MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced a pair of bipartisan bills to improve the reliability and resiliency of America’s emergency communications networks. Together, the Emergency Reporting Act and the Kari’s Law Reporting Act would ensure that Americans can count on strong, effective, and modern 9-1-1 systems when disaster strikes.

“Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time – and in those moments, every second counts,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “That’s why we are introducing these bipartisan bills to make sure Americans can always rely on our 9-1-1 system. The Emergency Reporting Act will strengthen the resiliency of our networks during disasters like California’s wildfires and better equip first responders to protect our communities. The Kari’s Law Reporting Act will ensure that critical protections Congress already enacted are working as intended, and that no American is ever prevented from reaching 9-1-1 in their time of need. Taken together, these bills are a strong step forward to modernize our emergency communications system, improve public safety, and save lives.”

“It is vital that we review the communication infrastructure in place after a major weather event to maximize coordinated public safety information during a future crisis,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “These systems must be reliable and standardized to allow for an effective response from local, state and federal leaders as they recover.  Our legislation helps to ensure we are ready to achieve that paramount goal.”

Emergency Reporting Act

With wildfire seasons growing longer and more severe in California and across the country, resilient and reliable communication networks are essential to protecting communities, helping families stay connected, and giving first responders the tools they need to act swiftly. The Emergency Reporting Act would strengthen 9-1-1 networks by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue reports following major natural disasters on the extent to which people were unable to reach 9-1-1, and to develop recommendations to improve outage reporting, resiliency, and coordination with state and local officials. The bill also directs the FCC to review unreported outages and develop recommendations for mobile carriers to better notify 9-1-1 centers of disruptions, ensuring that first responders are not left in the dark during life-threatening events.

Kari’s Law Reporting Act

The Kari’s Law Reporting Act would build on the 2018 Kari’s Law by requiring the FCC to report on the extent to which multi-line telephone system (MLTS) manufacturers and vendors have complied with the requirement that callers be able to reach 9-1-1 directly without dialing additional digits. Kari’s Law was enacted after the tragic murder of Kari Hunt in 2013, when her daughter’s repeated attempts to call 9-1-1 from a hotel phone failed because the system required dialing “9” before any call.

The bills have the support of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals.  

“The public deserves reliable access to 9-1-1 during emergencies,” said Mel Maier, CEO and executive director of APCO International. “APCO applauds Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) for leading efforts to strengthen our nation’s 9-1-1 systems. The Emergency Reporting Act and the Kari’s Law Reporting Act lay the groundwork to improve communications during crises and help first responders protect their communities. Together these bipartisan, zero-cost bills will ensure emergency communications centers have the information they need to perform their lifesaving work.”

Full text of the Emergency Reporting Act is available HERE.

Full text of the Kari’s Law Reporting Act is available HERE.

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement after the passing of longtime legislator and giant of California politics, John Burton. 

“We have lost a titan of California politics and a true public servant with the passing of my friend John Burton,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “From the State Capitol to the halls of Congress, and later as Chair of the California Democratic Party, John was unapologetically authentic with unwavering conviction. When he set his mind to something, you were never going to forget it. He could be sharp-tongued and combative at times, but was always guided by sincerity and compassion. John cared deeply about people, and that came through in every fight he took on and every cause he championed. He was truly one of a kind – strategically brilliant, fearless, and relentless in delivering results for the most marginalized and voiceless among us. California is a better place because of John’s integrity and courage. My prayers are with all of John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Military Food Security Act of 2025. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would ensure that military families have better access to affordable and healthy food.

The Pentagon found that 24% of all active duty servicemembers, or approximately 286,800 personnel, experienced food insecurity in 2020 and 2021.  More recently, the Office of the Secretary of Defense partnered with the RAND Corporation to discover that 25.8% of personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard were food insecure.

The bill excludes the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from income calculations used to determine eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA).  This change would remove an unintended barrier that prevents some military families from qualifying for food assistance. 

“Too many of our servicemembers and their families struggle to put food on the table because of outdated rules and red tape,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan Military Food Security Act fixes the eligibility formula for food assistance so it reflects the real financial challenges military families face. We must ensure that no one who serves our country ever goes hungry.”

