ICYMI: From the Quad Cities to Rockford to Chicago, Illinoisans Heard All About Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s Bill to Reverse Trump’s Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG, IL – This week, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced the Bringing Back Benefits Act, legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Trump-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) slashed nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and $186 billion from SNAP, threatening health care for more than 500,000 Illinoisans and cutting off food assistance for over 200,000 families in our state.

“Families across Illinois and the nation are already feeling the devastating impacts of this ‘Large Lousy Law,’ and we must act now to repeal these disastrous provisions before millions more are affected,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “This is Congress’s chance to correct a serious misstep and help working families — we must take it by passing my legislation.”

This week, Illinoisans have heard all about how Congressman Krishnamoorthi is fighting to restore Medicaid and SNAP — see below for a roundup of coverage:

WHAT THEY’RE WATCHING:

Quad Cities:Watch here

Rockford:Watch here

Chicago TV:Watch here

WHAT THEY’RE HEARING:

Chicago:Listen here 

Schrier, Dingell Lead 141 Colleagues in Calling on State Department to Resume Issuing Medical-Humanitarian Visas to Gazans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Kim Schrier (WA-08) led 141 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the State Department to reverse its decision to halt temporary medical-humanitarian visas for children from Gaza.

 “On August 16th, the State Department announced it will stop approving all visitor visas for people from the war-torn Gaza strip — including children in need of urgent medical care — while conducting a “full and thorough review of the processes and procedures” used to issue these visas,” the lawmakers write. “This pause comes in the wake of severely injured Palestinian children arriving in the United States on temporary visas to receive medical care in recent weeks. The announcement of the sudden pause came via social media and contained no details on what a full and thorough review entails or any evidence of security risks. The lack of clarity regarding how long this halt will last is concerning.”

 “This pause will deny children the medical care they desperately need. It is wrong to prevent children who are caught in the middle of this horrific conflict from receiving lifesaving medical care,” the lawmakers continue. “In addition, this decision ignores the fact that all Palestinians leaving Gaza for medical treatment or to accompany family members receiving medical treatment are already subject to rigorous vetting by the Israeli government, including an Israeli security clearance, identity verification, and an assessment whether they are linked to Hamas.

 “Prior to this announcement, several children from Gaza have come to the United States to receive medical treatment. These cases have gone on without incident,” the lawmakers conclude. “We appeal to you to immediately reverse the State Department’s decision and resume allowing those from Gaza with approved temporary medical-humanitarian visas to enter the United States to receive the lifesaving care they need.

 The lawmakers requested the Department provide the following information:

  • A detailed explanation of the specific concerns or procedural issues identified that led to the suspension of visas.
  • The criteria and timeline for the ongoing review process, how long it is expected to take, and what safeguards are being considered to prevent interruption of emergency medical care programs.
  • A commitment to temporarily exempt urgent medical-humanitarian cases involving children from Gaza from the suspension until the review is complete.

View the full text of the letter and complete list of signing members here

Hoyer, Maryland Delegation Members Urge USDA to Keep Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Open, Detailing Harms to American Farmers if Shuttered

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) warned U.S. Department of Agriculture leadership that closing the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George’s County, as proposed in its reorganization plan announced last month, would irreparably undermine U.S. agricultural innovation and harm the countless farmers who depend on BARC’s research. In their letter submitted for the USDA’s official comment period on its reorganization plan, the lawmakers urge the agency to keep BARC open, pointing out that the required Congressional approval has not been granted for the agency to carry out such a large-scale restructuring effort. They also outline how a move or relocation of BARC will waste taxpayer dollars while jeopardizing the success of American farmers in the immediate and long term – upending important research that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

“We strongly oppose the USDA’s proposed reorganization plan which includes the closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, Maryland,” the lawmakers began. “For over 100 years, BARC has been an engine of agricultural research and innovation and the site of numerous research breakthroughs. BARC’s unique capacity has made it the nation’s premier agricultural research facility, and its closure would be deeply harmful to American farmers, as well as a waste of taxpayer dollars. We also have significant concerns about the lack of transparency and the legality of USDA’s proposed plan. We urge you to keep BARC open and to provide a detailed accounting of the full impact of the proposed reorganization plan.”

