Rep. Balint Leads 75 Colleagues in Condemning Israeli Military Engagement in Lebanon, Destruction of Civilian Homes and Infrastructure

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today led 75 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern about the Israeli military’s operations in southern Lebanon. Since the temporary cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was announced on April 16, 2026, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued military operations in violation of the ceasefire. As the Trump administration implements the memorandum of understanding with Iran, the letter urges the State Department to take all possible steps in bringing a swift end to the wars in Iran and Lebanon.  

 

The Members called attention to reports of the Israeli military’s use of U.S.-origin weapons and equipment in the destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure. Hundreds of civilians have died from these attacks and more than one million people, approximately 20 percent of Lebanon’s population, have been forced from their homes. 

 

“Every government has a right and a responsibility to protect its citizens, and Israel has a right to defend itself,” the Members wrote. “However, this does not justify unrestrained Israeli military operations, especially those that violate the current ceasefire, destroy civilian infrastructure, and lead to the death of hundreds of civilians. All sides must fully abide by the ceasefire agreement.” 

 

“We are troubled by the Israeli military’s practice of mass demolitions of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon and targeting practices that kill Lebanese civilians,” the Members continued. “After the Israeli military invaded southern Lebanon and began an occupation of the territory, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to raze all homes in southern border villages, ‘following the Rafah and Beit Hanounmodel in Gaza,’ a reference to the Israeli military’s systematic destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Since then, reporting and satellite imagery have confirmed widespread demolitions of civilian homes, buildings, and religious sites in southern Lebanon, including the use of bulldozers and controlled demolitions. The Israeli military has also demolished bridges, roads, water pipelines, and fuel stations in southern Lebanon.” 

 

The letter highlights Trump administration’s responsibility to investigate whether U.S.-origin weapons are being used in activities inconsistent with U.S. law and arms transfer agreements, while supporting the Lebanese government and Lebanese Armed Forces in efforts to disarm Hezbollah and strengthen state authority.  

 

“The use of U.S. origin weapons in the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure is a violation of U.S. military assistance transfer agreements with the Israeli government,” the Members wrote. “The targeted, mass destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure does not constitute Israeli self-defense. If U.S.-origin arms are confirmed to be used in these unauthorized activities, we ask the Trump administration to enforce existing law and stop arms transfers being used in these operations until these violations cease. 

 

“The Trump administration should take all possible steps to bring a swift end to the war and continue good-faith negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli governments,” the Members concluded. “We urge the administration to work to empower the Lebanese government and to fund the Lebanese Armed Forces to pursue Hezbollah’s full demilitarization and disarmament.” 

 

J Street has endorsed the letter, with J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami releasing the following statement: “We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Balint and Congressman Castro’s leading this important Congressional letter, expressing concern over the situation in southern Lebanon. While Hezbollah must be disarmed and the Lebanese government supported, Congress must ensure that this does not evolve into another long-term Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. We share the Members’ concerns about the Israeli military’s conduct in southern Lebanon, especially the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Members are right to seek to ensure that U.S. law is being enforced and that American weapons are not being misused.” 
 

In addition to Rep. Balint, the letter was signed by Reps. Amo, Ansari, Barragan, Bonamici, Carbajal, Carson, Casten, Castro, Chu, Cisneros, Cleaver, Cohen, Davids, Davis, Dean, DeLauro, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dingell, Doggett, Escobar, Evans, Foster, Garamendi, Garcia (Chuy), Garcia (Robert), Garcia (Sylvia), Grijalva, Hayes, Hoyle, Huffman, Jackson, Jacobs, Jayapal, Johnson (Hank), Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Kelly, Khanna, Leger Fernandez, Lofgren, Lynch, Magaziner, Matsui, McCollum, McDonald Rivet, McGarvey, McGovern, McIver, Min, Moulton, Pallone, Pelosi, Pingree, Pocan, Quigley, Randall, Ross, Ryan, Salinas, Schakowsky, Scott, Simon, Stansbury, Takano, Thompson (Bennie), Thompson (Mike), Tokuda, Tonko, Tran, Vasquez, Velázquez, Waters, Watson Coleman, Williams. 

 

Earlier in June, Rep. Balint voted in favor of a War Powers Resolution to cease U.S. involvement in the war in Lebanon. 

 

The full text of the letter can be found here
 

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Smith: USMCA Renewal Pause Is a Path to Stronger Enforcement 

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

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Trade, released the following statement regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Joint Review. 

