MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Mental Health in Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Congressmen Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Sean Casten (IL-06).

“Flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation but maintaining that safety means taking care of the people who make it possible,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “Unfortunately, current Federal Aviation Administration regulations prevent aviation professionals from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do. This creates a dangerous culture of silence and stigma. The Mental Health in Aviation Act will break down these barriers and support the mental health of our aviation workforce. I am proud to see it pass the House today, and I look forward to working with Rep. Casten to ensure it reaches the President’s desk.   

“Aviators should not be unfairly penalized for seeking mental health care. The current system perpetuates a culture of silence, and it’s past time that changes,” said Congressman Sean Casten. “The Mental Health in Aviation Act makes our skies safer by ensuring pilots and air traffic controllers can access mental health care, should they need it. I’m incredibly proud to see this legislation pass the House of Representatives, and I will continue working with Congressman Stauber to get it through the Senate and signed into law.”

While aviation professionals are mandated to report if they seek mental health care, once they take that step, they are faced with delays and overregulation in the process of returning to work. 

In December 2023, the Federal Aviation Committee (FAA) recognized the need to reform its current policies and established the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to identify barriers to mental healthcare for aviators and present recommendations to the FAA to address these challenges. The ARC coalesced around a list of 24 recommendations to eliminate some of the barriers to care. 

The Mental Health in Aviation Act requires the FAA to take the following steps: 

• Require the FAA to revise regulations to encourage voluntary mental health disclosures and treatment.
• Implement the recommendations of the ARC within two years.
• Provide funding to recruit and train more aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists. 

Text of the Mental Health in Aviation Act can be found here.

The legislation is endorsed by the Pilot Mental Health Campaign, Air Line Pilots Association, Airlines for America, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Flight Training Alliance, the National Business Aviation Association, the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA).

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 – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

September 08, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Sean Casten’s bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, legislation that would expand access to mental health care for pilots and air traffic controllers. Rep. Casten introduced the legislation in April 2025 with Republican Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08).

“Aviators should not be unfairly penalized for seeking mental health care. The current system perpetuates a culture of silence, and it’s past time that changes,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The Mental Health in Aviation Act makes our skies safer by ensuring pilots and air traffic controllers can access mental health care, should they need it. I’m incredibly proud to see this legislation pass the House of Representatives, and I will continue working with Congressman Stauber to get it through the Senate and signed into law.”

“Flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation but maintaining that safety means taking care of the people who make it possible,” said Congressman Stauber. “Unfortunately, current Federal Aviation Administration regulations prevent aviation professionals from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do. This creates a dangerous culture of silence and stigma. The Mental Health in Aviation Act will break down these barriers and better support the mental health of our aviation workforce. I am proud to see it pass the House today, and I look forward to working with Rep. Casten to ensure it reaches the President’s desk.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act now awaits action in the Senate.

Currently, pilots and air traffic controllers who seek mental health care are unfairly penalized by a system that perpetuates a culture of silence. While aviation professionals are mandated to report if they seek mental health care, once they take that step, they are faced with delays, confusion, and overbroad regulation in the process of returning to work. This often means that relatively minor mental health concerns result in long wait times and derailed careers for safe and well-trained pilots and air traffic controllers.

In December 2023, the FAA recognized the need to reform its current policies and established a committee to identify barriers to mental health care for aviators and present recommendations to the FAA to address these challenges. The committee coalesced around a list of 24 recommendations to eliminate some of the main barriers to care.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act requires the FAA to take the following steps:

Regulations for Individuals Carrying Out Aviation Activities

• To the extent practicable and in consultation with stakeholders, implement the recommendations of the ARC within two years. Provide explanation to Congress if the FAA chooses not to implement any recommendation.

• Report to Congress on its plans to implement recommendations to improve pilot mental health care from the National Transportation Safety Board, and a description of relevant clinical studies, manuals, and other protocols.

Annual Review of Mental Health Special Issuance Process

• Annually review and update process related to mental health-related special issuance for pilots and air traffic controllers to: reclassify and approve the use of additional medications, improve mental health knowledge and training to Aviation Medical Examiners, as appropriate defer additional authority to Aviation Medical Examiners, and improve the special issuance process; and report to Congress.

Authorization of Appropriation for Additional Medical Examiners

Public Information Campaign

• Authorizes $1.5M from existing funding for each of the next three years to destigmatize mental health care among aviators, and make pilots and air traffic controllers aware of available services to help.

• Report to Congress.

Text of the Mental Health in Aviation Act can be found here.

Rep. Casten began working on the issue following local families approaching him with stories of losing adult children in flight school to suicide. In one case, the student pilot lamented how seeking mental health care could ruin his dreams of becoming a pilot.

The legislation is endorsed by the Pilot Mental Health Campaign, Air Line Pilots Association, Airlines for America, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Flight Training Alliance, the National Business Aviation Association, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.

“The Pilot Mental Health Campaign is deeply grateful to Representatives Casten and Stauber for championing the Mental Health in Aviation Act,” said Chris Finlayson, Executive Director, Pilot Mental Health Campaign. “The passage of H.R. 2591 is a historic moment that would not have happened without their leadership, the tireless advocacy of PMHC, and our colleagues throughout the aviation industry. For years, PMHC has raised the alarm that a mental health crisis is sweeping through aviation. A crisis that threatens not only the well-being of pilots and air traffic controllers but also threatens the safety of our national airspace and the general public. Today, Congress has listened. This victory shows every pilot and air traffic controller that real change is not only possible, but that it is expected. There are still steps to take in this fight, but we are proud of this monumental step towards real change.”

“NBAA commends the House of Representatives for passing this critical legislation, which will not only improve safety, but also help eliminate the barriers that prevent pilots, air traffic controllers and others from seeking vital mental health care,” said National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We urge the Senate to move forward with this important measure.”

“The National Air Traffic Controllers Association applauds the House passage of the Mental Health in Aviation Act and thanks the bill sponsors for their bipartisan leadership,” said NATCA President Nick Daniels. “Air traffic controllers who seek mental health care face serious obstacles to returning to work. The current system perpetuates a culture of silence and stigma that must be addressed. The Mental Health in Aviation Act would eliminate some of these barriers for aviation safety professionals and is a vital step toward ensuring the well-being of workers and the safety of the flying public.”

“ALPA applauds today’s passage of the Mental Health in Aviation Act. Introduced by Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) and supported by Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), we thanks this bipartisan leadership in securing House passage of this important legislation and urge the Senate to swiftly consider this bill for the benefit of our members and the flying public,” said Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) President Capt. John Ambrosi. “ALPA strongly supports this legislation that will help remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment while ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount. The Mental Health in Aviation Act represents a crucial step forward in improving aviation safety and maintaining a healthy work environment for pilots. By implementing the recommendations of the Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee, improving the special issuance process, and providing resources for additional aviation medical examiners, this bill acknowledges that a pilot’s psychological wellbeing is just as important as their physical health.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources to help you. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained professional and receive support 24/7.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49) to introduce the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act. Public schools are primarily funded through local property taxes, but that creates challenges for districts with large amounts of federally owned land—like military bases, tribal lands, or other federal facilities—which are tax exempt. As a result, these schools often struggle to make up for lost revenue. This bipartisan bill would strengthen the Impact Aid Program to ensure schools in federally impacted districts have stable, reliable funding.

The Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act supports K-12 public schools on federal land, including two schools in CA-22, Central Union School District and Lemoore Unified High School.

“Public schools in the Central Valley and across the nation depend on local tax revenue, but districts with federal land face unique budget challenges,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Impact Aid Program helps level the playing field for thousands of students in CA-22 by making sure they have access to the same high-quality education as their peers, and I’m proud to join Rep. Levin in introducing this bipartisan bill to support our students and help close the funding gap.”

“Every child deserves high-quality education, no matter where they live or their parents work,” said Congressman Levin. “For too long, Congress has failed to fully fund Impact Aid, leaving schools in our district and across the country without the resources they need. I’m proud to partner with Rep. Valadao on this bipartisan bill to close this gap and deliver stronger support to students, teachers, and military families.”

“Central Union Elementary School District deeply appreciates Congressman Valadao’s ongoing leadership and steadfast support for federally impacted schools through his co-sponsorship of the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act. Our district serves a unique student population, including children from the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe and military-dependent families at Naval Air Station Lemoore.  For us, along with more than one thousand federally impacted districts nationwide, Impact Aid is not just a source of funding; it is essential and helps us provide the quality academic programs, behavioral supports, and learning environments our students need,” said Thomas Addington, M.A, Superintendent of Central Union Elementary School District.

Addington continues, “For over fifty years, Impact Aid has been an essential resource for federally impacted school districts like ours, providing vital support to ensure our students thrive. This bipartisan legislation marks an important step toward honoring and strengthening that commitment for the future. Congressman Valadao has consistently advocated for federally connected students, and his leadership on this issue demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by federally impacted schools and communities. We are proud to support this legislation and appreciative of his continued advocacy on behalf of the children and families we serve.”

