MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Our servicemembers make extraordinary sacrifices in service to our nation. They deserve a defense bill that honors their service by strengthening our Armed Forces, advancing our military capabilities, meeting our global security challenges, and providing unwavering support to them and their families. Instead, for the third year in a row, House Republicans have hijacked the NDAA – a historically bipartisan bill – to further an extremely partisan and ideological agenda.

“Rather than supporting all who wear the uniform, Republicans have used this bill to promote an anti-woman and anti-LGBTQ agenda. It is loaded with discriminatory and harmful provisions that target women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, none of which have anything to do with military readiness. Among them are amendments that would deny medical care, restrict participation based on gender or sexual orientation, and undermine workplace recognition for servicemembers and their families, all while failing to advance our strategic capabilities. What should be a bill that strengthens our military has been turned into a vehicle for political theater, jeopardizing readiness, morale, and the critical missions our servicemembers carry out every day.

“I cannot, in good conscience, support a bill that weakens our Armed Forces by excluding women and LGBTQ+ servicemembers from full and equal participation. Our military’s strength has always come from its diversity, talent, and unity of purpose. I urge the Senate to reject these harmful provisions and restore a bipartisan NDAA that invests in our military, honors all who serve, and strengthens America’s security at home and abroad.”

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Issues: 119th Congress, Defense, Military, National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), who represents the Pacific Palisades and has been leading efforts to secure critically needed federal wildfire aid for one of the most destructive wildfires in history, issued the following statement in response to Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) announcing an investigation, launched through the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, into the preparedness and response to the January 2025 Palisades Fire.

“I join Governor Gavin Newsom in welcoming the announcement of an additional review of the Palisades Fire, emphasizing that an independent assessment should prioritize recovery, accountability, and public safety — not partisan politics.

This Senate investigation complements the investigations that are already taking place – including by the federal government, the state, and an independent review by the nation’s leading fire experts. 

My focus remains where it has always been – pressing the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to approve Supplemental Appropriations bill to provide aid for California fire victims. Congress should be united in one mission: delivering a supplemental appropriations package that provides real aid to California wildfire victims. Partisanship cannot rebuild homes and businesses.” 

As part of his bipartisan approach to relief, Sherman recently joined with Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) to introduce the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Act. Senator Scott has introduced similar legislation in the Senate. The legislation would grant tax relief to victims of the Palisades wildfires and other recent natural disasters. Sherman noted that this type of cooperation across party lines shows how Congress can act constructively to help families recover.

Sherman has repeatedly called on President Trump to provide federal wildfire aid without political conditions and is urging colleagues in both parties to come together behind a clean, bipartisan disaster relief package.

He first urged President Trump not to hold up aid for political reasons when he spoke to Trump face-to-face. See video of their exchange here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (SPEED Act and FY26 NDAA).

“The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act ensures our military forces remain the most lethal in the world and can deter any adversary.

“This legislation advances President Trump and House Republicans’ Peace Through Strength Agenda by codifying 15 of President Trump’s executive orders, ending woke ideology at the Pentagon, securing the border, revitalizing the defense industrial base, and restoring the warrior ethos.

“The NDAA builds on the landmark investments included in the Working Families Tax Cut, ensuring America has both the economic strength and the military power to deter our enemies and protect our interests worldwide. The legislation provides resources to improve the livelihoods of America’s brave men and women in uniform by giving them a well-deserved pay raise, and ensures our warfighters have access to the best and most innovative military technologies.

“Under President Trump, the U.S. is rebuilding strength, restoring deterrence, and proving America will not back down. President Trump and House Republicans promised peace through strength. The FY26 NDAA delivers it.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, issued the following statement commemorating the 100^thAnniversary of the City of Hialeah:

“Earlier this year, I presented the City of Hialeah with a Congressional Resolution commemorating its 100^th anniversary. Today, I join the community in celebrating Hialeah, which has grown into the fifth-largest city and sixth-largest municipality in Florida, with over 236,000 residents. It is home to one of the highest percentages of Hispanic residents in the United States.

