been several high-profile incidents of suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms, including on both Polymarket and Kalshi. These incidents include suspiciously timed trades predicting U.S. military actions against Iran, the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, performances at major cultural events, the outcomes of congressional elections, and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed,” the lawmakers continued.

On April 23, 2026, the DOJ charged a U.S. servicemember with wire fraud for allegedly using classified information to make $400,000 from bets on Polymarket related to the U.S. military operation to remove Venezuela’s leader. This case highlights the significant national security, market integrity, and public trust risks posed when individuals allegedly exploit nonpublic information to trade on real-world events.  

In addition to Reps. Casten and Lieu, the letter was signed by Reps. Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Joyce Beatty, Janelle Bynum, Greg Casar, Ed Case, Maxine Dexter, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Sylvia Garcia, Dan Goldman, Adelita Grijalva, Josh Harder, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Levin, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Sarah McBride, Betty McCollum, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Robert Menendez, Grace Meng, Seth Moulton,  Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Pappas, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Deborah Ross, Raul Ruiz, Andrea Salinas, Hillary Scholten, Brad Sherman, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Bonnie Watson Coleman, George Whitesides, and Nikema Williams.

Text of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Dear Acting Attorney General Blanche:

We write to express serious concerns about potential insider trading on prediction market platforms. Federal anti-fraud and market manipulation laws apply to these platforms, just as they do to traditional financial markets. We urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to further prioritize criminal investigations and civil actions targeting abuses in prediction markets to protect U.S. financial markets, investors, and the public from fraudulent conduct.

Recent suspected violations implicate significant geopolitical, sporting, and cultural events and risk creating perverse incentives for persons with access to confidential or classified information. For example, one anonymous trader has made nearly $1 million from dozens of suspiciously timed and accurate bets on military actions the U.S. has taken against Iran. Another trader with the username “Magamyman” made more than $550,000 from placing bets that Iran’s Supreme Leader would be removed, just before his assassination. In addition, ahead of the Super Bowl LX halftime show, unusually large trades were placed on Polymarket and Kalshi predicting that Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin would perform before there was any public confirmation. One social media user estimated that these suspected insiders made up to $3 million across multiple platforms. Lastly, the Nobel Institute is investigating a bet placed by a newly-created account on Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado winning the Nobel Peace Prize hours before the announcement, resulting in a profit of more than $50,000.

Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets.

The DOJ has pursued several insider trading cases, including in coordination with U.S. financial market regulators, and criminally prosecuted individuals under federal wire fraud statutes. These cases include charging a Coinbase employee for tipping off others with insider information in order to trade cryptocurrencies, prosecuting Biotech’s CEO for misleading investors and engaging in insider trading in connection with Covid-19 and HIV drugs, and bringing charges against individuals who participated in an alleged insider trading scheme involving cancer treatment companies. The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed.  

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton has stated that just “because it’s a prediction market, [it] doesn’t insulate you from fraud.” We appreciate that the DOJ recently took action against a U.S. soldier for allegedly using classified information to make profitable prediction market bets related to the U.S. mission that captured Venezuela’s leader.

At the same time, reports that the DOJ dropped its criminal investigation into Polymarket in July 2025, regarding whether the platform had been illegally serving U.S. customers, raise concerns about consistency in enforcement. Polymarket had previously been banned from the U.S. for operating as an unregistered platform and paid a $1.4 million civil penalty under a 2022 settlement agreement. Taken together, these developments risk undermining confidence in the DOJ’s commitment to also holding companies accountable for breaking the law.

We understand that this Administration is increasingly focused on gains in the U.S. stock market. That performance depends on integrity and accountability. We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.

Sincerely, 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

Rep. Massie’s NICS Data Reporting Act Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act, legislation that amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to allow federal funds to be used for vehicle security enhancement upgrades, including bulletproof windows for law enforcement vehicles.

The legislation comes during National Police Week and supports federal, state, and local law enforcement officers by ensuring agencies have greater flexibility to improve vehicle protection as threats against officers continue to rise.

