MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today sent a letter to the University of Michigan demanding they hold an urgent community forum in Ypsilanti Township in response to questions and concerns from residents about its planned $1.25 billion joint high-performance computing and AI research center in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory. 
 
Since the announcement of the new development, Dingell has worked with all stakeholders to encourage community engagement, public input, and transparency. The University of Michigan has a responsibility to directly engage with the Ypsilanti Township community. The lack of information has caused significant stress and anguish for residents, who are dealing with daily anxiety and growing mistrust because their questions remain unanswered.
 
“For months, there has been anxiety and distress in the Ypsilanti Township community about this proposed joint project with Los Alamos for a data center. I first learned of the project from Ypsilanti Township, and still have very little background information from U-M,” Dingell wrote. “When Ypsilanti Township asked if I would host a town hall, I attempted to coordinate with U-M but was told officials were unable to answer questions or provide information. Therefore, without the ability to share facts, I could not hold the town hall I requested.”
 
“Despite repeated requests, U-M has still not met with residents in Ypsilanti Township. I participated in a meeting with Township officials, who expressed strong feelings that they did  not want this data center at the designated site. I also attended a meeting with several senior U-M officials and the Ypsilanti Township supervisor, clerk, and trustees, where concerns about the site of the project were discussed and asked that alternative sites be considered,” Dingell continued. “At that meeting, the request for U-M to engage directly with the community was reaffirmed. Yet instead of meeting in Ypsilanti Township, U-M hosted an open house in Ann Arbor. Holding a meeting miles away from the affected community, which sent the message that Ypsilanti Township’s concerns are secondary and further undermines trust in the process. This week, the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees passed a resolution to immediately claw back the funding previously awarded for the proposed data center project.”
 
“There are too many unanswered questions, and Ypsilanti residents deserve clarity and to be part of this process. It is long past time for U-M to hold a public meeting in Ypsilanti Township to explain its vision, present any plans under consideration, and answer the outstanding questions from residents,” Dingell concluded. “I urge U-M to immediately host a public forum in Ypsilanti and take these unresolved concerns seriously. If U-M wants to gain the trust of the community, there must be real public input in the process, this must be an open, transparent dialogue, and it must occur before any further decisions or commitments are made.”
 
View the full text of the letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Dingell Statement on Motion to Table Impeachment Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Jack Bergman (R-MI) today reintroduced the Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act to improve quality of care at VA medical facilities across the country by ensuring neutrality and accountability in the VA’s peer review process.

Dingell and Bergman first introduced the legislation following a report, requested by Dingell, by the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General that revealed leadership failures at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit.  

The Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act would require that those who participate in the peer review process are not directly involved in the case itself, ensuring there is no conflict of interest. It would ensure that the peer review process is conducted according to a specific set of parameters to avoid issues for both patients and their doctors.

“It’s critical that we reassure our veterans that we are personally engaged, have been from the beginning, and will remain so throughout this process,” said Dingell. “We remain committed to ensuring that all veterans being treated at the John Dingell VA Medical Center, as well as other centers throughout the country, are getting the best care possible. This bill is meant to improve efforts to ensure veterans receive care that is carefully and accurately peer reviewed for the betterment of the VA healthcare system as a whole.”

“Conflicts of interest simply have no place in the VA’s peer review process. Our Veterans deserve to have confidence that the care they receive at VA medical facilities is being evaluated with fairness and professionalism,” said Bergman. “This bill strengthens that process to ensure it remains objective, consistent, and centered on the needs of those who served.”

The Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act would:

• Prohibit those with a conflict of interest from participating in the peer review process
• Ensure that all peer reviews are approved by a neutral party at a separate VA facility than the one originating the review
• Require VA facilities fill all vacant medical center director positions within 180 days and require the VA to notify Congress within 90 days if a medical center director is given a different position, as well as provide necessary information.

View the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Today, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed the bipartisan Women’s World War II Memorial Location Act to place a monument on the National Mall, near the existing WWII Memorial, in honor of the women who worked on the home front during World War II. The bipartisan bill, led by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID), is the next legislative step needed after Congress passed legislation in 2022 authorizing the establishment of a memorial.

Under current law, an act of Congress is required to place a commemorative work on the National Mall. This bill advances a decade-long effort to properly honor the more than 18 million trailblazing women – known as Rosie the Riveters – who worked as riveters, pilots, engineers, electricians, mechanics, code breakers, and more, most of which women had been previously told they were incapable of.

“Our Rosies answered the call when our nation needed them most, redefining the role of the American woman and opening the door wider for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This bill will take us one step closer to ensuring our Rosies receive the recognition they deserve, and I am honored to lead legislation to honor their service and commitment to America and their unwavering ‘can do’ spirit. We will always be thankful for their strength, bravery, and lasting impact on our nation. I’m proud to pass this bill through the House, and look forward to it being signed into law, so we can begin work on this monument to complete the story of World War II in our nation’s front yard.” 

“Rosie the Riveters were vital to the war effort during WWII. In Idaho, heroic civilian women worked and volunteered at the Farragut Naval Training Station in North Idaho. Built shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, it became the second-largest naval training base in the country,” said Congressman Fulcher. “I’m proud to have co-led this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to honor their service, sacrifice, and patriotism by securing the location for a memorial in our nation’s capital—proudly supported entirely through private funds.”

View Dingell’s remarks on the House Floor here.

During WWII, the percentage of women in the workforce rose to nearly 37%. At Ford Motor Company’s Willow Run Bomber Plant in Michigan women made up one-third of a workforce that turned out one complete B-24 Liberator Bomber every 55 minutes. Many women worked in jobs previously reserved for men, such as riveters and welders.

Dingell has long worked to ensure the Rosies’ work and legacy are honored and remembered, hosting a group of 11 Rosies on a visit to the U.S. Capitol. She also helped pass the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Rosies. The original Rosie the Riveter, Rose Will Monroe, moved to Michigan to build B-24 bombers at Willow Run in Ypsilanti.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“I voted for legislation that strengthens our national defense while delivering real support for the men and women who serve. The FY26 NDAA includes a wide range of provisions to support servicemembers, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workers, and their families by authorizing a 3.8 percent pay increase, expanding access to childcare, and improving military housing and health care. These investments help our troops and their families stay healthy, stable, and mission ready. I will continue working to secure a bipartisan agreement that honors their service and delivers responsible defense policy for our country.”

The FY26 NDAA also advances several of the Congressman’s Texas and border security priorities.

“The bill provides an extension of authority for DoD to support civilian law enforcement on counterterrorism and counterdrug activities. This extension allows our law enforcement partners to better protect South Texas. I will keep working to advance these priorities because military families deserve our full support.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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El Representante Cuellar Vota a Favor de Avanzar la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional para el Año Fiscal 2026

Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el Congresista estadounidense Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), miembro destacado del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes y del Subcomité de Asignaciones para la Defensa, ha publicado la siguiente declaración tras votar a favor de la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional (NDAA) para el año fiscal 2026:

“Voté a favor de una legislación que refuerza nuestra defensa nacional y, al mismo tiempo, brinda un apoyo real  a los hombres y mujeres que prestan servicio. La NDAA para el año fiscal 2026 incluye una amplia gama de disposiciones para  apoyar a los miembros del servicio, a los trabajadores civiles del Departamento de Defensa (DoD) y a sus familias , autorizando un aumento salarial del 3,8 %, ampliando el acceso a los servicios de guardería y mejorando  las viviendas y la atención médica de los militares. Estas inversiones ayudan a nuestras tropa y a sus familias a mantenerse sanas, estables y preparadas para la misión. Seguiré trabajando para garantizar un acuerdo bipartidista que honre su servicio y ofrezca una política de defensa responsable para nuestro país.”

La FY26 NDAA también promueve varias de las prioridades del congresista en materia de seguridad fronteriza y de Texas.

“El proyecto de ley prevé una ampliación de las competencias del Departamento de Defensa para apoyar a las fuerzas del orden civiles en  actividades de lucha contra el terrorismo y el narcotráfico. Esta ampliación permite a nuestros socios de las fuerzas del orden  proteger mejor el sur de Texas. Seguiré trabajando para impulsar estas prioridades,  porque las familias de los militares merecen todo nuestro apoyo.”

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El congresista Henry Cuellar es miembro del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos. Anteriormente, fue Representante del Estado de Texas y Secretario de Estado de Texas.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

New Visa Category Would Allow Relatives of U.S. Citizens to Visit for Milestones & Family Events

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, legislation passed nearly every year to fund the U.S. defense for the upcoming fiscal year. 

“This year’s NDAA delivers real wins for our service members, their families, and for San Diego,” Rep. Peters said. “I’m glad to see my Smart Ship Repair Act for 2025 included; San Diego is home to a vibrant ship repair industry that accounts for over 8,000 jobs and contributed more than $3.7 billion to the region’s economy in 2023. This year’s NDAA also includes a pay raise for our troops, major infrastructure upgrades at California bases, and significant funding for the science and technology programs that support our servicemembers, power San Diego’s economy, and keep our nation safe.” 

He continued, “This bill, however, leaves out a key priority of mine: the Build More Housing Near Transit Act. This measure, originally included in the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act, passed the Senate attached to the upper chamber’s version of the NDAA. The exclusion of the ROAD to Housing Act is a missed opportunity to address our nation’s housing shortage with proven solutions that would speed up building and drive down costs. The FY26 NDAA also excludes several items that have bipartisan support, including expanded access to IVF, re-establishment of the State Department’s Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, and protecting collective bargaining rights for thousands of Department of Defense civilian employees. I am disappointed these items were left out of the final text.”  

Rep. Peters’ Smart Ship Repair Act of 2025 (SSRA) extends the time a ship must remain in its home port before the Navy can send it elsewhere for repairs from 12 to 18 months. Previously, San Diego–based ships needing more than a year of maintenance could be reassigned to other West Coast yards offering lower bids. This practice disrupts San Diego’s ship repair workforce and can force sailors to spend extended time away from their families after long deployments. Rep. Peters’ SSRA of 2024 was included in last year’s NDAA. 

The FY26 NDAA also: 

• Includes a 3.8% military pay raise for all servicemembers. 
• Authorizes funding for military construction projects in San Diego including $86 million for a new mess hall and armory, fire emergency response station, and communication center at Camp Pendleton; $144.9 million for unaccompanied housing, aircraft carrier infrastructure improvements, and a Naval Special Warfare facility at Naval Base Coronado; $68 million for a new cyber lab at Naval Base Point Loma; and $86 million for a Child Development Center at Naval Base San Diego. 
• Authorizes $18.9 billion for science and technology programs that benefit San Diego’s defense economy. 
• Authorizes $26 billion for shipbuilding, including funding for the TAO Fleet Oiler program. The oiler is built in San Diego. 
• Authorizes $38 billion for new Navy and Air Force aircraft, including the MQ-1C, MQ-4 Triton, and MQ-9, which are produced by San Diego-based companies.  
• Conditions the Defense Secretary’s travel budget on the release of footage related to a “double tap” strike carried out in the Caribbean, killing two allegedly defenseless survivors. 
• Requires notifications and detailed justifications for removal of general officers and greater transparency and reporting on the use of military aircraft, personnel, and installations for immigration enforcement.  
• Authorizes funding for critical foreign national security priorities, including $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation initiative, and provides $650 million for U.S.-Israel defensive weapons. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

Washington, DC –?Today, Congressmen Scott Peters (CA-50) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) celebrated the passage of their bipartisan ePermit Act out of the House. The ePermit Act, which passed out of a House Natural Resources Committee markup last month, would establish a framework for agencies to modernize and implement a digital permitting system. This would expedite the approval process for critical infrastructure initiatives, including renewable energy, housing, and transportation projects.

“Passing this bill out of the House represents a major breakthrough in our effort to finally modernize an outdated permitting system,” Rep. Peters said. “Today’s progress is a clear sign that Congress can still come together to solve real problems; let’s build on this momentum, digitize the permitting process, cut needless delays, and get this bill across the finish line.” 

“It has become harder and harder to get any big project done in America,” said Johnson. “The same road project that can get approved in Germany in six months takes six years in America. America is full of innovators, creators, and builders. It’s time we let them build again, fueling economic growth and unlocking domestic energy production. I’m grateful the ePermit Act passed the House, and I hope the Senate acts soon so this can be the law of the land.” 

Background:

In April, President Trump issued a memorandum emphasizing the importance of modernizing permitting technology. This process began under the Biden Administration in the codification of an e-NEPA study that explored the creation of a digital permitting system. The ePermit Act builds on this momentum and provides legislative clarity and direction on how agencies should implement such an electronic permitting system. The current permitting process has failed to ensure project permitting is on-time and on-task. By failing to embrace modern technology and move on from legacy bureaucratic approaches, like paper forms, many projects are heavily delayed. Congress must address the root causes for delays, which include compiling and reviewing lengthy paper documents, a lack of accessibility and transparency – leading to misunderstanding, conflicts, and all too often, protracted litigation – and continued reliance on outdated technologies and processes for interagency review and comment. 

Read what endorsing organizations are saying here. Read the full bill text here. 

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