“Lemoore Union High School District sincerely appreciates Congressman Valadao for his leadership and steadfast support of federally impacted schools through his co-sponsorship of the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act. Serving children from the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe and military families stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, the district underscores the critical importance of Impact Aid in providing quality education, behavioral supports, and safe learning environments,” said Miguel Guerrero, Superintendent of Lemoore Union High School District.

Guerrero continues, “Every school must have the resources necessary to offer students a high-quality education; however, schools located on federal land often face challenges in meeting that need without the benefit of state and local tax revenue available to traditional public schools. Impact Aid plays a vital role in ensuring that students in federally impacted districts have equitable access to the same high-quality education as their peers nationwide. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward fulfilling Congress’s responsibility to support federally impacted school districts.”

“The Kings County Office of Education strongly supports the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act. Federal Impact Aid is a vital resource for ensuring educational equity in our federally connected communities, and this legislation will help ensure our schools can meet the diverse needs of students and families from our local Tachi-Yokut tribal community and those serving at Lemoore Naval Air Station,” said Todd Barlow, Kings County Superintendent of Schools.

“Impact Aid is essential to the success of school districts located on or near federal lands. Because of the federal presence, these districts and the students they serve – whether connected to military installations, tribal lands, national parks, or other nontaxable federal property – have long been underfunded,” said Cherise Imai, Executive Director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS). “The Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act is an important step toward meeting the federal government’s responsibility to these communities. With added resources, districts can upgrade facilities, expand academic and extracurricular programming, and strengthen educator support, ensuring every student has the opportunities they need to thrive.”

“We’re grateful to Representatives Levin and Valadao for leading on this important bipartisan bill,” said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). “Fully funding Impact Aid means schools in these communities won’t be left behind simply because they’re on federally tax-exempt land. This is about making sure every student has a fair shot at success.”

Supporting organizations include: National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), Blue Star Families, Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), National Rural Education Association (NREA), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), National Education Association (NEA), Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), Federal Lands Impacted Schools Association (FLISA), Learning Opportunity Impacted Schools Association (LO-ISA), Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA), National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA), and School Superintendents Association (AASA).

The Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act:

• Increases Federal Property funding by allocating an additional $33 million annually.
• Increases Basic Support funding by allocating an additional $172.12 million annually.
• Increases Children with Disabilities funding by allocating an additional $14 million annually.
• Increases Construction funding by allocating an additional $5 million annually.
• Introduces a five-year plan to bring Impact Aid Basic Support funding closer to the full funding mark (est. $2.3 billion) by Fiscal Year 2031.
• Authorizes funding increases to better meet the current needs of federally impacted K-12 school districts.

Background:

In 1950, Congress created the Impact Aid program to provide federal support for public school districts where federal activity has reduced the available tax base. Impact Aid provides payments in lieu of taxes for schools to use for instructional materials, technology, staffing, and other educational needs. The program supports more than 1,200 school districts and over 11 million students, but Congress has not fully funded Impact Aid since 1969.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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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 – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined leaders from Congreso de Latinos Unidos in North Philadelphia to highlight $1.1 million in federal funding he secured to upgrade Congreso’s headquarters and ensure the building is fully accessible for all Philadelphians.

“It is really hard to imagine what our community would be like if we didn’t have Congreso and all of the good work that this organization undertakes on behalf of the same constituents that we have the opportunity to serve together,” said Congressman Boyle. “I believe that one of the most important aspects of my job as a member of Congress is to fight for every dollar that I can bring home to my constituents here in Philadelphia who need those resources.  So, I am very proud and excited to announce that I was able to secure and bring back from Washington, DC $1.1 million to support the good works here at Congreso.”

The federal investment Congressman Boyle secured is already making a difference. Earlier this year, Congreso completed a full renovation of its elevators, addressing long-standing congestion that created barriers for families and individuals with mobility issues. Additional improvements are now underway, including a forty-foot ADA-compliant ramp with upper and lower landings, upgraded doors and steel gates, and a redesigned lobby to better serve residents as they seek critical resources.

Founded in 1977 by Puerto Rican activists, Congreso has grown into one of Philadelphia’s most trusted community organizations, helping thousands of residents each year—particularly in Latino neighborhoods—achieve stability and wellbeing through education, job training, health and safety services, family and parenting, and housing support.

“I want to thank Congressman Boyle for his leadership and his commitment to our community,” said Jannette Diaz, President & CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos. “Each year we serve more than 14,000 individuals across our core pillars of education, health, housing, workforce development, and family services. But none of these services matter if people cannot physically access them.  Accessibility ensures that every individual, regardless of ability, can come through our doors to get the support they need.”

“Thank you very, very much, Congressman, for this federal grant. It really has transformed our building with this funding,” said Mary Lynn Alvarino, CFO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos. “We’ve modernized the two elevators. In this more than 100-year-old facility, the upgrade was long overdue.  We’re going to renovate the side entrance of the courtyard by reconfiguring the steps and adding a ramp so that it’s accessible for everyone. We’re going to extend the patio so that we’ll be able to host outdoor events out there, and we will improve safety with enhanced lighting.”

This investment shows that Congressman Boyle’s work in Washington is delivering real results in Philadelphia, helping community institutions like Congreso continue their decades of service with the resources and facilities they need to thrive.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined fellow House Agriculture Committee member Brad Finstad (MN-01) in reintroducing the bipartisan Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts (ASPIRE) Act. A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).

This comprehensive legislation establishes an agriculture workforce-training program within the USDA’s existing Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program—providing resources for eligible schools to grow the agriculture industry, boost competitiveness, and strengthen workforce training and retention. The bill also supports apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships with local agricultural businesses, creating pathways to pursue higher education or the private farming sector.

 
“In Maine and across America, small family farms are the backbone of our rural communities and local food systems. But as more farmers near retirement and fewer young people enter the field, we’re staring down a serious challenge: Who will grow our food in the decades ahead? Our bipartisan ASPIRE Act offers a solution,” said Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01). “By expanding hands-on apprenticeships and internships through USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, the ASPIRE Act will connect aspiring farmers with experienced agricultural businesses, building clear pathways into farming careers and giving the next generation the tools to succeed. When we invest in the next generation of farmers, we’re investing in our future: fresh local food, vibrant rural communities, and agricultural traditions that have sustained us for generations.” 

“As a farmer, and a father raising the fifth generation on our family farm, I understand just how critical it is to ensure our future agricultural leaders are fully prepared with the tools they need to thrive,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m proud to help introduce the ASPIRE Act with Congresswoman Pingree and Senator Smith, which will give those starting in the agricultural profession a solid foundation by facilitating relationships between local agricultural businesses and incoming industry leaders through work-based training programs.” 

“Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Sen. Smith. “To keep Minnesota’s agriculture economy thriving, we need to continue to invest in the next generation of farmers as the average age of farmers keeps going up. There is more we can be doing to help future farmers fill their shoes. This legislation will provide work-based training programs to support a new generation of farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and around the country.”

Background:  

By 2030, the agriculture sector is only expected to grow two percent—lower than the average across other industries. Additionally, the average age of workers in the agriculture industry is climbing, and not enough younger workers are filling their shoes. Farmers under the age of 35 now make up only 9% of the agriculture workforce. In Minnesota, agriculture industry apprenticeships make up just 1% of the available apprenticeships.

Congresswoman Pingree, a longtime organic farmer, is a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, and is Co-Chair of the House Organic Caucus. 

Since coming to Congress in 2009, Pingree has distinguished herself as a strong supporter of organic and sustainable agriculture, authoring the landmark Agriculture Resilience Act, which sets a bold vision of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by 2040. As the only House Agriculture Committee member who has on-the-ground experience as an organic farmer, Pingree is a voice for small family farmers and local agriculture producers during Farm Bill negotiations. Because of her leadership, the 2018 Farm Bill more than doubled funding for organic research, created the first federal produce prescription program, and created the local agriculture market program with permanent federal funding. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the Mountain Empire Community College, based in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a $491,548 grant. The funding supports a workforce development initiative known as Project Southwest Virginia Opioid Abuse Recovery (SOAR). U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Project SOAR is committed to helping those impacted by substance use disorder. 

“This ARC grant for nearly $500,000 helps Mountain Empire Community College administer Project SOAR, support those impacted by substance use disorder and train prospective candidates for careers in a skilled trade.”

BACKGROUND

Participants will receive hands-on training in fields such as carpentry, welding, electrical and plumbing. 

A total of 180 participants impacted by substance use disorder will be prepared for careers in skilled trades and other in-demand occupations across Southwest Virginia, namely Dickenson, Lee, Scott and Wise counties.

Funding for this project is provided through ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative.

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