The lawmakers go on to lay out a thorough, detailed case for BARC and its employees to remain operational in the current location, stressing the following points:

  • The plan to close BARC requires Congressional approval; moving forward without it would be illegal;
     
  • The plan to close BARC would waste federal resources;
     
  • BARC is a world leader in agricultural research; – its closure will irreparably harm the United States’ leadership in agricultural production and research;
     
  • BARC helps to train the next generation of agricultural researchers, on whom the future of American agricultural innovation depends;
     
  • BARC’s geographic location provides unique benefits to American agricultural research that cannot be replicated elsewhere;
     
  • BARC provides regionally-tailored research to the 83,000 farms throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the loss of which jeopardizes $10 billion in agricultural productivity;
     
  • Key BARC research projects cannot be relocated, and decades of work may be lost completely if BARC closes;
     
  • Closing BARC and relocating key research activities will not result in lower cost of living for USDA employees; and
     
  • No USDA reorganization plan should move forward without a thorough benefit-cost analysis that includes a full accounting of the potential impacts of closing BARC.

“BARC’s excellence in agricultural research is of enormous value to the nation, and so we urge you not to close this critical facility. We also urge USDA to ensure full transparency in any potential reorganization and to follow the letter of the law. We request an urgent meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss our concerns,” the lawmakers concluded.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Rollins and Deputy Secretary Vaden,

We strongly oppose the USDA’s proposed reorganization plan which includes the closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, Maryland. For over 100 years, BARC has been an engine of agricultural research and innovation and the site of numerous research breakthroughs. BARC’s unique capacity has made it the nation’s premier agricultural research facility, and its closure would be deeply harmful to American farmers, as well as a waste of taxpayer dollars. We also have significant concerns about the lack of transparency and the legality of USDA’s proposed plan. We urge you to keep BARC open and to provide a detailed accounting of the full impact of the proposed reorganization plan. 

The plan to close BARC requires Congressional approval; moving forward without it would be illegal. Section 716 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 requires Congressional approval of USDA relocation and reorganization activities before any funding for such activity is obligated or expended through a reprogramming, transfer of funds, or reimbursement; no such approval has been requested or granted. Since any action to carry out the proposed reorganization will undoubtedly require the obligation or expenditure described in Section 716, we expect USDA to seek Congressional approval before taking any final action on the proposed reorganization plan. Furthermore, we caution you that Section 750 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 prohibits USDA from moving any staff office from one mission area to another without enactment of specific legislation authorizing such a move.

The plan to close BARC would waste federal resources. USDA has already invested more than $174 million in BARC facility upgrades and repairs; abandoning a facility right after USDA has made such significant upgrades to it is illogical and wasteful. As one of the world’s largest agricultural research complexes, relocating personnel, as well as all the lab and research equipment, will undoubtedly be a major expense. Furthermore, existing law prevents USDA from selling, leasing, excessing, surplussing or otherwise disposing of BARC land without the specific approval of Congress. Lacking said Congressional approval, which USDA has not secured, the 6,500-acre facility must remain under USDA ownership and stewardship, even if USDA moves forward with the proposal to close BARC. Given USDA’s significant investment in BARC, and the lack of Congressional approval for disposing of the property, closing this critical research facility amounts to an incredible waste of taxpayer dollars.

BARC is a world leader in agricultural research; its closure will irreparably harm the United States’ leadership in agricultural production and research. Established in 1910, BARC has been the site of numerous agricultural breakthroughs that have helped to make the United States an agricultural powerhouse – discoveries that have improved food safety, human health and nutrition, pest and disease control strategies, and agricultural production. As the largest and most diversified agricultural research center in the world, BARC’s agricultural research capacity is unparalleled. Just as capacity was lost at USDA research agencies the last time a reorganization took place, closing BARC, as USDA’s preeminent agricultural research center, will undoubtedly result in a level of lost talent and expertise that will negatively impact American agricultural research – as well as agricultural production. Agricultural research is the backbone of American agricultural production; the innovation occurring at facilities like BARC is what helps ensure the continued competitiveness of American agriculture on the global stage. We are especially concerned about what lost capacity and expertise at BARC will mean for the future of the agriculture industries that are actively served by BARC research, including the poultry, dairy, soybean, and honeybee industries among many others.

BARC helps to train the next generation of agricultural researchers, on whom the future of American agricultural innovation depends. Maintaining a vibrant agricultural research workforce supports American agriculture. BARC already has an impressive track record of training new talent. As USDA itself has said: “Many laboratories in the Beltsville area have strong connections to nearby colleges and universities. In addition to forging research collaborations with scientists at these institutions, Beltsville advances STEM education by hosting numerous student interns throughout the year. In 2023, researchers at BARC, BHNRC, and USNA mentored over 240 trainees at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level, supporting the development of early career STEM professionals. Through coordination with academic institutions, the Beltsville location plays an important role in supporting the next generation agricultural science leaders.”