Reps. Blake Moore (UT-1), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), Jen Kiggans (VA-2), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Josh Riley (NY-19) joined Rep. Panetta in leading the legislation. Earlier this year, Rep. Panetta also led over 50 Members of Congress urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to prioritize funding to combat food insecurity in the FY26 appropriations bill.

“Too many military families struggle to afford food—a betrayal of the tremendous sacrifices they make for our nation,” said Senator Blumenthal.  “The Military Food Security Act removes outdated rules and unnecessary obstacles preventing servicemembers from obtaining the benefits they have earned to help buy groceries and make nutritious meals. This critical legislation ensures service members can stay mission-focused—defending our nation—without the added burden of worrying how they’ll put food on the table for their families.”

“The Pentagon recently reported that nearly 26% of U.S. military personnel experienced food insecurity in 2023.  No military member should have to choose between serving our country and providing food for their families,” said Rep. Moore.  “That’s why I’m supporting bipartisan, common-sense legislation led by Congressman Panetta that widens eligibility for Basic Needs Allowance for our lower-enlisted servicemembers and ensures that more young families can support themselves in the early stages of military life.”

“Caring for servicemembers and their families is the foundation of military readiness.  It is unacceptable that the men and women who serve our country worry about putting food on the table,” said Rep. Strickland.  “I am proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the Military Food Security Act to take care of military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and across the nation.  We must uphold our end of the promise to our servicemembers and put an end to military hunger.”

“Food costs across America are sky-high, and America’s servicemembers are paying the price.  Today, more than a quarter of people serving in our Armed Forces can’t afford to put the food they need on the table,” said Rep. Goodlander. “That’s not right.  And that’s why I’m working to get this bipartisan bill signed into law.” 

“As a Navy veteran, military spouse, and Mom of a servicemember, I know firsthand the sacrifices our military families make every day. It is unacceptable that so many of them are struggling with food insecurity,” said Rep. Kiggans.  “The Military Food Security Act takes an important step toward fixing that problem by ensuring the Basic Needs Allowance truly reflects the financial realities our families face.  We must do everything we can to support the men and women who serve, and the families who stand behind them.” 

 “The San Diego Food Bank already serves 40,000 active-duty military personnel and veteran families every month, and with grocery costs skyrocketing, that number will likely rise even more,” said Rep. Jacobs.  “No one who has worn our country’s uniform should struggle to put food on the table and feed their families.  That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the Military Food Security Act so we can alleviate military hunger and take care of those who’ve sacrificed so much for all of us.”

“If you’re willing to put on the uniform and fight for this country, you shouldn’t be fighting hunger at home,” said Rep. Riley.  “I’m proud to help lead the Military Food Security Act because in Upstate New York, we show up for those who serve — and we don’t accept anything less.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Paso Robles — Last Friday, U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) hosted a “SLO County Medicare Forum” at Cuesta College. The Forum brought together local health care providers, stakeholders, and residents to discuss the value of Medicare programs, the challenges they face, and how to improve healthcare access in the region. Attendees heard updates from both Congressmen on their work in Washington and had the opportunity to share their perspectives. Download photos here. 

“Medicare hasn’t kept up with the costs of healthcare, leaving too many seniors without proper access to ready and reliable doctors,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Today’s forum was important to give providers, patients, and community leaders a chance to share their experiences, highlight what’s at stake, and discuss actionable solutions.  I appreciated all the people who came out and spoke up.  I’m motivated to continue my work to pass my bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act that would stop harmful cuts, tie reimbursements to inflation, and make sure seniors can continue to count on their healthcare.”

“It was great to be back at Cuesta College to discuss how to improve Medicare access for seniors in San Luis Obispo County, as well as the damaging impacts of President Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on our country’s health care system,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’d like to thank all of our panelists and attendees for sharing their knowledge and perspectives. I’ll take the insights we gathered back to Washington to inform legislative efforts aimed at strengthening Medicare access, especially for our rural communities who need it most.”

The Forum’s panelists included: Dr. Tim Auran, CMA; Sue Anderson, President and CEO Dignity Health; Dr. Steve Clarke, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast; Dr. Jason Sanders, Movement for Life Physical Therapy; Dr. Penny Bornstein, Public Health Director San Luis Obispo County Health Department and San Luis Obispo Health Counts; and Ryan Ashlock, Adventist Hospital President and CEO. 

