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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter, Moore, Steube, Tenney, Introduce the Make Our Streets Safe Again Act

Carter, Moore, Steube, Tenney, Introduce the Make Our Streets Safe Again Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.) today introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to offer a disaster mitigation tax credit for working waterfronts. The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would allow working waterfronts situated along coastal areas and navigable waterways to claim a 30 percent tax credit on mitigation costs, up to $1 million, with annual adjustments for inflation. U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.

“From lobstering to boatbuilding, working waterfronts are the economic backbone of many coastal communities — but they’re vanishing under pressure from development and intensifying climate impacts,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “In Maine, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable our waterfront infrastructure is to extreme storms and flooding. At a time when coastal communities in Maine, Louisiana, North Carolina, and across the country are feeling the impacts of an ever-changing and increasingly volatile climate, working waterfronts and those they support need the tools to prepare for the next disaster, not just recover from the last. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill is about protecting jobs, preserving access, and ensuring the future of our coastal way of life.”

“Properties used for commercial purposes in areas at risk of erosion and intense weather systems face unique challenges,” said Congressman Murphy, M.D. “As the representative of more than 80% of North Carolina’s coastline, I understand how tide changes and storms can jeopardize local economies that conduct business along our shores. Ensuring the resiliency of waterfront commerce is essential to our coastal communities and this legislation enables businesses to mitigate the financial costs that come with working in these areas.”

“Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine is facing challenges that will define our state’s success for generations to come,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts up and down the coast of Maine with the necessary financial resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. Thanks to Senator Cassidy for working with me to ensure our waterfront businesses have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.”  

“Let’s empower coastal businesses to invest in flood and disaster prevention before a storm hits,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Doing so protects our way of life, fishing and coastal industries, and the livelihoods of Louisiana families.”

Working waterfronts are comprised of physical property (including support structures over water and other facilities) that provide access to navigable waters to persons engaged in commercial fishing, recreational fishing and boating businesses, boatbuilding, aquaculture, or other water-dependent business used for the purpose of supporting a water-dependent business. The tax credit would be available to any small business that operates a working waterfront. For example, a coastal business owner can use this tax credit to invest in business-related infrastructure to protect property so that it does not suffer damage from rising water and storms.

“Island Institute applauds Representative Pingree for introducing the Working Waterfronts Disaster Tax Credit Act. This proposed tax credit will be an important resource for small business owners, many of whom are still grappling with damage caused by catastrophic storms in January. Maine’s working waterfront businesses need all the tools they can get to help rebuild and prepare for the next storm. This essential piece of legislation assures Maine’s working waterfront businesses can take steps today that will help them to prepare for future impacts of climate change,” said Kimberly A. Hamilton, PhD, President of Island Institute.

Pingree has long advocated for federal resources to help Maine communities preserve and expand shoreline access and infrastructure for water-dependent industries such as fishing, boat building, and aquaculture. She first introduced legislation to protect working waterfronts in the 111th Congress and is the author of the bipartisan Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act, which would support coastal communities grappling with the climate crisis and preserve the character of coastal communities by protecting jobs, commercial activities, and public access to America’s coast.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), reintroduced the Food Date Labeling Act. This bicameral, bipartisan legislation aims to end consumer confusion around expiration and “best by” dates by standardizing date labels on certain products—while helping significantly reduce food waste across the country. 

“Each year, 90% of Americans throw out perfectly safe food simply because the date labels were confusing. With food prices on the rise, that kind of waste can take a significant toll on a family’s finances,” said Pingree, co-chair of the Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus. “The broader impacts, on both the environment and the economy, are massive. That’s what makes this bill such a game-changer: By making food labels less confusing and standardizing how companies determine certain dates, we can dramatically reduce food waste—while saving families money and keeping perfectly good food out of landfills.”

“Every year, an estimated 40 percent of the food production in the U.S. goes to waste, with inconsistencies in food labeling as a driving factor,” said Newhouse. “This legislation reforms food labeling practices, saves consumers money, and ensures we make the most of out the high-quality products we enjoy every day.”

“Current food date labeling practices are arbitrary and outdated—all too often leaving consumers confused about when products are safe to eat and encouraging them to throw away perfectly good food. Our commonsense legislation brings clarity to consumers by standardizing the food labeling system. With rising food prices, the Food Date Labeling Act will help shoppers save money and help our nation reduce unnecessary food waste,” said Senator Blumenthal.

Senator Scott said, “Families across the country are working hard to take care of their families, make good decisions, and put food on the table. The last thing they need to deal with are confusing food date labels that are leading to perfectly good food being thrown away, wasting money and resources. This bipartisan bill offers a clear, straightforward solution to help consumers make smarter choices, reduce food waste, and support food donation efforts. I’m proud to work with my bipartisan colleagues to make our food system more transparent, efficient, and affordable for every American family.”

There are currently no federal regulations related to date labels on food products, with the exception of infant formula. Date labeling regulations are left up to states, which means consumers are left trying to sort out a patchwork of confounding terms. “Sell by,” “use by,” “freshest on,” and “expires on” are just a few of the phrases currently being used on food products. 

The bipartisan Food Date Labeling Act establishes an easily understood food date labeling system: 

• “BEST If Used By” communicates to consumers that the quality of the food product may begin to deteriorate after the date.
• “USE By” communicates the end of the estimated period of shelf life, after which the product should not be consumed. 

Under the bill, food manufacturers can decide which of their products carry a quality date or a discard date. It also allows food to be sold or donated after its labeled quality date, helping more food reach those who need it.

An estimated 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. goes to waste. Domestic food production accounts for significant land use, water usage, and energy consumption and results in 11% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, recovering food helps reduce climate change and ensures that the hard work and resources that go into producing food is not wasted. 

Pingree has long recognized that food waste reduction is a win-win, bringing both environmental and economic benefits. Pingree first introduced a version of the food date labeling bill, as well as the more comprehensive Food Recovery Act, in the 113th Congress. 

In the spring of 2018, she launched Congress’s first-ever Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus with former Congressman David Young (R-Iowa), and currently serves as co-chair with Congressman Newhouse. The 2018 Farm Bill included Pingree’s provisions to create the first full-time food loss and waste reduction liaison at USDA, a composting and food waste reduction pilot program, and the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to reduce on-farm waste. 

Following a request for study made by Pingree and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) in October 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report with recommendations on how the federal government can expand its efforts to reduce food waste. Another GAO report focused on food date labeling was published in 2019.

Provisions to standardize food date labeling to reduce consumer confusion are also included in Pingree and Senator Martin Heinrich’s (D-N.M.) Agriculture Resilience Act, which was reintroduced in April. 

INDUSTRY AND ADVOCACY STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT FOR THE FOOD DATE LABELING ACT

Renee Albrecht, representative of the Zero Food Waste Coalition: “Confusing date labels drive up food waste and grocery bills for American families. With around 50 different terms in use, it’s no wonder people end up tossing perfectly good food. The bipartisan Food Date Labeling Act cuts through that confusion with clear, standardized labels – saving consumers money and keeping more food out of landfills. We’re grateful to Representatives Pingree and Newhouse and Senators Blumenthal and Scott for championing this commonsense fix that’s good for wallets and waste reduction.” 

Dana Gunders, President, ReFED: “Today, people are throwing perfectly good food away because they misunderstand food date labels. Eliminating this confusion will save consumers and businesses money. It’s a win-win and we’re thrilled to see more bipartisan and industry support for this policy than ever before.” 

Pete Pearson, Vice President Food – Food Loss and Waste, World Wildlife Fund: “In the US, it’s estimated that 30-40 percent of our food supply is lost or wasted. When we waste food, we waste all the underlying inputs used to produce it, including land, water, and energy resources. In this context, preventing food waste represents a critical act of conservation. The Food Date Labeling Act along with nationwide consumer education will heighten awareness on food waste and help us all adjust behaviors at home. This is a win-win for consumers’ wallets and the environment.” 

Susanne Lee, Faculty Fellow, Sen. George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine: “Our wasted food research at UMaine’s Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions clearly supports national data showing that the vast majority of consumers – estimated at over 80% – are confused by food date labels leading them to throw out perfectly good and edible food. In Maine, confusing food date labeling results in approximately 10% of all wasted food or approximately 36,000 tons annually. This needless waste of good, edible food is especially concerning at a time when Feeding America data shows 1 in 5 children in Maine go hungry. In addition, this waste squanders Maine’s precious resources – fresh water, energy, soil and labor – which are used to produce food that is ultimately thrown away. We thank Congresswoman Pingree for her perseverance and hard work to end this date label confusion and the estimated $7 billion in food wasted nationally each year. We also appreciate the bi-partisan action behind this legislation to end this waste of our valuable food resource.”

Greg Williams, Director of Public Policy & Affairs, Agri-Cycle: “As a Maine-based food waste hauler focused on climate solutions, we see firsthand how unclear date labels cause confusion for consumers and businesses alike — contributing to 4.25 million tons of surplus food every year, much of which ends up in landfills or incinerators. Standardizing date labeling through the Food Date Labeling Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step that could reduce 2.23 million metric tons of CO₂ annually, according to ReFED. We’re proud to support this initiative and grateful for Congresswoman Pingree’s leadership in driving climate-smart food policy that supports Maine’s economy and the environment.” 

Sarah Gallo, Senior Vice President Product Policy, Consumer Brands Association: “The makers of America’s trusted household brands have always been committed to increasing consumer transparency and reducing unnecessary food waste. A streamlined and standardized approach to wording accompanying date labels on packages increases consumer confidence in the quality and safety of products. The Food Date Labeling Act of 2025 builds on industry led efforts and provides national uniformity to prevent consumer confusion. We appreciate the sponsors’ efforts to balance the needs of the consumer and complexity of changing labels.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after House Republicans passed H.R. 4 which would rescind $9 billion in Congressionally approved bipartisan funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid.  
  
“Cuts to USAID will cost lives—millions of them. These are the very programs that prevent disease outbreaks, ensure safe childbirth, support refugees fleeing conflict, and provide lifesaving humanitarian aid to Ukraine. 
 
“Here at home, this bill eliminates all federal funding for PBS and NPR. In Colorado, CPR is our only outlet with a DC-based reporter, covering our entire delegation and providing essential news. These cuts will rob millions of Americans of local news, emergency alerts, and trusted educational programming. 
 
“Congress holds the power of the purse. It’s in the Constitution. Instead, we’re watching that power slip away as Republicans continuously cave to Trump’s demands and dismantle the very institutions we’re meant to protect.”

Last month, Rep. DeGette joined House Democrats in voting against the cuts before they were sent to the Senate. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

August 05, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today in introducing the Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements (SAFE) Act. This bill addresses financial contributions from hostile countries to universities in the United States. 
“Students and faculty deserve full confidence that their university’s finances are transparent and above board. Allowing foreign adversaries to gain a foothold in our education system is a direct threat to both our national security and the integrity of American higher education,” said Rep. Steube. “My bill will address this threat by banning universities from accepting gifts or entering contractual agreements with suspect foreign nations and restoring transparency to university financing.”
The SAFE Act is the House companion to legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan this Congress.
Background: This legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from receiving gifts and entering into agreements with foreign countries of concern. It also requires the reporting of all gifts or contracts with foreign sources from “covered nations” to the Department of Education. Disclosure reports will be provided to the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON — Today, Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Burgess Owens (UT-04)introduced the Safe Transit Accountability Act, legislation that would strengthen public transit safety and ensure public transit agencies efficiently comply with federal public safety standards.

The bill clarifies requirements under Public Transit Agency Safety Plans to ensure that the ability to resolve disputes on a transit agency’s Safety Committee aligns with the executive authority ultimately responsible for rider and operator safety. This change will also guarantee that bureaucratic gridlock does not jeopardize federal grant disbursements.

“Thousands of individuals in Lancaster and York Counties use public transportation each day—to commute to work, attend school, or simply get around town. I thank Rep. Owens for joining me in introducing this legislation which takes important steps to address current risks and improve transit system operations. I’m committed to ensuring every American can count on these systems to prioritize their safety,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

“The Safe Transit Accountability Act restores common sense by removing bureaucratic roadblocks and putting safety decisions back in the hands of those responsible for running our transit systems. I’m proud to co-lead this bill with Congressman Smucker to empower agencies like the Utah Transit Authority, protect riders, and ensure Utah’s growing communities have the safe, reliable service they deserve,” said Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04).

Currently, Federal Transit Administration regulations require public transit agencies receiving federal funding to establish Safety Committees. However, the law does not provide a clear mechanism for resolving disputes within the committees. This bill addresses the current standard by helping to resolve these compliance challenges and facilitating implementation of agency safety standards.

This bill is endorsed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) commends Representative Smucker for his outstanding leadership in introducing the Safe Transit Accountability Act. This important legislation reflects his strong commitment to public transit safety and a clear understanding of the challenges public transit agencies face. We’re grateful for his dedication to strengthening safety for the millions who rely on public transportation every day,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA President and CEO.

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

Today’s town hall was intentionally disrupted to attempt to silence a democratic conversation between a Representative and his constituents. This behavior is unacceptable. One of my staff members was physically assaulted during the chaos – an act that crosses every line of civil discourse.

Peaceful protest is protected in our democracy. Violence and coordinated efforts to shut down public dialogue are not. My team and I remain committed to open, respectful engagement with the people of the Ninth District.

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

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) – in writing to Susan M. Collins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, requesting additional information on the impact of tariffs on small businesses, including crosstabulations showing the expected and realized impacts of tariffs on small businesses broken down by industry, importer status, and firm size.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “Recent tariff actions announced by President Trump, including a proposed 10 percent across-the-board tariff and higher, targeted rates on certain trading partners, are already causing hardship in our communities. Small firms across Massachusetts tell us they face rising input costs and price uncertainty, and they question how much of those costs they can pass on to customers without losing sales. National reporting indicates that U.S. businesses are bracing for broader supply chain disruption as these measures roll out. Federal Reserve Beige Book reporting similarly points to tariff-related price pressures emerging in several regions, including the Boston District.”

The lawmakers request the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston provide:

• Follow-up surveys on the impacts of tariffs on small businesses;
• Crosstabulations of the data by industry, importer status, and firm size;
• A breakdown of New England and, if the sample allows, Massachusetts-specific data;
• Data around whether tariff‑related cost pressure has impacted hiring plans, hours, or wages;
• Data around whether tariff-related cost pressure has impacted growth and investment plans for small businesses, including consideration or actions towards closure;
• Data around whether tariff-related cost pressure has increased costs for consumers.

A copy of the letter is available here.

Rep. Pressley has been a vocal advocate for small businesses—investing in their ability to thrive, uplifting local economies, and promoting support for minority-owned businesses impacted by systemic inequities.

In response to the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Pressley led the Saving Our Street (SOS) Act, legislation that provides federal support to microbusinesses throughout America during the COVID-19 crisis.

In 2024, Rep. Pressley secured $1,000,000 in federal community project funding for the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA). The funding aimed to help BECMA’s efforts to support small Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs through technical assistance and other tools and services.

In 2023, Rep, Pressley secured $400,000 in federal community project funding for Amplify LatinX’s ALX Small Business Program. The federal dollars supported bilingual, culturally relevant, and intensive strategic business coaching to Latinx small businesses, and invested in the economic stability and vitality of the Latinx community – one of the fastest growing communities across the Commonwealth and one that was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

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

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, announced that she is the Democratic co-lead of the App Store Freedom Act, bipartisan legislation that will increase consumer choice and foster a more competitive mobile app marketplace by curbing anticompetitive behavior from dominant app store operators.
“For too long, a handful of dominant app store operators have used their outsized power to limit consumer choice, undercut developers, and stifle innovation. The App Store Freedom Act puts an end to those anticompetitive tactics by restoring fairness and transparency to the mobile app marketplace,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This bipartisan legislation ensures that developers can compete on a level playing field and that consumers – not corporations – get to decide which apps and services work best for them.”
The bill applies to app stores with more than 100 million U.S. users and requires them to:

Allow users to install and set third-party app stores or apps as defaults.

Enable sideloading of apps from outside the dominant platform.

Give users the ability to delete or hide pre-installed apps.

Provide developers with equal, non-discriminatory access to essential APIs, features, and tools free of charge.

These provisions aim to create a level playing field for app developers while restoring control and choice to consumers.
“We must continue to hold Big Tech accountable and promote competition that allows all players to enter the field. For too long, consumers and developers have borne the brunt of anti-competitive practices on major app store marketplaces,” said Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), the Republican co-lead. “Dominant app stores have controlled customer data and forced consumers to use the marketplaces’ own merchant services, instead of the native, in-app offerings provided by the applications and developers themselves. The results are higher prices and limited selections for consumers and anti-competitive practices for developers that have stifled innovation.”
The bill also cracks down on restrictive policies that limit developer autonomy. It would bar app stores from forcing developers to adopt proprietary in-app payment systems, enforce pricing parity requirements, or penalize developers for offering their apps through alternative channels.
“CAF applauds Rep. Trahan for joining Rep. Cammack in co-sponsoring the App Store Freedom Act. The bipartisan support for this legislation speaks to a clear consensus: Apple and Google’s mobile walled gardens must be reformed. The bill takes a commonsense and targeted approach to ensuring consumer choice, competition, and opens the door for alternative app marketplaces. We urge Rep. Cammack and Trahan’s colleagues to join them in supporting the App Store Freedom Act,” said Gene Burrus, Global Policy Counsel for The Coalition for App Fairness.
“I commend Rep. Trahan for joining Rep. Cammack in co-sponsoring the App Store Freedom Act, which would rein in Apple and Google’s gatekeeper power over the mobile app economy. This bipartisan support in the House reflects growing momentum for app store reforms that will help put an end to anti-competitive practices that have raised costs and stifled innovative offerings. Critically, the bill would also enable new app stores that cater to the specific needs of parents and children,” said Evan Swarztrauber, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation.
“A competitive app market is essential to ensuring that developers can reach users on fair terms, innovate freely, and compete on quality. It means better options for users and better outcomes for creators. Platforms should be gateways to consumer choice – not gatekeepers,” said Elise Phillips, Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge.
“Dominant app stores act as gatekeepers building digital walls rigged with fees and surveillance tools to extract more money from consumers and crush competition. The App Store Freedom Act tears down those walls by providing freedom of choice and fair access. Rep. Trahan’s bill works to break the stranglehold that Big Tech has on the app economy by putting consumer choice over platform profits,” said J.B. Branch, Big Tech Accountability Advocate at Public Citizen.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)