BARC’s geographic location provides unique benefits to American agricultural research that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Located close to freshwater and saltwater, mountains and costal lowlands, and situated within the fertile Piedmont Plateau, BARC is within reach of diverse landscapes and a range of climatic conditions. This geography makes it an ideal location for an agriculture research station and its proximity to the nation’s capital allows BARC to take advantage of several key efficiencies. For example:
 

  1. BARC works closely with numerous federal agencies and universities in the Washington, D.C. area. BARC effectively leverages its own limited resources through collaborations and partnerships with these neighboring institutions, enabling the facility to cut costs and access a wide range of scientific expertise in a way that is not replicable outside of this region.
     
  2. Because of BARC’s proximity to so many other scientific institutions, as well as its long history in Beltsville, there exists an ecosystem of support services that helps BARC run efficiently. From equipment installation and calibration to maintenance and repair – BARC’s location allows it to easily access and share these types of support services that are already available in the greater Washington, D.C. area given the high density of scientific research that occurs there. In addition, the area has a large number of federal contractors who are skilled at supporting BARC’s day-to-day operations.
  3. BARC’s proximity to three major airports makes it accessible to collaborators and visitors from around the world and, as your own Department notes, “[BARC’s] proximity to Washington D.C. makes it an optimal destination for congressional visits and agricultural demonstrations. Beltsville can provide a window into the full scope of ARS research for policymakers, stakeholders, and diplomats, right in the nation’s capital. Strong ARS research capacity in the greater D.C. area brings food and agricultural issues to the forefront of federal policy and allows for improved coordination across agencies with related missions.”
     

BARC provides regionally-tailored research to the 83,000 farms throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the loss of which jeopardizes $10 billion in agricultural productivity. One of the stated goals in the July 24, 2025 Secretary Memorandum regarding the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Plan is to “bring USDA closer to its customers by relocating resources outside of the National Capital region.” However, by eliminating BARC, what this plan actually does is eliminate the research hub serving the entire Northeast Region – from Virginia to Maine. Farmers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed will feel this loss most acutely given BARC’s record of pursuing research topics specific to the watershed. According to USDA, there are around 83,000 farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed with nearly 30% of the 64,000-square-mile watershed dedicated to farming. These farms collectively produce over $10 billion annually in agricultural sales per year and grow over 50 different commodities, from staple crops like corn, wheat, and soy to specialty crops like fruits and vegetables. The closure of BARC will leave this key agricultural region under-resourced.

Key BARC research projects cannot be relocated, and decades of work may be lost completely if BARC closes. BARC carries out long-term, place-based research that takes place both in field sites on BARC’s grounds and in sites located in the surrounding area. Various research projects depend on these research sites remaining constant; this allows scientists to collect long-term data, observe changes and effectively isolate different variables over time by keeping the site environment constant. For example, BARC hosts the Lower Chesapeake Bay Long Term Agricultural Research Network (LCB-LTAR), which involves several major field experiments at BARC that would be impossible to physically relocate without compromising the experiments. This research has been and continues to be critical for informing agricultural conservation practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and beyond.

Closing BARC and relocating key research activities will not result in lower cost of living for USDA employees. In the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing titled “Review of the USDA Reorganization Plan” on July 30, 2025, Deputy Secretary Vaden stated that: “One of [USDA’s] principal considerations for where to put our regional hubs was cost of living. We want people to come to USDA for a career, to start a family, and to stay with us. And unfortunately, given the cost of living in the National Capital Region, [employees] can no longer do that in the District of Columbia.” However, BARC is located in Prince George’s County, Maryland – not the District of Columbia. The cost of living in Prince George’s County is significantly lower than in the District of Columbia, at an estimated at $121,972 per year for a two-parent, two-child family. The new hubs you propose are in counties that have costs of living that range from $124,856 in Larimer County, CO (Fort Collins) to $101,965 per year in Marion County, IN (Indianapolis). The cost of living in Prince George’s County clearly falls within the cost-of-living range of the proposed hub locations; if cost of living for USDA employees is truly a “principal consideration” of USDA’s proposed relocation plan, as Deputy Secretary Vaden claimed in the hearing, then USDA cannot credibly claim that BARC’s closure has anything to do with affordability concerns on behalf of USDA employees, especially when those employees have not even been consulted on the reorganization plan.