“Since its creation, USMCA has been the gold standard for modern trade agreements, delivering meaningful benefits to the United States and our North American partners. But any agreement is only as strong as its enforcement. Unfortunately, over the past six years, our trading partners have repeatedly failed to fully uphold their commitments. With that in mind, President Trump’s decision not to renew is not a termination—it is an opportunity to strengthen enforcement, so the agreement functions as intended. I look forward to continuing my work with Ambassador Greer to secure the strongest possible deal, level the playing field, and reinforce supply chains for America’s agriculture producers and manufacturers.”

BACKGROUND:

Smith has been a leading advocate for strong enforcement of the USMCA agreement—particularly on issues affecting American agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services. 

Representing the nation’s largest agriculture-producing district, Smith has emphasized the importance of a strong, enforceable USMCA for America’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. He continues to support strengthening the agreement ahead of its scheduled expiration on July 1, 2036. 

In December 2020, after Mexico issued a presidential decree banning imports of U.S. biotech corn for human consumption in violation of its USMCA commitments, Smith pressed the Biden Administration to act. Sending multiple letters to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging the launch of a formal dispute. In December 2024, following sustained pressure from Smith, a USMCA dispute panel ruled in the United States’ favor, ending Mexico’s ban on U.S.-grown biotech corn. 

In March 2022, Smith joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration raising concerns about Mexico’s discrimination towards American energy companies and urging the administration to pursue a formal USMCA dispute settlement. 

In December 2023, Smith joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration expressing their disappointment in the administration’s failure to hold Canada accountable for their discrimination against American dairy products. In December 2025, he joined a group of his colleagues urging the Trump Administration to finally address these concerns ahead of the Joint Review.

In September 2024, following several concerning Mexican Constitutional reforms, Smith led a group of his colleagues in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to work with Mexican officials to ensure that these proposed reforms did not violate the USMCA agreement. 

Smith has also raised concerns about Canada’s emerging digital trade barriers. In May 2024, he joined a bipartisan group urging the Biden Administration to address trade implications of Canada’s Online Streaming Act. In July 2025, he and his colleagues called on Canadian officials to rescind discriminatory digital policies ahead of the 2026 Joint Review and urged the Trump Administration to prioritize resolving these barriers in future negotiations. 

In May 2026, Smith led a letter with 19 Republican colleagues to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raising concerns regarding recent actions by Mexico’s Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) that unfairly target American companies operating in Mexico. 

Ahead of the July 2026 Joint Review, Smith led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Mexico City to meet with Mexican officials during the first round of bilateral negotiations. 

Most recently, in June 2026, Smith led a bipartisan letter with his Agriculture Trade Caucus co-chairs and 13 colleagues urging the Trump Administration to address Mexico’s non-tariff barriers affecting U.S. grain exports. 

Kelly Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) has introduced a special “America’s 250th Anniversary” section of his website.

Here, you find legislation Rep. Kelly has sponsored or co-sponsored to supports this historic occasion. You will also find Rep. Kelly’s new video on his YouTube channel highlighting Western Pennsylvania’s role in American history.

On his Facebook, Instagram, and X pages, Rep. Kelly is rolling out America’s 250th anniversary-themed fun facts, history, and other information to help constituents learn more about the region, commonwealth, and nation we call home.

Stay up to date with Rep. Kelly’s work in Washington and Western Pennsylvania by signing up for his e-newsletter!

Huffman, Raskin Introduce Resolution Reaffirming Church-State Separation Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

July 01, 2026

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representative Huffman (CA-02) and Representative Raskin (MD-08) alongside other democratic colleagues are introducing a resolution in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. As the United States prepares to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, the resolution recognizes the nation’s long tradition of protecting religious liberty through a secular government, celebrates America’s growing religious diversity, and rejects efforts to use the power of government to impose any one religious belief on the American people.

This resolution comes at a pivotal moment for religious freedom in America. Last week, Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission released a dangerous 224-page draft report proposing policies that would expand the role of religion in government and weaken safeguards that have protected religious freedom for generations. The commission is stacked with mostly right-wing Christian nationalists, and one conservative Jewish member, all of whom endorse claims that America was founded as a Chrisian nation.

“Last week Trump’s so called Religious Liberty Commission released an absurd report launching a direct attack on one of America’s greatest constitutional achievements: the separation of church and state,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “The Constitution doesn’t belong to Christian nationalists, and it doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to all of us, and its promise of religious freedom protects every American, regardless of what they believe. No president, no matter how determined to erode our constitutional freedoms, can change what has always been at the heart of this country: a belief in liberty and freedom for all. That includes the freedom to worship as you choose, or not at all, without government interference or religious coercion. That’s the America worth celebrating after 250 years, and it’s the America we must continue to defend.”

