MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act — a bill that invests in worker-owned cooperative businesses by endowing the Small Business Administration (SBA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and numerous federal agencies with the authority to expand and implement policies supporting the business model. 

Worker cooperatives are a business model that provides employees shared ownership and democratic control of a company. Rather than maximizing returns for outside shareholders, worker co-ops aim to share profits, benefits, and decision-making power with the workers who make the business function. Studies show that employee-owned companies tend to have higher productivity, more job stability, and increased worker satisfaction compared to conventionally owned firms.

The legislation will launch a coordinated federal effort to provide funding, technical assistance, education, and an improved regulatory environment for worker co-ops as well as establish a United States Council on Worker Cooperatives, led by the Department of Labor. The council will report to Congress with a federal worker cooperative strategy, designed through identifying regulatory barriers, proposing solutions, and coordinating research and educational initiatives. 

It also creates a small business lending pilot program through the SBA specifically for worker-owned cooperatives, providing $60 million in loans over 10 years and funding through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund for education and services to create and manage worker co-ops. 

“Employee success is the backbone of small business success. It is time we help empower employee’s voices with worker cooperatives and help ensure they share in the wealth they help create. I’m proud to introduce this bill that provides coordinated federal support and resources to make employee ownership possible and grant ordinary Americans a seat in the ownership economy,” said Rep. Ro Khanna

“Worker Cooperatives are a solution for business owners who want to retire, for community stability, and for worker empowerment…and of course wealth building. There are significant issues around the lack of understanding and awareness of what a worker cooperative is, how a business can transition to one, and the business needs. Thank you Rep. Ro Khanna for bringing the conversation of worker cooperatives to the front burner and prioritizing their creation and treatment at the federal level,” said Kirk Vartan, GM/Founder, A Slice of New York

“Decades of research have shown that employee ownership creates good jobs, strong businesses and a meaningful pathway for wealth creation through business ownership for hundreds of thousands of workers. The National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act will remove major obstacles that inhibit the wider adoption of worker ownership as a critical tool for equitable economic and workforce development,” said Zen Trenholm, Senior Director of Employee Ownership Cities and Policy at the Democracy at Work Institute.

“We all know that in the last few years there has been an increase of economic hardships, especially within marginalized communities. Yet, incredibly,  in these very places of great strife, we have seen many seeds of organized  cooperation and community caretaking take root. Worker owned cooperatives are businesses where we see great resilience. In worker owned cooperatives, workers are empowered to make decisions that are best for themselves and for the business. The people closest to the work are the best positioned to make decisions about that work. Worker owned cooperatives provide dignified work that is inherently invested in the wellbeing of not only the workers but their community as a whole. We need more federal recognition and support so we can continue to grow the networks of worker owned cooperatives in this country,” said Itzel Nuño, Workplace Democracy Projects Coordinator, Sustainable Economies Law Center

“With federal support, worker cooperatives can play a critical role in reducing income and wealth inequality, retaining small businesses, and creating quality jobs. Our nonprofit has helped many business owners sell to their employees through worker coop transitions, and, as a result, workers’ pay, profit sharing, and job satisfaction are increasing dramatically. This bill complements recent employee ownership legislation by promoting the unique advantages of the increasingly popular worker cooperative model. And it couldn’t be more timely, with nearly three million job-creating businesses at risk of closing when their owners retire; many of these can transition to worker coops, rewarding the selling owner and new worker-owners alike,” said Hilary Abell, Chief Policy & Impact Officer, Project Equity

“The 1,000+ workers of the Network of Bay Area Worker Cooperatives (NoBAWC) — a network of over 40 worker-owned firms in California — have eagerly supported goals in addressing the various crises workers across California are facing. Namely, these workers are seeking interventions from the state and federal government to ease the creation of worker cooperatives in a fiscally responsible and socially just manner. Rep. Ro Khanna’s National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act will bring the needed focus on worker cooperatives at the federal level,” said J. Noven, Coordinator, Network of Bay Area Worker Cooperatives

“The Worker-Owned Recovery California (WORC) coalition was spontaneously founded in response to the dire and immediate conditions of COVID-19 in April 2020. Worker cooperatives were the primary strategy we promoted to address the massive pending business closures in California, and create multiple state-level budget requests. Our volunteer group has identified many gaps in state and federal systems to effectively support worker cooperative formation and support. Rep. Ro Khanna’s National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act will bring the needed focus on worker cooperatives at the federal level. WORC Coalition enthusiastically supports this bill,” said J Noven, Acting Coordinator, WORC Coalition

