MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, DC — Last week, Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, co-led a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The visit was part of a broader trip to Europe focused on shared national security priorities, competition with China, and exploring opportunities for further collaboration on economic security and AI, with stops in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

In Vatican City, the delegation attended Pope Leo XIV’s general audience. Ranking Member Khanna spoke with the Pope about his first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, and praised his calls for protecting human dignity in the AI era. The members also met with Under Secretary of the Secretariat of State, Monsignor Daniel Pacho, to discuss religious freedom in China, values-based foreign policies, and the Holy Father’s AI leadership on preserving humanity and preventing the concentration of power as technology develops. Members also met a leading AI expert to discuss model distillation, AI safety guardrails, and data centers. 

“I was honored to meet with Pope Leo, who has offered, more clearly than any other global leader, an ethical framework for AI grounded in two fundamental principles: human dignity and equality. Every technology leader should follow this framework. That is why I am calling on the CEOs of major AI companies to answer for how their policies align with Magnifica humanitas, including how they will prevent mass unemployment and ensure that technology remains in the service of human beings,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.

Following the meetings in Vatican City, Ranking Member Khanna sent letters to the CEOs of Amazon, Anthropic, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI, asking how they intend to align their technology with the Pope’s encyclical. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has urged Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to conduct an environmental impact study to determine “how an at scale deep-sea mineral extraction operation will affect the ocean ecosystem around American Samoa.” 

In calling for the environmental impact study, she also once again formally expressed her concerns. “I am writing to express concerns over the proposed mineral lease sale in the waters near the American Samoa continental shelf,” she said, noting her letter in July of 2025 in which she stated that she “cannot support this proposal.”

She complimented the Department’s efforts at transparency through reports, letters, presentations, and hearings on this issue, before stating her main reason for concern: “Unfortunately, many of my constituents and I remain unconvinced that the material benefits of deep-sea mining are going to outweigh the risks that it will cause to the waters around American Samoa. This concern is strongly embedded in our culture; neither Samoans nor the United States are the true owners of that water, but merely the stewards of it for generations to come.”

She then issued a call for the environmental impact study. 

“Therefore, I ask that the Department of Interior, in conjunction with NOAA and/or the EPA conduct an environmental impact study on how an at scale deep-sea mineral extraction operation will affect the ocean ecosystem around American Samoa.”

She further requested that if a study needs to wait until receipt of final proposals from the potential lessees, then “a public statement from your office that a sale will not move forward without strong environmental protections and oversight would go a long way in strengthening public trust.”

She closed with a request that the voice of the people should be heard and this reminder: “The care of our ocean remains deeply emotional and spiritual issue for my people.”

In addition to Secretary Burgum, Amata’s letter is copied to Matthew Giacona, Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM); The Honorable Dr. Neil Jabobs, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator; and The Honorable Pulaali’i Nikalao Pula, Governor of American Samoa.

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FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER: 

Dear Secretary Burgum,

I am writing to express concerns over the proposed mineral lease sale in the waters near the American Samoa continental shelf. 

In my first letter to you on this issue in July of 2025, I wrote, “I support the many good things [DOI and BOEM] are doing for the country, but unfortunately, I cannot support this proposal.” 

To your and the Department’s credit, you have made efforts to move through the full legal process transparently and emphasized a strong commitment to a scientific approach in conjunction with NOAA. There have been many reports, letters, presentations, and hearings held on this issue, and I thank you and the administration for your cooperation in the year since that initial announcement of mineral exploration near our island home.

Unfortunately, many of my constituents and I remain unconvinced that the material benefits of deep-sea mining are going to outweigh the risks that it will cause to the waters around American Samoa. This concern is strongly embedded in our culture; neither Samoans nor the United States are the true owners of that water, but merely the stewards of it for generations to come. This administration has consistently shown willingness to acknowledge and engage with the people of the territories. 

Therefore, I ask that the Department of Interior, in conjunction with NOAA and/or the EPA conduct an environmental impact study on how an at scale deep-sea mineral extraction operation will affect the ocean ecosystem around American Samoa. 

If a study needs to wait until receipt of final proposals from the potential lessees, then a public statement from your office that a sale will not move forward without strong environmental protections and oversight would go a long way in strengthening public trust. The care of our ocean remains deeply emotional and spiritual issue for my people, and I thank you in advance for helping me ensure that they feel like their voice is being heard.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this letter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the first graduating class of the American Samoa Seafood Academy. 

Graduates are Lui Lesa, Pasene Kitiona, Mark Phillip Hallig, Tafoti Tami, Brandan Pualau, Francis Stowers, Salamo Tailele, Donald Alefaio Jr., and Rep. Alexander Jennings.

