MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Griffith Announces $380,100 DOT Grant to Develop Tazewell County Airport

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WARREN, MI –  Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens toured Weldaloy Specialty Forgings, a leading manufacturer of specialty metal forgings located in Michigan’s Manufacturing District. 

During the tour, Congresswoman Stevens met with company leadership, industry stakeholders, and representatives from local government to discuss the growing aerospace industry in Michigan and challenges aerospace manufacturers are facing. The visit underscored Weldaloy’s recent advancements, its significant economic contributions, and its growing role in aerospace and national manufacturing.

“Weldaloy Specialty Forgings exemplifies Michigan’s industrial strength, blending our manufacturing history with cutting-edge technology while investing in the people and skills that keep our state at the forefront of advanced industry,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “Their commitment to creating good-paying jobs and finding innovative ways to lower costs is exactly the kind of leadership that strengthens our economy and our competitiveness on the global stage.”

Throughout the month of August, Congresswoman Stevens is traveling across Michigan, hearing from Michigan farmers, manufacturers, and community leaders, and taking their stories back to Congress so she can continue to fight–and win–for Michigan.

Photos are available for media use below.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña to announce $11,838,267 in federal funding awarded to the city through multiple programs to expand affordable housing and strengthen public safety.“Every family deserves to feel safe in their community and have access to affordable housing they can rely on. That’s why I fought hard to secure these federal investments for working families in Lawrence and across the Third District,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This significant federal investment will make a meaningful difference by helping more families find stable homes and ensuring local law enforcement and first responders have the resources they need to keep Lawrence safe.”“Today’s announcement of over $11 million in federal funding marks a significant step forward for the City of Lawrence. These grants will allow us to expand vital programs—ranging from public health and housing to lead abatement and community safety,” said Mayor Brian A. DePeña. “I would like to thank Congresswoman Lori Trahan for her steadfast advocacy, as well as our dedicated state delegation for their continued support. Their partnership is essential as we work to uplift every resident and build a healthier, safer, and more resilient Lawrence.”The funding was awarded to the city through four competitive federal grant programs, including:HUD LEAD Hazard Reduction Grant: $6,625,455.92 to maximize the number of children under the age of six protected from lead poisoning by undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible homes.HUD Healthy Homes Production Grant: $740,000 to protect residents from multiple health and safety hazards such as asthma triggers, carbon monoxide, radon, and safety and injury risks in homes.HUD HOME American Rescue Plan Grant: $3,174,052 to support the creation of affordable housing, rental assistance for working families, or homelessness response efforts.DOJ Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program Grant: $1,298,760 to develop, implement, or expand comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and support those in the community impacted by opioids, stimulants, and other drugs.Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of federal investments Trahan has secured to improve the housing supply, reduce costs, and revitalize the City of Lawrence. Last year, she joined local leaders to celebrate the Stone Mill Lofts, an 86-unit affordable housing complex made possible by significant federal investments. Earlier in 2024, Trahan announced more than $2.4 million in federal funding for the City of Lawrence to invest in affordable housing projects and homelessness response efforts. Trahan also secured $1 million in federal funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help the City of Lawrence redevelop three abandoned sites across the city into parks, recreational facilities, and other community uses.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) leaders and Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña to cut the ribbon on GLFHC’s West Site Expansion and Renovation project, which was made possible by $2 million in federal funding secured by Trahan.“Every family here in Lawrence and across the Merrimack Valley deserves access to affordable, high-quality health care,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That’s why I fought for the $2 million investment that was necessary to help Greater Lawrence Family Health Center complete this expansion project – so they can care for more patients, faster, and closer to home. I’m proud to support GLFHC’s incredible team, and I’ll keep fighting to deliver resources that strengthen our community.”“Because of your efforts, we’ve been able to make critical upgrades to our West Clinic — creating a more welcoming modern environment for our patients and staff, and expanding our on-site pharmacy to better serve the thousands of families who rely on us every day,” said GLFHC Interim CEO Dr. Steven Paris. “This investment transcends facility improvements, extending into the health, accessibility, and future of our community.”“I’m especially thankful for the advocacy of Congresswoman Lori Trahan and for the federal funding that has helped us expand and improve one of our community’s most vital healthcare facilities. These investments represent significant progress in increasing access to care and supporting the well-being of our residents. I’m honored to attend this important celebration and look forward to participating in the recognition of this milestone. I welcome the opportunity to see the renovations firsthand and to share a few words in honor of this achievement,” said Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña.In addition to renovating GLFHC’s existing clinic space and equipment, the project also expanded the facility by more than 3,500 square feet, significantly increasing patient access at one of the health center’s busiest clinical locations. The new space streamlines patient flow throughout the facility and expands pharmacy services.Trahan successfully secured federal funding through the annual 2022 appropriations process for community projects across the Third District, including the expansion and renovation of GLFHC’s West Site.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

This week, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Members of the New York Congressional Delegation wrote to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Speaker Carl Heastie and Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in connection with the nationwide assault on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by far-right extremists.

