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 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Director Phil Roos requesting information about recent reports on the presence of neonicotinoid pesticides (“neonics”) in Michigan waterways, including creeks and rivers that ultimately flow into the Great Lakes, at concentrations known to harm aquatic life and raise potential risks for human health.

“Since I’ve been Congress, protecting Michigan’s natural resources and safeguarding access to clean water have been my top priorities,” Dingell writes. “Whether fighting to clean up PFAS contamination, addressing toxic waste in Wayne County, or ensuring safe drinking water in our communities, I have consistently worked with federal, state, and local partners to defend both public health and our environment.”

“The emerging threat posed by neonics requires urgent attention,” Dingell continues. “EGLE’s monitoring has already found neonic levels exceeding thresholds in St. Clair, Saginaw, Ottawa, and Huron Counties. I appreciate that EGLE has expanded its statewide monitoring program and begun developing pollution diets (TMDLs), but the extent of contamination reported suggests this challenge could be far more widespread.”

“Michigan’s identity and economy are tied to clean and safe water,” Dingell concludes. “We must protect the Great Lakes and our inland waterways before the damage becomes irreversible. I look forward to working with EGLE as you continue this critical monitoring and regulatory work, and I ask that you keep me updated on your findings and next steps.”

Dingell requested answers to the following questions:

1. Beyond the regions already reported, is EGLE currently testing for neonics in Southeast Michigan, including Washtenaw and Wayne Counties? If so, what results have been observed?
2. How is EGLE coordinating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on research, enforcement, and potential regulatory actions related to neonicotinoids?
3. Are current statewide water quality values sufficient to protect aquatic life and drinking water sources or should stronger standards be considered?
4. What additional resources or authorities would help EGLE more effectively monitor, mitigate, or restrict neonic contamination?
5. How is EGLE engaging with agricultural stakeholders, municipalities, and environmental groups to ensure transparency and accountability to the public as this issue evolves?
6. What more can we do at the federal level to support EGLE’s work in protecting Michigan’s waterways from contamination?

View the full text of the letter here.

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

Michigan House Deans Dingell, Walberg Joint Statement on Shooting of Charlie Kirk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Don Beyer (D-VA) announced the introduction of the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act to help facilitate effective student-led mental health crisis response.

“As more Americans recognize the importance of addressing mental health, it’s incredibly important that we meet children where they are. Peer-to-peer mental health support programs in schools will take a significant step toward curbing the growing mental health crisis in America,” said Rep. Kelly, a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health. “Mental health isn’t a partisan issue. I want to thank Rep. Beyer for partnering on this important piece of legislation.”

“Too many young Americans are struggling with their mental health and suffer in silence. We can do more in Congress to support teenage mental health, including by facilitating student-led peer-to-peer education initiatives which are already showing promise across the country. I thank Congressman Kelly for making this potentially lifesaving effort bipartisan, as we continue working to reduce suicides and improve mental health in this country,” said Rep. Beyer, co-chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus.

“Mental Health America (MHA) applauds Representatives Beyer and Kelly for introducing this critical legislation to provide schools with resources to start or maintain youth peer support programs. Youth peer support is an effective practice that helps young people to empower their peers to resolve distress and prevent behavioral crises,” said Caren Howard, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Mental Health America. “This bill will incentivize schools to offer youth peer support training amidst growing anxiety, depression, and suicidality in children and adolescents as part of an overall continuum of services.”

“Active Minds applauds Representatives Beyer and Kelly for their bipartisan leadership in recognizing what young people have known all along – that peer mental health support saves lives,” said Anika Rahman, Director of Policy at Active Minds. “This legislation represents exactly the kind of federal investment we need: funding that empowers students to be part of the solution. When young people are trained and supported to help their peers navigate mental health challenges, we see real results – reduced stigma, increased help-seeking, and stronger school communities. The Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act acknowledges that students are uniquely positioned to reach their peers who might otherwise suffer in silence, and we’re grateful to see Congress prioritize bipartisan student-led approaches to addressing the youth mental health crisis.”

“As a 16-year-old high school student, I’ve seen how often young people turn to each other before turning to an adult when they’re struggling but how so many students don’t know what to do when approached. Studies show that 67% of young people tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else. This bill matters because it helps us identify challenges earlier, reduce stigma, and create safe spaces where asking for help is normal—not shameful. By investing in peer-to-peer programs, we are empowering young people to take care of one another and ensuring no student has to suffer in silence. We at SEAT are so grateful for Representatives Beyer and Kelly for prioritizing youth mental health in a time when it’s needed the most,” said Ayaan Moledina, Federal Policy Director, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT).