In February 2025, Congressman Carbajal co-sponsored Congressman Panetta’s bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, legislation to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined colleagues in calling on the Department of State to swiftly reverse its abrupt decision to halt the approval of temporary medical-humanitarian visas for children from Gaza.

On August 16, the State Department announced, without prior notice or clear explanation, that it would suspend all visitor visas from Gaza, including those for children in need of urgent, lifesaving medical care, while conducting a review of its processes.  The Department has not provided evidence of security risks or a timeline for the suspension, despite the fact that all Palestinians leaving Gaza for medical treatment are already subject to extensive vetting by Israeli authorities.

“This pause will deny children the medical care they desperately need,” the members wrote.  “We appeal to you to immediately reverse the State Department’s decision and resume allowing those from Gaza with approved temporary medical-humanitarian visas to enter the United States to receive the lifesaving care they need.  We expect a written response 30 days after receiving this letter.”

In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Rep. Panetta and his colleagues criticized the lack of transparency in the decision and emphasized that the suspension could block children from receiving critical medical treatment.  The lawmakers urged the Department to immediately reverse the policy and, at minimum, exempt urgent pediatric cases while the review is underway.

The full letter to Secretary Rubio can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio, 

We write to urge you to swiftly reverse the State Department’s recent decision to halt temporary medical-humanitarian visas for children from Gaza. On August 16th, the State Department announced it will stop approving all visitor visas for people from the war-torn Gaza strip — including children in need of urgent medical care — while conducting a “full and thorough review of the processes and procedures” used to issue these visas. This pause comes in the wake of severely injured Palestinian children arriving in the United States on temporary visas to receive medical care in recent weeks. The announcement of the sudden pause came via social media and contained no details on what a full and thorough review entails or any evidence of security risks. The lack of clarity regarding how long this halt will last is concerning. 

This pause will deny children the medical care they desperately need. It is wrong to prevent children who are caught in the middle of this horrific conflict from receiving lifesaving medical care. In addition, this decision ignores the fact that all Palestinians leaving Gaza for medical treatment or to accompany family members receiving medical treatment are already subject to rigorous vetting by the Israeli government, including an Israeli security clearance, identity verification, and an assessment whether they are linked to Hamas. 

Prior to this announcement, several children from Gaza have come to the United States to receive medical treatment. These cases have gone on without incident. We appeal to you to immediately reverse the State Department’s decision and resume allowing those from Gaza with approved temporary medical-humanitarian visas to enter the United States to receive the lifesaving care they need. 

In light of these facts, we respectfully ask the Department to provide: 

1. A detailed explanation of the specific concerns or procedural issues identified that led to the suspension of visas. 

2. The criteria and timeline for the ongoing review process, how long it is expected to take, and what safeguards are being considered to prevent interruption of emergency medical care programs. 

3. A commitment to temporarily exempt urgent medical-humanitarian cases involving children from Gaza from the suspension until the review is complete. 

We would appreciate any clarification regarding the policy’s basis and a reassessment of its impact on vulnerable individuals and families in desperate need. We expect a written response 30 days after receiving this letter. 

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined U.S. Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) and Darren Soto (D-FL-09) and over 65 of her colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the use of racial profiling in immigration enforcement.

Under the Fourth Amendment, federal agents generally may not stop someone unless agents have good reason to suspect they’re breaking laws. But a growing number of people — many of them Latino — have reported being targeted, harassed, and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents solely because of their race.

In July, a federal judge issued an order that stopped ICE from targeting people based on race, language, and work. However, this week the Supreme Court temporarily lifted the order while the case continues. As a result, ICE agents can resume making indiscriminate stops for the time being, underscoring the need for immediate answers and accountability from DHS on the use of racial profiling in immigration enforcement.

“We have been concerned by recent statements and actions undertaken by DHS that seem to indicate that the Department is unlawfully using race as a basis for conducting immigration enforcement operations,” wrote the lawmakers. “A strategy of immigration enforcement that singles out law-abiding people solely because of their race is at odds with our constitution’s commitment to both equality and freedom from unreasonable searches.”