“The California Center for Cooperative Development is a non-profit dedicated to empowering groups to improve their lives by working together to accomplish together what they cannot effectively do alone.  Worker Cooperatives offer a business model that empowers groups to own and control their workplace, and in so doing they also offer valuable, local-based goods and services to their communities.  We encourage support for this bill– it benefits local economies, at both the worker-owner and consumer level,” said E. Kim Coontz, Executive Director, California Center for Cooperative Development

“Worker Cooperatives are one of the most successful and popular options for employee-owned companies in  America. The National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act would go a long way to expanding this opportunity, benefiting both retiring business owners and their employees. Thank you Rep. Ro Khanna for advancing this great piece of legislation,” said Thomas Dudley, CEO, Certified Employee-Owned

“We are seeing historic small business growth, with a record-breaking 5.5 million new business applications last year,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO, Small Business Majority. “The ‘National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act’ will help sustain this growth by removing barriers to worker-owned business cooperatives, including access to capital, education and resources. We applaud Representative Ro Khanna for introducing legislation that will support the development of unique business models like worker ownership structures. Under this legislation, small business owners can pursue succession planning while ensuring they and their employees can build wealth in their communities,” said Richard Hobbs, Executive Director and a co-founder of Human Agenda

“Worker cooperatives put worker and community benefits at the core of their purpose and operations and help create long-term jobs and sustainable business practices. Increased awareness of and support for these businesses would positively impact many workers, families, and communities. Thank you Rep. Ro Khanna for working to support and expand the worker-owned cooperative business sector in the United States,” said Ashley Ortiz, Development and Support Cooperative member, Arizmendi Association of Cooperatives

“On behalf of the Smart Yards Co-op team, I’d like to express our deep appreciation for your work and introducing The National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act. As you know worker-owned businesses make them compelling and innovative business models in many ways. For us at Smart Yards Co-op, there are many reasons to work cooperatively and dream of growing our business as a coop as there’s tons of work to transform outdoor living spaces into regenerative and life supporting ecosystems that also conserve water and energy. The strong commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices; considerations for the environment, social responsibility, ethical sourcing, resource conservation, diversity of ideas and skills leading to innovative solutions and creative approaches to challenges are key for us to be organized as a co-op. Unfortunately, the perception and lack of understanding of co-ops in our communities can be a challenge. The NWCDSA can indeed inspire action and move us toward the direction of a culture of more co-op businesses in Silicon Valley,” said Elizabeth Sarmiento, Manager/Founder, Smart Yards Cooperative

“The Tuttle Law Group has been focused on legal support for all types of California Cooperatives for over 25 years. And while cooperatives exist in many forms, providing members with benefits across economic sectors, worker cooperatives provide unparalleled opportunities for their worker owners. There is a significant information deficit in the United States about this unique corporate form, and its importance to our national security, which depends on local control of workplaces and resources. Systemic changes are needed at the federal level to adequately support these self-help business solutions; so it is great to see Rep. Ro Khanna using his position on the national stage to make worker cooperatives more understood, prevalent, and supported. We fully endorse this bill and hope it is implemented quickly,” said Therese C. Tuttle and Paola Eisner, attorneys, Tuttle Law Group

“The City of Santa Clara became the first South Bay city to have a private retail business transition to a worker cooperative back in 2017. Our City was unaware of Worker Cooperatives, and in 2019, held a full city council and staff study session. Since that time, we are proud to have created and funded a first-of-its-kind Worker Cooperative Initiative to find ways we could help our small businesses and our city. It is clear that more awareness, education, and understanding is needed. Whether to provide solutions to our retiring business owners, provide a path to ownership for workers, or to make our cities more resilient, we need more worker cooperatives. I am proud to strongly support Rep. Ro Khanna’s National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act,” said Lisa M. Gillmor, Mayor, City of Santa Clara

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) celebrates the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act inclusion of full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, correcting a nearly 70-year injustice and delivering one of the most significant milestones in the Tribe’s modern history.

“For generations, the Lumbee people have fought for fairness and full recognition. We delivered. This long-overdue win finally honors the Lumbee Tribe’s heritage and ensures they receive the federal support and opportunities they deserve,” said Rep. Hudson.

Why it matters:

The Lumbee have sought federal recognition since the late 1800s.

Congress partially recognized the Tribe in 1956 but denied them the services and benefits granted to every other federally recognized tribe.

That mistake has shaped the last seven decades of Lumbee life, limiting access to health care, education, housing, and economic development.

