MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC — Tonight, as part of the PARTNER Act, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Strengthening Science Through Diplomacy Act, originally introduced by Reps. Bill Foster, Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD). This legislation would extend appropriate privileges and immunities to CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, making it easier for CERN scientists to come to the U.S. to collaborate on scientific projects, such as Fermilab’s Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). 

“The exchange of knowledge and ideas across borders not only promotes peace but also serves as a powerful instrument to address urgent global challenges,” said Congressman Foster.  “As a physicist, I spent more than two decades working with colleagues from around the globe at Fermilab in Illinois, where scientific collaboration transcended national boundaries and helped us better understand the world around us. I’m proud that my colleagues came together to pass this bipartisan legislation, which is an important step in solidifying our long-term partnership with CERN and maintaining our nation’s role as a leader in scientific research.” 

BACKGROUND

The International Organization Immunities Act, enacted in 1945, governs how the United States extends the rights and treaties to international organizations like CERN. The U.S. typically extends automatic privileges and immunities to international organizations to which it belongs (e.g., the UN, NATO), but a special act of Congress is needed to extend recognition to international organizations where the United States participates as an observer, rather than a full member. This legislation would amend the International Organization Immunities Act to extend necessary privileges and immunities to CERN. 

CERN currently partners in scientific experiments with six U.S. National Laboratories, including Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab in Illinois, Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The partnership, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and CERN, enables researchers employed by American universities and national laboratories to work on the international high energy physics experiments hosted at CERN. These experiments contribute to innovations in computing, medicine, radiation sensing, cryogenic cooling, superconducting materials, and other fields that are critical to U.S. security, technological capability, and economic development.

The PARTNER Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement commemorating the eighth annual Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day, observed on August 25.

“Today we remember the victims and survivors of the Burmese military’s genocide and crimes against humanity against its Rohingya population. I am also thankful to the people of Bangladesh and other nations who are providing refuge to nearly one million Rohingya today. As the Burmese military’s violence against Rohingya continues to this day, we must redouble our pursuit for justice and accountability.

“We have a moral responsibility to support vulnerable Rohingya, find a path to safety and dignity for all the people of Burma, and hold the Burmese military accountable– a task made immensely more challenging as a result of the Trump administration’s cuts to U.S. foreign assistance. I am also deeply concerned by the administration’s lifting of sanctions on several individuals with links to the Burmese military, without explanation and contrary to the BURMA Act and U.S. law. Let today’s anniversary remind us to do better.

“Congress can start by passing my bipartisan bill, the Burma Genocide Accountability and Prevention (GAP) Act (H.R. 4140), which calls for a comprehensive policy to address the crisis facing Rohingya and authorizes $9 million per year to support both Rohingya refugees and those internally displaced in Burma.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: ICYMI: Moolenaar Holds Education Roundtable with Secretary McMahon

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar held a roundtable discussion at the Pembrooke Academy in Detroit between Michigan charter school leaders and Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon. The group discussed the state of education in Michigan, and how the schools are addressing educational challenges, including learning loss students faced during the COVID pandemic, as well as declining test scores in reading and math among students. The group also addressed the benefit of alternative school models offered in Michigan, such as public charter schools, and homeschooling. 

“Today, we had a productive conversation with charter school administrators on the role they play to improve the educational outcomes of students in our state. I believe when parents are given the power to choose the school that fits the needs of their students, they will make the right choice. I am grateful for Secretary McMahon’s leadership at the Department of Education and her mission to return power in education to parents and the states,” said Moolenaar.

In her opening remarks, Secretary McMahon said, “I have begun this tour because I want to see what best practices are around the country – to look at different kinds of schools: public, charter, private, religious schools, micro-schools. Just to see what these schools are teaching and how they’re teaching it, and what success they’re having, so that we can actually put together toolkits for other states.”

She continued, “Because as we return education to the states, if those states aren’t performing as well as others, or if they just generally want to look at the process that’s going on in the country, I think it’s going to be very helpful to say, this program is really working here. It’s not a mandate for you to adopt it, because we’re not giving mandates, but it is simply proven materials to show that the success has been had in many states with different programs.”

Congressman Moolenaar and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

Congressman Moolenaar was joined at the roundtable by Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT). Moolenaar is the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). 

Moolenaar leads a roundtable discussion between Secretary McMahon and Michigan charter school administrators. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar, Michigan GOP Delegation Urge Trump Admin to Stop Terrorist Speaker in Detroit

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar led the Michigan Republican congressional delegation in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prevent convicted criminal and founder of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade terrorist organization, Hussam Shaheen, from speaking at the People’s Conference for Palestine in Detroit. In another letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the delegation requested the Department of Justice investigate the People’s Conference for Palestine’s and their speakers’ connections to federally designated terrorist organizations, like the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade.  

