MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui (CA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01), released the following statement in response to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin’s formal decision to repeal the landmark Endangerment Finding and gut life-saving pollution standards for motor vehicles. Previously, SEEC sent a letter in February condemning Administrator Zeldin’s reported recommendation to strike down EPA’s Endangerment Finding. 

“EPA Administrator Zeldin’s decision today to overturn the landmark Endangerment Finding represents a disturbing new level of extreme science denial by the very agency entrusted to protect the American public from pollution. The scientific consensus is overwhelming and has been well-established for decades—greenhouse gas pollution from cars, power plants, and factories is causing climate change and climate change is endangering our public health and welfare. This is not theoretical. We can see it with our very own eyes. Whether it’s the catastrophic flash floods in Texas, wildfires that demolished Californian communities, or the scorching heat dome currently enveloping half of the U.S., it is no longer a question whether climate change endangers our lives. Climate change is already wreaking havoc across America. By ignoring the overwhelming scientific consensus, contradicting the clear statutory language in the Clean Air Act, and overriding repeated Supreme Court rulings, EPA has revealed today just how far it will go to be every polluter’s ally. 

“This is no empty threat. EPA is already using this absurd climate denialism to justify repealing life-saving vehicle pollution standards that have delivered clean air to communities across America. These standards would have saved thousands of lives and thousands of dollars per vehicle in fuel, maintenance, and repair costs, while paving the way for a globally competitive American vehicle market. As international markets rapidly transition away from polluting fossil fuels to cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable technologies, the Trump Administration is choosing to deprive America of the greatest economic opportunity of the 21^st century. 

“With each Republican rollback of common-sense pollution protections, our children will pay the price when they do not have a safe and healthy future. Is it not enough that we’ve lost at least 500 Americans in the past year to extreme weather events; that today 288 million people in the United States are currently living under an extreme weather alert; or that climate-fueled disasters in just the past year have already cost the American economy $182 billion dollars? 

“The real question is: how many more American lives do we have to lose before Republicans stand up to their big polluter friends and acknowledge that climate change is a real and deadly problem for the American people?”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Seaside, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) held a press conference with local education leaders to highlight the recent reversal of the Trump Administration’s reckless education funding freeze and the continued threat posed by the Administration’s proposed FY 2026 budget.  The event took place at the Helen Rucker Learning Center at Seaside High School, where speakers emphasized both the impact of the freeze and the urgent need to protect future federal education investments.

On July 1, the Administration abruptly froze nearly $7 billion in already-appropriated federal education funding, including support for English learners, migrant students, teacher development, afterschool programs, and adult education.  The decision left local schools scrambling. Monterey County alone saw over $25 million frozen, forcing the issuance of layoff warnings to dozens of program staff.  Santa Cruz County lost over $10 million.

After weeks of legal challenges, bipartisan pressure, and vocal demands from lawmakers including Rep. Panetta, the Administration relented and began releasing the funds.  But education leaders warned that the victory is fragile, with next year’s proposed federal budget seeking to slash education funding by 15% and eliminate key programs entirely.  The President’s FY 2026 budget proposal would reduce Department of Education funding by $12 billion, consolidate 18 grant programs into one underfunded block grant, and eliminate the Office of Migrant Education altogether.

“The Administration’s reckless freeze on nearly $7 billion in education funding created chaos for our schools, blindsided administrators, and put essential programs at risk,” said Rep. Panetta. “We pushed back through coordinated pressure, legal action, and public outcry, and the Administration decided to release the funding.  But with next year’s budget threatening even deeper cuts, we must continue to push back to protect our students, support our teachers, and strengthen our community.”

“We are cautiously relieved that the Trump Administration has agreed to release federal education funding, including $25.9 million for Monterey County,” said Dr. Daneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools.  “However, concerns remain about potential policy guardrails, which are unclear.  We are especially hopeful that it includes full funding support for our migrant education programs.  Moving forward, we must continue to advocate for essential education funding in the 2026 federal budget and beyond, especially for our most vulnerable students.  We are deeply grateful to Congressman Panetta and to the educators, parents, and community members who spoke out against the reckless withholding of these funds. I urge the public to continue raising their voices to keep federal education funding intact without eliminating vital programs. 

“As a former English learner who attended public schools on the Central Coast, I know firsthand the impact of the very programs now under threat,” said Abel Sanchez, President of the Santa Cruz County Board of Education.  “I would not be where I am today without the support of federally funded education programs designed for students with the greatest needs.  We owe it to every student, every teacher, and every family we serve to protect these essential school resources from this administration’s ongoing assault on public education.”

“We remain committed to protecting the essential programs that support our most vulnerable students. The federal funding freeze threatened critical services for English learners and afterschool care that many families in our community rely on.  While we welcome the release of these funds, we must remain vigilant to prevent future threats to public education.  I’m grateful to Congressman Panetta for championing public education and standing with us to ensure every student has access to the opportunities they deserve,” said PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

“The release of these federal funds is a victory for our students and families, reaffirming that investing in education is investing in our collective future,” said Monica Anzo, Superintendent, Alisal Union School District.  “This vital funding is not a luxury, but a fundamental resource, and our advocacy must continue to ensure its consistent support for every child we serve. We must continue to show up and speak up on behalf of our students and families, as it is still needed.” 

“While I’m grateful that the frozen funds have been released, we know this is just the beginning. We know that Services for students — at Pajaro Valley High and across our nation — remain under threat,” said Minc Robinson Brooker, teacher at Pajaro Valley High School in the Pajaro Valley School District and 2025 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year. “As a teacher for nearly two decades, I understand that knowledge is power when applied purposely and positively. Let us continue to raise our voices and apply our collective power to inform our communities and protect the programs our students need to thrive.”

In Congress, Rep. Panetta has been at the forefront of the fight to restore education dollars, including signing multiple letters demanding action from the Administration and pressing for full restoration of California’s $928 million share of frozen funds.  Rep. Panetta closed the event by reaffirming his commitment to working with local leaders to defend federal investments in students, schools, and communities across the Central Coast.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) issued the following statement in response to dire humanitarian situation in Gaza:

“The humanitarian situation in the ongoing war zone in Gaza is dire and devastating. Hamas has the power to end this chaos. Instead, it rejected the latest ceasefire offer from Israel as Hamas would rather hold onto hostages than feed the children of Gaza. Israel is right to defend itself and deny Hamas a role in the governance of Gaza. However, that means that Israel has the responsibility to alleviate the catastrophe facing the civilian population and provide humanitarian relief in Gaza. 

“The aid distribution by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been uncoordinated, dangerous, and deadly. On Thursday, I had a personal call with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States to discuss the unconscionable humanitarian situation in Gaza. As of Sunday, Israel opened additional aid corridors and conducted numerous air drops of humanitarian aid into the area. However, Israel, the international community, and President Trump must do more to collaborate and ensure a massive surge of humanitarian relief to Gaza immediately. Israel already has facilitated the entry of over 1.8 million tons of aid and over 96,000 trucks into Gaza, while Hamas continues to hold hostages, extort the aid system, and refuse ceasefire deals to stay in power. Israel has agreed to the latest ceasefire proposal, but Hamas has rejected it to stay in power. Hamas must accept a ceasefire and release the hostages to end this travesty and for there to be peace.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) conducted a congressional oversight visit to the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center, California’s largest immigration detention facility, to examine conditions and ensure that detainees are being treated humanely and afforded due process.  This visit marks Rep. Panetta’s seventh trip to an immigration or border facility during his time in Congress.

The oversight visit comes as the Administration begins implementing a $170 billion expansion of immigration enforcement, including $45 billion for ICE detention. This federal funding, passed through President Donald Trump’s partisan reconciliation law, is set to more than double current ICE detention capacity. The Administration has also announced plans to deploy members of the National Guard to detention sites across the country, including Adelanto.

“As a Member of Congress, it’s not enough to just to speak out, we have to show up when it comes to holding this Administration accountable through our oversight responsibilities,” said Rep. Panetta.  “I traveled to Adelanto to see firsthand the conditions at the largest immigration detention facility in California and ensure due process.  As the Administration expands its deportation policies to well beyond those with criminal records, more transparency and oversight are needed. That’s why I’ll continue to show up, press for answers, and ensure due process on behalf of California’s 19^th Congressional District.”   

The facility, which is privately operated by the GEO Group, currently holds over 1,600 detainees. During his visit to Adelanto, Rep. Panetta conducted a two-hour walkthrough of the facility that included visits to a number of areas, including medical, mental health, pharmaceutical, kitchen, dining, recreation yards, general population units, cells, special housing unit, law library, lawyer meeting rooms, family visitation areas, five immigration courts rooms, and more.  Rep. Panetta also met with on-site ICE officials, facility managers, and legal advocates.  Rep. Panetta raised a number of questions about who is being detained, the length of their stay, their criminal history or lack thereof, location of arrest, how ICE ensures access to attorneys and family members, and more.  During the visit, Rep. Panetta also observed immigration court proceedings in the five on-site immigration court rooms and spoke with volunteer attorneys from the ACLU, to ensure due process for the detainees.  

Rep. Panetta will continue his oversight responsibilities with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE and press this Administration for continued transparency.  Rep. Panetta remains committed to ensuring that those detained are provided the appropriate due process as well as continuing his legislative work to secure the border and fix our broken immigration system with commonsensical immigration reform. 

Rep. Panetta discusses his visit to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center 
and the need for Congressional oversight.
Press play or click HERE to watch Rep. Panetta’s reactions.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, authored and introduced the Building Resilient Innovation, Digital Growth, and Entrepreneurship with Africa Act (BRIDGE Africa Act), a bipartisan bill which would strengthen technology and artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships between the United States and key African nations.  The bill is co-led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC).

Africa is experiencing rapid growth in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the tech and AI sectors. However, the continent continues to face challenges such as limited access to capital, fragmented regulatory systems, and gaps in infrastructure and training.  The BRIDGE Africa Act would address these barriers by fostering sustainable growth through coordinated U.S. investment, digital cooperation, and high-level diplomacy.

“Too often, opportunities for strategic partnership in Africa’s fast-growing tech sector are overlooked due to outdated assumptions and fragmented policy,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan BRIDGE Africa Act would support entrepreneurs, strengthen democratic governance, and open up new markets for U.S. goods and services.  Strengthening these ties will not only promote shared economic prosperity, but also bolster mutual security and digital resilience on the African continent and across the globe.”

“It is critical that African leaders see the U.S. as an ally, as the world turns to Africa for the future of innovation and development.  The Chinese Communist Party is hard at work trying to exploit the people of Africa, and it is key that the U.S. offer an alternative path supporting innovation directly in nations that are eager to work together for a brighter future,” said Rep. Wilson.

Key provisions of the BRIDGE Africa Act include:

• Strategy Development: Requires the administration to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to advance technology and innovation partnerships with select African countries within one year. This strategy will address joint research initiatives, digital training, intellectual property protections, and market access barriers.
• Summit on Technology and Innovation: Directs the Secretary of State to convene a high-level summit in Africa to coordinate investment, promote innovation, and align cross-sector cooperation among governments, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders.

The BRIDGE Africa Act underscores a growing bipartisan recognition of Africa’s economic and technological potential and the strategic importance of investing in resilient, future-facing partnerships on the continent.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Santa Cruz, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) issued the following statement in response to the closure of the Planned Parenthood Westside Health Center in Santa Cruz:

“The closure of the Westside Planned Parenthood clinic is a direct result of President Donald Trump’s reconciliation law and its cuts to Medicaid. Although most of the Medicaid cuts don’t begin until 2027, the law imposes a one-year ban starting on July 4, 2025, for providers that received over $800,000 in federal funds in 2023 and conduct reproductive healthcare. That provision clearly is designed to hit Planned Parenthood networks like Mar Monte, which meet those thresholds and serve numerous patients across California.

“A legal challenge initially delayed implementation of those provisions.  This week, however, a federal District Court ruled to allow parts of the law to move forward, directly impacting funding for clinics like ours in Santa Cruz.  These cuts undermine a major part of the health care safety net for women and families, not just in our 19th Congressional District, but all across California.

“Through legislation, litigation, and coordination with state and local leaders, we will continue to fight back. I’m proud to support the Restoring Essential Health Care Act, which would repeal this reckless provision and restore Medicaid funding for comprehensive reproductive care.  In the meantime, I’ve also reached out to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to explore legal and state-level options to keep clinics open and patients protected.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

CHICAGO– U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined environmental advocates in speaking out against the Trump administration’s plans to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Endangerment Finding.” This key finding has been the foundation and legal underpinning for EPA’s responsibility to mitigate the effects of climate pollution.

“Big Polluters poured $1 billion into President Trump’s reelection campaign, and he’s now repaying them by stripping the ‘Endangerment Finding,’ which will endanger our environment and public health,” said Rep. Kelly. “I refuse to let a bully like President Trump and his special interests stomp over our climate protections and health. I’ve gone toe to toe against bullies – and won. They may have more money, but we have the power of truth, of science, and of the American people.”

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11) and EPA workers represented by the American Federation of Government Employees Local 704 were also at the press conference.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement on the crisis in Gaza:

“The growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires urgent action as children, Palestinians — and even the doctors who are treating malnutrition — starve. Thousands of trucks with food are waiting to enter Gaza, but Prime Minister Netanyahu is clearly not seeing what the rest of the world sees. News outlets and humanitarian organizations are reporting horrific photos and videos of starving children. Airdrops with minimal aid is not enough; Israel must allow food and medicine to safely flow into the region for Palestinians. The Trump administration must act now to facilitate and bring aid. The world cannot turn a blind eye to the starvation and death of children and civilians.

“All people want to live in peace. Restoring the ceasefire negotiated by the Biden administration is a first step toward releasing the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Ultimately, we need a two-state solution with a secure Israel and a self-determined Palestinian state to achieve stability, recovery and prosperity for the region.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on Trump’s bizarre social media attacks on President Obama and Republicans’ efforts to rewrite history on Trump’s behalf:

“Donald Trump disrespects the office of the presidency every single day, but this week, he took things to a new low. Trump’s use of an AI-generated video of President Obama was deeply unsettling. First, for the ongoing insinuation that he would arrest his political rivals. Second, for his continued rejection of the widely accepted conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. In 2017, the entire Intelligence Community, and Senate Republicans led by Marco Rubio, reached this conclusion. As someone who took part in the investigation, allow me to remind Trump and Republicans that despite their best efforts, the truth remains.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. outlined the major wins of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) in a newly released op-ed, pushing back on false media narratives and highlighting the real benefits for Marylanders.

“Marylanders deserve the truth about the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) — and they’re not getting it from the mainstream media. Much of the coverage has been filled with spin, fearmongering and outright falsehoods about what this bill does and doesn’t do. Let’s set the record straight.

First, I was initially hesitant to support this bill — and for good reason. As a fiscal conservative, I raised concerns about its potential to add to the deficit. Those concerns were not just for show; I withheld support to ensure Maryland taxpayers wouldn’t be saddled with more Washington debt.

Because conservatives pushed back, major changes were secured before the final vote. Among the wins:

Stronger Medicaid integrity provisions were included to stop states from improperly paying benefits — including to illegal immigrants — while protecting care for truly needy Marylanders. 

Green New Scam rollbacks, ensuring Maryland families and businesses aren’t burdened with radical energy mandates that drive up costs. This is especially essential as offshore wind adversely affects watermen, communities, and constituents in my district. 

Strengthening work requirements: The One Big Beautiful Bill strengthens common-sense work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving federal government assistance on the taxpayer dime — an important step toward restoring the dignity of work and ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t used for those who choose not to work. 

The full piece is available HERE.