What’s in the NDAA:

The bill includes the Lumbee Fairness Act, which grants full federal status and restores access to all federal programs available to other tribes.

The recognition is expected to unlock significant economic potential for the region and bring long-awaited resources to Lumbee families.

What’s next: The NDAA now heads to President Trump’s desk.

Read the full text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law:

“As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I’m proud to deliver a defense authorization bill that puts our troops, their families, and our veterans first. This NDAA secures critical investments for our armed services and North Carolina’s military community, including tens of millions for Fort Bragg. The bill implements President Trump’s agenda, restores America’s commitment to Peace Through Strength, and ensures our Armed Forces remain the most lethal and capable in the world. From pay raises to readiness upgrades at Fort Bragg, this bill is a win for every soldier and family who sacrifices so much for our nation.”

Fort Bragg & North Carolina Wins in the FY26 NDAA

The FY26 NDAA includes major authorizations Rep. Hudson fought for on behalf of Fort Bragg and the Sandhills region, including:

• $44.7 million for upgrades at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg.
• $8.1 million for the Special Operations Forces Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg.
• $19 million for an Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course.
• $24 million for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.
• $80 million for Power Generation and a resilient Microgrid to keep critical missions running.
• $80 million for a Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center.
• $145 million for Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point

Historic Win for the Lumbee Tribe

The FY26 NDAA includes the historic Lumbee Fairness Act, granting full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe and ensuring its members finally receive the same federal services and benefits as other federally recognized tribes. This is a major milestone for one of North Carolina’s largest and most deserving Indigenous communities.

In addition, provisions Rep. Hudson supported will:

• Boost investments in barracks and family housing used by soldiers and families.
• Improve access to childcare, health care, and mental health services for military families.
• Strengthen recruitment, retention, and transition programs.

National Security Wins: Implementing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda

The FY26 NDAA is a cornerstone of President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda and delivers conservative wins for America’s military, borders, and taxpayers:

• Codifies 15 Trump Executive Orders and 30 key legislative proposals to restore lethality, merit-based promotions, and accountability in the ranks, while ending left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI programs in the military.
• Improves quality of life for servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise, expanded bonuses and special pays, better food access, upgraded barracks and family housing, and major investments in childcare, schools, and health care for military families.
• Strengthens border security by fully funding troops and National Guard deployments to the southern border, expanding support for Border Patrol, and authorizing over $1 billion to fight drug trafficking and transnational crime.
• Fundamentally reforms the defense acquisition system, cutting red tape, prioritizing commercial solutions, speeding new technologies to the warfighter, and focusing every taxpayer dollar on capability instead of bureaucracy.
• Builds President Trump’s Golden Dome and strengthens missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and space capabilities to protect the homeland from hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile threats.
• Revitalizes the defense industrial base by expanding U.S. production capacity, onshoring supply chains, cutting dependence on China for critical minerals and components, and growing American defense manufacturing jobs.
• Invests in shipbuilding, aircraft, and munitions, including major funding for submarines, destroyers, 6th-generation aircraft, F-35 fighters, Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, and a robust arsenal of precision munitions.
• Counters China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist threats with a strengthened Indo-Pacific posture, support for Taiwan and key allies, tougher restrictions on adversary-linked companies, and enhanced tools to support partners on the front lines of aggression.
• Saves taxpayers nearly $20 billion by eliminating DEI activities, cutting wasteful climate programs at the Pentagon, retiring obsolete platforms, and trimming bureaucracy and inefficient contracts.

Together with President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut, the FY26 NDAA is part of a generational investment in America’s national security, our military families, and the promise of Peace Through Strength.

Read the Full Text Here

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Today, H.R. 3383, the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by 302 to 123. Led by House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), the INVEST Act will cut red tape in Washington, empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, and provide Americans with the opportunity to more freely invest.

Congressman Hill said, “As a former community banker in central Arkansas, I saw firsthand how outdated rules kept hardworking Arkansans from participating in private investment opportunities, how much of venture capital remains on the coasts, and how businesses struggled to tap the investment resources they needed to grow.

“As Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, one of my main priorities is to tackle those challenges and level the playing field so the American Dream is within reach for every family and community in our state and across the nation. The INVEST Act will expand investment opportunities for all Arkansans, allow families to save more for retirement, help businesses grow, and help states like Arkansas attract capital like never before.

“I am extremely proud of the bipartisan work of this committee. I commend Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner for her tremendous leadership, and I am eager to see this legislation signed into law.”

Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said, “In Arkansas and across the country, small businesses are the heart of our economy. The INVEST Act will give more entrepreneurs the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality and help bring more capital to the heartland of America. Thanks to Congressman Hill for his leadership on this important legislation.”

Jeff D Standridge, Managing Partner of Cardon Capital Partners, said, “As a venture fund manager in Arkansas, I see firsthand how talented entrepreneurs across the Midwest and rural America struggle to access the early-stage capital that flows so easily to the coasts. The INVEST Act finally levels that playing field. By modernizing outdated rules, expanding who can invest, and reducing the red tape that holds back small businesses, this legislation will unlock innovation, fuel job creation, and ensure that the next generation of great American companies can be built not only in Silicon Valley, but in communities like ours across Arkansas.”

Jeff Amerine, Founder & Managing Director, Startup Junkie Consulting & General Partner, Cadron Capital Partners, said, “As a nine-time serial entrepreneur and active early-stage investor with a portfolio of more than 90 investments, I am very much in favor of improving capital access in the heartland, making private company investment easier for the general public, and streamlining the IPO process.  I believe the Invest Act will go a long way toward addressing critical issues that today restrain venture growth.”

James K. Hendren, Ph. D., Chairman of The Venter Center Board, said, “The INVEST Act will significantly improve the investment options for middle America and middle-income individuals. Previous rules limited private investments to only the higher-wealth people.  Even though these investments may include some more risk, the upside opportunities are significantly increased.  Even more important is the opportunity that earlier-stage companies would have in getting funding from knowledgeable investors, which encourages and allows great growth in establishing new companies that create many new jobs.”

Background

The last major legislative effort to improve capital formation was the bipartisan JOBS Act of 2012, which successfully reduced barriers for small and emerging companies and created new pathways for growth. Since then, regulatory burdens have only grown heavier, falling hardest on smaller firms that lack the scale of Wall Street giants. These one-size-fits-all requirements discourage startups from pursuing Initial Public Offerings (IPO), push companies to remain private longer, and make it harder for local entrepreneurs to attract investment.

The INVEST Act, sponsored by Capital Markets Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner (MO-02) and cosponsored by Representative Gregory Meeks (NY-05), will cut Washington red tape, empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, and give Americans more freedom to invest.

Why Is the INVEST Act Needed?

• Nearly all venture funding pours into just a few coastal cities, leaving job-creating entrepreneurs from across the Midwest, South, and rural America often overlooked when trying to raise capital.
• Current rules for investing in private markets are obsolete, relying on wealth instead of financial knowledge. This unfairly bars millions of Americans from investing in promising, early-stage companies.
• Public markets are shrinking: the number of U.S. public companies has fallen from 8,800 in 1997 to fewer than 4,000 today, costing jobs and limiting investment options for retirement savers.

The INVEST Act Will Expand Access to Capital for Small Businesses:

• Cuts red tape so startups and small businesses can raise capital more efficiently, increasing American competitiveness, economic growth, and job creation.
• Updates outdated investment thresholds that have prevented small companies from utilizing every available method of raising capital.
• Ensures capital reaches beyond Wall Street and Silicon Valley to entrepreneurs across the heartland.

The INVEST Act Will Increase Opportunities for Investors:

• Expands investment opportunities for Main Street investors, ensuring retirement savers – not just Wall Street insiders – share in the success of tomorrow’s leading companies.
• Modernizes the accredited investor definition so education, professional credentials, and experience – not just wealth – determine whether an individual can invest in private offerings.
• Opens up investment options for Americans by eliminating restrictions on the types of financial products available in certain retirement accounts.
• Protects seniors by increasing safeguards and resources to combat financial fraud and exploitation.

The INVEST Act Will Strengthen Our Public Markets:

• Streamlines disclosure requirements to make it faster, simpler, and more practical for companies to go and stay public.
• Gives businesses more flexibility to raise capital on competitive terms, helping them grow in America instead of overseas.
• Modernizes how companies can test the market for an initial public offering, allowing them to assess demand before incurring the full cost of going public.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, today issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order targeting state regulations on artificial intelligence:

“President Trump’s AI order is an attempt to kill responsible safety reforms passed by states, which would create a lawless Wild West environment for AI companies that puts Americans at risk. This is a terrible idea.

“Congress has been slow to respond to the AI revolution and in the absence of a strong federal response, states are wisely taking the lead to create guardrails and protect the public. Trump’s attempt to undo this progress without providing any federal regulatory protections would be extremely harmful. A moratorium on state legislation will reduce the likelihood of Congressional action as well, which is the unstated goal of this Executive Order. Moreover, his attempt to block state laws through federal coercion likely violates the 10th Amendment, and as such constitutes an unconstitutional abuse of power.