“The toxic effort to obliterate what remains of the Voting Rights Act threatens to disenfranchise millions of people in our state and requires an immediate response,” wrote the Members of Congress. “Our state recently enacted the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York to protect free and fair elections. In light of the nationwide assault on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, it is imperative that the protections of the NYVRA extend to every single congressional district in New York. Absent such action, the people of our state are vulnerable to the nationwide effort to disenfranchise communities of color and rig the congressional map.”

The Members urged the New York State leaders to take immediate action to protect voters, citing the recent development by the Supreme Court requiring that a case concerning a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana be reargued. They also pointed to the attempt by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to eliminate the ability of individual voters to challenge voting rights violations through a private right of action. In addition, they noted that the Trump Justice Department severely distorted the requirements of the Voting Rights Act in a recent letter to Texas officials as part of a far-right scheme to rip apart five congressional districts currently represented by Black and Hispanic Members of the House. 

“We respectfully urge you to strengthen the New York Voting Rights Act, extend the full protections of this law to congressional representation in New York and take any other actions to protect the integrity of our elections,” the Members concluded. 

Leader Jeffries was joined by Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Nydia M. Velázquez, Gregory W. Meeks, Yvette D. Clarke, Paul D. Tonko, Grace Meng, Adriano Espaillat, Joseph D. Morelle, Thomas R. Suozzi, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ritchie Torres, Pat Ryan, Dan Goldman, Timothy M. Kennedy, Laura A. Gillen, George Latimer, John W. Mannion and Josh Riley. 

Click here to read the letter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-01) introduced the Cybercrime Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025, H.R. 1238 This legislation revives Congress’s Article I authority to issue letters of marque and reprisal, allowing the executive branch to deputize licensed cyber operators to pursue foreign cybercriminal enterprises targeting American citizens and infrastructure.

“Criminal syndicates backed by foreign governments are using cyberspace to prey on American seniors, steal intellectual property, and undermine national security,” said Rep. Schweikert. “Our current tools are failing to keep pace. This legislation allows us to effectively engage these criminals and bring accountability and restitution to the digital battlefield by leveraging the same constitutional mechanism that once helped secure our nation’s maritime interests.”

According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans filed over 859,000 complaints, totaling $16 billion in losses, with a 33 percent increase in losses compared to 2023. Americans over 60 suffered nearly $5 billion in reported financial damages. Many of these cyberattacks originate from sophisticated “scam farms” in places like Myanmar and North Korea, where large-scale operations are often state-linked and designed to steal from Americans while infiltrating U.S. digital systems.

Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress has the authority to issue letters of marque and reprisal. During the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the quasi-war with France, these commissions played a central role in maritime defense. The Articles of Confederation explicitly granted Congress this power—a provision carried forward into the Constitution. Although the federal government has not issued letters of marque since the War of 1812, an unusual example occurred during World War II, when a Goodyear blimp was commissioned for anti-submarine patrols off the California coast.

The proposed legislation allows the executive branch to issue limited, targeted commissions to disrupt these foreign cybercriminal enterprises. These licensed cyber operators would be authorized to recover stolen assets, prevent future attacks, and defend critical infrastructure, all while operating under federal oversight.

“Americans deserve protection from digital predators who exploit outdated laws and hide in foreign jurisdictions,” Schweikert added. “This proposal harnesses innovation and constitutional authority to respond to the modern crisis of cybercrime.”

You can read the full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

FLINT, MI – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens toured Flint Gas City, a state of the art training center that provides Michigan’s natural gas workers and first responders a controlled environment to learn how to keep Michigan’s natural gas system running smoothly.

Flint Gas City is built to resemble real streets, homes and businesses complete with underground gas pipes, valves and meters. Trainees at Flint Gas City are able to: 

• Install new natural gas pipelines in realistic neighborhood settings 

• Perform city gate operations to manage gas flow and system entry points

• Conduct maintenance and corrosion monitoring to ensure pipeline safety and longevity

• Locate and stake underground lines to prevent damage during construction or repairs

• Carry out maintenance while keeping gas service flowing, preventing customer interruptions

• Respond safely to natural gas emergencies, including leak detection and fire response 

During the tour, Congresswoman Stevens met with Gwen Holman, Manager of Learning and Development for Gas Technical Training, also known as the ‘Mayor of Gas City.’ She also met with Rafael Turner, Community Affairs Manager for Genesee and Shiawassee Counties, and Gabe Terry, Manager of Federal Affairs.