No USDA reorganization plan should move forward without a thorough benefit-cost analysis that includes a full accounting of the potential impacts of closing BARC. In the Senate Agriculture Hearing, Deputy Secretary Vaden claimed that the proposed reorganization plan would save $4 billion. However, USDA has provided no credible information to back up this statement. Americans deserve an accurate, transparent assessment that analyzes both the costs and benefits of the proposed USDA reorganization plan before any action is taken to close BARC and the other National Capitol Region facilities. Such an assessment should be shared publicly after review by the Inspector General to ensure that it fully accounts for all major impacts of the proposed relocations and closures – including the specific impacts of closing BARC as well as any impacts to USDA’s ability to fulfill its mission areas. 

BARC’s excellence in agricultural research is of enormous value to the nation, and so we urge you not to close this critical facility. We also urge USDA to ensure full transparency in any potential reorganization and to follow the letter of the law. We request an urgent meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss our concerns.

Congressman Al Green Condemns President Trump’s Firing Without Just Cause of Federal Reserve Governor Dr. Lisa Cook, the First Black Woman Appointed to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Houston, TX)— On Friday, August 29, 2025, Congressman Al Green, the top Democrat on the U.S. House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, which oversees the Federal Reserve System (Fed), will hold a press conference.  Congressman Al Green will condemn President Trump’s unjustified and unprecedented firing of Dr. Lisa Cook, the first Black woman appointed to the Fed’s Board of Governors, as well as his unbridled efforts to undermine the independence of the Fed. 

The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States. Its dual mandate is to promote maximum employment and ensure stable prices. In pursuing this dual mandate, the Fed was designed to function independent of political pressure from either the President or Congress. 

Dr. Cook was appointed to the Fed’s Board of Governors by President Biden in 2022 and reappointed in 2023 for a term ending in 2038. The length of Fed governor’s tenure is meant to ensure that the board is insulated from imprudent political pressure emanating from an impetuous president. President Trump dismissed Dr. Cook based on unproven allegations of mortgage fraud. Unproven allegations do not constitute cause to terminate under the law. Dr. Cook has indicated that she will fight her removal in the court of law. The Fed released a statement that it would obey any court decision concerning Dr. Cook’s “ability to continue to fulfill her responsibilities as a Senate-confirmed member [of the Fed].” 

Since retaking office, President Trump has been steadily undermining the Fed’s independence. He has threatened to dismiss Fed Chair Jerome Powell and repeatedly issued statements on how he believes the Fed should conduct economic policy. This pattern of increasing interference in the Fed’s operations, in tandem with Dr. Cook’s termination, could undermine confidence in the Fed’s decisions, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences for our economy. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts undermining the independence of the Turkish central bank contributed to runaway inflation in the country, which it continues to struggle with. President Trump’s firing without just cause of Dr. Cook is eroding confidence in the Fed as an independent central bank. 

Click here to watch the Facebook Live Stream of the event.

 

 

Congresswoman McCollum Mourns Tragic Shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on Wednesday after a gunman opened fire on a mass service during the first week of classes at Annunciation Catholic School, killing two children and wounding 17 others.

“The horrific violence this morning at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis is heartbreaking. As a mother and grandmother, the tragic shooting of young school children, teachers, staff, and parishioners while they gathered at mass to celebrate the new school year is a tragedy beyond comprehension. The Twin Cities and all of Minnesota grieve alongside the victims and their families. They deserve and have the full support of our community, our state, and our nation.

“The immediate actions of adults, older children, law enforcement, EMTs, and medical personnel saved lives. I commend Governor Walz for acting swiftly and sending the State Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to respond to this horrific crime. 

“President Trump and Congress have a duty to take action to end this epidemic of gun violence. We cannot once again wait for another tragedy before we enact common sense gun safety laws.” 

Huizenga, Kamlager-Dove, McCaul, and Meeks Lead Bipartisan Effort to Boost Sports Diplomacy Ahead of the American Decade of Sports

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

On Friday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan American Decade of Sports Act. Over the next 10 years, the United States will be the center of the sporting world as the host of several major international competitions: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2031 Men’s and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. These games present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance U.S. soft power and leadership on the world stage. 

Currently, the State Department is structured to implement sports diplomacy exchange programs but does not have the strategic plan or staffing necessary to focus on the upcoming extraordinary decade of sports. To ensure the United States is maximizing the diplomatic opportunity of hosting these competitions, the American Decade of Sports Act would upgrade the State Department’s sports diplomacy division to its own office and designate it with the responsibility and personnel to implement U.S. sports diplomacy efforts focused on the American decade of sports.

