MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Griffith Announces $100,000 ARC Grant to Appalachian Center for Hope

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i – First) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan foreign policy measure that included a provision of his Pacific Partnership Act to strengthen ties between the United States and our partners in the Pacific.

H.R 4490, the PARTNER Act cosponsored by Case, passed the House on September 2^nd. It would extend diplomatic privileges and immunities and other benefits of official recognition to five international organizations: the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN); Pacific Islands Forum (PIF); Caribbean Community; and African Union. The measure would formally authorize the organizations as public international organizations and allow them to operate independently, engage diplomatically and establish diplomatic missions in the United States, just as do foreign countries.

Inclusion of the PIF in the PARTNER Act arose from H.R. 3332, the Pacific Partnership Act introduced by Case to bolster U.S. engagement in the Pacific through a variety of initiatives including official recognition of the PIF. Case’s measure was cosponsored by 23 bipartisan colleagues, most of them fellow members of the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus which Case cofounded in 2019 and co-chairs.

The Pacific Islands Forum brings the region together to address pressing issues and challenges, and foster collaboration and cooperation in the pursuit of shared goals. Founded in 1971, it comprises 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Its vision is for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives.

“To fully partner with our Pacific Islands ‘ohana in meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of our times, from climate change to human and drug trafficking, economic sustainability, infrastructure and social development and the defense of sovereignty and democracy, we must accord full recognition and respect to the collective representation of the Pacific Islands, and that is the PIF”, said Case. “I’m grateful that my House colleagues have supported this important step forward in fully addressing these challenges and opportunities with our partners and look forward to the PIF establishing an official diplomatic mission in our country.”

The PARTNER Act has been forwarded to the U.S. Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations for consideration.  

• Copy of H.R. 4490, the PARTNER Act, is here
• Copy of Case’s remarks on the measure is here
• Copy of H.R. 3322, the Pacific Partnership Act, is here

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives today to reauthorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs—critical initiatives that provide life-saving treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious diseases. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5160) is led by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD). The legislation aims to ensure that two collaborative, federally funded programs do not expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2026.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program at $33 million annually for five years;

• Reauthorize the National Cord Blood Inventory at $23 million annually for five years.

“These programs represent our nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and providing hope to millions of Americans battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for adult stem cell research conducted under the highest ethical and scientific standards. This Act not only drives scientific innovation but also reflects our shared values of compassion and care for patients and families.  Continued investment in adult stem cell research is an investment in the future of medicine. It is a clear reflection of our bipartisan dedication to improving public health, advancing science, and delivering real hope for future generations.”

The programs authorized by this legislation have facilitated thousands of life-saving transplants and enabled access to promising therapies for patients with otherwise limited treatment options.  The bill is expected to gain strong support in both chambers and move forward during this session of Congress.

“Breathtaking scientific advancements have turned medical waste—post-birth placentas and umbilical cord blood—into medical miracles that cure and treat more than 75 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia,” saidCongressman Smith. “I look forward to seeing this bipartisan reauthorization bill—which will expand and extend two remarkable life-saving research and therapy programs—pass quickly so that thousands of present-day and future patients can continue to benefit from the exciting promise of umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells.”

“For patients and families facing devastating blood cancers and rare blood disorders, bone marrow and cord blood transplants can offer the best treatment – and sometimes the only potential for a cure,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory have saved tens of thousands of lives by connecting patients with lifesaving donors. By reintroducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, we are making sure that hope endures – and that even more families are given the gift of time, healing, and a second chance at life.”

“Behind every successful stem-cell and bone-marrow transplant is a strong network of expertise, resources, and support. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act strengthens that network, ensuring that every American who faces a life-threatening blood disorder is given the hope—and care—that they deserve,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “By connecting more patients with potential donors and expanding access to life-saving procedures, this bill will save countless lives.”