“Congratulations to each of these graduates, and I also want to thank them for their initiative, and I know they will inspire the next classes,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “It was a pleasure to take part and voice my congratulations in person. Thank you to Governor Pulaali’i, and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., and I want to specially recognize the efforts of the entire team at our Department of Commerce and Director Aliimuamua Magdalene ‘Lina’ Petaia-Suisala.”

Starting with major federal grant support announced in 2020, at the time an initial $4.4 million announcement with updates since, one of the four-vessel ASG Alia fleet is ready for use to strengthen the future of our territory’s maritime commerce, safety and fishing operations. As with all such grants, these funds begin with congressional authorization and appropriations bills, then decisions in federal agencies in coordination with vital local efforts by ASG personnel to ensure federal requirements are met. 

Amata concluded, “Thank you to the family members of these graduates on hand to cheer them on in support, and I believe our ancestors would approve this blend of modern inputs with our ancient ways of gaining sustenance and living in harmony with our ocean.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, with all of American Samoa, is honoring the life, memory and service of Ray Saaga Asuega, United States Navy.

Governor Pulaali’i Honoring the Life and Memory of Ray Saaga Asuega

“Together with all of American Samoa, we join in honoring the life, memory and service of Ray Saaga Asuega, United States Navy. 

“U.S. Sailor and Master-at-Arms Ray Saaga Asuega served in the Navy for 16 years, and his service and memory will be treasured and honored. He is one of our own from American Samoa and is truly among our Toa o Samoa. Ray was a devoted family man, and they knew him best as a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Our prayers and condolences are with his dear family. 

“I was humbled to be there to welcome him home to American Samoa for the last time. Thank you to his family for including me, thank you to each one who served to make this ceremony dignified and special, and thank you to Governor Pulaali’i for his excellent remarks, as our community continues to honor Ray this week and share love to his family. 

“Thank you most of all to God who receives this honored young man to Heaven in love, and may God’s comfort and peace be evident to Ray’s loved ones.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s District Office staff, led by her District Director, Dr. Uta Laloulu Tagoilelagi, met earlier this month with officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to discuss Medicaid services, travel, needs and priorities.

Congresswoman Amata and CMS Administrator Dr. Oz in Washington

“In recent years, in Congress, we have increased our highest possible availability of Medicaid federal dollars for American Samoa by about ten times the amount it was 12 years ago, and boosted our FMAP from 55 to 83 percent, the highest rate in the nation,” Congresswoman Amata said. “While Congress has improved the big picture, I’m always concerned that the results reach the people who need it most. I appreciate the ongoing work of CMS and ASG to strengthen services and care for our people, but health care challenges here are a constant priority due to our geography and population size,” she continued. “Thank you to CMS for sending officials to our islands, their willingness to discuss services, and I ask them to continue to look for any and all support they can facilitate for our people. They had a productive discussion in my office, as well as their meeting with ASG officials and Governor Pulaali’i.” 

Congressional Medicaid Improvements for American Samoa

• Historic reform: Congress passed major bipartisan Medicaid reforms and improvements for American Samoa in 2019, with the support of Congresswoman Amata and other territory representatives. 
• Ten-fold Increase: This sweeping change went into effect in 2020 and greatly expanded American Samoa’s total available federal funds under the ceiling from $12 million in fiscal year 2019 to over $80 million the very next year, plus yearly increases since indexed to medical inflation rates, currently estimated at $88-90 million – approximately an increase by ten times the amount since fy2015.
• 83% Match: Under that bipartisan legislation, Congress raised American Samoa’s standard Medicaid federal match (FMAP) to 83 percent under federal statute, up from just 55 percent where it had been for many years. 
• Long-term Change: Then in 2022, Congress followed up with another major improvement (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023), again with the bipartisan support of Amata and all the territory’s representatives, making American Samoa’s standard 83 percent FMAP rate permanent, no longer at risk of reverting back to 55 percent. This breakthrough means it no longer must be passed over again every few years.  
• Nation’s Best Rate: American Samoa’s standard federal match (FMAP) is now secure and the highest in the nation – at a better rate than any of the 50 states. The only time the rate can be higher is under a major disaster scenario such as after Storm Gita or during Covid’s peak. 
• Next effort: Finally, in ongoing work, Amata is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Medicaid Improvement for Insular Areas Act, H.R. 3154, working together as territories toward removing the Medicaid ceiling entirely, a forward-thinking goal so that American Samoa’s ceiling could never become a future problem. American Samoa’s Medicaid program began in 1983 under a federal funding cap that does not apply to states in the same way, so it is also a matter of principle, to bring about parity with the states on this remaining reform. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore presented a check worth $1,000,000 to the City of Parkersburg. The money represents a major investment in Parkersburg’s infrastructure that Congressman Moore secured by federal Community Project Funding thanks to his work on the House Committee on Appropriations. 