As Chair and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, Huizenga and Kamlager-Dove have legislative jurisdiction over the public diplomacy division at the State Department. Joining Huizenga and Kamlager-Dove in introducing the American Decade of Sports Act are U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Gregory Meeks (D-NY).

“From the upcoming Summer and Winter Olympic Games to the Ryder Cup and the FIFA World Cup, the United States is set to host some of the most highly viewed, attended, and anticipated international sporting events over the next ten years,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia. “The American Decade of Sports Act ensures the United States is well positioned to capitalize on this unique opportunity, the State Department is readily equipped to implement this newfound focus in terms of strategic planning and staffing, and President Trump is able to carry out his revitalization of American sports. I am proud to champion this bipartisan effort.”

“As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible power of sports to break down cultural barriers and unite people around the world,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “The American Decade of Sports is our chance to deepen relationships across the globe and cement U.S. leadership—and we can’t let it slip through our fingers. I’m proud to lead the introduction of this bipartisan legislation to ensure that the State Department is equipped to leverage sports diplomacy as a vital U.S. foreign policy tool and capitalize on this defining moment.”

“Over the next 10 years, the U.S. will host several high-profile sporting events that provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate American strength and excellence on the world stage,” said Congressman Michael McCaul. “The American Decade of Sports Act will leverage these events to advance American values and national security goals. As a longtime champion of cultural diplomacy, I’m proud to support this bill to harness the power of sports to bring people together and promote American leadership worldwide.”

“Hosting major international sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics presents a unique opportunity for the United States to showcase to the world all that we have to offer, from America’s beautiful cities and landmarks to its vibrant culture and commerce,” said Congressman Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “This is a time for engagement, not isolation—but the Trump administration’s gutting of State Department personnel and resources only makes that job harder. Congress must not allow this administration to fumble America’s decade of sports—so I’m proud to be joining bipartisan colleagues in introducing legislation to leverage these sporting events and boost our global leadership.”

Specifically, the American Decade of Sports Act:

  • Directs the State Department to submit a sports diplomacy strategy to leverage the major sporting events being hosted in the United States to enhance U.S. soft power and global leadership;
  • Pulls the Sports Diplomacy Division out of the Office of Citizen Exchanges and elevates it to its own Office of Sports Diplomacy; 
  • Designates the Office of Sports Diplomacy with the responsibility of implementing the mega-decade sports diplomacy strategy;
  • Assigns no less than three additional staff to the office to implement the strategy; and
  • Requires an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the mega-decade sports diplomacy strategy, the restructuring of the sports diplomacy office, and the designation of additional staff to carry out the strategy.

Bill text of the American Decade of Sports Act is here.

Bipartisan Huizenga, Dingell, Walberg Bill to Help Fisheries, Strengthen Great Lakes Economy Passes U.S. House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after the U.S. House passed H.R. 1917, the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Congressman Huizenga, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), would establish a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with state and tribal governments to implement mass marking of fish at hatcheries across the Great Lakes. H.R. 1917 passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote of 360 to 57.

“Recreational fishing generates significant revenue for small businesses across Michigan while also allowing anglers and families to make memories that last a lifetime,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Republican Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “Establishing a Great Lakes Mass Marking Program will improve the effectiveness of our fisheries while enhancing the environmental, scientific, and recreational benefits that healthy fish populations provide. This bipartisan initiative is a win for both the economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes.”

“Mass marking is the practice of tagging large numbers of hatchery-raised fish so we can easily distinguish them from the wild fish population,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Democrat Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “Currently, we only mark 41 percent of hatchery fish. The implementation of mass marking will help us better understand the fish populations of our Great Lakes and the cultural, economic, recreational, and food benefits they provide. This bill provides the tools needed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a mass marking program for every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes region, which will allow fishery managers to collect valuable, timely information, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of hatchery operations and fishery management. I’m proud it passed the House, and will continue to work across the aisle with my colleagues to get it signed into law.”

“From Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, our fisheries are a cornerstone of our way of life,” said Congressman Tim Walberg, member of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “As an avid fisherman myself, I understand how robust and healthy fisheries are a lifeline for Michiganders, fueling local economies, offering world-class opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and upholding traditions for many families. I am pleased to see the House pass this vital legislation to ensure we have the tools and data necessary to preserve the fisheries of the Great Lakes for generations to come.”

Huizenga Helps Shepherd Historic Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency Legislation Through U.S. House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, House Financial Services Committee Vice Chairman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after the House passed historic legislation to transform the digital asset ecosystem. First, the House passed the CLARITY Act to improve our nation’s digital asset market structure. The CLARITY Act passed by a bipartisan vote of 294 to 134 and now heads to the U.S. Senate. The House then passed the GENIUS Act, which is designed to address the regulation of payment stablecoins. The GENIUS Act passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 308 to 122 and now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

“Today is a great day because it restores American leadership on digital assets,” said Congressman Huizenga. “From my time chairing the Capital Markets Subcommittee, to being a leader on the digital assets working group, to House passage of the GENIUS Act today, I am proud to have helped shepherd a bill that strengthens free markets, enhances entrepreneurship, and boosts consumer choice. I look forward to joining President Trump tomorrow when he signs the GENIUS Act into law and enacts another important part of his economic agenda.”

Prior to passage of both the CLARITY Act and the GENIUS Act, Congressman Huizenga explained the deep importance of restoring American leadership on digital assets.

Rep. Mike Levin Honors San Clemente Lifeguard Maya Snyder as August 2025 Constituent of the Month

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

August 27, 2025

Maya Snyder
San Clemente, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced that Maya Snyder, a rookie California State Parks lifeguard, has been named August 2025 Constituent of the Month for her extraordinary service and dedication to protecting the public at our district’s state beaches.

Maya graduated from State Lifeguard Training in May and has already made a powerful impact on public safety along the coast. In her first few months, she has completed over 138 water rescues, including the recent July 19th rescue of a child swept out by a rip current at San Clemente State Beach. Maya was on duty that day, supporting the response that ensured the child’s safe recovery. The incident was covered by ABC7 News, which highlighted the professionalism and quick action of the California State Parks lifeguard team.

Her commitment to public service and lifeguarding is an important part of her family’s legacy. Maya’s mother, Danielle Snyder, has served as a lifeguard and public safety officer for more than 30 years, and her brother, Colin, is a seasoned California State Parks lifeguard who has also performed life-saving rescues. Maya is proudly carrying that tradition forward with distinction.
In just a few months, Maya has logged 261 preventative actions, 18 medical aids, and over 30 enforcement contacts, all while maintaining a positive, team-oriented attitude.
“Carrying on the proud Snyder family tradition, rookie lifeguard Maya Snyder has made an incredible impact in her first season with California State Parks. With 138 rescues, countless presentative actions, and a positive presence at Doheny, San Clemente, and San Onofre state beaches, Maya is providing that lifeguarding excellence runs deep in her family’s legacy,” said Dennis White, State Park Peace Officer Supervisor I (Lifeguard).See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Maya Snyder in the Congressional Record:“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Maya Snyder as my August 2025 Constituent of the Month.

“Maya exemplifies what it means to serve her community with courage and dedication. In just her first season as a California State Parks lifeguard, she has saved lives, prevented countless accidents, and brought a spirit of professionalism to her shifts.

“Her recent rescue of a young child caught in a rip current is a powerful reminder of the critical role our lifeguards play in keeping our beaches safe. Maya’s service reflects the values I am proud to honor through my Constituent of the Month program, and I am grateful for her commitment to public safety and the well-being of our coastal communities.”

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:
Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep Levin’s July 2025 Constituent of the Month was Michael Meyers, the founder of North County San Diego’s first goalball team for the visually impaired, and his June 2025 Constituent of the Month was Nani Love, a case manager and victim’s advocate at the North County LGBTQ Resource Center.

REP LIEU HOSTS ANNUAL MULTI-DISTRICT SERVICE ACADEMY DAY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

LOS ANGELES – On Saturday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County) hosted his Annual Multi-District Service Academy Day at Da Vinci Schools. Attendees heard speakers from the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Service Academy Day offers prospective service academy students and their parents the opportunity to speak with representatives from service academies and ask questions about the admissions process.

In addition, the event included a student/alumni panel and a parent panel. Attendees also had an opportunity to meet with the academies and various Congressional offices to obtain specific information about the nomination process. 

Students who live in California’s 36th Congressional District can find more information about the nomination process using this link. The nomination application deadline is on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 5 PM. 

“I love Service Academy Day because I get the chance to meet so many bright young people from our community who want to serve their country. The service academies are an excellent way to give back to our country and develop important life skills. I was pleased to help host this event to give students the chance to learn more about the academies and their admission processes.”

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