Earlier this year, White House Border Czar Tom Homan stated in an interview that ICE agents “don’t need probable cause” to detain people and can instead rely on “observations… based on their location, their occupation, their physical appearance, their actions.” 

“These kinds of indiscriminate, race-based detentions cause real harm,” the lawmakers continued. “In June, DHS conducted a worksite raid at a farm in Ventura County, California, where militarized agents violently detained hundreds of people, allegedly including U.S. citizens and those with work visas. As a result of the raid, Jaime Alanis, a farmworker at the farm, fell from a greenhouse and later died due to his injuries. In Los Angeles, ICE snatched Andrea Velez, a U.S. citizen, off the street, and detained her for two days, giving her nothing to drink for 24 hours. A U.S. citizen in Pico Rivera was assaulted and detained by agents in a Walmart parking lot.”  

ICE data shows that between January 20 and July 28, 2025, ICE made more than 16,000 street arrests of immigrants with no criminal convictions, charges or removal orders. Over half of these arrests were made between June and July alone, with Latinos accounting for 90% of the arrests, meaning that nearly one in five arrests made by ICE is a Latino with no criminal history. 

Read the full letter HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata emphasized energy security in her questions during a Natural Resources Committee hearing this week examining legislation, including a bipartisan permitting reform bill. 

The Congresswoman’s questions and the testimony in response are available HERE. 

“Energy security is a key to national security, economic security, even food security,” said Congresswoman Amata. “As an island people, we depend on imported energy and good U.S. planning to keep energy available and affordable to us. I appreciate this discussion on multiple sources of energy production and the recognition of how China affects the Pacific region, within the examination of three important bills.”

Congresswoman Amata addressed questions to the following expert witnesses: Mr. Jeremy Harrell, Chief Executive Officer of ClearPath; Mr. Thomas Hochman, Director of Infrastructure Policy, Foundation for American Innovation; and Mr. Nick Loris, Vice President of Public Policy, C3 Solutions. Her questions prompted elaboration on U.S. efforts to keep up with China in energy access, the role of energy in national security, getting on the right track in this priority, and expanding on earlier testimony regarding Russia and China. 

The House Committee on Natural Resources held a full committee legislative hearing on three bipartisan bills that will help streamline the permitting process, including House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman’s (R-Ark.) and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s (D-Maine) Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. 

Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) said, “With the bipartisan SPEED Act, we can ensure America meets its growing energy needs, revitalizes its crumbling infrastructure, wins the AI race and keeps its citizens safe and secure while upholding the world’s highest environmental standards and responsibly managing our natural resources.”

Legislation Examined: 

The Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act, H.R. 573, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), will inform policymakers on the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969’s (NEPA) impacts by requiring the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to publish an annual report on NEPA projects and outcomes, for greater transparency. 

The ePermit Act, H.R. 4503, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), will provide legislative direction on how federal agencies should implement electronic permitting systems.

The SPEED Act, H.R. 4777, introduced by Chairman Westerman (R-Ark.), and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) will streamline the permitting process and return the law to its intended purpose, including shorten permitting timelines, reduce the frequency of frivolous litigation, limit judicial review timelines and clarify when NEPA is activated. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amatais highlighting various news from this week in Congress that affects American Samoa. 

 The House Appropriations Committee this week passed two 2026 major appropriations bills that would fund various departments of the U.S. government, to be considered soon by the full House of Representatives. 

These bills are the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; and the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Additionally, the House named conferees with the Senate to complete the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Acts, 2026. 

“Each of these major appropriations bills are vehicles for funding in American Samoa, including grant programs, all of which start with congressional authorization and appropriations,” said Congresswoman Amata. “More specifically, the House and Senate are set to confer on the bill that directs our nutrition support, and Veterans’ services as authorized by our Veterans’ Affairs Committee legislation, so I am monitoring these bills closely and will keep you informed.”

In other congressional activity, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, of which Amata is a Member, has introduced major legislation reauthorizing the U.S. State Department. This bill, built from the substance of nine other bills throughout the year so far, is scheduled for markup (including committee vote on passage) next week. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing the pay raise for the military in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, passed Wednesday by the House with a vote of 231-196. The House voted to raise pay for U.S. Service Members by 3.8 percent next year, building on this year’s pay raise.