“The first attempt to pass this harmful AI moratorium policy in the One Big Beautiful Bill failed because of robust bipartisan opposition. Trump is using this executive order to bypass this opposition in both chambers of Congress. Hostility on Capitol Hill to this damaging and irresponsible policy remains strong, and I am actively exploring legislative options with members in both chambers and both parties in response to this order.”

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) serves as co-Chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus. He was one of a handful of members selected to serve on the bipartisan Task Force On Artificial Intelligence, convened by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson. He is the author of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and a lead cosponsor of the CREATE AI Act, the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act, and the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act.

Beyer previously served for eight years on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and is currently attending George Mason University as a part time student pursuing a master’s degree in machine learning, in part to help inform his work on AI in Congress.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement on House passage of the final conference agreement for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. 

“The compromise legislation before the House was by no means perfect, but it was a bipartisan and commonsense bill that is essential to ensuring America’s security at home and abroad. I voted yes on raising pay for servicemembers, improving childcare and military housing, investing in scientific and technological advancements, protecting civilian workers from arbitrary workforce reductions, and advancing other measures that strengthen military readiness and provide the congressional oversight necessary to hold the Trump administration accountable.

“In addition to restoring key international relationships through critical funding support for our allies, like Ukraine and Taiwan, the NDAA conference agreement strengthens oversight by mandating reporting on the use of military aircraft for immigration operations, requiring detailed justifications for the removal of senior military leaders, repealing the outdated 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force, and requiring Secretary Hegseth to provide unredacted videos of recent lethal strikes in Latin America. These provisions will improve transparency, protect civilian and military personnel from unlawful political interference, and reinforce Congress’s constitutional role in matters of national defense.

“This legislation is also critically important for Naval Base Ventura County and its installations, which are home to cutting-edge missions, critical testing and training operations, a highly skilled civilian workforce, and our dedicated servicemembers. By investing in military construction, strengthening the defense industrial base, and improving the quality of life for servicemembers and their families, the NDAA supports the readiness and resilience of the Point Mugu and Port Hueneme communities. These investments help ensure that NBVC remains one of our nation’s premier defense assets. 

“While I believe this bill makes necessary investments to bolster military readiness, I am disappointed that several bipartisan issues, such as expanding access to IVF and protecting collective bargaining rights for civilian personnel, were excluded from final passage. I will continue working across the aisle to advance these vital measures, and I remain committed to pushing back against efforts to weaken the diversity, talent, and unity of purpose that have long defined our military’s spirit and strengthened our nation.”

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act conference agreement passed the House by a vote of 312-112. The text of the conference agreement can be found here, the joint explanatory statement is here, and a summary of the FY2026 NDAA can be found here.

###

Issues: 119th Congress, Defense, Military

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) joined Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans and Military Task Force Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), DWC Progressive Caucus Liaison Jill Tokuda (HI-02), DWC members Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), and 58 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, House Democrats, and Democratic Senators in a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General demanding accountability for the Army’s failure to stop widespread sexual misconduct. 

Recently, over 80 women joined a lawsuit alleging that Dr. Major Blaine McGraw made sexual advances, directed lewd comments towards them, and secretly recorded patients during exams while working at Ford Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center. Dr. McGraw was not suspended from his position until this October.

In their letter, the Members and Senators expressed their outrage over Army leadership’s inaction despite numerous complaints from servicewomen and military wives that Dr. McGraw had sexually exploited women in his care for years. They also explained some of the unconscionable abuses women experienced, including details from the story of Jane Doe.

In their letter, the Members and Senators shared how the Army ignored Jane Doe’s attempts to report her abuse:

“After reportedly being assaulted during a patient visit with Dr. McGraw, Jane Doe said she begged a desk attendant to make a report. Instead, she was told to ‘call or send an email.’ Jane Doe alleges she called the hospital seven different times but she was dismissed and hung up on each time. The purported lack of response and urgency to respond to these complaints would clearly violate reporting policy and the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program protocols.”

The Members and Senators also expressed deep concern in their letter that this abuse is part of a recurring pattern of the Army failing to intervene in cases of sexual misconduct:

“In the lawsuit, female servicemembers and patients noted that a recurring issue was the lack of adequate response from Army leadership. Reportedly, when victims and their loved ones tried to make complaints with Army leadership, they were ‘refused meetings at every level.’ If true, these women deserve better. The alleged dismissive response from the Army demonstrates an immense failure at every level to properly support survivors.”