“During National Police Week, I am proud to introduce the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act,” said Congressman Williams. “We honor the sacrifices of our fallen officers and recognize the unwavering commitment of those who continue to serve and protect our communities. As attacks on law enforcement and their vehicles increase, Congress must ensure police forces have the tools they need to adequately protect their officers.”

—

Background:

The Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act authorizes certain federal financial assistance to be used for vehicle security enhancement upgrades, including bulletproof windows.

As attacks against law enforcement officers and their vehicles increase, many departments face barriers when using federal grant funding for critical safety upgrades. This legislation ensures law enforcement agencies, including ICE, can access federal resources to improve vehicle security and better protect officers in the line of duty.

Congressman Roger Williams’ legislation was joined by Congressman Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Congressman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), and Congressman Pat Fallon (R-TX) as original cosponsors.

Supporting Organizations: The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA), Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, Fraternal Order of Police.

###

 

Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25^th Congressional District of Texas.

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

ALBANY, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Georgia State Representative John White:

“John’s life was a testament to courage, service, and dignity — a man who broke barriers, lifted others, and never stopped working for the common good.

“As one of the first Black television anchors at WALB, John opened doors and set an example for generations, carrying himself with professionalism, grace, and an unshakable commitment to truth. In 1975, he answered another call to serve, joining the General Assembly where we worked together. Over nearly two decades he fought tirelessly for his constituents by championing education, public safety, and opportunity for working families. He was a relentless leader who measured success by the number of lives that were improved.

“John introduced the Georgia Lottery bill in 1977, which was later championed by Governor Zell Miller, and which now funds the Hope Scholarship that supports thousands of Georgia’s college students each year.

“He enlightened classrooms, strengthened neighborhoods, and instilled hope in countless people who benefited from his compassion and conviction.

“My wife, Vivian, and I offer our deepest sympathies to John’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Words cannot fully convey the magnitude of this loss, but may the memory of his warmth, his courage as a barrier-breaker, and his extraordinary devotion to public service bring you comfort. We are better because of him.

“Let us honor John White by carrying forward the values he embodied — leadership, fierce care for our neighbors, and a steadfast commitment to justice and opportunity.

“Rest in peace, my friend. Your life changed lives, and your example will light our way for years to come.”

###

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 the settlement in the case regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore:

“Just over two years ago, the collision of the Dali with the Key Bridge left devastation in its wake. Six lives were lost, access to the Port of Baltimore was cut off, and a key transportation artery for our region was rendered unusable. The bridge’s collapse hurt not only our region but our entire nation, impacting our economy and the livelihoods of thousands. However, over the last two years, we have worked together to recover and rebuild. Today’s settlement is another important step towards those efforts. We’re glad to see this action to hold the liable parties accountable and to assist in our progress towards building back stronger.”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $466,103 from the National Eye Institute for research on sphingolipid signaling in vesicating ocular injury under the direction of Dr. Nawajes Mandal, a professor in the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Sphingolipids are a type of lipid found mainly in the membranes of cells which act on multiple different types of proteins to alter cellular functions. Understanding the formation and regulation of these types of lipids will help facilitate the development of drugs to treat conditions in which sphingolipid dysregulation are associated such as Type 2 Diabetes and ocular degeneration. 

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Our medical school stays at the cutting edge of research thanks to investments like this one. I congratulate Dr. Mandal and the UTHSC community for undertaking this critical work.”