BACKGROUND

The Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act would support the creation of peer-to-peer mental health programs in middle and high schools, where students are trained by mental health professionals to be peer support to their classmates and help their peers recognize signs of mental health crisis and develop help-seeking behaviors, like contacting the 9-8-8 lifeline. This legislation is modeled off several successful state and local educational district programs, in order to grow these successful initiatives to more schools.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals aged 10–24 years account for 15% of all suicides with suicide being the second leading cause of death for this age group. In 2022, 20% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, nearly 16% made a suicide plan, and 9% attempted suicide, according to the CDC.

The Brookings Institute reported that students at risk of suicide are more likely to turn to a peer than an adult or authority figure for help, and research reports from Mental Health America and Action Alliance highlight the demand for peer-to-peer support. 

Text of the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led a group of eight House Democrats in raising concerns about the vacancy of more than 20 Inspectors General (IG), 18 of which were terminated by the Trump Administration—firings which many legal experts say may violate federal law.

Inspectors General are tasked with conducting audits and investigations at federal agencies, to ensure the federal government acts transparently, is held accountable, and uses taxpayer dollars efficiently. Trump’s firing of these government watchdogs risks eliminating objective, nonpartisan oversight of federal agencies, and greatly increases their potential to operate irresponsibly and wastefully.

“Maintaining a fully staffed group of IGs is key to ensuring the federal government implements congressional priorities effectively and efficiently,” the lawmakers wrote to the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Comptroller General Gene Dodaro. “We are concerned that those vacancies could be negatively impacting the work being performed within the IG community.” 

Specifically, the letter asks that the GAO review:

• Whether there have been impacts on staffing in IG offices where the IG has been recently removed, 
• Whether there have been changes in the timeliness of information reported in IG semiannual reports,  
• Whether the removal of IGs has resulted in the cancellation or delay of investigations or audits, and 
• Whether the removal of IGs has impacted overall morale at IG offices. 

DelBene requested that the GAO provide the results of its review through formal reports, testimonies, and/or staff and member briefings.

Additional signers of the letter include House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (CA-42), House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-6), House Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Terri Sewell (AL-07), House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and House Oversight Committee Members Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Stephen Lynch (MA-08).

The full letter can be found here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee,  Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, and Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet are raising the alarm over the Executive Office of Immigration Review’s (EOIR) decision to hire temporary immigration judges with no previous immigration experience. Under the plan, 600 military lawyers would serve temporary stints as immigration judges, despite the fact that immigration law is one of the most complex areas of federal law. 

“Bringing in hundreds of judges for potentially only six-month periods is a recipe for further chaos in the immigration courts,” wrote the Members. “This decision undermines our entire immigration system and due process, weakening individuals’ ability to get a fair day in court.”

This is a major departure from previous practice, in which any temporary immigration judges were required to be former appellate immigration judges, EOIR administrative law judges, or attorneys with more than 10 years of experience in immigration law. 

The current shortage of immigration judges is also in significant part due to the Trump administration and EOIR’s own doing. Since the second Trump Administration began, nearly 16 percent of the current workforce have been fired or chosen retirement. In addition, there has been no indication that additional translators, clerks, or administrative staff will be hired to support these new judges.

“We urge you to immediately reverse this decision,” continued the Members. 

The full text of the letter can be read here. 

Issues: Immigration, Public Safety & Criminal Justice

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter Delivers GA-01 Wins in House-Passed NDAA

Carter Delivers GA-01 Wins in House-Passed NDAA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Rep. Pete Aguilar recently held a press conference at the National CORE Metro View affordable housing development in Rialto, CA, to highlight the importance of affordable housing in the Inland Empire.
“Right now, families in our community and across the country are struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise on everything from housing to health care,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “In the midst of this American affordability crisis, Donald Trump and Republicans are imposing costly tariffs and giving massive tax breaks to billionaires, instead of supporting hardworking families. Here in the Inland Empire, we know firsthand that nothing has become more burdensome for families than the rising cost of rent and housing. That’s why I was proud to partner with National CORE to introduce the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act to help bring down costs and create opportunities for Inland Empire families to thrive.”
Rep. Pete Aguilar recently reintroduced the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act, which would provide funding to owners of affordable housing properties to offer supportive services for their residents.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.