The Members and Senators concluded the letter by demanding a full investigation, explanations on how complaints were handled, and stronger protections to ensure no woman faces this abuse again:

“The allegations against Dr. McGraw are extremely serious, and the Army’s criminal investigation of this matter must continue unabated. That said, the separate concerns raised by survivors about members of the Army at many levels not timely acting on their complaints must be confronted immediately. Additionally, we request that DoD IG investigate to determine whether personnel within the Army properly followed procedures to timely report allegations of sexual misconduct to law enforcement and whether other SAPR procedures and existing protections were followed or not.”

In addition to Julia Brownley and letter leads Mazie Hirono, Chrissy Houlahan, Jill Tokuda, Nanette Barragán, Lori Trahan, Veronica Escobar, and Sylvia Garcia, the letter was signed by Angela D. Alsobrooks,, Joyce Beatty, Nikki Budzinski, André Carson, Judy Chu, Maxine Dexter, Debbie Dingell, Sarah Elfreth, Lizzie Fletcher, Valerie Foushee, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Robert Garcia, Kirsten Gillibrand, Adelita Grijalva, Val Hoyle, Jonathan Jackson, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Timothy Kennedy, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Lucy McBath, Sarah McBride, Betty McCollum, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Gwen Moore, Kelly Morrison, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nancy Pelosi, Nellie Pou, Delia Ramirez, Emily Randall, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Jeanne Shaheen, Lateefah Simon, Melanie Stansbury, Rashida Tlaib, Norma Torres, Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Nikema Williams, Frederica Wilson, and Ron Wyden.

The full letter can be found here and below: 

Mr. Steven Stebbins
Acting Inspector General
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of Inspector General
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350-1500

Dear Mr. Stebbins:

We write to express our strong concerns about the Army’s purported failure to timely intervene in the
alleged misconduct of Dr. Major Blaine McGraw at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center,
allegations, which if true, would possibly constitute the largest sexual misconduct case in U.S. military
history. According to reports, for years, Dr. McGraw allegedly sexually exploited women, including
servicewomen and military wives, in his care. When these women attempted to report their concerns and
experiences were purportedly repeatedly ignored and Dr. McGraw was kept on staff. The Army, like the
other Services, has a history of failing to adequately address sexual misconduct in the ranks, which
required Congress to step in and institute hundreds of reforms over the last fifteen years, culminating in
the establishment of the Office of the Special Trial Counsel in the FY22 National Defense Authorization
Act (NDAA). One of those issues involved military services being slow to intervene in cases at an early
stage. This appears to have happened in this case since Dr. McGraw was not suspended until this
October. This delayed response is unacceptable, and we need answers. Separate, and not to interfere with
the ongoing Army criminal investigation into the alleged misconduct of Dr. McGraw, we request the
Department of Defense Office of Inspector General review if appropriate Military Health System
policies were followed, to include whether patient complaints were timely evaluated and considered,
and provide recommendations to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to prevent further instances
like this from occurring in the future.

This month over 80 women joined a lawsuit together alleging that Dr. McGraw made lewd sexual
advances and comments towards them, as well as secretly recorded patients during exams.4 One example
of the women’s horrific experiences is captured through Jane Doe’s story. After reportedly being
assaulted during a patient visit with Dr. McGraw, Jane Doe said she begged a desk attendant to make a
report. Instead, she was told to “call or send an email.” Jane Doe alleges she called the hospital seven
different times but she was dismissed and hung up on each time. The purported lack of response and urgency to respond to these complaints would clearly violate reporting policy and the Army’s Sexual
Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program protocols.

In the lawsuit, female servicemembers and patients noted that a recurring issue was the lack of adequate
response from Army leadership. Reportedly, when victims and their loved ones tried to make complaints
with Army leadership, they were “refused meetings at every level.” If true, these women deserve better.
The alleged dismissive response from the Army demonstrates an immense failure at every level to
properly support survivors.

The allegations against Dr. McGraw, and the Army’s purported failure to timely address survivor
complaints, are not isolated. A separate investigation deemed Fort Hood as a notoriously “permissive
environment” for sexual harassment and assault. The base has been plagued by this issue for years. For
example, in 2020, Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén was murdered by a fellow soldier while stationed at
Fort Hood. Throughout her time on base, Specialist Guillén was sexually harassed by a separate
supervisor. Specialist Guillén’s tragic murder was the impetus for the aforementioned changes in the
FY22 NDAA. However, even with these positive reforms, it is clear more needs to be done. The fact that
this reported abuse occurred at the same base as Specialist Guillen’s murder is appalling. All women
should be safe on a military base, and they surely should be able to safely seek treatment without fear of
sexual assault or abuse.