# # #

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants totaling $1,099,480. One, for $667,480 will go to Dr. Mario Halic for research on the structure and function of chromatin, from the National Institute of General Medical Services. Chromatin is the large complex of DNA and proteins responsible for condensing and packaging DNA into the nucleus of the cell. Dr. Halic’s research will seek to understand how the proteins associated with chromatin regulate transcription – the conversion of DNA into RNA. Prior work has revealed that these chromatin factors are highly mutated in human cancers. His team hopes that this will lead to the development of more specific drugs to treat cancer. The second grant, for $432,000 from the National Cancer Institute, will support pediatric oncology education under the direction of Dr. Suzanne Gronemeyer. Since 1978, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Pediatric Oncology Education program has trained over a thousand students with a long legacy of excellence – 86% of the participants hold a doctorate.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am pleased to see these investments in the research and education missions of our premiere children’s research hospital. I commend Drs. Halic and Gronemeyer, and St. Jude, for undertaking this important work.”

# # # 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), an active member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), released a video introducing the “Trade Responsibly for Environmental Emissions Act,” or “TREE Act.” By prohibiting the import of commodities and products derived from lands affected by deforestation or forest degradation, this bill is designed to position the United States as a leader together with the European Union in the struggle to protect one of our greatest tools to reduce greenhouse emissions: our forests. 

In this new video, Rep. Doggett discusses the importance of the TREE Act with Jennifer Skene, the Global Forest Policy Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

WATCH VIDEO HERE.

Each year, over 25 million acres around the world are being deforested, accounting for up to 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To incentivize forest protection, a new law, the European Union Deforestation Regulation, requires companies marketing products in the EU to certify that certain commodities—palm oil, rubber, soy, cocoa, cattle, and wood— and products derived from them have not been sourced from areas of deforestation and forest degradation. The TREE Act would establish a similar requirement for U.S. companies importing and selling these commodities and derived products, ensure consistent trade standards and ensure that American companies lead the way in the effort to protect the world’s invaluable forests. Many American companies already responsibly doing just that.

“Our world’s incredible forests, which serve as the lungs of our planet and the habitat for so many diverse plants and animals, are vanishing at an incredible pace,” said Rep. Doggett. “The TREE Act will not only protect our forests from those who seek to profit from their destruction, it will also help American businesses by assuring that they are responsible for compliance with a single, uniform set of sustainability trade rules.”

“Forest loss and degradation do not occur in a vacuum: they are driven by outmoded, irresponsible trade practices. From wood pulp to palm oil, the U.S. marketplace is saturated with products that needlessly come at the expense of forests and the invaluable role they play in sustaining life on earth, “said Jennifer Skene, Global Forest Policy Director at Natural Resources Defense Council. “The TREE Act creates long-overdue guardrails that ensure U.S. purchasers aren’t unwittingly purchasing forest destruction alongside their toilet paper and shampoo. It sets up consistent, common-sense trade standards that make the marketplace—and our future— healthier and more resilient.”

“Addressing deforestation, both global and domestic, is a key solution to the climate crisis,” said Anna Medema, Associate Director of Legislative Affairs for Forests and Public Lands at Sierra Club. “By curbing demand for commodities derived from deforestation and forest degradation, the TREE Act will protect forests for both their carbon sequestration and their biodiversity values, as well as support sustainable sourcing for American businesses. Sierra Club applauds the introduction of this important bill and thanks Rep. Doggett for his leadership in this effort. 

“At a time when too many in power are eager to roll back environmental protections in the U.S., we support the lawmakers who are standing up for global forests by introducing the TREE Act,” said Alex Armstrong, Vice President of External Affairs at Mighty Earth. “Products coming into the U.S. like beef, soy, timber, cocoa, rubber, and palm oil are tainted by legal and illegal deforestation that is harming communities and wildlife. People and animals around the world rely on standing forests for their survival, and Americans don’t want to buy goods produced in the ashes of tropical rainforests. This legislation would set a new standard for forest protection in global supply chains. The world lost the equivalent of more than 15 football fields of primary forest every minute last year, so we are encouraged to see an ambitious policy proposal – one that is commensurate with the scale of the challenge of global deforestation.”

This bill is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), James McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C. At-large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Jamie Raskin (MA-08), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05). 

You can watch the video here.

The bill text can be found here and a bill summary can be found here.

### 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Raskin and Dexter Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Pension Payments for NOAA Corps, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps