MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Washington—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement in response to the North Codorus Township shooting that occurred today in York County:

“I am devastated and heartbroken by the senseless and horrific tragedy that unfolded today in North Codorus Township. We mourn the brave officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to their families and loved ones. Tonight, families are facing the unimaginable pain of loved ones not returning home and there is a profound sense of loss felt by our entire community. 

We ask everyone to keep the Northern York Regional Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, and all first responders across our community in your thoughts and prayers, as they grieve the loss of their fellow officers. We hope for the swift recovery of the injured officers and are grateful to the dedicated medical professionals providing their care. Our community will come together to support our brave law enforcement officers and all who are affected by today’s tragedy,” said Rep. Smucker.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) led the entire Colorado Democratic delegation in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Cyrus Western and Air and Radiation Division Director Adrienne Sandoval concerning EPA’s partial disapproval of Colorado’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

“The State of Colorado produced a strong regional haze plan that would make reasonable progress towards natural visibility in Class I areas inside Colorado and in surrounding states. We are deeply concerned with EPA’s partial disapproval which will allow controllable pollution to continue dirtying the air in our parks and communities,” wrote the members.  

“The disapproval…undermines Colorado’s authority to improve air quality and reduce pollution causing hazy skies in our prized national parks and wilderness areas and harming the health of our constituents. With its proposal here, EPA undermines the cooperative federalism principles embodied by the Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Program. It is critical that EPA approve the State’s plan to ensure the health of Coloradoans and to combat haze causing pollution,” the members closed. 

The full letter can be found here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

“Authentic rule of law demands that no person, no matter their status or position in government, be considered above the law. Your July 28 statement implies that you think that former President Álvaro Uribe should be,” wrote Representatives McGovern and the other Members of Congress. “Inherent in [your] statement is contempt for the independence of the judiciary, sovereign governance, and the rule of law in Colombia.  It ignores the fact that former President Uribe was accorded full due process in a system that the United States government has recognized for its integrity.” 

On July 28, 2025, a Colombian judge found Uribe guilty of witness tampering and procedural fraud, for which he was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest. The process included 69 public hearings over 475 days with a ruling of more than 1,000 pages that addressed the evidence and defense arguments in great detail. The case stretched over thirteen years, under three different Colombian presidents, and with prosecutors appointed by governments with diverse ideological positions.

Yet on July 28, Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ruling on social media: “Former Colombian President Uribe’s only crime has been to tirelessly fight and defend his homeland. The weaponization of Colombia’s judicial branch by radical judges has now set a worrisome precedent.”

“In the interest of strengthening the United States’ reputation as a supporter of genuine rule of law in Colombia and around the world, and in order to send a signal to the people of Colombia that the United States stands with their quest for rule of law and accountability, we ask that you cease attacks on the independence of the Colombian judicial system and make clear that United States policy does not exempt anyone, even former Presidents, from the rule of law,” conclude the Members of Congress in their letter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and members of the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed the Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act, H.R. 5345. By passing out of committee, H.R. 5345 can be considered for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill passed committee by a vote of 39-1.

The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act creates one single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals who are victims of identity theft. Making this change creates an easier and more efficient system for American citizens trying to protect their assets. It provides a substantial improvement over the current system for reporting identity theft, which can burden individuals with complex bureaucratic processes at the SSA.

“This bill creates a one-stop shop for those trying to protect themselves from identity theft,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Having a single, direct point of contact at the Social Security Administration will undoubtedly streamline the process. It will make it easier—and it will make it faster—for victims to get relief.”

Identity theft is a serious and growing problem in the United States. In 2024 alone, 3,158 separate data breaches were reported, including over 1,800 involving Social Security numbers. Social Security numbers are an attractive target for identity thieves, as they are widely used for authentication and identification by businesses and government agencies beyond SSA. Those who have had their Social Security number compromised often describe the process of regaining their identity as complex, lengthy, and frustrating.

“Victims of identity theft deserve help, not more red tape. The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act ensures families have a single, clear point of contact at SSA when their Social Security number is compromised,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I want to thank Representative Kustoff for leading the charge on this bill, which will make government work better for the people it serves.”

Congressman Kustoff has long favored reforms to government that increase efficiency and decrease unnecessary burdens on individuals. This legislation accomplishes both goals.

“We, as members of Congress, often have to deal with legislation that is complicated and controversial,” added Congressman Kustoff. “This bill is neither. It is strongly supported by all sides.”
Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff’s remarks in committee. Click here for the full text of the bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act with bipartisan support, a measure to restore accountability and fairness to the IRS penalty process.

This legislation is supported by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Tax Reform, and National Federation of Independent Business.

“I’m thrilled the Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act received unanimous and bipartisan support in the Ways and Means Committee,” said Congressman Grothman. “This is an important step toward restoring accountability at the IRS and ensuring taxpayers are treated fairly when penalties are considered. By requiring direct supervisor approval, we add a simple but powerful safeguard that protects hardworking Americans from unjust fines. I want to thank Chairman Jason Smith for his leadership and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the importance of protecting hardworking Americans from bureaucratic overreach.”

“Every effort must be made to ensure the IRS is not able to unfairly target and penalize Americans. This bill would end current practices at the agency that make it so agents can levy penalties on taxpayers without proper and timely supervisory approval,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I want to thank Representative Grothman for championing taxpayers in Wisconsin and across the country.”

“Congressman Grothman has earned the thanks of taxpayers in Wisconsin and across the nation for his unwavering leadership on behalf of a little-known issue with huge importance — ensuring the IRS follows the law when it proposes penalties,” said Pete Sepp, President of National Taxpayers Union. “Although Congress passed a statute 27 years ago that required supervisor approval for penalties, the IRS has been caught in court cutting corners on proper procedures, has proposed self-serving rulemakings to override legislative intent, and has even dismissed taxpayer advocates’ recommendations for improving those procedures as ‘laborious formalities.’ We applaud Congressman Grothman for shepherding H.R. 5346 through the Ways and Means Committee and for standing behind urgently needed taxpayer protections. Onward to victory in the House floor!”

“Essential reforms within H.R. 5346 bring needed sensibility and fairness to the IRS penalty process,” said Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) President & CEO Karen Kerrigan. “The legislation will ensure that penalty decisions affecting small business owners receive proper supervisory review, which is a vital safeguard against hurried, biased, or inappropriate enforcement actions. Small businesses are disproportionately burdened when it comes to the time, financial resources, and expertise required to navigate IRS compliance and penalty decisions. They are the economic drivers and job creators of local economies throughout our nation, therefore, time and capital diverted away from the business and spent on probing or paying questionable or unjustified IRS penalties divert these resources away from growing their business, innovating and creating jobs. SBE Council appreciates Representative Grothman’s leadership in supporting small businesses on this critical matter, and we encourage all House members to vote in support of the Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act.”

“NFIB appreciates the Ways and Means Committee’s efforts to support small businesses by improving taxpayers’ rights and increasing accountability at the IRS,” said the National Federation of Independent Business. “Most small businesses do not have a designated accounting department; the Tax Court Improvement Act and FAIR Act help ensure that the tax process is more reasonable and impartial for small businesses.”

“Implementing clearer standards for IRS enforcement actions is a needed step to providing long-overdue accountability,” said the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. “The American people ought to have the assurance that their government will not arbitrarily target them with frivolous litigation. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance is glad to see legislation like this move forward.”

 

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U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives

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

PLASKETT ANNOUNCES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICES CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson introduced the No Trade with Terrorists Act. This legislation will reimpose the Jackson-Vanik Sanctions on the Russian Federation. 

      “After the attack on Poland, I’m grateful to introduce this bill to reimpose Jackson-Vanik on Russia cutting off all trade with this terrorist dictatorship. President Obama and John Kerry wrongfully repealed this law during the misguided Russia Reset which encouraged war criminal Putin to occupy Crimea. Trump will fix it,” said Rep. Wilson. 

     Read the full text of H.R. 5292 here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

Tonko Decries Pulling Jimmy Kimmel Show After Threats from Trump Administration

Calls out unprecedented use of political pressure to silence dissenting voices and attack free speech

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) held a press conference to announce the introduction of their Faster Labor Contracts Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that when workers vote to form a union, employers are not allowed to drag out negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement. 

“America’s workers are the backbone of our economy, yet far too often, they are met with silence or stalling tactics from employers when negotiating their first union contract,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “As a former police officer who organized my union, I’ve seen firsthand how unfair and frustrating this process can be for some. That’s why I am proud to partner with Representative Norcross to hold employers accountable and ensure workers have a real voice at the negotiating table, because when our workers succeed, our entire nation succeeds.”

“The right of workers to form a union and collectively bargain is crucial to improving wages, hours, working conditions, and so much more. I know because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “Right now, employers can delay negotiations on first contracts for years. This hurts workers who, despite exercising their right to bargain collectively, are prevented from doing so by employers who enjoy the benefits of the status quo. The Faster Labor Contracts Act will force employers to act in good faith and come to the negotiating table quickly.”    

“Greedy corporations will do everything they can to deny workers a fair first contract and the wages and benefits they’ve earned,” said International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Faster Labor Contracts Act is much-needed legislation that will expedite the process and hold employers accountable when they drag out negotiations. The Teamsters commend Representatives Norcross and Stauber for introducing a bill that will help newly organized workers secure the fair first contract they deserve.”

“Organized labor in America has been under attack by the politicians in DC for 40 years. Due to bad trade deals, weakened labor laws, and obstacles for employees trying to join a union, union membership has dropped to its lowest level in American history,” said Teamsters Local 346 Secretary Treasurer Zak Radzak. “With the Faster Labor Contracts Act by Congressman Pete Stauber, unions will no longer be undermined by long, drawn-out negotiations that diminish their power and progress. Unions will be able to better support future members by securing contracts in a more reasonable timeframe under this critical legislation. When unions win, the middle class wins! Thank you, Congressman Stauber, for working across the aisle for the American workers! 

“The Faster Labor Contracts Act will protect workers across Minnesota and the entire United States,” said Teamsters Joint Council 32 President Tom Erickson. “Being able to speed up negotiating a first contract is a no brainer. We are grateful for Congressman Stauber’s willingness to work across the aisle on policy that will positively impact union organizing for years to come.” 

According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to agree on a first contract. 

The Faster Labor Contracts Act will amend Section 8(d) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to require the following: 

• After workers have voted to form a union, employers must begin negotiating with the new union within 10 days.
• If no agreement is reached after 90 days, a government mediator will step in to assist.
• If mediation fails 30 days after that, the dispute will be referred to a binding 3-person arbitration panel made up of one representative chosen by the workers, one representative chosen by the employers, and a neutral third member.                 

This bill is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); American Compass; Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division-International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW); International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers; International Union of Operating Engineers; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA); Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.); National Employment Law Project; Transport Workers Union (TWU); Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM); United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA); United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC); United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW); United Mine Workers of America (UMWA); United Steelworkers (USW); Utility Workers Union of America

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

MINNESOTA – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced four new additions to his District Team: Jacob Ringstad is now serving as the Deputy District Director, Payton Crotty is serving as the Southern Field Representative, Kara Lindstrom is serving as the Western Field Representative and Director of Grants, and Tommy Finstad is serving as a part-time Field Representative. 

Jacob Ringstad, a native of Sartell, Minnesota, will serve as the manager of Congressman Stauber’s district team. He is based out of Congressman Stauber’s Hermantown office and is responsible for overseeing constituent services and community outreach. Prior to this role, Jacob worked as an engineering consultant and received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota Duluth. 

Jacob can be reached at (218) 481-6396. He will represent the following counties: Cook, Lake, St Louis, Koochiching, Itasca, Carlton.

Payton Crotty, a native of Clearwater, Minnesota, will serve as a field representative in the southern portion of Congressman Stauber’s district. He is based out of Congressman Stauber’s Forest Lake office and is responsible for attending community events, resolving constituent issues with federal agencies, building relationships with community leaders, and keeping the Congressman informed on local issues. Prior to this role, Payton interned in Congressman Stauber’s DC office and received a degree in Political Science and Government from Saint John’s University. 

Payton can be reached at (763) 310-6208. He will represent the following counties: Pine, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Isanti, Chisago, Washington.

Kara Lindstrom, a native of Los Angeles, California, will serve as the Director of Grants for Congressman Stauber’s office and a field representative in the western portion of his district. Kara will be based out of Congressman Stauber’s Brainerd office, and will help constituents navigate federal funding opportunities in addition to her field representative duties. Prior to this role, Kara served as a drug and alcohol counselor, but switched paths, most recently working as a Grassroots Associate for Americans for Prosperity and earning her Master’s degree in Political Science from Liberty University. 

Kara can be reached at 218-355-0862. She will represent the following counties: Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Becker, Hubbard, Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin.

Tommy Finstad, a native of New Ulm, Minnesota, will serve as a part-time field representative in Congressman Stauber’s Hermantown office. Tommy is currently a student at Lake Superior College studying professional aviation. 

Tommy can be reached at (218) 481-6396.

These additions reflect Congressman Stauber’s continued commitment to building a team that provides thoughtful and dedicated service to the people of Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District.