The allegations against Dr. McGraw are extremely serious, and the Army’s criminal investigation of this
matter must continue unabated. That said, the separate concerns raised by survivors about members of the Army at many levels not timely acting on their complaints must be confronted immediately.
Additionally, we request that DoD IG investigate to determine whether personnel within the Army
properly followed procedures to timely report allegations of sexual misconduct to law enforcement and
whether other SAPR procedures and existing protections were followed or not. We therefore request a
response to the following questions from the Defense Health Agency and the Inspector General within 60
days of receipt:

1. Please provide the range of dates for the sexual harassment/assault complaints filed, including the number of complaints received at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center relating to Dr. McGraw.
2. What was the Military Treatment Facility management’s response to each complaint at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center?
3. How did the Military Treatment Facility management at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical
   Center follow appropriate policies to supervise staff, prevent patient harm, and address patient
   complaints?
4. What are the next steps the Military Treatment Facility management at Fort Hood and Tripler
   Army Medical Center will take to further protect patients from sexual assault?
5. How will the Defense Health Agency ensure that no Military Treatment Facility will ignore sexual abuse allegations again?
6. How will the Defense Health Agency prevent future concealment and employment of sexual abusers on their staff across Military Treatment Facilities?
7. Was a quality assurance investigation initiated? If so, please share the status with the House Armed Services Committee.
8. Why did the Army fail to take disciplinary actions against Dr. McGraw until his October 2025 suspension?

We are committed to demanding justice for victims of sexual assault and harassment, and we will not stay silent while the safety of women is at risk. Again, we request prompt and thorough answers to these questions to prevent further harm and hold those responsible for this accountable.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Military

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Adam Gray (CA-13) introduced their End California Water Crisis Package today, a suite of bills that would authorize additional California water storage projects, ease permitting restrictions, and create enforceable timelines for environmental review processes. The bills aim to expand California’s water storage capacity by providing funding and technical support to both develop and maintain water infrastructure projects. “California needs a modern water system that can meet today’s challenges. These bills take meaningful steps to strengthen California’s water future. By improving coordination, cutting through red tape, and investing in real projects on the ground, we can use all of our water tools in our toolbox to deliver more reliable water for families, farms, and communities across our state. This is about practical solutions that will make a difference for the Valley and all of California,” said Congressman Costa. “A reliable water supply is essential for Valley families and our economy,” said Rep. Gray. “My End California Water Crisis Package aims to strengthen and grow California’s water infrastructure so we can maintain dependable water supplies, reduce flood risks, and responsibly manage water flow to preserve our environment while unleashing agricultural production. The Valley is the nation’s leading agricultural region, and these projects will help ensure we remain competitive and resilient as we face historic drought levels.”“Westlands Water District supports Congressman Gray’s End the California Water Crisis legislative package because it moves us toward real solutions at a pivotal time for California water,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “This pragmatic approach will cut through years of red tape and accelerate projects that will make a difference now. By moving urgently needed conveyance, groundwater recharge, and surface water storage projects from concept to construction, this package will help create a more reliable, modern water supply for the communities, farms, and under resourced communities across the San Joaquin Valley.  Solving California’s water crisis takes all of us working together to reform a system that hasn’t worked for people, food production, or the environment for far too long.” “This legislative package is exactly the type of pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach California needs,” said Chris White, Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority. “Streamlining federal permitting and advancing long-overdue water infrastructure projects will help us capture, store, and move water when it’s available—and improve reliability for agriculture, our local communities, and the environment. The Exchange Contractors appreciate Congressman Gray’s leadership and his commitment to cutting red tape, modernizing federal coordination, and delivering the infrastructure investments our region needs to prepare for the future.”“The farms, communities, and ecosystems south of California’s Bay-Delta have been ground zero for the impacts of unreliable water supplies for decades,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “There is a clear solution – we must develop and deliver water supply projects faster and more affordably. This package of bills does just that – allocating federal funds and improving project delivery for a list of projects that will improve water supply reliability for one of the most important food producing regions in the world. We urge Congress to take swift action on these bills and applaud Congressman Gray for his leadership in tackling this issue head on.”“As we face ongoing water challenges in California’s Central Valley, Congressman Gray’s water legislative package represents a significant opportunity to enhance interagency coordination and cut through the permitting obstacles that hinder vital water projects,” said Jason Phillips, CEO, Friant Water Authority. “By codifying the provisions of Executive Order 14181, our communities and farms can improve their access to the water resources they desperately need and along with the authorization of critical projects for improved water storage and management, the Central Valley would be poised to make meaningful progress in addressing our water needs and securing a sustainable future for our families and farms.”If enacted, the End California Water Crisis Package would significantly improve water storage, clear the way for additional projects, and consequently encourage further economic and agricultural development across the region. The End California Water Crisis Package includes three bills to stabilize wateraccess in the Central Valley:

The Central Valley Water Solution Actwould authorize 21 projects south of the Delta to increase regional water storage capacity.
The Water Agency and Transparency Enhancement Review (WATER) Actwould codify certain provisions of Executive Order 14181 to create interagency oversight cooperation and lower permitting barriers for California water projects.
The Build Now Actwould create a one-year enforceable timeline for certain environmental reviews for any water project that would enhance Central Valley water storage expansion and place the burden of permitting delays on the federal government, rather than applicants.

For additional information, click HERE.A summary and full text of the bill are available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the passage of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026. 

“This year’s NDAA codifies our commitment to our Armed Forces and Louisiana. By modernizing our weapons systems and streamlining the Department of War’s (DoW) acquisition process, we are solidifying the American military’s position as the most lethal fighting force on the planet,” said Congressman Higgins. “This legislation strengthens our defense industry businesses and supports our military bases. I worked closely with my colleagues in committee and on the House floor to secure provisions that build on our budget reconciliation bill and protect Louisiana’s interests. We were quite successful in that endeavor, and the final NDAA text reflects many of our priorities.”

Throughout the course of the year, Congressman Higgins helped secure these provisions in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act that will directly benefit Louisiana:

• Ensuring that the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Southern Command report on the requirements needed for the rapid fielding of multi-mission small-unmanned surface vessels.
• Authorization for a DoW-led pilot program partnering with regional universities and medical centers to support surge medical capacity.
• $50.72 million for the procurement of 40-foot patrol boats.
• $320 million for the Ship-to-Shore Connector program.
• $140 million for the Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing (YRBM) barges. The NDAA also gives the U.S. Navy multiyear procurement authority for the YRBM program to facilitate and maintain an accelerated schedule.
• Requiring that all F/A-18E aircraft procured by the DoW in FY2022 and FY2023 be delivered to the Navy Reserve to support our nation’s deployable strike fighter capability at Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans.
• Requiring a report from the U.S. Navy on efforts to transition separating Navy personnel to the dredging industry.
• Urging the Department of Defense to prioritize investment in domestic hydrazine production enhancements, including facility improvements.
• $32 million for the acceleration of the production of modern dump trucks for the U.S. Army, replacing outdated vehicles. 
• $80 million for the Platform Supply Vessel pilot program for U.S. Navy Pacific logistics. 
• Requiring the DoW to examine ways to promote cost savings on building resiliency projects including traditional and modular protective buildings. 
• $18 million for a Weapons Generation Facility dormitory at Barksdale Air Force Base.
• $2.2 million for the design of a new Child Development Center at Barksdale Air Force Base.
• Establishing Air Force Global Strike Command as an Air Force Major Command, solidifying Barksdale Air Force Base as a national leader.

Congressman Higgins also worked with his colleagues to align this year’s NDAA with President Trump’s agenda, securing the following conservative victories:

• Permanently ending all existing DoW DEI offices, programs, activities, and trainings and prevents any new DEI activities from taking place. 
• Saving taxpayers over $1 billion with cuts to climate-change related spending.
• Fully funding the deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.  
• Fully funding the U.S. commitment to Israel through joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling.
• Making significant reforms to Defense acquisition systems to shift the focus of the DoW to cost-effective rapid fielding of new capabilities and remove barriers to adopting commercial innovation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Congresswoman Urges Congress to Pass Her AI Civil Rights Act to Eliminate AI Discrimination

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) discussed the need for new civil rights protections in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Congresswoman Pressley highlighted how AI innovation without proper regulation could exacerbate discrimination, and called for passage of the AI Civil Rights Act, her bill with Senator Ed Markey and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke to help eliminate AI discrimination.

The AI Civil Rights Act would prevent companies from using biased and discriminatory AI-powered algorithms to help make critical decisions in Americans’ lives, ensure algorithms are tested before and after deployment, and increase transparency of complex algorithms used for critical decisions.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s question line and exchange with witnesses is available below, and the video is available here.