On Tuesday, the conference organizers announced Shaheen as a featured speaker at the event on social media. In 2004, Shaheen was convicted of attempted murder and allegedly planned an aborted terrorist attack on Jerusalem. He was released on February 1, 2025 in a prisoner swap in exchange for hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 terrorist attack. 

“While organizers claim it is “designed to address the current political moment and to bring together critical voices,” this event and those like it are platforms for inciting violence and anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitic attacks are at a record high and have increased dramatically since Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. Our nation is under no obligation to allow those connected with terror groups to enter the U.S. and endanger our communities In light of these concerns, we urge your Department to deny any travel visas to any such person traveling into the U.S. for this event,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary Rubio. 

In their letter to AG Bondi, they wrote, “Freedom of speech has always been a cornerstone of our nation. However, allowing officials with ties to federally designated terrorist organizations, such as Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, to spew their hatred of America and our closest ally, Israel, raises significant concerns as to the safety of our communities. In light of these concerns, we request your Department to investigate to the fullest extent of the law any connections to terrorist organizations of those affiliated with the People’s Conference for Palestine and their invited guests.” 

The letters were signed by Reps. John Moolenaar, Jack Bergman, Bill Huizenga, Tim Walberg, Tom Barrett, Lisa McClain and John James. 

The full text of the letter to Secretary Rubio can be found here. The text of the letter to Attorney General Bondi can be found here.

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

E&C Democrats Demand RFK, Jr, Senior HHS Officials, and the Former CDC Leaders Testify

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO– Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement in response to President Trump launching Operation Midway Blitz: 

“Operation Midway Blitz is a declaration of war on an American city and communities like mine. As Chicago continues to experience historic declines in violent crime, we know this is not a response to any real emergency, but a cruel show of authoritarian force designed to further criminalize immigrants, instigate civil unrest, and terrorize our communities. 

“Masked thugs kidnapping parents, children, and workers does not make us safer. Weaponizing and unleashing the military against our own people does not make us safer. Racial profiling — now greenlit by extremist Supreme Court justices — does not make us safer. The reality is that a President who incited an insurrection, was found liable for sexual abuse, and was convicted of 34 felonies has zero credibility on public safety. 

“My office is closely coordinating with officials at the federal, state, and local levels as we respond to this historic government overreach. We will ensure our constituents know their rights, conduct oversight, support legal challenges where appropriate, and use every tool at our disposal to fight back. Chicago values dignity, justice, and unity. We oppose any invasion or occupation of our city, and we demand Trump and his cronies stand down.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

My heart goes out to the students, teachers, families, and all impacted by the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic in South Minneapolis.

This heartbreaking act of violence has shaken a community at the start of a new school year. Every child deserves to learn and grow free from fear.

May we hold this community in our prayers during this difficult time.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

“Congressman Jerry Nadler stood firm when history called—holding a president accountable more than once, championing protections for women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ Americans, and securing marriage equality in federal law. His steady leadership has strengthened our democracy, and I will deeply miss his presence and friendship. I wish him and his family all the best as they begin this new chapter.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

Segregated at home but undefeated abroad, the Harlem Hellfighters’ legacy
is preserved with highest honors.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced the introduction of amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support the health of servicemembers, safe housing for military families and higher pay. 

“The service that the Mighty Medics of the 6th Medical Group provide to their patients is unmatched, and they keep our MacDill community safe, healthy, and mission-ready.  The Sabal Park Clinic, in particular, helps provide important access to our troops and their families, including both basic care and appropriate management of specialty care. I was proud to introduce a bipartisan amendment to preserve access to this critical clinic following threats to close the clinic.

“MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida, is also home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing and additional mission partners, including U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and the 927th Air Refueling Wing. The servicemembers who call MacDill AFB home deserve to have the best living conditions, but the housing contractor has failed to deliver the highest quality housing. My amendment will hold the housing contractor accountable. Finally, servicemembers and the civilian staff who support the Department of Defense deserve a pay scale that helps them keep up with the rising costs of our region, and my amendment prods the Administration to revise the locality pay in our high-cost region.” 

Castor’s amendments would:

• Prohibit funds from being used to close a military treatment facility without an appropriate risk analysis and report to Congress.
• Require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report assessing the locality pay system for Department of Defense employees.
• Require a quarterly report to Congress on the performance standards and quality of service provided by privatized housing companies to military installations, specifically those located in extreme weather/chronically hurricane-impacted areas.