“This is more than a training ground, it is an investment in Michigan’s energy future,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “Facilites like Flint Gas city equip our workforce with the skills they need to keep our communities powered, and provide the next generation with good-paying jobs.”

Throughout the month of August, Congresswoman Stevens is traveling across Michigan, hearing from Michigan farmers, manufacturers, and community leaders, and taking their stories back to Congress so she can continue to fight–and win–for Michigan.

Photos are available for media use below.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Expanded Shield Act Strengthens Legal Protections for Patients and Providers

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, issued the following statement applauding the passage of the updated Shield Act in Massachusetts, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey this month. The expanded Shield Act strengthens legal protections for people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care in Massachusetts.

“In Massachusetts, we affirm that healthcare is a human right, and everyone should be met with the dignity and respect they deserve – patients seeking abortion care and gender-affirming care, and providers delivering essential healthcare services. This Shield Act expansion takes a critical and necessary step to defend bodily autonomy as Trump and Republicans attempt to restrict and criminalize essential healthcare.

“I’m grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, Senator Friedman, Senator Edwards, Senator Cyr, Speaker Mariano, Representative Day, Representative Decker, and reproductive justice advocates. In this moment, swift action to keep gender affirming care and abortion care safe and legal for everyone who seeks care in the Commonwealth is critical.”

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect fundamental reproductive and sexual healthcare rights. 

• On the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley introduced the Abortion Justice Act, sweeping, intersectional legislation to address access to abortion care and put forth a comprehensive vision of a just America where abortion care is readily available—without stigma, shame or systemic barriers—for all who seek it, regardless of zip code, immigration status, income, or background.
• Rep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion care, everywhere. 
• Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and help guarantee abortion coverage—regardless of how a patient gets their health insurance.
• Shortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide. 
• Rep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.
• Rep. Pressley has been outspoken in demanding justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban. In June 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech in which she underscored that Adriana’s case is far too common in the unjust history of denying Black women their dignity, humanity, and right to bodily autonomy – and that GOP abortion bans such as Georgia’s deepen this pain and bar critical healthcare freedom. Rep. Pressley issued a statement after Adriana’s infant son Chance was delivered via emergency Cesarean section and Adriana was taken off life support.
• In October 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on Josseli Barnica, who died on Sept. 3, 2021 after being denied emergency abortion care in Texas as she suffered a miscarriage.
• In September 2024, in a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.
• In June 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Idaho v. United States; Moyle v. United States – the case about whether emergency abortion care is included under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). 
• In May 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on a Louisiana bill that would classify medication abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances. 
• In April 2024, at a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley played “Fact or Fiction” with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to emphasize the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drug mifepristone.
• In August 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Fifth Circuit Court decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA.
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to reproductive healthcare and the informed care they need to control their own reproductive lives.
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of over-the-counter birth control.
• In May 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the FDA Advisory Committee’s unanimous, 17-0 vote to recommend the approval of the first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control. She and Senator Murray also held a press conference applauding the decision and urging the FDA to approval over-the-counter birth control without delay.
• In May 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Ami Bera, MD (CA-06) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act to ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.
• In April 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Texas court ruling on mifepristone, and discussed the Texas case in a recent floor speech in which she affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care and access to mifepristone as essential. She later joined Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabth Warren (D-MA), and local leaders in announcing action to protect Mifepristone in Massachusetts.
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Schakowsky, Lee, DeGette, Torres and Strickland, reintroduced the Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act harmful and discriminatory Helms Amendment and expand abortion access globally.
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Hirono led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral congressional resolution honoring abortion providers and clinic staff. 
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a speech in which she discussed the pending court case in Texas, which aims to restrict access to medication abortion across the entire nation. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care, and accessibility to the abortion pill mifepristone as essential.
• In September 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court’s inaction on SB-8, Texas’ restrictive abortion law. Later that month, she participated in a House Oversight Committee hearing to examine the threat posed by abortion bans and underscored the urgency of the Senate passing the Women’s Health Protection Act. 
• In April 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led a group of 131 Democratic members in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure that all people, regardless of income, insurance or zip code, can make personal reproductive healthcare decisions without interference from politicians. She re-Introduced the legislation In January 2023.
• Rep. Pressley has led calls in Congress for the FDA to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on the medication abortion drug mifepristone, and applauded the FDA’s action in January 2023 to allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion medication pills.
• As Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus’s Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, Congresswoman Pressley has led the fight to repeal the Hyde Amendments from annual Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bills and in July 2020 published a Medium post on the importance of doing so. She applauded the removal of the Hyde Amendment in President Biden’s FY2022 budget.
• In May 2020, she led more than 155 Members of Congress in calling on House Democratic leadership to ensure that any future COVID-19 relief packages rejected Republican efforts to use the public health crisis to diminish abortion access.
• In August 2021, Rep. Pressley, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, and Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Diana DeGette and Barbara Lee led more than 70 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion care. 
• In January 2023, Rep. Pressley introduced a resolution to condemn all forms of political violence in the U.S., regardless of its target or intent. That same day, she delivered a powerful speech on the House floor slamming Republicans’ harmful, misleading anti-abortion resolution.
• In September 2022, Rep. Pressley hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester for a convening on their work to address the Black maternal health crisis and the criminalization of abortion care in states across the nation following the harmful U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. 
• In May 2019, she led more than 100 colleagues in introducing H.Con.Res.40, a resolution reaffirming the House of Representative’s support for Roe v. Wade.
• In June 2019, Rep. Pressley introduced H.R. 3296, the Affordability is Access Act, to make oral contraception available without a prescription. 
• In September 2016, as a member of the Boston City Council, Pressley championed a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to repeal the Hyde Amendment and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services.