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“Parkersburg’s municipal services employees work every day to keep the city running, and the city needs a modernized facility to ensure these services are delivered effectively. I was proud to secure $1 million in Community Project Funding for the modernization of the Parkersburg Municipal Services Garage through my position on the House Appropriations Committee. This investment will strengthen local infrastructure, improve the city’s ability to provide essential services, and deliver lasting benefits for Parkersburg residents.” 

The $1 million in Community Project Funding will modernize and improve the facility used by Parkersburg’s municipal services operations, providing upgraded infrastructure and a more efficient, functional space for the city’s workforce and equipment. 

This investment also represents a long-term commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and ensuring Parkersburg has the facilities necessary to deliver reliable services to residents. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore presented a check worth $1,000,000 to [insert the officials that received the money] to complete the Bonds Creek Water Project in Ritchie County. These federal Community Project Funds that Congressman Moore secured through his work on the House Committee on Appropriations are a major investment in Pennsboro and Ritchie County intended to address serious water quality and supply issues while also strengthening access to reliable water service. 

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“No one living in America in the 21st century should be dealing with arsenic in their water. I was proud to secure $1 million in Community Project Funding for the Bonds Creek Water Project in Pennsboro and Ritchie County through my position on the House Appropriations Committee to help address serious water quality and supply issues, including removing arsenic from the water and strengthening critical infrastructure. I will continue fighting to bring federal resources back to West Virginia to deliver clean water for our communities.” 

The Bonds Creek Water Project will help address critical water infrastructure needs in Pennsboro and Ritchie County, remove toxins like arsenic from the water, improve overall water quality and supply, and provide a more reliable water system for residents and communities served by the project. 

This investment represents a long-term commitment to strengthening West Virginia’s water infrastructure and ensuring families in Pennsboro and Ritchie County have access to safe, reliable water. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick demanding answers on the financial conflicts of interest surrounding the department’s decision to significantly loosen export controls on the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On July 10, the Bureau of Industry and Security said it would upgrade the UAE’s export control status from a category for countries with proliferation concerns to one reserved for the United States’ most trusted export control partners. This decision came after bombshell reporting in January showed that an Abu Dhabi royal bought a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s crypto firm, shortly before Trump approved sending 500,000 advanced AI chips to the UAE, including 100,000 for an AI company owned by the same royal.

“The Department has upgraded the UAE from a proliferation concern to a trusted partner without providing a justification or evidence that the UAE has fully cut off AI and technology cooperation with China. In fact, there remain significant concerns about whether UAE companies such as G42 have adopted sufficient safeguards to prevent diversion to China,” wrote the lawmakers.

“The reclassification raises serious questions about the Department’s review process, the criteria used to support its determination, and whether political influence played a role in the decision. These concerns are heightened given President Trump and his family’s conflicts of interest related to the UAE,” the lawmakers continued.

During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing in July, Rep. Kamlager-Dove asked Under Secretary Kessler if he or Secretary Lutnick had any conversations with representatives of World Liberty Financial or members of President Trump’s family regarding export restrictions on the UAE. Kessler testified that he had not participated in conversations but did not answer whether Lutnick had. In response, the letter asks Secretary Lutnick to respond to the following questions:

1. Have you ever participated in any conversation with a representative of World Liberty Financial or a member of the President’s family regarding export restrictions or export control policy affecting the United Arab Emirates?
2. Did the President or other White House staff ask you or staff at the Bureau of Industry and Security to reclassify the UAE in BIS’s export control country groups?
3. Did the Departments of State, Energy, and Defense sign off the UAE’s reclassification or was it a decision solely of the Department of Commerce?
4. Please describe the interagency review and process that ultimately led to the decision to reclassify the UAE to Country Group A:5. In addition, please provide all memoranda, legal analyses, interagency recommendations, intelligence assessments, and other documents relied upon in making this determination, including any records reflecting concurrence or dissent by participating agencies.
5. What specific changes in the UAE’s conduct, regulations, or policies, including toward the People’s Republic of China, led the Department to conclude that the UAE no longer posed a proliferation or diversion risk?
6. Please share the text of any government-to-government agreements or Memoranda of Understanding the Administration has struck with the UAE government related to export controls and/or the risk of proliferation or diversion.

Read the full letter here.

This is the second letter the representatives have led on the financial conflicts of interest surrounding the administration’s export controls on the UAE. The first letter, sent in February, demanded an investigation into the blatant financial conflicts of interest surrounding Trump’s decision to approve the export of 500,000 advanced AI chips to the UAE in May 2025.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Ranking Member of the Congressional-Commission on China, and Ro Khanna, Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and six other House Members sent a letter to President Trump expressing serious concern about his decision to allow an Executive Order to lapse. The decision resulted in sanctions relief for Chinese and Hong Kong officials complicit in Beijing’s dismantling of Hong Kong’s autonomy.

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