“Hialeah is one of the largest employers in Miami-Dade County, known for its industrial strength and significant contributions to Florida’s economic vitality. It also houses some of our community’s most cherished staples–Sedanos, Vicky Bakery, Bernard Cap, Gus Machado Ford Dealership, and many more.

“It is a city of hardworking families striving each day for the American dream, and it is home to thousands of Cubans who were forced into exile by the brutal Castro dictatorship. These families are some of the most patriotic Americans in our country. 

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to represent Hialeah, and I am proud to celebrate its 100^th anniversary.”

Read the full resolution here or below.

“Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the city of Hialeah, Florida.

Whereas the city of Hialeah was incorporated in 1925 with a population of 1,500 and now has over 236,000 residents;

Whereas the city’s name comes from the Seminole phrase “Haiyakpo Hili”, meaning “high prairie”;

Whereas Hialeah was founded by Glenn Curtiss, an aviation pioneer, and James Bright, a cattleman;

Whereas, in 1925, the Hialeah Park Racetrack, nicknamed “The Grand Dame”, opened and hosted notable figures, including Winston Churchill;

Whereas, in 1937, Amelia Earhart announced her intent to fly around the world at the former location of the Miami Municipal Airport, and after supervising extensive repairs to her airplane, she took off from Hialeah on June 1;

Whereas, in 1943, Hialeah became a booming manufacturing center for the war effort, producing crucial items from uniforms to airplane parts;

Whereas, in 1961, Rene Sedanos opened a small bodega in East Hialeah called “Sedanos”, which later expanded to serve communities across the State of Florida and has 34 store locations today;

Whereas, in 1972, the Cao family opened the original Vicky Bakery in East Hialeah, becoming a staple in the community;

Whereas, in 1973, the band KC and the Sunshine Band was formed in a small studio in East Hialeah, led by Hialeah native, Harry Wayne Casey, and became 1 of the most successful pop and disco bands of the 70s and 80s with 5 top number 1 hits and selling over 100,000,000 records worldwide;

Whereas, in 1974, Bernard Cap was founded in Hialeah and remains a leading manufacturer of quality uniform headwear, apparel, and accessories for over 50 years, supplying United States and foreign military forces, service academies, airlines, police, security, and other organizations;

Whereas, in 1984, Gus Machado took over an old car dealership on 49th Street in Hialeah, and later became the largest Hispanic-owned Ford dealership in the State of Florida;

Whereas the city of Hialeah is home to hard-working families striving each day for their American dream;

Whereas the Hialeah community is a unique blend of nationalities and cultures;

Whereas Hialeah has historically been home to thousands of Cuban exiles, who were forced into exile by the brutal dictatorship on the island;

Whereas, in 1993, the Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart was sworn in as a Member of the 103rd Congress and became the first Cuban American to represent Hialeah in the United States House of Representatives;

Whereas the Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart represented Hialeah until he retired from the United States House of Representatives in 2011, and was later succeeded by his brother, the Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, who proudly represents Hialeah today;

Whereas, today, the city holds the rank of Florida’s 5th largest city and the 6th largest municipality;

Whereas 95 percent of the population identifies as Hispanic/Latino, one of the highest percentages of Hispanic residents in the country;

Whereas approximately 84.1 percent of Hialeah’s residents are of Cuban descent, the highest proportion in the United States;

Whereas the city is known for its industrial strength, contributing to Florida’s overall economic vitality;

Whereas the city is one of the largest employers in Miami-Dade County; and

Whereas the city of Hialeah contributes to Florida’s economy, culture, and history through its diverse and vibrant community: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

(1) congratulates the city of Hialeah on the occasion of its 100th anniversary;

(2) recognizes and appreciates the significant economic and cultural impact of the city of Hialeah on the South Florida region and the United States as a whole; and

(3) commends and honors the people of Hialeah for their unique and significant contributions to the prosperity, culture, and history of the United States.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Baird Applauds Passage of FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) reintroduced a resolution recognizing September 9 as National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day (NAIRHHA DAY). The resolution seeks to bring national attention to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis on African immigrant and refugee communities in the United States.  