“Our Founders rebelled against centuries of state-controlled churches, religious warfare, Crusades, inquisitions, witchcraft trials, and other expressions of religious authoritarianism to create a secular Constitution,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, our resolution is a necessary reminder to guard religious freedom, one of our nation’s founding principles, from those seeking to destroy it by using the government to impose white Christian nationalism. Mr. President, read the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of our Constitution.”

The resolution draws on the writings of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and other Founders, as well as longstanding constitutional precedent, to underscore that religious freedom flourishes when government remains neutral in matters of faith. It also recognizes that the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses have safeguarded Americans of every religion, and those of no religion, for nearly 250 years.

A full copy of the resolution can be found here.

In addition to Huffman and Raskin, the resolution is cosponsored by Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Sean Casten (IL-06), Emily Randall (WA-06), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42).

The resolution is endorsed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, American Humanist Association, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Secular Coalition, The Center for Inquiry, and Interfaith Alliance, and Baptist Joint Committee, Ex-Muslims of North America, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Jews for Secular Democracy, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Emgage, Vote Common Good, Sikh Coalition.

A full list of quotes from endorsed organizations can be found here.

Reps. Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop Testify On H.R. 9416 Before House Committee on Natural Resources

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after testifying before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding H.R. 9416, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act:

“In Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, and across the state, the Ocmulgee Mounds are a source of deep pride. Just as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone reflect the heritage of their regions, the Ocmulgee River corridor represents one of the most important cultural landscapes in the Southeast. By redesignating the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park, we can ensure that this extraordinary history is recognized at the national level and shared with visitors from across the country and around the world. I’m proud of the bipartisan work that has brought us to this point, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to move this legislation all the way to President Trump’s desk and establish Georgia’s first national park,” said Rep. Scott.

“As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this Saturday, it is vital that we preserve and protect our ancient history, including the stories of the indigenous peoples who lived here long before July 4, 1776,” said Bishop. “Our bill today represents a small, albeit meaningful, step forward that will strengthen Ocmulgee and ensure that its cultural and religious sites are protected now and into the future.”

Watch Rep. Scott’s full testimony here.

Watch Rep. Bishop’s full testimony here.

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Ukraine Caucus Introduces Bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act to Increase Security Cooperation and Strengthen Defense Capabilities Between the United States and Ukraine

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

Today, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Co-Founder and Co-Chair Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), introduced the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act to increase security cooperation and strengthen defense capabilities between the United States and Ukraine. Co-Leads of the legislation include Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), and Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). This bipartisan legislation will create a working group between the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other relevant stakeholders to enable the US to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly acquire cost-effective Ukrainian-designed unmanned systems such as drones and surface vehicles, as well as the capabilities to counter unmanned systems. Bicameral companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD). 

“The United States is a key force in keeping Vladimir Putin from taking Ukraine and invading the rest of Eastern Europe. Ukraine has been able to fend off Russian attacks during this war because of our technology and our weapons,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “The development and production of unmanned systems like drones and surface vehicles supported by this bill will help Ukraine protect themselves and safeguard democracy worldwide.” 

“The innovative use of unmanned systems in Ukraine has permanently changed the face of warfare. By working with our Ukrainian allies we stand the best chance of protecting American servicemembers and the American homeland,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “We must never forget that when Iranian drones honed against Ukrainians targeted Americans in the Middle East, it was Ukraine that came to our defense and aid. By forging an ironclad pact with our Ukrainian allies, we can repay that debt, and create a manufacturing partnership that will benefit communities across America.”

“Four years into the war that many predicted would end in four days, the Ukrainians continue to rapidly innovate and push the frontiers of modern warfare — operating as a laboratory for drones and other unmanned systems,” said Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “I’m proud to support this legislation to bolster defense cooperation between our nations and ensure the United States is prepared to build, deploy, and counter the drone technology that will define the future of warfare.”

“Ukrainians are some of the most innovative people in the world. They are testing modern warfare technologies on the battlefield in real time,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue. “We have the opportunity to apply lessons learned by the Ukrainians to benefit the US military to make our warfighters more effective. This bill would enhance US-Ukraine defense cooperation, benefiting both nations.”

“Ukraine’s fight against Russia has shown the world that unmanned systems are changing the future of warfare,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation. “The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act strengthens US-Ukraine defense cooperation by creating a working group to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly field cost-effective unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies. This partnership will help ensure the United States and our allies remain at the forefront of battlefield innovation while enhancing military readiness to meet evolving threats. I’m pleased to work with Rep. Kaptur and our bipartisan colleagues on this effort to strengthen defense cooperation and keep our forces ahead of emerging threats.”