“This is a well-earned pay raise for our dedicated military, including our own Toa o Samoa,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “We must keep supporting the well-being of our Service Members and their families, and ensure our military is strong and ready. We must continue the important focus on the security of the vast Indo-Pacific region.” 

The Senate also has version of the NDAA, which authorizes $32 billion more than the House. Armed Services Committee leaders in both chambers are hopeful the compromise between the two can be crafted and passed before Thanksgiving.

Congresswoman Amata along with Indo-Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim, Congressman Ed Case of Hawaii, and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds of CNMI proffered a bipartisan amendment to provide VA healthcare benefits to Veterans from the Freely Associated States. Congresswoman Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said, “Our bipartisan amendment is already included in the Senate bill, and we are optimistic it will be included in the final conference between House and Senate. These provisions supporting veterans were negotiated and intended to be part of the renewed Compacts of Free Association. The veterans of all three Freely Associated States served and deserve these benefits, and I am confident in its inclusion in the final NDAA.”

The House-passed bill, H.R. 3838, is fully titled the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (SPEED Act and FY26 NDAA). Led by Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) of the House Armed Services Committee, the $848 billion NDAA aims to speed up defense procurements, would codify certain Ukraine aid, and strengthens Pacific security, including support for Taiwan

Last year, Congress passed a 4.5 percent raise for all military in the previous NDAA for fiscal year 2025, and historically, paid junior enlisted (E-1 through E-4) a 14.5 percent increase. Last year’s bill included major new support for housing and quality of life improvements, while this year’s bill additionally emphasizes improved acquisition, while building on other aspects of the previous bill. 

Each year the NDAA is the largest Defense authorization bill, comprising all aspects of the Pentagon’s operations, including training and equipment. Due to its importance, Congress has never failed to pass the yearly NDAA, with the first one passing in 1961 for fiscal year 1962, and it generally attracts bipartisan support. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Moose, Wyoming — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata took part in a Friday hearing of the House Committee on Natural Resources, held in Grand Teton National Park, discussing renewal of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which provided a generational surge in support for national parks over the past five years. Amata was one of seven Members of Congress participating in the hearing, aimed at having America’s national parks ready for next year’s 250th anniversary of the country and beyond. 

“In America, and in American Samoa, we are blessed with beautiful places, and we are stewards of these sites for the future,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It was a pleasure holding congressional work near towering mountains, while a black bear wandered near us. The scenery was a reminder of the important effort to thoughtfully renew legislation to protect and improve our parks. Next year’s anniversary is a milestone for our great country, and our parks are a source of pride within our national story.”

The GAOA was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2020, following bipartisan approval by Congress. The major legislation invested $1.9 billion yearly in national parks and public land, relying on federal energy revenues. As its expiration date approaches, reauthorizing and updating this law is critical so that national parks and public lands are modernized and maintained for future generations, and funds are used most effectively. 

During the field hearing, members heard directly from National Park Service officials, small business owners and other local partners about how GAOA has been used for critical park repairs, as well as the importance of our national parks and public lands to local economies. Before the hearing, members visited Granite Canyon Trailhead, Moose-Wilson Road, and an equestrian area, as they viewed GAOA-funded projects. 

The United States is home to 63 National Parks and 433 sites in the National Park System, including monuments, memorials, battlefields, historic sites, and scenic trails. In 2023, these places attracted 33 million visits, and brought $26.4 billion to the communities surrounding all sites.

Of these, the National Park of American Samoa is unique in several ways, as the only one south of the Equator, a multi-site Park on several islands, home to South Pacific plants and wildlife species not found anywhere else in the U.S., and the inclusion of offshore preserved coral reefs.

Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) said, “The Natural Resources Committee is focused on modernizing and maintaining our national parks ahead of America’s 250th birthday next year. The field hearing in Grand Teton National Park gave us a firsthand look at how the Great American Outdoors Act is delivering critical investments to our national parks and where we must improve.”

The field hearing was in the district of Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), who said, “The hearing at Grand Teton National Park highlighted the successes of the Great American Outdoors Act as its authorization nears expiration. Reauthorizing the GAOA will extend its positive impact by modernizing park infrastructure, enhancing visitor experience, expanding public access, and creating new outdoor recreation opportunities.”

###