MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming Natural Resources Committee passage of a bipartisan bill she cosponsored, the World War II Women’s Memorial Location Act, H.R. 2290, introduced by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).

The bill authorizes the location of the World War II Women’s Memorial on or closely adjacent to the National Mall, consistent with other national memorials in the nation’s capital. 

“In World War II, when the nation was in need, millions of women stepped into key roles that strengthened the victorious Allied war effort,” said Aumua Amata. “In the near future, millions of visitors to Washington, D.C., will learn more of their efforts and hear their stories as they are honored in a new national memorial and historical repository.”

This memorial honors the more than 18 million women who served the enormous war effort across every sector of American society. The legislation is compatible with the goals of President Trump’s Executive Order 14252, “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful.”

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

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it will release $5.5 billion in education funding it had illegally withheld from states, including $162 million owed to New Jersey schools:

“The Trump Administration’s decision to finally release this funding is not an act of leadership. It is a direct result of sustained public pressure, legal challenges, and bipartisan outrage. We said this freeze was illegal. We demanded action. And we made clear the consequences of playing political games with public education.

“In New Jersey alone, $162 million was withheld — funding already appropriated by Congress — and needed for afterschool programs, STEM education, and teacher training. That disruption hurt our schools and threatened the stability of the upcoming school year.

“The President’s excuse that some of these funds supported programs he disagreed with politically was a blatant overreach and a violation of the Constitution. Congress controls the purse strings, not the White House.

“This episode is a reminder that when we fight back and raise our voices, it works. I’m glad we were able to protect New Jersey’s public schools from this deeply misguided attack, but it should have never happened in the first place.”

Earlier this month, Pallone sent a letter to Trump Budget Director Russell Vought demanding the immediate release of New Jersey’s share of the frozen funding and warning the action violated Article I of the Constitution. The full letter is available here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

July 26, 2025

ICYMI This Week: Rep. Meeks Calls Out Republicans for Hiding the Epstein Files

Republicans are Lying to the American People

Trump and the Republicans have a pattern of deceiving the American people. They promised to release the Epstein files, they’re now refusing to do so and hiding them from the public. Speaker Johnson has gone so far as to adjourn the House early to avoid dealing with their self-inflicted crisis. Republicans promised transparency but have instead prioritized protecting their billionaire friends. We just saw this episode play out earlier this month with the Big Ugly Law – cutting Medicaid and SNAP to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.  Meanwhile, Democrats are leading the fight to hold them accountable and demand real answers. The American public deserves the truth—not more lies and political games from Trump and his allies.

Student Internship Opportunities Now Open for the Fall Semester

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Share Your Story: How Have You Been Impacted by President Trump’s Executive Orders?

I’d like to hear from my constituents about how the Trump administration’s actions have affected you and your loved ones. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed mass layoffs across government agencies, executive orders impacting various issues, threats against immigrants, potential tariffs on neighboring countries, and much more. My office is working with state and local officials to learn more about how these actions could affect our district and provide resources for people who have been affected.  Please complete the form here to explain how these actions are affecting you and the organizations, nonprofits and businesses you support.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, N.Y. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan (D-Queens) unveiled the completion of an accessibility ramp at the main entrance of the Jackson Heights Post Office in Queens. 

Building the ramp has long been a priority to Jackson Heights residents, and Meng, Krishnan, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens), and other local lawmakers pushed for it to be installed. The new ramp will make it easier for many in the area to use the Post Office including disabled individuals, seniors, and those with strollers.

The construction of the ramp began at the end of May and the project also includes an expanded garden space. Meng and Krishnan commemorating the ramp’s completion also coincides with the same week as the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Postal Service long held that it could not build the ramp due to the historic preservation status of the Post Office. The agency also said that since the building predates the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, which requires federal facilities to be accessible to people with disabilities, it was exempt from accessibility upgrade requirements. But thanks to advocacy from members of the community and with the help of the United States Access Board, the ramp was approved after alterations were made to the stairs at the side entrance of the building.

“Installing this ramp has been a long time coming and it will allow more people in the community to have equal access to their local post office, something to which everybody is entitled,” said Congresswoman Meng. “I am proud to have fought for this needed addition to the building, and I’m thrilled that it is finally happening. It was unacceptable that the lack of a ramp created an unnecessary hurdle for many residents. Now, individuals with disabilities will have easier access to this facility. Now, seniors will be able to enter and exit the building with less difficulty. Now, those pushing strollers will no longer be forced to pick up and lug these carriages over steps. Now, it will be less hazardous for people carrying boxes or other items that they’re seeking to mail. It will make things safer and more convenient for all. It should not have taken this long to do. However, I’m grateful that we are finally here, and I am excited to see the ramp benefit those in the neighborhood for many years to come.”

“My office, in collaboration with Jackson Heights residents and local leaders, has long fought for USPS to make the neighborhood post office accessible to everyone, including people with mobility devices, seniors, and parents with strollers,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “It took years to ensure that everyone in our community could simply send and receive their mail, but we never gave up. Thanks to the advocacy of constituents like Ms. Beverly Carroll and the enforcement efforts of the United States Access Board, we did it. Thank you to our village of community partners, allies and leaders.”

“For decades, the Jackson Heights Post Office has been inaccessible, wrongfully denying entrance to so many of our neighbors,” said Council Member Krishnan. “My office was proud to work with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and constituents over the years to right that wrong. Now, Jackson Heights community residents, including neighbors with disabilities, parents with strollers, and individuals with heavy packages, can enter the Post Office using the same front doors as everyone else. They no longer have to visit accessible post offices in other neighborhoods or dodge trucks to get to the back entrance of ours. We’re especially thrilled that this project did not come at the cost of losing green space beloved by our community. We’ve been able to work with the Post Office to create a new, even bigger community garden maintained by residents. Today, Jackson Heights is a more accessible and greener neighborhood to live in.”

“Being part of a community means being able to access all spaces equally,” said Dr. Sachin Dev Pavithran, Executive Director of the U.S. Access Board. “When spaces are made accessible, they benefit everyone. This project is a testament to community advocacy, accessibility, and creating greener spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

“You have heard the story of how Jackson Heights waited nearly 100 years for full access,” said Beverly Carroll, a Jackson Heights resident who advocated for the ramp. “It was never for lack of trying. I consider myself fortunate to have a role in the process that brings us together today to celebrate.” 

“As a Jackson Heights resident, wheelchair user, and member of the disability community, I’m proud that the Jackson Heights Post office is finally accessible thanks to the work of Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,” said David Friedman,an advocate for accessible infrastructure and a teacher at P.S. 69. “For more than one decade, my only way to access my PO Box was to go up the rear loading dock ramp, ring a bell, and wait for someone to help me. Now, I, and other members of the disability community, can access the PO just like everyone else.” 

“The Jackson Heights Beautification Group has proudly been caring for and beautifying our shared public spaces for the past 38 years,” said Leslie Ellman, President of the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. “Over 10 years ago we spearheaded this garden transformation right here at the Post Office by planting native and pollinating plants and funding the installation of an irrigation system. We have also simultaneously advocated for a ramp to be installed here at the Post Office, and we are so excited to celebrate this vital improvement and to get back in the expanded garden and continue to lead in the creation of a pollinator pathway right here in Jackson Heights.” 

The Jackson Heights Post Office is located at 78-02 37^th Avenue. The ramp was unveiled this past Monday. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) hailed the MTA’s announcement of elevators for Queens subway stations in Rego Park and Elmhurst.

These two subway facilities include the 63rd Drive-Rego Park Station and the Grand Avenue-Newtown Station.

“I have long championed accessibility upgrades for our mass transit system in Queens and I’m thrilled that elevators will now be coming to these communities,” said Meng. “I am also proud to have pushed for elevators at the Rego Park Station. The upgrades in Rego Park and Elmhurst will make life easier for so many people. Our subways play a vital role in our borough, getting people where they need to go, and all Queens residents deserve easy access to them. They should not be out of reach to anybody, and I will continue pushing for even more improvements throughout our neighborhoods.”

In 2022, Meng, joined by transit riders, transit advocates and disability rights activists, gathered at the 63rd Drive-Rego Park Subway Station to call for more accessible subway stations. 

The improvements for Rego Park and Elmhurst are part of a plan for an additional 12 stations across four boroughs that will receive elevators and other accessibility upgrades.

Both Rego Park and Elmhurst are located in Meng’s congressional district.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Event featured Astronaut Dr. Jonny Kim answering students’ questions from the International Space Station; Special Earth-to-space video call took place at New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee’s Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after U.S. and Australian officials announced Australia will lift restrictions on import of beef from the U.S.

“While Australia is a valuable trading partner, their long-standing restrictions on U.S. beef were neither right nor reciprocal. The removal of these unscientific and unfair barriers, while long overdue, sends a strong message regarding the safety and quality of American agriculture products. This progress shows what can be achieved when a president is fully engaged and willing to stand up for American farmers and ranchers. I thank President Trump and his entire administration for their work to address this matter.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), along with Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Vince Fong (R-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) announced the formation of the Modern Agriculture Caucus and released the following statements.

“I see great opportunity to bring awareness and support to innovative efforts of American farmers and ranchers feeding and fueling the world. As Nebraska’s third district leads the Nation in agricultural production, I’ve seen first-hand the benefit modern agriculture practices provide for both producers and consumers,” said Chair Smith. “Through this caucus, we will champion policy which promotes cutting-edge technologies, stewardship of our natural resources, as well as the development and protection of U.S. agricultural innovation and intellectual property. I thank each vice chair for joining in this effort, and I look forward to all we will accomplish for agriculture across America.”

“I am pleased to join Representative Smith’s Modern Agriculture Caucus as Vice Chair of Biotechnology,” said Vice Chair Lucas. “This caucus will bring together a cross section of agriculture focused legislators to educate and advocate on the agricultural issues affecting farmers today. As the current subcommittee Chairman of Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology on the House Agriculture Committee, I am looking forward to exploring new ways to champion agricultural research and biotechnology issues through this caucus.”

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I’ve seen firsthand the advances in technology that have taken place in agriculture over the past few decades,” said Vice Chair Finstad. “My dad always said he’d retire from farming when the tractors drive themselves, and now my kids plant our fields using an iPad. American farmers are the most efficient producers in the world, and I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations for the Modern Ag Caucus to help promote the latest, greatest technology in the hands of farmers, allowing them to maximize yields, increase production, and decrease input costs better than ever before.”

“I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture as a member of the Modern Agriculture Caucus,” said Vice Chair Houchin. “I’ve seen how emerging technologies and improved connectivity, especially rural broadband, can transform the way we farm. Precision ag supports American farmers and helps ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in agriculture.”

“It’s an honor to serve as Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation for the Modern Ag Caucus as my district is the food-producing capital of California,” said Vice Chair Fong. “As technology advances, we must leverage innovation to strengthen our agriculture industry in my state and across the nation. With Western farmers facing increasingly volatile water cycles, driving smart, sustainable practices through the Modern Ag Caucus is essential. I’m committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions that improve water efficiency – helping our farmers not just grow more food, but thrive for generations to come.”

“Technological advancements and automation have helped producers improve crop yields and equipped America’s agricultural community to feed, clothe, and provide fuel to more people than ever imagined,” said Vice Chair Mann.  “Over the next decade, artificial intelligence has the potential to improve agriculture in ways that will only bolster efficiency and further allow our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers to meet the needs of a growing world. It is a privilege to serve as Vice Chair of Automation and AI for the Modern Ag Caucus as we watch this technology develop in real time and improve the capabilities of American agriculture to do good around the globe.”

“I am proud to help launch the Modern Agriculture Caucus as the Vice Chair of Food Affordability,” said Vice Chair Bresnahan. “Every American family deserves access to affordable, nutritious food, and that promise depends on the strength of modern agriculture. By embracing innovative techniques that allow our farmers to grow more food using more efficient, sustainable practices, we ensure that affordable food remains within reach for every table.”

“The Trump Administration and Congress know how important agricultural innovation and technology are to farming. This is why we are blessed as a nation with a safe, nutritious, and abundant food supply. I look forward to working with Congress and this new caucus to advance key agricultural priorities that improve the economic and production capacity of our agricultural sector. When our farmers and ranchers have the innovative tools to succeed, rural America prospers and our whole country benefits,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. 

“American agriculture is at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation, and that’s exactly where it belongs,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson. “The Modern Agriculture Caucus will champion policies that embrace cutting-edge advancements like precision agriculture, support sustainable farming practices, and protect the intellectual property that underpins our global leadership.”

The Modern Agriculture Caucus supports and advances cutting-edge practices to increase food production, improve farm efficiency, and strengthen American leadership in global food security. Through effective policymaking the caucus advocates for innovation, education, and responsible legislation for the agriculture industry.

Full list of Modern Agriculture Caucus leadership is as follows:

Caucus Chairman – Rep. Adrian Smith
Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture – Rep. Erin Houchin
Vice Chair of Biotechnology – Rep. Frank Lucas
Vice Chair of Food Affordability – Rep. Rob Bresnahan
Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations – Rep. Brad Finstad
Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation – Rep. Vince Fong
Vice Chair of Automation & AI – Rep. Tracey Mann

Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Flood (R-NE), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Tony Wied (R-WI), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), David Valadao (R-CA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act. The legislation would expand tax relief to support production of certain critical minerals important to national and economic security.  

“Embracing our nation’s full capacity to produce critical minerals at home is essential to growing our economy, strengthening supply chains for key industries, and keeping our homeland secure,” said Rep. Smith. “This bill will modernize existing tax deductions to boost domestic production and ensure the United States can meet the growing need for these valuable elements. I thank Reps. Panetta and Reschenthaler for working with me on this legislation.” 

“Right now, our tax code doesn’t reflect the growing need for critical minerals that support our national security and clean energy future,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act would update outdated IRS rules to prioritize all U.S.-designated critical minerals. This commonsense step will help boost domestic production, reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries, and strengthen our supply chains.” 

“U.S dependence on China for critical minerals is unsustainable and a threat to our national security,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “Updating our critical minerals list is a necessary action to remove a bureaucratic hurdle and meet the growing needs of our nation, including for critical technologies. As the co-chairman of the Critical Materials Caucus, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues and thank Rep. Adrian Smith for his leadership on this important issue.” 

Currently, the tax code allows producers of critical minerals to recover a percentage of gross income known as a depletion allowance. At this time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a 22 percent allowance for the highest-priority minerals, and a 14 percent allowance for certain other minerals. The Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act would amend the tax code to place rare earths and scandium in the 22 percent depletion category. 

Read the text of the bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee’s Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the United States and the European Union announced a deal to lower trade barriers and expand mutual investment.

“This announcement breaks new ground for trade relations with our partners in the European Union. The EU has long posed significant tariff and non-tariff barriers to American goods and services. President Trump and his negotiating team have secured powerful commitments which, if upheld, will unlock meaningful market access for American manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, and digital companies. The deal will also strengthen supply chains critical for shared economic and national security. I salute the work of President Trump and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, who continue to be relentless in the president’s mission to establish a level playing field for our world-leading producers and innovators.” 

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