Today’s introduction of the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act follows yesterday’s announcement of $1.1 Billion in Pentagon investment in American manufacturing of Ukrainian Drone Technology including $18.4 Million of investment in Northwest Ohio. You can read more about yesterday’s announcement by clicking here. A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here.

Dingell Statement on Consumers Energy Withdrawing Proposed Power Plant in Lima Township

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement after Consumers Energy announced it would not move forward with a proposed power plant in Lima Township:

“I am pleased that Consumers Energy has decided not to move forward with the proposed power plant in Lima Township. 

Residents raised thoughtful and legitimate concerns about the project’s potential impacts on public health, the environment, and their community. I shared those concerns directly with Consumers Energy and urged the company to listen carefully to the people who would be most affected. 

I appreciate that Consumers Energy took those concerns seriously and ultimately made the decision not to move forward. Projects of this scale are most successful when communities have a meaningful seat at the table from the very beginning.

It is important that anyone proposing projects in our communities are transparent and give community members the opportunity for input and a discussion of the issues they are concerned about. Consumers Energy recognized that they made a mistake, and I appreciate them apologizing for it. Thank you to the residents, local officials, and everyone who spoke up. Their voices mattered, and they helped shape this outcome.

As Michigan continues to meet growing energy demands, we will need thoughtful, collaborative solutions that protect the communities we call home,” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

Aderholt Announces $16.17 Million BUILD Grant for Swayback Bridge Replacement in Marshall County

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that Marshall County has been awarded a $16.17 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the Swayback Bridge on Hustleville Road. The award is the only BUILD Grant awarded in Alabama this year, making it a significant investment not only for Marshall County but for the entire state. 

The project will replace the existing Swayback Bridge and realign approximately 2,000 feet of Hustleville Road. The new bridge will be approximately 1,000 feet long and 40 feet wide and will include widened shoulders, improved roadway geometry, enhanced safety features, and the relocation and upgrade of a water line beneath the bridge deck. 

“This is tremendous news for Marshall County and for the thousands of residents, school buses, emergency vehicles, farmers, and businesses that depend on the Swayback Bridge every day,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Anyone who has driven this stretch of road understands why this project has been such a priority. Replacing this aging bridge will make travel safer, improve reliability, and strengthen an important transportation corridor for years to come.”

Last year, Congressman Aderholt wrote directly to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging the Department of Transportation to give strong consideration to Marshall County’s BUILD Grant application.

“I was proud to advocate for this project and appreciate Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation for recognizing its importance,” Aderholt continued. “Competitive grants like BUILD are never easy to secure, which makes this award especially meaningful. The fact that Marshall County received Alabama’s only BUILD Grant this year speaks to both the strength of this application and the critical need for this investment.”

Aderholt also commended the Marshall County Commission and local officials for their leadership in developing the project.

“I want to congratulate the Marshall County Commission and Commission Chairman John Young and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this application together,” Aderholt said. “Their persistence and vision made today’s announcement possible. I look forward to seeing construction begin and to the lasting benefits this project will provide for the people of Marshall County.”

The BUILD Grant program provides competitive federal funding for nationally and regionally significant transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity. 

Congressman Valadao Works to Solve Labor Shortages for Central Valley Dairy Producers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson as an original co-sponsor of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. This bipartisan bill would modernize the H-2A program to better meet the needs of year-round agricultural operations while giving existing unauthorized workers the opportunity to participate in the program, providing much-needed stability for the ag sector.

As the sole dairyman in Congress, Congressman Valadao has been a leading advocate for modernizing the H-2A program and strengthening America’s agricultural workforce. Among his efforts, he has introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the 118th and 119th Congresses.

“One of the biggest concerns I hear from producers across the Central Valley is the ongoing agricultural labor shortage,” said Congressman Valadao. “While the H-2A program works well for many seasonal operations, it hasn’t kept pace with the needs of year-round industries like dairy. That’s why I’m proud to support the bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, which modernizes the program by clarifying that ‘temporary labor’ refers to the length of a farmworker’s contract—not whether the job itself is seasonal. It also creates a pathway for eligible undocumented agricultural workers to earn H-2A status and provide for their families. This bill is a commonsense step that gives producers greater certainty to plan for their workforce, provides long-overdue stability for agricultural workers, and helps strengthen the Central Valley’s food supply for the future.”

Background:

In the 1980s, the H-2A program was created to help address temporary and seasonal agricultural labor needs. The program requires workers to hold temporary visas tied to jobs lasting no more than ten months. While this structure works well for many agricultural sectors with defined planting and harvesting seasons, it creates challenges for dairy producers, whose operations run year-round. As a result, dairy producers often face uncertainty and application denials because their labor needs are viewed as permanent rather than “temporary” or “seasonal.”

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would:

  • Allow H-2A visas to be used for agricultural jobs that are temporary in nature, while removing the current requirement that jobs must also be seasonal.
  • Clarify that “temporary” refers to the length of the employment contract—up to 350 days—rather than whether the work itself is seasonal.
  • Expand eligibility for the program to include controlled environment agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and livestock harvesting.
  • Create a pathway for existing unauthorized agricultural workers to participate in the H-2A program if they meet all requirements, including successfully completing a criminal background check.
  • Establish an online platform to streamline communication and processing between agricultural employers, workers, and government agencies.
  • Provide agricultural producers with the flexibility needed to meet the industry’s year-round workforce demands while maintaining strong, transparent, and enforceable program standards.

Supporting organizations include the American Farm Bureau Federation, California Farm Bureau, National Milk Producers Federation, Western Growers, AmericanHort, International Fresh Produce Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, USA Farmers, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, American Business Immigration Council, National Potato Council, Northwest Horticultural Council, US Apple, American Peanut Shellers Association, American Soybean Association, Livestock Marketing Association, Meat Institute, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Chicken Council, National Cotton Council, National Pecan Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Sorghum Producers, National Turkey Federation, National Watermelon Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, U.S. Rice Producers Association, USA Rice, Vidalia Onion Business Council, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Peanut Federation, Georgia Blueberry Commission, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Midwest Council on Agriculture, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, and Washington Red Raspberry Commission.

Read the full bill here.

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Wasserman Schultz, Salazar Reintroduce Bipartisan Condo Relief Bill to Mark Surfside Collapse Anniversary

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Five years ago, an unimaginable but entirely preventable tragedy rocked our South Florida community with the collapse of Surfside’s Champlain Towers, claiming 98 innocent lives. While the cause was finally identified after years of investigations, action is still needed to stop this from happening again,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act ensures condominium associations can afford to make pressing repairs and keep residents safe.”

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Maria Salazar (FL-27) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act to provide comprehensive condo relief that expands and ensures access to public and private loans for structural and safety repairs, providing bipartisan preventive assistance for millions of residents grappling with the building integrity realities exposed in the Surfside condominium collapse that took 98 lives.

The Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act makes it easier for condo owners to afford special assessments assigned by their HOAs or Condo Associations by expanding access to two loan programs guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The loans are geared to help cover the cost of special assessments for structural and safety related repairs, keeping Florida families safe, healthy, and in their homes.

“Five years ago, an unimaginable but entirely preventable tragedy rocked our South Florida community with the collapse of Surfside’s Champlain Towers, claiming 98 innocent lives. While the cause was finally identified after years of investigations, action is still needed to stop this from happening again,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act ensures condominium associations can afford to make pressing repairs and keep residents safe.”

“The Surfside tragedy changed our community forever and reminded us that protecting families must always come first. As we honor those we lost, we must take action to help prevent another disaster,” said Salazar. “This bipartisan bill gives condominium associations and homeowners the tools they need to finance critical safety repairs, protect residents, and preserve safe, affordable housing across South Florida.”

Key provisions in the legislation:

  • Amends the 203(k) program to allow loans to be used on special assessments for structural repairs.

  • Expands the Title I Property Improvement Loans program to insure private lenders against losses when lending to individual condo owners or condo associations for special assessments. Additionally, the legislation increases the maximum insured loan amount to $55,000, to be adjusted with inflation.

  • Streamlines the process of applying for these loans so that individual homeowners and condo associations can more easily apply for, and obtain, assistance.

  • Amends Section 234 of the National Housing Act to authorize Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance for condominium association building rehabilitation loans.

  • Condominium association loans are collateralized with pledges of future association assessment income. As FHA’s mortgage insurance programs are collateralized by real property, the legislation authorizes the agency to insure condominium association loans collateralized by assessment income or real property or a combination of the two.

  • Under the legislation, FHA-insured condominium association loans may be used for the rehabilitation, alteration, repair, improvement, or replacement of a condominium project’s common systems, infrastructure, and facilities.

  • To protect FHA and the U.S. government against financial loss, the legislation allows FHA insurance for only 90% of the cost of building rehabilitation work. This restriction operates in other FHA multifamily housing rehabilitation loan insurance programs.

This legislation is endorsed by the Community Associations Institute. 

Read the full bill here.

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