MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) joined Representatives Laura Friedman (CA-30), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Chris Pappas (NH-1) in the House, alongside U.S. Senators Tina Smith (MN) and Patty Murray (WA) in the Senate, in helping to introduce the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, a bicameral bill that repeals the newly enacted federal ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood.

“Planned Parenthood is a cornerstone of healthcare in communities all across our nation and it’s under direct attack. This bill will reverse a cruel, politically motivated ban on Medicaid payments that’s jeopardizing access to not just reproductive healthcare, but cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and more,” said Representative Friedman. “We’re fighting to ensure people can continue getting the essential care they count on, no matter who they are or where they live.”

“Republicans are trying to defund Planned Parenthood and rip away health care from millions,” said Congressman Sherman. “I’m proud to join Rep. Friedman and my colleagues to help introduce the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act and reverse their cruel ban against essential care that millions rely on.”

The ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood could leave thousands of patients in every state with no place to seek essential reproductive care and other vital health services. Every year, Planned Parenthood provides healthcare to more than two million people, including STI testing, breast exams, birth control, HPV vaccines, and other critical services. 

The legislation strikes Section 71113 of Republicans’ “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” which prohibits federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood clinics that offer reproductive health care alongside other health care. The provision has already put nearly 200 Planned Parenthood clinics at risk of closure, endangering access to healthcare for more than two million patients across the country.

The Restoring Essential Healthcare Act has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Freedom Caucus, All* Above All, Guttmacher Institute, National Abortion Federation, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Reproductive Freedom for All, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide.

There are 133 original cosponsors of the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act in the House, including Williams*, Pappas*, Amo, Auchincloss, Balint, Barragán, Bell, Beyer, Bonamici, Brownley, Budzinski, Carbajal, Carson, Carter, Case, Casten, Castor, Cherfilus-McCormick, Chu, Cisneros, Clarke, Cleaver, Cohen, Correa, Craig, Crockett, Davids, Davis, DeGette, DelBene, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dexter, Doggett, Elfreth, Escobar, Evans, Fletcher, Foushee, Frankel, Frost, Garamendi, Garcia (TX), Goldman, Goodlander, Gottheimer, Horsford, Houlahan, Hoyle, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Jackson, Johnson (GA), Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Kelly, Kennedy, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Landsman, Larson, Lee (PA), Leger Fernandez, Levin, Liccardo, Lieu, Lofgren, Lynch, Mannion, Matsui, McBath, McBride, McClellan, McGovern, McIver, Meeks, Menendez, Meng, Min, Moore, Morelle, Morrison, Moulton, Mullin, Nadler, Norton, Olszewski, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Pingree, Pocan, Pou, Quigley, Ramirez, Randall, Raskin, Ross, Ryan, Salinas, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Schneider, Sewell, Sherman, Sherrill, Simon, Sorensen, Soto, Stansbury, Stanton, Stevens, Strickland, Sykes, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson (CA), Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Torres (NY), Torres (CA), Trahan, Underwood, Veasey, Velázquez, Wasserman Schultz, Waters, Watson Coleman, Wilson.

###

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

July 29, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined with Senator James E. Risch (R-Idaho) today in introducing the Freedom from Government Surveys Act. This bill reforms the Census Bureau by making voluntary the American Community Survey (ACS) and abolishing financial penalties for non-respondents.“No American should ever be penalized or harassed for exercising their right to privacy,” said Rep. Steube. “Every year, the Census Bureau forces more than 3 million citizens to either pay a steep fine or answer deeply personal questions about their private lives. I am honored to partner with Senator Risch on this bill to rein in Washington and protect Americans from unreasonable inquiries.”The Freedom from Government Surveys Act is the House companion to legislation introduced by U.S. Senator James E. Risch.“It is unacceptable for the federal government to punish Idahoans for protecting their personal, private details from intrusive surveys,” said Senator Risch. “My Freedom from Government Surveys Act abolishes burdensome and unnecessary fines on Idahoans who exercise their right to privacy.” Background: The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the ACS every year for the purpose of collecting information on localities in the United States. Approximately 3.5 million Americans are surveyed as part of the ACS. Under current law, citizens who refuse to participate in or complete the ACS often face harassment from the Census Bureau and the possibility of financial penalties.Examples of ACS survey questions:

“Does [the respondent] have difficulty dressing or bathing?”
“What time [does the respondent’s] trip to work usually begin, and how many minutes [does] it usually take [the respondent] to get from home to work?”
“In the past 12 months, what were the actual sales of all agricultural products from this property?”
“About how much do you think this house and lot, apartment, or mobile home (and lot, if owned) would sell for if it were for sale?”
Which fuel is used most for heating this house, apartment, or mobile home?”

Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Baird Joins EPA Administrator Zeldin, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Governor Mike Braun to Unveil Historic Deregulation Efforts to Reverse EV Mandates

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

San Diego, CA – Today, Rep. Scott Peters released the following statement regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

“It is long past time to end the Gaza conflict, with the return of all hostages and the end of military operations. But an active war zone is no excuse for not doing everything possible to prevent the unnecessary suffering confronting Palestinians who are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas.

This week’s announcement of multiple air drops and aid convoys, humanitarian pauses in fighting, and the designation of secure routes for the wider dissemination of assistance provides renewed hope. But hundreds of truckloads of aid are currently sitting at the Gaza border waiting to be distributed. This is unacceptable.

There must be immediate action to deliver the desperately needed humanitarian aid to the starving. Now is the time for Israel, the United Nations, the Trump Administration, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and all who have the responsibility and ability, together to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza. And Hamas must not interfere with or weaponize the delivery of this aid.

There is no justification for delay.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), along with Rep. Crawford (AR-01), Rep. Westerman (AR-04), and Rep. Womack (AR-03), sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins thanking the administration for its prompt and effective leadership in responding to the northward spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) and urging full consideration of establishing a domestic NWS production facility within the United States.

Rep. Hill said, “Protecting Arkansas ranchers and farmers from the devastating impacts screwworms would have on their livestock is critical, which is why I raised their concerns with senior officials during my recent trip to Mexico. The Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins have responded swiftly and effectively, and I’m confident they’ll give full consideration to a domestic screwworm production facility. Investing in American infrastructure puts our farmers and ranchers first, puts America first, and strengthens our national security.”

Background:
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that feeds on the flesh of living animals, causing severe wounds and, if untreated, death. NWS was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s but has recently resurfaced north of its containment barrier in Panama, reaching southern Mexico.

In March 2025, the USDA suspended livestock imports from Mexico due to the NWS threat. Later, the USDA announced plans for a dispersal facility in south Texas, which would release sterile NWS to eradicate their reproduction. While a domestic dispersal facility has been announced, a domestic production facility for sterile NWS has not.

In June, Secretary Rollins and her department outlined a broader strategy to prevent the spread of NWS into the United States, including the potential for an NWS production facility. To fully implement this strategy, this letter encourages the USDA to move forward with a domestic production facility to protect our farmers and ranchers and to safeguard livestock herds in Arkansas and across America.

Read the full letter HERE.

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

SEATAC, WASH. – Yesterday, Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) convened a roundtable discussion with economic development leaders from across South King County to discuss shared challenges and opportunities to spur job growth and infrastructure investment in the region. 

Attendees included representatives from the Cities of Seattle, Renton, Kent, Tukwila, Federal Way, Auburn, and Bellevue, and the Port of Seattle. The discussion focused on barriers to economic growth including housing affordability, workforce needs, and federal funding gaps.  

“Communities across South King County are doing innovative work to support small businesses and grow their economies,” said Congressman Smith. “But they need sustained federal partnership to build infrastructure, train workers, and address affordability challenges that hold them back. I’m committed to being that partner in Washington, D.C.” 

“Congressman Smith’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration is appreciated,” said Meredith Neal, Economic Development Director for Federal Way. “By sharing our challenges and successes, we encourage innovation and strengthen our commitment to building a prosperous future for South King County cities.”
 
“SEA is one of the largest economic drivers in Representative Smith’s Congressional district, with $33.4 billion in economic activity based on our recently released study,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa. “At the Port of Seattle, we know that economic development take collaboration across jurisdictions, sectors, and communities to build an inclusive economy that leaves no one behind, and so we are deeply grateful to Representative Smith for his partnership and leadership on economic resilience, job creation, and equitable growth.”

Participants shared updates on city-led programs and discussed how upcoming federal legislation could better support local development goals. 

###

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

July 29, 2025 | Press Releases
SARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) today hosted a U.S. Service Academy Fair at the Sarasota Military Academy. Each of the five military academies sent representatives to the event to answer questions and provide information to potential applicants.
“One of the highlights of my job is hosting the Service Academy Fair. It is inspiring to see so many young people who wish to serve their country,” said Rep. Steube. “This event provides students and their families the opportunity to sit down with representatives from our prestigious military academies and learn more about the service academy nomination process. The eagerness of this generation to raise their right hands and answer the call to service is a testament to their character and patriotism.” 

All students interested in attending the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY), the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), or the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) must receive a congressional nomination. Applicants must also possess an exceptional academic background, pass a physical aptitude test, and demonstrate strong leadership potential in order to receive consideration.
Learn more about the service academy process here.

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

Cambodia Caucus Statement on the Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire Agreement

Washington, July 29, 2025

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congressional Cambodia Caucus Chair Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after Cambodia and Thailand announced a ceasefire agreement to end a multi-day conflict along the nations’ border:
“I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand following several days of violence along their border. This is a critical step toward de-escalation and the protection of civilians, but it must be more than a temporary pause. Both governments must commit to a peaceful path forward.”
“The State Department must continue engaging directly with leaders in Phnom Penh and Bangkok to ensure this ceasefire is upheld and there is no return to violence. Now is the time for proactive, sustained diplomacy to prevent further bloodshed and support lasting peace.”
“The Congressional Cambodia Caucus stands ready to support efforts that prioritize peace, protect human lives, and promote stability in the region.”
###

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a former Division I athlete and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, reintroduced the College Athlete Economic Freedom Act, legislation that would establish an unrestricted federal right for college athletes to market their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The bill also allows international college athletes to market their NIL without losing their visa status, encourages negotiation between athletes and their colleges for the use of athletes’ NIL for promotion and media rights deals, and ensures colleges and collectives do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, or participating sports in the facilitation of NIL deals.
“Instead of trying to undo the rights college athletes fought for decades to secure, Congress should address the real issues facing college sports today,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The College Athlete Economic Freedom Act codifies athletes’ unrestricted NIL rights nationwide, closes the loophole prohibiting international athletes from entering into NIL agreements, and guarantees that women have a fair shot in the NIL marketplace. It’s long past time for Congress to stand with the athletes who’ve driven this industry without a real seat at the table.”
“College athletes dedicate years of their lives to their craft and deserve their fair share of a multibillion-dollar industry built on their hard work,” said Senator Murphy. “While the past four years of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy have allowed these athletes to finally make money off their talent, the NCAA is hoping Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress will help them undo years of hard-earned progress. Our legislation shields college athletes from an assault on their livelihoods by expanding and codifying their basic right to be fairly compensated for their Name, Image, and Likeness.”
Specifically, the College Athlete Economic Freedom Act would:

Establish an unrestricted federal right for college athletes and prospective college athletes to market the use of their name, image, and likeness — individually and as a group — by prohibiting colleges, conferences, and the NCAA from setting or enforcing rules that restrict this right or otherwise colluding to limit how athletes can use their NIL

Protect athletes’ ability to retain representation as they see fit, including lawyers, agents, and collective representatives (i.e. players associations) while prohibiting the NCAA or conferences from regulating athlete representation

Ensure colleges and affiliated NIL collectives do not discriminate by gender, race, or sport in the facilitation of NIL deals along with requiring collectives to register with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and report the NIL deals they have facilitated so athletes and stakeholders asserting discrimination have all the information they need to address it

Ensure equitable opportunities for college athletes to market their NIL by asserting that institutional support by colleges, conferences, or the NCAA for NIL opportunities is made available to all college athletes, along with commissioning a market analysis of NIL monetization with recommendations for improving opportunities across race, gender, and sport

Allow international college athletes to market their NIL in the same ways their non-immigrant peers can without losing their F-1 visa status, including in the case that athletes become employees of their schools and/or athletic associations

Require colleges and athletic associations to obtain a group license from athletes for using their NIL for any type of promotion, including via a media rights deal, and notify athletes of how their NIL was used along with how much revenue those deals generated, helping athletes negotiate with colleges, conferences, and the NCAA for their fair share of the revenues they produce

Assert robust enforcement for violations by colleges, conferences, or the NCAA in restricting athletes’ NIL rights, notably through asserting per se antitrust penalties, a private right of action for athletes to pursue civil action against violators, and authorizing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to levy “unfair or deceptive practice” penalties.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.
A one-pager of the bill is available HERE.
###

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

MAINE–Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin’s formal decision to revoke the scientific determination that underpins the government’s legal authority to combat climate change:

“The EPA’s decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding ignores decades of science and directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s landmark Massachusetts v. EPA decision, which held that greenhouse gases are pollutants under the Clean Air Act. That ruling led to EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding that carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases endanger public health by fueling extreme heat, storms, wildfires, and disease.

“Revoking the Endangerment Finding will kneecap the federal government’s ability to fight climate change—now and in the future. By claiming that climate change poses no threat to public health, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin are making ignorance and denial the official climate policy of the U.S., while allowing the world’s biggest polluters to continue destroying our planet. 

“Greenhouse gases released from human activities are the single biggest driver of climate change. That’s not opinion or hyperbole. That’s scientific fact. To believe that extreme heat, supercharged hurricanes, crop failures, and thousand-year floods aren’t threats to public health is simply delusional. Costly and deadly extreme weather events and disasters are already impacting millions of Americans every year. 

“The EPA’s stated mission is to ‘protect human health and the environment.’ Administrator Zeldin himself has said ‘climate change is something we need to take seriously.’ And yet almost every action he has taken at the EPA does not take this threat seriously and will exacerbate climate change and the pollution it causes. This decision sends a clear message that the only thing this Administration is interested in protecting are the interests of Big Oil, the very fossil fuel companies that are responsible for this crisis.

“Climate change is an existential threat. Mitigating its worst impacts will require real, meaningful, and sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors—and government agencies that actually believe in climate science. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee that oversees funding for the EPA, I vow to do everything in my power to reinstate the Endangerment Finding—and to ensure that this vital agency has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment.”

###