MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

On Friday, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined patients and providers at the Together Center to discuss the impact of the Medicaid cuts in Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill, many of which are set to take full effect early next year and will kick over 350,000 Washingtonians off their Apple Health coverage.

The Big Ugly Bill slashed over $1 trillion from Medicaid. Nearly 2 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. The cuts include new work requirements, more frequent paperwork requirements for patients, and shifting more of the administrative costs onto states.

The new work requirements are set to take full effect in January 2027. Patients with serious medical conditions like cancer and HIV could be forced to work to retain their health insurance. Washingtonians who are too sick to fulfill the mandated work requirements and do not qualify for an extremely narrow exemption will lose their insurance. Without insurance, more people will be forced to rely on emergency rooms for uncompensated care, placing an increased burden on local hospitals and community health clinics.

“Washingtonians are bracing for the impact of Congressional Republicans’ heartless cuts to Medicaid,” said DelBene. “Their Big Ugly Bill forces people with serious medical conditions to choose between navigating complex red tape and working to avoid losing their insurance when they should be focusing on their care instead. Republicans slashed over a trillion dollars from our health care system to give tax breaks to their wealthy friends. Patients, providers, hospitals, and clinics in our community will be left paying the price.”

“Across Washington, the changes driven by H.R. 1, a bill passed by congressional Republicans and signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2025, will touch thousands of families, older adults, working people, and communities in every corner of the state. Beginning this fall and into 2027, many Washingtonians will see shifts in eligibility, new work requirements, and more frequent renewal timelines — changes that will affect the coverage they rely on for essential care,” said Trinity Wilson, Health Care Authority Medicaid Director. “What’s most important for people to know right now is that support is available. We encourage everyone to keep their contact information up to date, review any notices they receive, and reach out to Apple Health or Washington Healthplanfinder if they have questions about their coverage options. While these federal changes present real challenges, Washington’s commitment remains the same: to help Washingtonians stay informed, stay covered, and stay connected to the care they need.”

More information about the Medicaid cuts can be found here.

You can watch DelBene’s opening remarks at the roundtable here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to answer for the regional implications of the “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, and ground U.S. foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere on the principles of mutual respect and advancement of human rights. 

“As Members of Congress, we are asked to accept that this doctrine now governs U.S. policy toward every nation in the Western Hemisphere — yet we still lack the basic information needed to understand what it means in practice, what authorities it assumes, and what human costs this new posture has already claimed in communities across the Americas,” wrote the Members. “Taken together, the interventions conducted under the banner of the ‘Donroe’ Doctrine appear to follow a partisan playbook: the endorsement of favored candidates, the placement of political allies, the weaponization of tariffs and sanctions, and, where those fail, the application of direct military force. These are tactics that destabilize our hemisphere and endanger our neighbors”

The “Donroe” Doctrine appears to have three main facets: 

• Lethal force without Congressional authorization or due process: Since September 2025, the U.S. military has carried out over five dozen lethal boat strikes, killing well over 200 people with no due process.
• Economic coercion as a form of collective punishment: In January, the President imposed what amounts to a full blockade on fuel shipments to the island. Elsewhere, sanctions and tariffs have been used to shield a political ally from prosecution and to pressure an electorate before it votes.
• Interference in the democratic life of sovereign nations: Across the hemisphere, the administration has openly intervened in sovereign electoral processes, including in Honduras and Colombia. 

Jayapal is leading a Congressional Delegation to the Panamerican Congress, where hemispheric partners will discuss alternative visions for security and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere rooted in respect for the sovereignty of countries across the region, international law, and the needs of poor and working-class communities. 

The letter was also signed by Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

The full text of the letter can be read here.

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

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

We are Democratic Members of Congress and proud Jewish Americans. We don’t agree with Randy Fine on much, if anything, and have condemned his racist, Islamophobic statements. 

But the grotesque, antisemitic campaign video posted by Republican Daniel Bilzerian has no place in America. We unequivocally condemn Bilzerian and his hateful antisemitic attacks. We urge all social media platforms to remove this post and Bilzerian’s previous antisemitic posts.

We call on the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee and all Republicans to condemn and disassociate from Bilzerian and those promoting his hate.

Signed by Representatives Jake Auchincloss (MA), Suzanne Bonamici (OR), Lois Frankel (FL), Laura Friedman (CA), Dan Goldman (NY), Josh Gottheimer (NJ), Greg Landsman (OH), Mike Levin (CA), Seth Magaziner (RI), Jamie Raskin (MD), Brad Schneider (IL), Kim Schrier (WA), Brad Sherman (CA), Eugene Vindman (VA), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL). 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) requested immediate answers from Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Navy officials after receiving troubling reports from constituents regarding deteriorating living conditions and basic necessity shortages aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

“There have been reports of unreliable access to hot water and laundry, shortages of basic supplies, including food and hygiene goods, significant disruptions in the mail system, deteriorating mental health and increasing suicide attempts, and limited opportunities for sailors to communicate with their families.  I have constituents on board the Lincoln and I have heard directly from parents in my District wo are worried about the living conditions their family members are being subjected to while they serve our country. They speak of care packages that remain undelivered after months, low quality and rationed food, cold showers when the showers are available, and dangerously low crew morale. These reports demand immediate attention,” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Cao:

This letter expresses increasing concern regarding the reported conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and requests information regarding the well-being of support servicemembers and the habitability of the Lincoln. I am writing to add my voice because the parents of my constituents serving aboard the carrier have contacted me with their concerns for the well-being of these servicemembers.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 250 days since departing from San Diego on November 21, 2025. The Lincoln was scheduled for a seven-month deployment in the South China Sea, instead, the carrier has not made a port call in over 200 days while supporting military operations against Iran. The deployment has been extended multiple times with no publicly announced return date. 

There have been reports of unreliable access to hot water and laundry, shortages of basic supplies, including food and hygiene goods, significant disruptions in the mail system, deteriorating mental health and increasing suicide attempts, and limited opportunities for sailors to communicate with their families. I have constituents on board the Lincoln and I have heard directly from parents in my District who are worried about the living conditions their family members are being subjected to while they serve our country. They speak of care packages that remain undelivered after months, low quality and rationed food, cold showers when the showers are available, and dangerously low crew morale. These reports demand immediate attention.

The sailors on the Lincoln are maintaining and supporting some of the most sophisticated aircraft and weapons systems in the world, while under constant threat of attack from our enemies. They are working extraordinary hours aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while supporting military operations thousands of miles from their loved ones. These sailors deserve our full support, the least of which includes having their basic needs met.

Given these concerns, we would like to request your responses to the following questions no later than August 27, 2026:

• Have habitability problems been identified? If so, what corrective action has been taken? If no action has been taken, what action will be taken?

• Please list the supply shortages, including meals, and quality-of-life problems that have been identified aboard the Lincoln. What action has been taken to correct these problems? If no action has been taken, what action will be taken?

• What is causing disruptions to mail delivery on the Lincoln and what action has been taken to ensure sailors will receive the packages their families send in a timely manner? If no action has been taken, what action will be taken?

• What steps is the Navy taking to manage fatigue, morale, and quality of life during this extraordinarily demanding deployment for the Lincoln and other carriers, like the USS John Finn?

The sailors aboard the Lincoln continue to put their lives on the line to protect our country and it is our duty to ensure they are taken care of while they are serving. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

GILBERT, ARIZONA- Following Congressman Andy Biggs’s bipartisan push to strengthen America’s mining engineering workforce, the White House announced earlier this month that the Department of Energy will invest $100 million in the nation’s 14 mining schools to revitalize the next-generation workforce and double the number of graduates with mining, minerals, and associated supply chain credentials.

The Department of War also announced more than $80 million for three schools to support major workforce development programs and technology innovation hubs that will train the next generation of geologists, metallurgists, and mining engineers.

These investments build on Congressman Biggs’s work to close the growing gap between the Chinese and American mining engineering workforces. As part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which recently passed the U.S. House, Congressman Biggs secured an amendment to ensure federal support is directed toward accredited mining engineering programs that strengthen America’s workforce pipeline and national security.

The workforce challenge is significant. The United States graduates just over 200 mining engineers each year, while China reportedly graduates between 3,000 and 10,000 mining-related engineers annually. Due in part to this gap, the United States is 100 percent import-reliant for 16 nonfuel minerals and more than 50 percent reliant for dozens more—dependencies that affect American defense systems, semiconductors, and infrastructure. In states like Arizona, mining remains central to economic strength, critical mineral independence, and national security.

“I applaud the White House for making these historic investments in America’s mining workforce,”said Congressman Biggs.“The United States cannot afford to continue losing ground to China, especially in areas so critical to our defense systems, semiconductor supply chains, and infrastructure. Strengthening our mining engineering workforce is essential to protecting America’s national security and securing the future for the next generation. I urge the U.S. Senate to include my amendment in its version of the NDAA to build on this progress.”

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

August 17, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON–U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Gathering Alligator Treatment, Oversight, and Response Act of 2026, or the GATOR Act, legislation that requires the Comptroller General and the Department of the Interior to study how a decades-old federal species listing affects the ability of state wildlife agencies to remove nuisance alligators from residential and commercial waterways. The bill follows the death of a 31-year-old Oviedo woman, who was killed by a 13-foot alligator near her home. The attack renewed public attention on how alligators are managed in neighborhoods where growing development has pushed people and gators into closer contact. “Florida families deserve to protect their children and pets in their own backyards,” said Rep. Steube. “The American alligator is an apex predator, and it’s been fully recovered since 1987. Federal look-alike rules meant to stop trafficking remain in place, but they may be discouraging Floridians from using our state’s nuisance alligator program. The GATOR Act simply studies whether these federal trade enforcements have influenced the way states manage nuisance gators or the way residents report them.” The American alligator is not listed as endangered or threatened. It carries a “threatened due to similarity of appearance” classification because it closely resembles the American crocodile, a status meant to prevent traffickers from passing off protected crocodile hides as alligator hides in interstate commerce. The GATOR Act would examine whether that trade-focused listing has unintentionally slowed the removal of nuisance alligators and invasive caimans from areas where they pose a risk to people, pets, and property. The legislation directs the Comptroller General, working with the Secretary of the Interior and relevant state wildlife agencies, to determine the effect of the federal listing on state management programs for the American alligator, common caiman, and brown caiman; whether the listing has contributed to more than a full recovery of the American alligator population; whether it has contributed to the common or brown caiman becoming invasive species in Florida; and whether it has made it more difficult to remove nuisance alligators or invasive caimans from waterways in or around residential and commercial areas. The GATOR Act does not change how any state currently manages its alligator population. It directs a federal study to determine whether the current framework has led states and communities to treat alligators as a threatened population. The full text of the GATOR Act is available here.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

August 17, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), and Congressman Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) led 51 of their House Democratic colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to address concerns about its recently announced critical minerals agreements.

The deals lack transparency and enforceable protections for labor rights, human rights and the environment, while potentially enriching Trump administration insiders and placing financial risk onto American taxpayers without congressional oversight.

The New York Times has even reported that companies linked to the families of President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick would profit from a U.S.-backed critical minerals agreement in Kazakhstan.

“In light of these concerns, we call for a transparent and accountable negotiation process, alongside a clear commitment to advancing high-road, sustainable critical minerals mining and processing,” the members wrote. “The United States must also engage partner countries with respect for their sovereignty and support value-addition in critical minerals supply chains that strengthens emerging economies and ensures exploitative practices of the past are not repeated.”

In addition to Huffman, Sánchez, and Jackson, the letter was signed by Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Jesús García (D-Ill.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Pablo Hernández (D-Puerto Rico), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Nellie Pou (D-N.J.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.).

Full text of the letter is available HERE and follows:

August 17, 2026

Ambassador Greer
U.S. Trade Representative
600 17th St. NW,
Washington, D.C. 20508

Secretary Rubio
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20520

Secretary Lutnick
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20230

Secretary Bessent
U.S. Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Ambassador Greer, Secretary Rubio, Secretary Lutnick, and Secretary Bessent:

We write to raise serious concerns with the administration’s recent international agreements related to critical minerals, including framework agreements, agreements on reciprocal trade, action plans, memoranda of understanding (MOU), and a potential Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals. While we have long supported efforts to strengthen U.S. critical minerals supply chains to build our clean energy and technology industries and to reduce reliance on China, several of these “deals” raise concerns regarding transparency, labor and human rights, environmental protections, and insufficient congressional oversight.

As you know, poorly regulated mining and minerals processing has a well-documented record of environmental damage, displacement and harm to Indigenous communities, and widespread labor and human rights violations. Any agreement facilitating trade in critical minerals must directly address these harms and avoid reinforcing extractive models that prioritize mining profits over communities and workers.

All minerals-related trade negotiations must also allow for broad public participation and congressional review and approval, as required by Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. We were alarmed to hear about the administration’s threats to use “trade-restricting measures” in negotiating critical minerals agreements which directly usurp Congressional prerogatives on trade.

Our scrutiny of executive overreach in critical minerals agreements is not new. Republican and Democratic congressional leaders alike sharply criticized the Biden administration’s critical minerals trade deal with Japan for circumventing Congress’s trade authority and lacking enforceable labor, human rights, and environmental standards.

Unfortunately, the Trump administration expanded this approach, announcing critical minerals deals and related provisions in the broader “reciprocal” trade deals without meaningful consultation with Congress nor the communities that would be most impacted. A letter sent to Secretary Rubio by more than 50 House members last August requesting basic information about the negotiations of a critical minerals deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) went unanswered.

We were alarmed to learn the Trump administration has since signed a “Strategic Partnership Agreement” (SPA) with the DRC which calls for sweeping changes to the DRC’s constitution and grants U.S. companies a “right of first offer” on mining concessions. The SPA has paved the way for foreign mining companies to extract the DRC’s mineral wealth amid a violent conflict, all while mass violence and human rights violations continue. In this context, reports the U.S. helped fund a paramilitary force to guard mining operations in the DRC and may lift Magnitsky Act sanctions on businessman Dan Gertler to facilitate a cobalt deal, are especially troubling.

We were further troubled to learn that U.S. development assistance is being used as leverage in critical minerals negotiations. It is callous and unacceptable that the State Department threatened to withhold HIV medicines and other lifesaving assistance for the Zambian people to pressure the Zambian government into signing a critical minerals agreement with the U.S. The Trump administration’s cuts to foreign aid, particularly for healthcare assistance, have also threatened workforce stability, economic development, and broader U.S. strategic interests in partner countries.
We also note significant issues with the critical minerals provisions included in several Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ART). The ART with Malaysia prevents export restrictions on critical minerals which some emerging economies rely on to promote value addition, increase government revenue, and support downstream development. ARTs with Argentina, Ecuador, Cambodia and Bangladesh explicitly require countries to facilitate U.S. mining investment in their countries without requiring any binding environmental, labor, or human rights commitments.
In addition, provisions within the MOU concluded with Malaysia establish an institutional channel for the United States to influence mining policy and governance in Malaysia while skirting Congressional involvement, international agreements, and public debate. The text explicitly encourages “streamlining permitting processes”. Under the Trump administration “streamlining” policies for domestic mining has included dramatically limiting environmental review, eliminating opportunities for public input, and weakening or repealing environmental protections. This MOU, and others modeled on it, could therefore provide a channel for the Trump administration to push its deregulatory agenda onto partner countries without scrutiny.
Finally, we are deeply concerned these deals commit U.S. taxpayers to billions in direct loans and loan guarantees by the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Export-Import Bank and other federal equity investments in mining and processing. These structures shift risk onto U.S. taxpayers while encouraging companies to take on riskier projects. If projects succeed, companies keep the profits; if they fail, taxpayers help absorb losses.
Absent strong transparency and accountability measures, these investments and loan guarantees raise risks of conflicts of interest, self-dealing, preferential treatment, and weakened oversight. The Export-Import Bank inspector general position has remained vacant for months, and the recent DFC reauthorization expanded the agency’s authorities while reducing congressional oversight, leaving hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. government-backed financing without credible safeguards against corruption or misuse of taxpayer funds. Recent reporting by the New York Times that members of the Trump and Lutnick families could be enriched through U.S.-financed critical minerals deals underscores this concern.
These risks are compounded by the Trump administration’s pursuit of critical minerals agreements that include price floors. Depending on the goals and design of coordinated price support mechanisms, they could facilitate cartel-like behavior inconsistent with U.S. antitrust law and inadvertently benefit Chinese firms elsewhere in the critical minerals supply chain. Without rigorous safeguards, traceability requirements, and restrictions on participation by Chinese state-linked firms, these mechanisms could inadvertently reinforce China’s dominance in global supply chains rather than reduce U.S. dependence on it.
In light of these concerns, we call for a transparent and accountable negotiation process, alongside a clear commitment to advancing high-road, sustainable critical minerals mining and processing. The United States must also engage partner countries with respect for their sovereignty and support value-addition in critical minerals supply chains that strengthens emerging economies and ensures exploitative practices of the past are not repeated.
In addition, we request answers to the following questions:

1. Will the Trump administration include binding standards and enforcement mechanisms in its critical minerals arrangements to protect the environment, communities, and the full range of internationally recognized labor rights, not only the prohibition of forced labor? How will compliance be measured, verified, and reported? And what penalties will apply when violations occur?
2. How will the administration ensure that the U.S.-backed paramilitary force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo respects human rights and does not interfere with the exercise of internationally recognized labor rights, including freedom of association?
3. What assessment, if any, has the administration conducted regarding the impact of recent reductions or disruptions in U.S. foreign assistance, particularly healthcare and HIV/AIDS programming, on U.S. mining companies operating abroad and the local workforce on which those companies rely
4. Mineral circularity, the practice of minimizing waste and maximizing the lifespan of minerals, has the potential to create American jobs, improve supply chain resilience, and reduce unnecessary waste. Will the U.S. integrate circularity requirements or incentives into its critical minerals arrangements to ensure that minerals are reused, refurbished, and recycled as often as possible?
5. What specific safeguards are in place to ensure that U.S. taxpayer-financed DFC and Export-Import Bank-backed guarantees do not incentivize excessively risky overseas mining projects or unfairly benefit specific firms, investors, or political interests? How will the projects supported by this financing benefit workers in the United States and in the countries where the projects are located?
6. How will the administration ensure that the U.S. government’s acquisition of equity stakes in critical minerals firms will not result in conflicts of interest, self-dealing, preferential treatment, or weakened regulatory oversight and enforcement?
7. What safeguards are in place to ensure that a proposed price floor for critical minerals does not enable coordination among firms or otherwise create antitrust risks associated with price-setting?
8. How will the administration ensure that any price floor arrangement does not allow Chinese firms or state-linked entities to benefit from third-country production, concentration of downstream processing and refining capacity, or transshipment?
9. The administration has worked to accelerate deep-sea mining of critical minerals including with the recent U.S.-Japan MOU on deep-sea mineral resource development, ordering agencies to commence mapping and expedite permitting despite a lack of scientific studies. Has the administration conducted environmental impact assessments of how these activities could affect fisheries, ocean carbon storage, and coastal economies? Does the administration have a plan to address potential harm and, if so, what has been proposed?
10. Strong, mutually beneficial trade partnerships are essential to securing U.S. critical minerals supply chains. How is the administration ensuring that its critical minerals strategy does not limit partner countries to extractive roles, but instead supports their ability to develop value-added processing and manufacturing capacity that promotes economic development rather than dependence?

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

“I don’t know how we’re supposed to take any soaring ‘America-first’ language from this administration seriously when it appears to be bound and determined to send American shipbuilding jobs overseas and, now, to sell American shipyards to foreign corporations. Luckily, the House has already given bipartisan support to my language to block this short-sighted offshoring scheme, and the Senate is poised to do the same. Congress must take seriously its job to protect national security and American jobs.”

BACKGROUND: 

Golden’s amendment was in response to a Navy Shipbuilding Plan released by the Pentagon earlier this year, which called for offshoring the production of some warships, or parts of warships, in overseas yards. 

Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is home to scores of shipbuilders employed at Bath Iron Works who build DDG-51 Destroyers, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called the “workhorse” of the US naval fleet. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

ARCADIA, CA – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted her annual Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards Ceremony, honoring ten remarkable individuals and organizations from across California’s 28th Congressional District for their outstanding service and contributions to their communities. 

“This year’s honorees are our everyday leaders, the educators, volunteers, activists, and small business owners who have made a real difference in the San Gabriel Valley,” said Rep. Chu. “I’m proud to recognize them all, not only for their accomplishments, but for the lasting impact they make every single day. Their service reminds us of the importance of community, showing up for others, and the difference one person can make.”

This year’s honorees include:

Ringo Chiu – Building Bridges Award (Temple City): Ringo Chiu, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, was recognized for his dedication to building bridges through his work in photojournalism. Throughout his career, Ringo has repeatedly put himself at risk to document important events and moments, including California wildfires, Black Lives Matter protests, ICE raids, and more. Through his powerful visual storytelling, Ringo has consistently connected people, inspired empathy, and helped strengthen communities during times of crisis.

Fair Oaks Burger, Christy Lee and Janet Lee – Business of the Year (Altadena): Fair Oaks Burger was recognized for serving the Altadena community in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. Owned by Christy and Janet Lee, the business has become a cornerstone for the Altadena community, providing a place for residents to come together, support one another, and rebuild by hosting farmers’ markets, food giveaways, and countless community events.

Webster’s Community Pharmacy, Meredith and Michael Miller – Business of the Year (Altadena): Webster’s Community Pharmacy, currently owned by pharmacist Michael Miller and his wife Meredith, was recognized for their 100 years serving Altadena. Through challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Eaton Fire, Webster’s has remained a trusted community resource. Beyond pharmacy services, the business supports local artists and businesses, operates Altadena’s Village Post Office, and raised funds for local business recovery through its “Beautiful Altadena 91101” merchandise following the Eaton Fire. 

Javier Arellano, Owner of Taco Bout Good – Community Activist of the Year (Upland): Javier Arellano has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the Upland community through both his business and charitable efforts, including numerous meal donations to first responders and essential workers. After transforming his own life, he has used his second chance to give back, advocate for men’s mental health, and create a place of connection, hope, and service for the community. His dedication has earned him widespread recognition, including being named the Upland Chamber of Commerce’s Businessperson of the Year in 2020 and his restaurant receiving the BusinessRate Upland Best of 2025 award.

Ruben Karapetian – Community Activist of the Year (La Crescenta): Ruben Karapetian was recognized for his leadership as the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) – Western Region, which is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working on the local, state, and federal level, Karapetian advocates for Armenian American priorities, promotes recognition of Armenian American history and identity, and advocates for human rights overseas.

 

Altadena Meals on Wheels, Shannon Anderson and Shelley Mitchell – Nonprofit of the Year (Altadena): Altadena Meals on Wheels (AMOW) was recognized for more than 53 years of service and dedication to ensuring seniors and individuals in need have access to nutritious meals and compassionate support. Shannon and Shelley have been a vital force in rebuilding Altadena Meals on Wheels from the ground up following the Eaton Fire, restoring its meal delivery services and ensuring vulnerable residents throughout Altadena continue to receive the care and support they need.

Dean Sheldon Serwin – Volunteer of the Year (South Pasadena): Dean Sheldon Serwin was recognized for more than a decade of dedicated volunteer service to the South Pasadena community, supporting youth development, education, the arts, and civic initiatives. From Scouting and school programs to the South Pasadena Arts Council and The Oneonta Club Foundation, Dean has helped uplift the community by supporting projects that benefit residents. He has also played a key role in local funding measures supporting education, public safety, library services, and infrastructure.

Otis Triplett – Volunteer of the Year (Pasadena & Altadena): Otis Triplett was recognized for his nearly three decades of serving the Pasadena community through volunteerism, mentorship, and civic leadership. An 88-year-old U.S. Army veteran and successful business owner, he continues to volunteer with the Pasadena Police Department’s Community Assisting Pasadena Police (CAPP) program, inspiring generations through his perseverance and commitment to service.

Mikaela Hong – Youth of the Year (La Cañada-Flintridge): Mikaela Hong, a senior from La Cañada High School and a stage IV pediatric cancer patient for 7 years, was recognized for her leadership as the Founder and Executive Director of the Pediatric Hope Project, one of the largest youth-led nonprofits in the United States, which provides free, virtual, one-on-one weekly tutoring and emotional support to children battling serious illnesses. This year, she has advocated for Congressmember Chu’s consideration in sponsoring a resolution to designate September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day. Mikaela’s leadership demonstrates extraordinary resilience, compassion, and dedication to improving the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

Robert “Bob” L. Gin – Lifetime Achievement Award (Alhambra & Monterey Park): Robert (Bob) L. Gin was recognized for his decades of service in public education, serving on the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education for over 24 years. During his tenure, he has helped lead the successful unification of the district into a seamless TK–12 system and expanded educational opportunities for more than 14,000 students. He has also helped mentor generations of young leaders through the district’s student leadership programs. As he concludes his final term on the Board, Bob leaves a legacy of leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and service that has strengthened the Alhambra and Monterey Park community for generations.