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

DECATUR, GA  – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) held a successful Week of H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Elevate) from August 11-16 to celebrate nonprofits, their importance to our community and to give back to the community through volunteerism. Held in conjunction with National Nonprofit Day, it was a week of uplift and celebration of the critical work of community-based organizations.

“Our nonprofits are the backbone of this country, providing critical support to improve communities and save lives. Defending and supporting them should not divide us along political lines — it should unite us as Americans,” said Congressman Johnson.

He kicked off his fourth annual Week of H.O.P.E. holding free, virtual workshops for nonprofit leaders and local government officials to strengthen grant writing, explore alternative funding, and learn about Community Project Funding. Those workshops [links]ran from Monday-Thursday, where hundreds of participants logged on to learn more about federal grants and alternatives to federal funding that have been chain sawed by the Trump administration. 

He held an in-person roundtable on Thursday with his Legislative Director, Antwoin Monach, and local municipal stakeholders to discuss Community Project Funding. 

On Friday, the Congressman and his staff volunteered at a local food pantry to spotlight community service in the district. 

On Saturday, the week culminated in the Ceremony of H.O.P.E., an awards program to honor six local nonprofits: First African Community Development Corporation, the First Senior Center of Georgia, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, How Big Is Your Dream Foundation, Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc., and Mosaic Health Center. 

To watch, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) applauds U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for ending the use of taxpayer dollars to fund solar projects on farmable land and for banning solar panels made by foreign adversaries in USDA-funded projects.

Announced yesterday, the new policy addresses the growing strain on farmland across the country. According to USDA, solar panels on farmland nationwide have increased by nearly 50% since 2012. Maryland state mandates pressured counties into accepting large-scale solar projects on productive farmland, resulting in reduced land available for agriculture and driving up costs for the next generation of farmers.

Many rural leaders have strongly opposed recent Maryland legislation, which stripped counties of their authority to regulate large-scale solar projects, forcing local farmers to upend their livelihoods for costly and inefficient solar energy farmland. This is yet another example by the Democrat controlled Maryland legislature of another bad decision in a series of deeply flawed energy policy choices.

Maryland farmers and local leaders alike have warned that implementing solar panels on the farmland will render it unusable for future agricultural endeavors due to the lack of decommissioning standards.  Of the current solar “farms,” they also cite their concerns about the environmental and public safety risks from foreign-manufactured panels and battery systems.

Statement from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins:
“Our prime farmland should not be wasted and replaced with green new deal subsidized solar panels. It has been disheartening to see our beautiful farmland displaced by solar projects, especially in rural areas that have strong agricultural heritage. One of the largest barriers of entry for new and young farmers is access to land. Subsidized solar farms have made it more difficult for farmers to access farmland by making it more expensive and less available. We are no longer allowing businesses to use your taxpayer dollars to fund solar projects on prime American farmland, and we will no longer allow solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries to be used in our USDA-funded projects,” Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

Statement from Congressman Harris:
“I applaud Secretary Rollins’ directive to end solar panel subsidies. The Trump Administration must continue to end wasteful green new scam subsidies that have driven up energy costs and taken farmland out of production. In the rural areas of my district, we must continue to work to protect our prime farmland for its much needed food production for generations to come,” Congressman Harris said.

The USDA press release can be read HERE. 

Media Contact: Michella Carter (202) 225-5311| Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov