MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement in the wake of the shooting in Atlanta at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Over 500 bullets were fired at the CDC with more than 150 of them hitting windows, and one police officer lost his life. It took Secretary Kennedy over 18 hours to respond, and even then, his leadership came up short. His rhetoric has led to a distrust of science, particularly around the COVID-19 vaccine and other immunizations. The men and women who work at the CDC deserve much more than empty words when their place of work came under direct fire from an individual who reportedly had a deep distrust of the CDC.

“The response to this incident from the Secretary and from the Trump Administration continues a pattern of failed leadership at the highest levels of our government. They are failing to stand up for Americans’ wellbeing, including the hardworking people at the CDC. Instead, they are choosing to peddle conspiracy theories and unproven treatments. It is unacceptable, and it must change because the safety of our citizens and dedicated public servants across HHS depend on it.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS — Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) celebrated $6,288,790 in multiple federal transportation grants benefiting rural communities throughout the 34^thCongressional District of Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) awarded these federal grants, in addition to state funding, to several local rural transit agencies, counties, organizations and cities (full list below).

This funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Gonzalez supported the passage of.  

“Investing in public transportation means investing in opportunities for rural communities, senior citizens, and South Texans with disabilities,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “These funds not only strengthen public transportation infrastructure but play a vital role in our economic growth, quality of life, and public safety.”  

The full list of federal awards for the 34th District is as follows: 

Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program 

·         City of Kingsville – $812,000 

FTA Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program 

·         Kleberg County Human Services – $700,000 

·         Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc. – $210,572 

·         The Valley Association for Independent Living, Inc. – $151,650 

FTA Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program 

·         Kleberg County Human Services – $504,350 

·         Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council – $1,377,638 

·         Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc. – $1,771,793 

·         City of South Padre Island – $760,787 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the Emergency Rural Water Response Act, bipartisan legislation to cut the red tape and deploy emergency federal water funding to rural communities. “In the San Joaquin Valley, water emergencies don’t wait for red tape,” Congressman Costa said.“Whether it’s drought, flooding, or wildfire, every day without clean water puts lives, farms, and local economies at risk. This bill makes sure more communities can act immediately instead of waiting weeks or months for help.” 
“When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina last year, it exposed just how vulnerable our mountain communities are to the destruction caused by natural disasters. One of the most critical failures was the disruption of access to safe and reliable water – a basic necessity that became a daily struggle for many residents. This legislation will streamline emergency response efforts, improve coordination, and ensure that more rural towns receive the support they need without delay when disasters strike,” said Congressman Edwards.  
“We strongly support and appreciate this vital change. The United States has some of the world’s most robust water regulations, but they were not designed to address disaster scenarios. This legislation makes a transformative step in meeting disaster-related needs by paving the way to safe water during critical times,” said George Greene IV, CEO of Water Mission. 
“The Emergency Rural Water Response Act will benefit rural community infrastructure by expanding the types of water-related facilities that can be repaired using USDA emergency funds. USDA’s emergency grant assistance has been a valuable resource for rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley, and the Act recognizes that after a disaster, emergency repair and response may be needed for a variety of infrastructure types,” said Tom Collishaw, President/CEO of Self-Help Enterprises. 
BACKGROUND The USDA’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program provides critical funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from disasters that threaten safe, reliable drinking water. These funds can be deployed for emergencies such as droughts, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, disease outbreaks, and chemical spills without the need for a federal disaster declaration. 
From the return of Tulare Lake to wells running dry in East Fresno County, the Valley has been hit hard by water crises in recent years. Since the program’s creation in 1972, only rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents have been eligible for aid. While populations in many rural towns have grown over the past five decades, the eligibility cap has not kept pace, leaving thousands of residents in small but growing communities without access to this lifeline.  In 2022, Congress temporarily raised the population limit from 10,000 to 35,000 under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, opening the door for more rural towns to qualify. But in 2023, that limit was rolled back to 10,000, once again shutting out many communities that still rely on small, vulnerable water systems.

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

As certain cancer cases rise in Michigan and across the country, RFK Jr.’s cuts are dangerous and wrong for Michiganders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (H.H.S.) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., demanding that he immediately cease all cuts to the N.I.H., especially cuts affecting cancer research. 

Click here to read the letter.

In the first four months of Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, over 1,800 NIH grants were terminated and other grant payments were not distributed, including critical research into efforts to fight cancer. Those devastating actions have had an impact in Michigan already. Not only do they threaten the incredibly important work being done in Michigan’s amazing universities, but these actions are impacting research into how to fight common forms of cancer like breast cancer at Michigan universities.

These cuts come as cancers like colorectal cancer rise in Michigan among young people and as cancer remains one of the most deadly diseases in the United States. Over 600,000 Americans are expected to pass away from cancer this year.

“My message to Secretary Kennedy Jr. is simple: Stop with the cuts threatening cancer research,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “These cuts have devastating consequences for my home state of Michigan, and for people across the country. We have some of the best and brightest researchers and medical experts in the world here in Michigan, and they need to be able to do their jobs in their fight against cancer for the millions of patients and their families suffering from this deadly disease. I’m going to keep standing up and speaking out against threats to vital cancer research, especially here in Michigan.”

Secretary Kennedy Jr. is expected to release part two of his ‘MAHA Report’ in the coming days or weeks.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), issued the following statement on Governor DeWine sending the Ohio National Guard to Washington, D.C.:

 

“I am deeply disappointed that Governor DeWine has chosen to send Ohio National Guard members to support President Trump’s militarization efforts in Washington, D.C. Let’s be clear: Trump’s actions are not about addressing crime. They are about instilling fear in our communities and distracting from the failed tariff policies, unlawful actions, and lack of transparency from this administration.”

 

“The men and women of Ohio’s National Guard signed up to serve their country, not a lawless President who has repeatedly ignored our nation’s Constitution and principles.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

Southern Florida –– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Dean of the Florida Delegation, and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, applauds the recent announcements by Governor DeSantis and the Trump Administration to accelerate and complete a key component to one of the most significant environmental restoration efforts in U.S. History.

Last month, Governor DeSantis announced the completion of the C-43 Reservoir and the new memorandum of agreement with the Trump Administration’s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to expedite the completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir. 

“Throughout my public service career, I have remained steadfast in my dedication to restoring and preserving America’s Everglades. Governor DeSantis’ recent announcements build on the groundwork I laid over the years. As I have consistently worked to cut bureaucratic red tape across federal agencies, I applaud Governor DeSantis for leading the State of Florida in negotiating a crucial agreement with the Corps to accelerate a monumental project within the Central Everglades Restoration Plan; this project is essential for protecting the drinking water of over 9 million Floridians.

With President Trump at the helm, and Florida’s strong leadership committed to restoring the Everglades, I look forward to advancing President Trump’s America First vision. This includes securing $461 million for Everglades Restoration in the FY26 Energy & Water House Appropriations bill, passed by the Committee on July 17th, which exceeds the $446 million requested—the largest presidential budget request in U.S. history for Everglades Restoration.”

Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir Completion Background:

• Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir is a 10,000-acre reservoir that will improve water quality, protect coastal ecosystems, and expand Florida’s water storage capacity.
   
• The C-43 Reservoir pump station, capable of moving 650,000 gallons per minute, is now fully operational.
   
• Diaz-Balart played a vital rolein 2014 to secure the authorization of the C-43 Reservoir with the passage of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014.
   
• Diaz-Balart, as Vice-Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, has continued to secure billions of federal dollars for Everglades Restoration, and continues to reiterate to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the urgency of expediting completion, transparency, and remaining cost-effective while restoring and preserving America’s Everglades.

EAA Reservoir Background:
 

• The EEA Reservoir Project includes an above-ground water storage reservoir, a constructed wetland known as an STA to improve water quality, and capacity improvements to local canals.
   
• Located between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, the EAA Reservoir Project will also help recreate the historic flow of water south to recharge our aquifers, nourish the Everglades, and support the health of Florida Bay.
   
• Diaz-Balart played an instrumental rolein 2018 to secure the authorization of the EAA Reservoir with the passage of S.3021, America’s Water and Infrastructure Act of 2018.
   
• Diaz-Balart, as a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured in FY2019 Energy & Water Appropriation bill, $67.5M for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration, which includes critical federal dollars for the EAA Reservoir. 
   
• President Trump requested $446M for Everglades Restoration in the 2026 Presidential Budget- the largest request in Presidential History for Everglades Restoration.
   
• Diaz-Balart, as Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, included $461M for Everglades Restoration for FY26 Committee-Passed Energy & Water Appropriations bill.

• This agreement will:

  • Accelerate the EAA Reservoir’s construction timeline by five years, from 2034 to 2029.
  • Store over 78 billion gallons of water.
  • Deliver 270–470 billion gallons of clean water annually to the Everglades and Biscayne Aquifer, aiding freshwater inflows to Florida Bay.
  • The State of Florida will handle the construction of inflow and outflow pump stations and work on the Blue Shanty Flow Way, while the Army Corps maintains oversight of the main reservoir.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

Southern Florida –– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Dean of the Florida Delegation, and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, proudly announces that he secured $461 million for Everglades restoration and preservation in the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the House Appropriations Committee last month. 

“My record reflects my unwavering commitment to restoring and safeguarding America’s Everglades. As Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to have worked with Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann to secure $461 million in critical funding for the Everglades, all while ensuring taxpayer dollars are prioritized toward protecting American families, revitalizing our energy grid, and maintaining our nuclear deterrent, while eliminating wasteful Biden-era initiatives that diverted resources from critical infrastructure and innovation.

Over nine million Floridians depend on the Everglades for their drinking water, and this bill demonstrates my strong commitment to restoring and preserving America’s Everglades. It allocates $461 million directly to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Everglades Restoration, with accompanying report language to accelerate construction, improve transparency, and ensure the timely execution of projects so that the Central Everglades Restoration Plan can deliver vital benefits to our region’s ecosystem as quickly as possible.

I look forward to continuing to deliver funds for Everglades restoration through my role on the House Appropriations Committee, and applaud the work of Chairman Tom Cole and my House GOP Appropriator colleagues, who remain vehemently committed to restoring fiscal responsibility, reasserting American energy leadership, and prioritizing our national security priorities.”

Founder and Co-Chair of the Evergaldes Caucus, Diaz-Balart Secures:

• $461M secured for Everglades Restoration through the U.S. Army Corps Construction Account.
• $12.7M for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration under the Corps’ Operation & Maintenance Account.
• $4M for Inland Waterway Navigation under the Corps’ Operation & Maintenance Acct.
• Report language on expediting construction, transparency, and timely execution of projects to ensure CERP can deliver benefits as quickly as possible.
• Report language urging the Corp to close out on CEPP North Phase/EAA Reservoir
• Report Language urging the Corp and the Task Force to work hand in hand with local public universities that are available to modernize the capacity of remote sensing and measurements that will advance the Task Force restoration goals.

Additional FY26 Energy & Water Wins:

•  Champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security by:
  • Providing $20.662 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure.
  • Providing $2.171 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet by investing in infrastructure and new technologies to maintain America’s advantage over our adversaries.
  • Providing $1.984 billion to reduce the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons.
  • Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.
  • Prohibiting access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia.
  • Prohibiting the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern.
  • Prohibiting the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries.
• Restores American energy dominance and bolsters the national economy by:
  • Supporting one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
• Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:
  • Including no funds for the Department of Energy Office of Energy Justice and Equity.
  • Refocusing applied energy technology program funding to ensure taxpayer resources are directed to the highest priority research and development efforts.
  • Reducing global dependency on the U.S. for foreign nuclear reactor conversions.

A summary of the bill is available here.

Bill Report is available here.

Bill Text is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Releases Statement on Trump-Putin Summit

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

(Houston, TX) — On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Congressman Al Green will host the historic 4th Annual Slavery Remembrance Legislative Update Breakfast under the theme “We’ve Come Too Far to Turn Back Now.” Special guests include prominent clergy, public officials, and civic organizations from the Greater Houston Area. The event is scheduled to take place at the Wyndham Hotel near NRG Park, located at 8686 Kirby Drive at 610 South Houston, TX 77054, starting at 8:30 AM CT. 

Congressman Al Green’s Slavery Remembrance Legislative Update is crucial and timely as it commemorates the Congressional designation of August 20th as Slavery Remembrance Day. This event is critically important as the current administration advances policies that roll back civil rights, restrict voting access, erase Black history, and racially gerrymander to dilute minority representation in Congress. Congressman Green’s Conscience Agenda stands firm in honoring over 240 years of Black lives sacrificed to make America great. It recognizes the month of August as Slavery Remembrance Month, and calls for a Congressional Gold Medal for the enslaved, America’s economic foundational mothers and fathers. 

Congressman Al Green stated, “This year’s 4th Annual Slavery Remembrance Day theme arrives at a time when many of the current administration’s policies infused with racism pose a risk of regressing to a more troubling era in American history. We must honor the more than 10 million lives sacrificed to slavery by continuously sharing the true history of Black people enslaved in America. We must protect the advancements our ancestors lived and died for to prevent history from repeating itself. I will continue fighting for Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal (its highest honor) to the enslaved, as it did for Confederate soldiers in 1956. We’ve come too far, sacrificed too much, suffered too long to turn back now. Forward ever – backward never!” 

Click here to watch the Facebook Live Stream of the event

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), a former Army Ranger who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, led a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urging him to explain why he’s considering ending an evaluation process that ensures the most qualified officers eligible for key command positions are promoted. These are known as Command Assessment Programs (CAPs). This letter was also signed by Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02).

This program goes beyond traditional evaluation methods to provide a more comprehensive view of an officer’s leadership potential and capabilities. CAPs aim to select the best leaders by examining both past performance and potential for future success in command roles.

In the letter, members said: “These programs have been in place for years across the services and help drive meritocratic promotions. Tools like the 360-peer review and double-blind interviews make up a fair and rigorous process for identifying and selecting the most capable leaders for command positions.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:  

August 15, 2025

Dear Secretary Hegseth: 

It has come to our attention that you may be considering dismantling the Command Assessment Programs (CAPs). These programs have been in place for years across the services and help drive meritocratic promotions. Tools like the 360-peer review and double-blind interviews make up a fair and rigorous process for identifying and selecting the most capable leaders for command positions. 

Given the demonstrated effectiveness in improving the quality of command selections, any proposed changes to these programs raises serious questions. We respectfully request you inform us of any plans to dismantle or make major changes to these programs. If such a decision is made, we request that you provide us with your rationale and information on how the Department intends to maintain the standards of leadership selection that CAPs have helped to achieve.