Between 1980 and 2019, the African immigrant population in the United States grew nearly sixteen-fold, making it the fastest-growing Black immigrant population. Yet despite this growth, African immigrants face some of the highest rates of HIV and chronic hepatitis B in the country. HIV infection rates are six times higher among African immigrants than in the general U.S. population, and less than five percent report using PrEP, despite its proven effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.  

Barriers to care, including stigma, language access, immigration status, and lack of culturally competent services, contribute to low rates of diagnosis and treatment. NAIRHHA Day is intended to address these challenges by encouraging awareness, education, testing, prevention, and treatment in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.  

“NAIRHHA Day stands as an important reminder of the unique health challenges facing African immigrant and refugee communities,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This observance is about action. By dedicating this day to education, testing, and treatment, we affirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care and ending the stigma around HIV and hepatitis. Underserved communities deserve to live with access to care and hope. NAIRHHA Day helps bring us closer to that goal.”

“Too often, African immigrant and refugee communities are overlooked in our nation’s public health strategies,” said Congressman Johnson. “This resolution is about saving lives by shining a light on the urgent need for culturally responsive prevention and care. NAIRHHA Day provides a platform to eliminate stigma, promote education, and strengthen access to treatment and resources.”

The resolution recognizes the importance of dedicating more attention and resources to addressing HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis in African immigrant and refugee communities and encourages a national commitment to reducing new infections and deaths through increased awareness, screening, vaccination, and linkage to care.  

About Congressman Hank Johnson: 
Hank Johnson represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, where he is a staunch advocate for civil rights, public safety, and economic justice. Learn more at https://hankjohnson.house.gov/

To read the bill, click HERE.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, with Congressman David Valadao’s (CA-22) support. The FY26 NDAA authorizes funding for all discretionary military programs and activities, including personnel, operations, maintenance, procurement, research, and development. It also outlines critical policies and directives for the Department of Defense (DOD).

“Ensuring our nation’s defense capabilities is a key role of Congress, and I was proud to reaffirm that commitment by voting in favor of the FY26 NDAA,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill includes a pay bump for our servicemembers and prioritizes their quality of life by reauthorizing military recruitment bonuses, expanding eligibility for housing allowances, and authorizing funding for the construction of new schools and childcare centers. It also prioritizes military readiness by ensuring our troops have the equipment and training necessary to effectively defend our country from foreign adversaries. The passage of the House version of the NDAA marks an important first step in this process, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the Department of Defense and our servicemembers are ready to counter any threat.”

Key Takeaways:

• Includes a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers.
• Improves quality of life for our servicemembers by reauthorizing and expanding military bonuses and special pay, increasing Family Separation allowance for deployed servicemembers, expanding eligibility for the Basic Allowance for Housing, and increasing bereavement and convalescent leave.
• Authorizes over $1.4 billion for new construction or barracks and family housing.
• Authorizes over $577 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities.
• Authorizes over $361 million for the construction of new childcare centers and extends the Child Care in Your Home pilot program, which helps offset the cost of in-home full-time childcare.
• Authorizes over $147 million to build new schools for children of servicemembers.
• Fully funds military exercises with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s growing reach.
• Authorizes additional counter-terrorism support to regional partners in the Middle East, including our ally Israel, to combat the transnational threats posed by Hezbollah, Hamas, and ISIS.

Read a summary of the bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Rep. Allen: “FY2026 NDAA Ensures our Fighting Force Remains the Strongest in the World”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

Speaker Johnson Statement on the Death of Charlie Kirk