“I am happy to join Congressman Smith in reauthorizing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. This legislation will ensure that patients, especially children and families facing devastating illnesses, have a greater chance of finding a match and receiving the treatment they desperately need. By advancing this bipartisan effort, we are giving hope to families across the nation while supporting cutting-edge medical innovation that saves lives,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants give patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other serious conditions a real chance at survival. This law ensures patients can find a donor match when they need it most and supports ethical research that delivers results without destroying embryos. Every family deserves access to these lifesaving treatments, and this reauthorization makes that possible.”

“Investments in stem cell therapeutics and research increases the possibility of unlocking medical breakthroughs in how to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, and more,”said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “Our bill, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, reaffirms our commitment as a nation to advancing research in this cutting-edge field of science that has so much potential to heal people and save lives,” he concluded. 

First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been successfully used to treat tens of thousands of patients. This reauthorization continues to build donor networks, broadening access to these lifesaving treatments.  The bill’s introduction was cheered by NMDP and the Cord Blood Association:   “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representatives Smith, Matsui, Bilirakis, Pingree, Tenney, and Mfume, for their unwavering dedication to advocating for patients and families who require access to life-saving transplant,” Amy Ronneberg, CEO of NMDP, said. “The continued bipartisan support from Congress for this program grows stronger with each reauthorization, demonstrating how a deepening commitment to saving lives can impact over 140,000 patients’ lives to date and create an enduring program to serve all patients in need. We stand proudly alongside our Congressional champions to ensure that every patient in need has the opportunity to find a lifesaving match.”

“The NCBI has enabled public cord blood banks to build an inventory of high quality, unrelated donor, cord blood units which are available for patients who do not have a matched donor in their family,” saidDr. Joanne Kurtzberg, M.D., President of CBA and Director of the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures and Carolinas Cord Blood Bank at Duke Health. “The program has enabled access to blood stem cell transplantation for thousands of patients with blood cancers, sickle cell anemia, certain metabolic diseases, bone marrow failure, and inherited diseases of the immune system. The NCBI is a wonderful example of how public support can increase access to healthcare for patients with unmet medical needs.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

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

Congressman Allen Introduces the Retire Through Ownership Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus introduced legislation today to allow transit agencies to add extra buses to their fleets, preventing disruptions to service during extreme heat events that can be dangerous to transit passengers. 

“In Southern Nevada and elsewhere, extreme heat takes its toll not only on buses but on the passengers who ride them,” Congresswoman Titus said. “My legislation will allow the RTC and other transit agencies to increase the number of spare buses they can put into service during bus breakdowns, including those due to extreme heat. Eighty percent of our transit riders rely on buses to get to work and back. Reliable transportation service is critical to both their health and their livelihoods.”

The Bus Utilization for Fleet Flexibility and Emergency Resilience (BUFFER) Act would allow transit agencies to increase their spare bus ratio from 20 percent to 30 percent of their fleet if their region regularly experiences extreme weather events. 

Congresswoman Titus said the change also is important to Southern Nevada’s tourism economy. “Our tourism economy depends on reliable transit service to transport millions of visitors, especially during major events,” she said. “Some of our transit routes operate 24 hours a day. The RTC needs to be able to respond quickly to disruptions in service.” 

“The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada strongly supports revisiting the 20 percent spare ratio policy,” said MJ Maynard-Carey, RTC CEO. “In a region experiencing rapid growth, extreme weather, and large-scale events, added flexibility will help us keep our community moving. Updating this policy will ensure we can continue providing safe, reliable service for the thousands of riders who count on us each day. We are grateful to Congresswoman Dina Titus for bringing this important issue forward.” 

Congresswoman Titus is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and has made increasing the number of spare buses a priority in surface transportation reauthorization. 

The BUFFER Act would require the Secretary of Transportation to allow transit agencies to have extra buses in regions experiencing extreme weather events that affect their operations. It would change the current federal rule that caps the number of spare buses a transit agency can maintain at 20 percent of their overall bus fleet, regardless of how many more buses a transit service needs to maintain reliable service. The legislation would move that cap to 30 percent. 

The RTC operates a fleet of over 400 buses and relies on Federal Transit Authority funding to purchase both active and spare buses. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement announcing the Members who will serve on the new January 6th subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee: