MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Rep. Weber Reintroduces School Resource Officer Reform Act

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

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson, Fire Chief Greg Lagoy, and local officials to celebrate the arrival of three new emergency response vehicles purchased with $1,800,410 in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“When we passed the American Rescue Plan, it was about supporting families in need and strengthening our communities for the long haul,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This investment in Gardner’s emergency response fleet is exactly the kind of smart, forward-looking use of federal funds we envisioned. I’m proud to stand with Mayor Nicholson and Chief Lagoy today to celebrate these new vehicles and the incredible first responders who will use them to save lives.”
“Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, we were able to make a historic investment in our public safety departments—providing them with the critical tools and equipment they need to serve our community safely and effectively,” said Mayor Nicholson. “This level of investment, including the purchase of a new fire engine, rescue vehicle, ambulance, and several hybrid police cruisers, would not have been possible without this federal support. These upgrades will serve our residents for years to come. I want to sincerely thank Congresswoman Trahan for her unwavering support and advocacy for the City of Gardner, and for her partnership in helping secure and put these funds to work for our community.”
Thanks to Trahan’s support for the American Rescue Plan, the City of Gardner received over $6.1 million in federal relief to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and invest in critical local needs. A portion of that funding – just over $1.8 million – was allocated to upgrade the City’s emergency response fleet, including the purchase of:
·       A new Fire Rescue Truck: $850,000
·       A new Fire Engine: $650,410
·       A new Ambulance: $300,000
These investments will enhance the City’s emergency response capabilities and ensure Gardner’s first responders have the equipment they need to keep residents safe.
“The Gardner Fire Department would like to thank Congresswoman Trahan for supporting the American Rescue Plan,” said Chief Gregory F. Lagoy. “This funding provided the City the ability to purchase much-needed, reliable, up-to-date equipment for our firefighters. These new vehicles replaced three well-worn apparatus, including a 1996 vintage Heavy Rescue Truck.”
In addition to this public safety investment, Gardner has used $1.7 million in ARPA funding to launch a small business grant program that has supported numerous local establishments still recovering from the pandemic.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the White House’s decision to conduct a review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions, materials and operations ahead of America’s 250th anniversary next year—and its directive to “celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions”:

For the President of the United States to suggest that he can dictate the Smithsonian’s curatorial decisions—what it displays, what information it conveys, and what stories it should tell—is disturbingly arrogant. That he chose three acolytes with no relevant experience to lead this ridiculous cultural crusade—including Russell Vought, one of the chief architects of Project 2025—makes the decision even more alarming, and signals that this independent institution will now be pressured by the President’s political whims. 

The Smithsonian is more than a collection of museums. It’s an American treasure. It tells the story of our country (and our world) in a way that no book or documentary ever could. It aims to tell that story truthfully and completely—the good and the bad, the tragic and triumphant, forever reflecting our nation’s diversity, dynamism, and complicated past. The public can trust the Smithsonian.

But the President isn’t interested in the truth or actual history. What he wants is propaganda. He wants the museums to present ‘unity, progress, and the enduring values that define the American story’, as if he is somehow the sole arbiter of what these words mean, or that they’re the only words that matter in telling that story. He wants to ‘remove divisive or partisan narratives’ that go against his narrow and whitewashed idea of what America is, as if struggle, sacrifice, and social change weren’t the driving forces behind the very unity, progress, and values that he claims to care about. He wants history without the hard truths—and a story of America wholly detached from reality.

This is what despots and dictators do. As Ranking Member of the subcommittee that oversees the Smithsonian, I will do everything in my power to ensure he doesn’t get away with it—and that the Smithsonian continues to have the resources and expertise necessary to maintain public trust and fulfill its mission free of political interference from the White House.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today sent a letter to Trump’s Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding she reverse her decision to reassign half of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) human resources and security employees to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 90 days – in the middle of peak hurricane season.

Pallone called the move “short-sighted” and “extremely dangerous,” warning it would gut FEMA’s ability to respond to hurricanes and other disasters during the most critical months of the year for coastal states like New Jersey.

“A mass detail during hurricane season is unheard of precisely because past leadership recognized that doing so would kneecap FEMA’s ability to keep Americans safe,” Pallone wrote. “…The Trump Administration fired and pushed into early retirement one-third of FEMA’s workforce, crippling its ability to respond to back-to-back disasters. FEMA’s workforce is now stretched perilously thin managing numerous ongoing disasters.”

Pallone’s letter cites the recent devastating floods in Texas  as well as ongoing recovery issues in North Carolina and other major flooding events across the country. He warned that removing more than 100 key FEMA employees now will slow or block the delivery of lifesaving aid in the aftermath of storms.

The Trump Administration’s reassignment of FEMA staff is also part of a broader shift in federal priorities under Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) which dramatically expands ICE funding, enabling a mass deportation initiative, while slashing key social safety net programs like Medicaid and food assistance. Pallone noted that Republicans in Congress passed the OBBB with over $30 billion specifically to expand ICE staffing, making the poaching of FEMA staff unnecessary for immigration enforcement.

“When it comes to disaster response, our nation should not shoot from the hip,” Pallone wrote. “Emergency management isn’t just FEMA’s job, it’s America’s promise to our citizens.”

Pallone emphasized that FEMA’s human resources and security teams are essential to disaster operations – rapidly hiring recovery workers, securing contracts, conducting background checks, and protecting field operations. Stripping away half of that workforce during the height of hurricane season, he said, puts every coastal state at risk.

With experts forecasting an above-average hurricane season, including the likelihood of multiple major storms, Pallone urged Noem to “bring these key employees back to FEMA before it’s too late.”

The full letter is available here and below:

Secretary Noem:  

I urge you to immediately reverse your decision to detail half of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) human resources and security staff to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Making this decision in the middle of peak hurricane season is yet another example of dangerous decisions you and FEMA’s Acting Director David Richardson have demonstrated and put the health and safety of my constituents on the Jersey Shore at risk. 

Reassigning more than 100 key FEMA employees to ICE for 90 days during the months of August, September, and October is not only short-sighted, but also extremely dangerous. A mass detail during hurricane season is unheard of precisely because past leadership recognized that doing so would kneecap FEMA’s ability to keep Americans safe. I was already concerned about the agency’s capacity to respond to hurricanes impacting the Jersey Shore after learning that FEMA got rid of 2,000 employees. 

Based on the evidence, FEMA is understaffed, poorly managed and woefully unprepared for what forecasters claim will be an above-average hurricane season. The Trump Administration fired and pushed into early retirement one-third of FEMA’s workforce crippling its ability to respond to back-to-back disasters. FEMA’s workforce is now stretched perilously thin managing numerous ongoing disasters. This includes the recent devastating Texas floods, which left Americans without promised services, and ongoing recovery issues in North Carolina and other major flooding events across the country.    

Shifting more than 100 key FEMA employees to ICE to carry out your mass deportation initiative puts Americans at risk. In response to a major disaster, FEMA depends on their human resources and security teams to surge assistance into impacted communities with hundreds of local hires, recovery contracts, background investigations, and field operations security. Poaching employees from FEMA is also unnecessary given that Republicans in Congress passed the One Big Ugly Bill that  supercharges ICE with over $30 billion for the sole purpose of hiring additional agents that they do not even need. 

When it comes to disaster response, our nation should not shoot from the hip. Asking communities and states to face extreme weather alone is wrong. Emergency management isn’t just FEMA’s job; it’s America’s promise to our citizens. 

We are in the height of hurricane season, where a major storm is a true all-hands-on-deck moment. I strongly urge you to immediately reverse this decision and bring these key employees back to FEMA before it’s too late.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON (August 13, 2025) – Today, Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA), Raul Ruiz M.D. (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Brad Schneider (D-IL) announced the introduction of the BENES 2.0 Act, aimed at protecting Americans approaching Medicare eligibility from costly and confusing enrollment penalties. The bill’s rollout occurs just one day before the 90th anniversary of Social Security, reinforcing the lawmakers’ commitment to improving access and understanding for critical retirement-era benefits.

Complex Medicare enrollment rules and insufficient notification are causing tens of thousands of older adults and individuals with disabilities to face lifetime fines, gaps in coverage, and unexpected health care costs. With fewer individuals automatically enrolled in Medicare—and approximately 10,000 Baby Boomers aging into eligibility every day—many are required to navigate active enrollment. Missing the initial window can result in permanent penalties. In 2020, about 776,000 Medicare beneficiaries were paying a Late Enrollment Penalty, which averaged nearly a 27% increase in their monthly premium.

The BENES 2.0 Act would direct the federal government to include critical Medicare eligibility and enrollment information in Social Security statements sent to individuals as they near Medicare eligibility—typically between ages 60 and 65—giving advanced notice and reducing confusion. This measure would fill a longstanding gap in outreach and education.

“Medicare is an earned benefit, and we should make sure it’s easier for people who qualify to enroll in that earned benefit! I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill that could help hundreds of thousands of Americans to avoid costly penalties and receive crucial health care,” said Congressman Dwight Evans.

“Too many hardworking Americans are blindsided by lifetime Medicare penalties because they didn’t know when or how to enroll. The BENES 2.0 Act is a commonsense, bipartisan fix that empowers people with advance information, helping protect their health and their finances,” said Congressman Ruiz. “As we honor Social Security’s 90th anniversary, let’s recommit to strengthening—not complicating—pathways to health coverage.”

“I’ve heard from many constituents who were confused by their Medicare options and ended up paying significant penalties due to simple misunderstandings about how the program works. We addressed some of those challenges with the original BENES Act, which is now law. BENES 2 builds on that progress by ensuring every American receives a clear, written explanation of their eligibility before they have to choose a plan. This will empower seniors to make better-informed decisions about their health care. I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to simplify Medicare and make it more accessible and user-friendly for older Americans,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

“Our Medicare system exists to ensure our seniors have access to quality, affordable health care, but for too many older Americans the enrollment process can be a source of stress, confusion, and even lifelong financial penalties. The BENES Act – which I coauthored and is now law – made commonsense updates to improve education, fix the fragmented enrollment periods, and make sure fewer seniors fall through the cracks. I am proud to again join my colleagues in introducing BENES 2.0 to proactively provide seniors with better information about enrollment as they near Medicare eligibility,” said Congressman Schneider.

The bill is backed by over 85 national and state organizations, including AARP, AFL-CIO, Medicare Rights Center, BlueCross BlueShield Association, Better Medicare Alliance, CVSHealth, and The Arc of the United States.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

San Diego, CA – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) hosted a press conference to highlight how President Trump’s tariffs are creating economic chaos, raising prices for hardworking Americans, and weakening our standing on the global stage.  

Tariffs will cost the average San Diego household nearly $2,400 a year. The U.S. Department of Labor’s data shows that 14,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since President Trump first announced tariffs in April and prices have increased for three straight months as businesses pass the extra costs onto consumers. Tariffs have raised prices on everything from cars to food to housing construction materials, and now back to school supplies.  

“We need to be very clear about what tariffs do to our businesses, consumers, and our economy,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “Tariffs are a tax that our businesses pay, which increases prices for Americans already struggling with the cost of living. I’ll keep pushing back on President Trump’s harmful tariffs that are making America weaker, not “Great Again.”  

Rep. Peters brought together business and trade leaders from around San Diego to share how tariffs are hurting foreign investments in American businesses, increasing costs for small businesses, and leading to job losses. All attendees included Rep. Sara Jacobs, Chris Cate from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Nikia Clarke from the World Trade Center, Michael Farrington with Corza Medical, Dan Clark with Dan Clark Audio, and Brian Miller with Geppettos Toys.  

“Tariffs hurt our regional economy. They cost jobs, reduce investment, raise prices for families, and undermine the cross-border economic engine that helps make our region the best place to live and work and a model of binational cooperation,” said Chris Cate, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We urge leaders in Washington to protect the partnership between the US and Mexico; not tax it.” 

“The average tariff rate in this country has risen from approximately two percent to about 18 percent. These new taxes on imports will have significant impacts on businesses, on prices, and on consumers. The long-term impacts of this new tariff regime on jobs and supply chains are even more critical,” said Nikia Clarke, Executive Director, World Trade Center San Diego, the international team at San Diego Regional EDC. “Rising tariffs make it harder for our companies to compete abroad—especially the 95 percent of regional exporters that are small businesses.” 

“Dan Clark Audio has always manufactured in San Diego. The recent tariffs are putting our entire export business at risk because our parts now cost 50% more than any other manufacturer of headphones would pay for the same component,” said Dan Clark, CEO of Dan Clark Audio. “As a small business, we can’t just absorb the cost of tariffs, so we will have to raise our prices. Instead of helping us as a US manufacturer, tariffs may well cripple our export business.” 

In early August, President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on more than 90 countries, including the U.S. top three trading partners – China, Canada, and Mexico. Tariffs range from 10 percent on the United Kingdom and Australia, to 50 percent on Brazil and India.  

A livestreamed recording of the press conference may be viewed here. 

Additional photos from the event, courtesy of the office of Rep. Scott Peters, can be found here.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Grothman Responds to Rep. Delia Ramirez’s Overwhelming Loyalty to Guatemala

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

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Massachusetts Department of Transportation “(MassDOT) Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Lowell’s state delegation, and Mill City leaders to officially break ground on the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project, a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade made possible by $251 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.“For decades, folks in Lowell have waited for a permanent solution to the Rourke Bridge, and today, we’re delivering. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re breaking ground on a safe, modern bridge that will finally meet the needs of Mill City residents,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “This project is about more than just reducing traffic – it’s about connecting neighborhoods, improving safety, and investing in Lowell’s future. I was proud to fight for the funding that made this possible, and I’ll keep working to bring federal dollars home to deliver results for our community.”“I’m proud to help deliver $251 million in federal funding for a milestone decades in the making: the replacement of the Rourke Bridge,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “This groundbreaking represents a bridge to a strong future for Lowell—a bridge between our federal, state, and local government, and a bridge between the communities of workers, immigrants, students, and scientists who embody the city of Lowell. At a moment when federal funding is under attack, this investment in Lowell—made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—demonstrates the power of what we can achieve when Congress partners with our states and municipalities to deliver transformative investments. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Trahan, Senator Warren, the Healey-Driscoll administration, City Manager Golden, Mayor Rourke, and state and local officials in Lowell for their dedication to making this project a reality.”“Today’s groundbreaking is a tremendous milestone in getting the Rourke Bridge off the ground,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Our work to deliver the federal funding for this bridge is an example of the good we can do in government when we fight for it.”“The Lowell Rourke Bridge Replacement Project will result in smoother, faster commutes and restore a critical link for the Greater Lowell community and economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is proud to support this project, and we are grateful for the strong leadership of Congresswoman Trahan and Senators Markey and Warren to secure this funding for our communities.”Constructed in 1983 as a “temporary” structure, the Rourke Bridge has served as a vital connection between Lowell’s Highlands and Pawtucketville neighborhoods for over 40 years. Despite its temporary origins, the bridge remains in daily use by more than 27,000 vehicles, yet lacks the capacity and multimodal infrastructure to support today’s traffic volumes and accessibility standards.In 2021, Trahan supported passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is delivering more than $10 billion to support infrastructure improvement projects across the Commonwealth. Recognizing the critical need for a permanent replacement, Congresswoman Trahan worked with then-Governor Charlie Baker to prioritize the Rourke Bridge in the state’s bridge replacement plan. The $303 million project, now supported by Governor Maura Healey’s administration, is being funded largely through the $251 million in federal dollars secured by Trahan and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Over the last decade, Lowell’s federal delegation has secured $286 million in federal funding for Lowell’s bridges.“The Rourke Bridge is more than just a way to cross the Merrimack; it’s a lifeline for Lowell and the surrounding region,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Breaking ground on this project marks a major step toward a safer, stronger, and more connected future. With new lanes, sidewalks, and shared-use paths, the bridge will serve drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike, while modernized intersections will keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. I’m deeply grateful to our municipal partners, legislative delegation, and project team for their collaboration in delivering an investment that will strengthen this connection and benefit the community for generations.”“The Rourke Bridge is a key crossing over the Merrimack River and the design of the replacement bridge is a major victory for both safety and mobility in the city of Lowell,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Once complete, the finished product will be a landmark structure that will meet the city’s dynamic transportation needs well into the future.”The Rourke Bridge Replacement Project will deliver a state-of-the-art, 84-foot-wide, seven-span structure built adjacent to the existing bridge. The new bridge will include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, stormwater improvements, modern highway lighting, landscaping, and utility relocations. Construction will allow the current bridge to remain open with minimal traffic disruption. The new bridge is expected to open to traffic by the end of 2029, with final project completion anticipated by spring 2030.“Today’s milestone shows what’s possible when local, state, and federal leaders work together toward a shared goal,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “This project is an investment in Lowell’s infrastructure that will ease congestion, improve safety for all modes of travel, and support economic growth on both sides of the Merrimack River. I want to thank our partners for securing the funding and prioritizing a project that will have lasting benefits for Lowell.”“This groundbreaking marks a new era for one of Lowell’s most important connections,” said Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke. “The Rourke Bridge has been a lifeline for residents, businesses, and commuters, and this permanent replacement will make it safer, more accessible, and better equipped to serve our community for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Trahan, our federal and state partners, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”Trahan has continued to secure significant federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in projects across the City of Lowell. In 2023, Trahan, Markey, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced $21.4 million to upgrade four key canal bridges. Last year, Trahan and Markey celebrated $15 million to support energy efficiency efforts throughout Lowell Public Schools and $6.8 million for 7 new hybrid buses for the Lowell Regional Transit Authority. She also announced $5.5 million to support revitalization efforts along the VFW Highway and in the Hamilton Canal District and highlighted $1.2 million for a pollution prevention project at the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), an independent state agency based at UMass Lowell.These investments are part of Trahan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the region’s infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs, and building a safer, more connected future for Lowell residents.
 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led Washington state’s Democratic Congressional delegation – Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) – in a recent letter to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s disastrous decision to eliminate funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This decision is a blow to widely supported salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts, and undermines longstanding Tribal partnerships built over many years.

RFEGs represent a unique model to engage local communities in salmon recovery through hands-on habitat restoration, public outreach, and partnerships with tribal, federal, state, and private entities. Operating as fourteen independent entities across Washington state, these groups sponsor some of the largest, most complex habitat projects focused on specific geographic regions, allowing them to tailor projects to local needs while contributing to a statewide coordinated salmon recovery strategy. Quotes from RFEGs across Washington state about the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate funding are collected here.

“We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) elimination of $1,285,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 funding for Washington state’s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This widely supported program is a critical component of community-driven salmon recovery efforts, creating thousands of jobs and spurring millions of dollars in economic development across all corners of our state. Your decision to cut funding undermines longstanding partnerships and progress that have been built over many years,” the bicameral group of Members wrote. “We urge you to disburse this previously appropriated funding immediately to prevent disruption to critical recovery and restoration projects.”

“Elimination of federal RFEGs funding has had immediate consequences for salmon recovery efforts throughout Washington state,” the Members continued. “Without this support, dozens of active habitat restoration projects will be delayed, scaled back, or abandoned entirely, jeopardizing critical work to reopen fish passage, improve spawning and rearing habitat, and restore degraded stream systems. The loss of federal funding also threatens to destabilize longstanding partnerships between tribes, private landowners, and state agencies that have been central to the program’s success. Many RFEGs rely on federal funds as core operational support that enable them to leverage additional resources. Without this foundation, the capacity to plan, coordinate and execute complex restoration projects will be drastically diminished.”

“We urge you to immediately reverse the decision to terminate funding for the RFEG Program and ensure continued federal support,” the group of Members wrote. The Members concluded by requesting answers to a list of detailed questions regarding the elimination of RFEG funding by August 8th – the Department still has not responded.

The full text of the letter is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

Smith Joins WA Democrats in Urging Interior Secretary Burgum to Restore Funding for Critical Salmon Recovery and Habitat Restoration Efforts in WA State   

 

Bicameral group of Members urge Trump administration to restore funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups, abrupt cancelation of $1.285 million for WA state jeopardizes dozens of active habitat restoration projects across the state

 

Quotes from all 14 Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups across Washington state HERE

 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) led Washington state’s Democratic Congressional delegation—Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10)—in a recent letter to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s disastrous decision to eliminate funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This decision is a blow to widely supported salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts, and undermines longstanding Tribal partnerships built over many years.

 

Through her leadership on the Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray has secured millions of dollars in funding for RFEGs in Washington state over the past several years. RFEGs represent a unique model to engage local communities in salmon recovery through hands-on habitat restoration, public outreach, and partnerships with tribal, federal, state, and private entities. Operating as fourteen independent entities across Washington state, these groups sponsor some of the largest, most complex habitat projects focused on specific geographic regions, allowing them to tailor projects to local needs while contributing to a statewide coordinated salmon recovery strategy. Quotes from RFEGs across Washington state about the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate funding are collected HERE.

 

“We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) elimination of $1,285,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 funding for Washington state’s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This widely supported program is a critical component of community-driven salmon recovery efforts, creating thousands of jobs and spurring millions of dollars in economic development across all corners of our state. Your decision to cut funding undermines longstanding partnerships and progress that have been built over many years, the bicameral group of Members wrote. “We urge you to disburse this previously appropriated funding immediately to prevent disruption to critical recovery and restoration projects.”

 

“Elimination of federal RFEGs funding has had immediate consequences for salmon recovery efforts throughout Washington state,” the Members continued. “Without this support, dozens of active habitat restoration projects will be delayed, scaled back, or abandoned entirely, jeopardizing critical work to reopen fish passage, improve spawning and rearing habitat, and restore degraded stream systems. The loss of federal funding also threatens to destabilize longstanding partnerships between tribes, private landowners, and state agencies that have been central to the program’s success. Many RFEGs rely on federal funds as core operational support that enable them to leverage additional resources. Without this foundation, the capacity to plan, coordinate and execute complex restoration projects will be drastically diminished.”

 

“We urge you to immediately reverse the decision to terminate funding for the RFEG Program and ensure continued federal support,” the group of Members wrote. The Members concluded by requesting answers to a list of detailed questions regarding the elimination of RFEG funding by August 8^th—the Department still has not responded.

 

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

 

Dear Secretary Burgum,

 

We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) elimination of $1,285,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 funding for Washington state’s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). This widely supported program is a critical component of community-driven salmon recovery efforts, creating thousands of jobs and spurring millions of dollars in economic development across all corners of our state. Your decision to cut funding undermines longstanding partnerships and progress that have been built over many years. As members of the Washington state Congressional Delegation, we urge you to disburse this previously appropriated funding immediately to prevent disruption to critical recovery and restoration projects.

 

RFEGs represent a unique model, rooted in local knowledge and leadership, to engage local communities in salmon recovery through hands-on habitat restoration, public outreach, and partnerships with tribal, federal, state, and private entities. Operating as fourteen independent entities across our state, these groups sponsor some of the largest, most complex habitat projects focused on specific geographic regions, allowing them to tailor projects to local needs while contributing to a statewide coordinated salmon recovery strategy.

 

Salmon recovery brings clear benefits to communities, including cleaner water, reduced flooding, more productive farmland, healthier forests and shorelines, and access to fishing and outdoor recreation. Over the last 30 years, RFEGs have completed nearly 5,000 salmon restoration projects in Washington state. These efforts include removing 1,071 barriers to fish passage, reopening 1,520 miles of stream, and restoring 2,457 miles of habitat. This work spurs critical economic development across our state by creating engineering, contracting, and construction jobs which in turn support a strong and sustainable fishing industry that generates significant economic benefits in rural communities. For example, in Washington state recreational salmon harvesting is responsible for nearly 23,000 jobs and more than $1 billion is spent on recreational fishing equipment and trips annually. 

 

Elimination of federal RFEGs funding has had immediate consequences for salmon recovery efforts throughout Washington state. Without this support, dozens of active habitat restoration projects will be delayed, scaled back, or abandoned entirely, jeopardizing critical work to reopen fish passage, improve spawning and rearing habitat, and restore degraded stream systems. The loss of federal funding also threatens to destabilize longstanding partnerships between tribes, private landowners, and state agencies that have been central to the program’s success. RFEGs rely on federal funds as core operational support that enable them to leverage additional resources, often achieving an eight to one match. Without this foundation, the capacity to plan, coordinate and execute complex restoration projects will be drastically diminished.

 

Moreover, the decision undermines federal government trust responsibilities to tribes, which include honoring treaty rights and supporting the recovery of culturally and ecologically significant species like salmon. These responsibilities require sustained, science-based efforts to restore salmon populations and their habitats. Fulfilling these obligations also aligns with compliance under the Endangered Species Act. Beyond restoration, RFEGs provide invaluable hands-on education opportunities for local schools, youth organizations, and community members. These experiences not only engage the next generation of conservation leaders but foster broad-based public support for habitat protection. Community-driven conservation efforts are among the most effective to achieve durable, sustainable outcomes because they are rooted in local expertise, reduce administrative overhead, and allow projects to move forward quickly and efficiently.

 

Given the consequences of your department’s decision, we request additional information, provided no later than August 8, 2025, regarding the elimination of this funding.

 

1. Which tribes were consulted prior to the decision to eliminate funding for the RFEG program?
2. Which stakeholders, including state agencies, and local partners were consulted prior to the decision to eliminate funding for the RFEG program?
3. What analysis was conducted to assess the potential economic impacts to local communities, including rural economies that depend on salmon recovery efforts, before making this funding decision?
4. What consideration was given to federal obligations under the Endangered Species Act prior to eliminating this funding?
5. Are similar habitat restoration programs or comparable community-driven conservation efforts in other states continuing to receive federal funding? If so, what criteria were used to determine which programs to sustain and which to eliminate?
6. How does your department plan to ensure the continuity of salmon recovery efforts currently supported by RFEGs?

 

We urge you to immediately reverse the decision to terminate funding for the RFEG Program and ensure continued federal support. We stand ready to work with you to identify solutions that uphold federal commitments and preserve Washington’s iconic salmon culture and economy for future generations.

 

Sincerely,

 

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