MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar ahead of the August District Work Period where they highlighted the commitment of House Democrats to delivering for the American people, while Donald Trump and Rubber Stamp Republicans celebrate their devastating cuts to healthcare and food assistance.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning, everyone. Honored to be joined today by Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar as we prepare to depart for the August District Work Period. The Trump administration and House Republicans have been a complete and total failure. These MAGA extremists promised they were going to lower costs in the United States of America. In fact, they promised the American people that costs would go down on day one. But costs haven’t gone down. They are on the way up. Inflation is up. It’s the quality of life of everyday Americans that is deteriorating. And Donald Trump and House Republicans are making things worse.

The One Big Ugly Bill will rip away healthcare from millions of Americans. Hospitals will close. Nursing homes will shut down. Community-based health clinics will be unable to operate. And as a result of the inability of everyday Americans to get the medical care that they need, people will die. This is a direct result of action taken by Donald Trump and House Republicans connected to the One Big Ugly Bill. It’s extraordinary that as we prepare to leave for the August District Work Period, what House Republicans can point to is a toxic and extreme Republican budget that will cause millions of Americans to be broke, sick and hungry. That’s the legislative accomplishment of House Republicans. And all of this was done to reward billionaires with massive tax breaks.

The One Big Ugly Bill is deeply unpopular. Donald Trump is deeply unpopular. And House Republicans haven’t done a damn thing to make life more affordable for the American people. During the August District Work Period, House Democrats will hold events all across the country talking about our efforts to build an affordable economy that lowers the high cost of living in the United States of America, to protect the healthcare of the American people and to combat the cultural corruption that exists in this town that undermines the ability to have a government of the people, by the people and for the people. We’re looking forward to holding town hall meetings across the country, at the same time that Republicans will continue to run away from town hall meetings. But we will fill the void that they are leaving and engage aggressively with the American people, all in service of building a country where everyone can experience the American dream.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) today reintroduced the Medicaid Bump Act, legislation that would increase the federal reimbursement rate for mental and behavioral health care services under Medicaid.

“As the largest payer for mental health and substance use treatment, Medicaid is essential to behavioral health care,” Congressman Tonko said. “The massive cuts to Medicaid made in President Trump’s Big Ugly Law will leave countless Americans without access to the lifesaving, affordable care, but we must do all we can as legislators to stem the harm caused by this cruel legislation and work to deliver meaningful federal resources for mental health services. That’s why we’re introducing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation. I hope my colleagues will join me in helping remove these barriers in behavioral health treatment and ensure our communities are delivered affordable, quality care.”

“As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I’m working directly with community providers, health systems, and local leaders to identify the structural barriers limiting access to care. This initiative is a direct result of those conversations—delivering targeted federal support to expand state investment, raise provider reimbursement, and build capacity in the areas that need it most. It’s a data-driven response to a national crisis, and Congress must act,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“The best way to combat the mental health crisis in America is by offering comprehensive, affordable mental health services for those who need it,” said Senator Tina Smith. “The Medicaid Bump Act helps more Americans access this life-changing care by expanding state-level coverage and ensuring providers are appropriately compensated. This way, we can start addressing the stigma around mental health and the gross inequities in our medical system.”

Traditionally, states receive federal reimbursement rates between 50 and 75 percent. Under the Medicaid Bump Act, Medicaid would reimburse states for 90 percent of the cost of providing new mental and behavioral health services. Further, the bill would:

• Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to define which services qualify as eligible behavioral health services for the enhanced FMAP.
• Require HHS to provide annual reports on the impact of increased federal Medicaid reimbursement on the utilization of behavioral health services in each state.

The Medicaid Bump Act is supported by 34 organizations, including: Alliance for Rights and Recovery, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Mental Health Counselor Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Anxiety & Depression Association of America, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Community Catalyst, Faces and Voices of Recovery, Friends of Recovery- New York, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health & Social Justice, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Inseparable, International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses, Legal Action Center, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, National Association for Rural Mental Health, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, National Board for Certified Counselors & Affiliates, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Federation of Families, National League for Nursing, The National Register of Health Service Psychologists, Overdose Prevention Initiative, Treatment Communities of America, and Youth Villages

Text of the bill can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Hosts Tele-Townhall on July 21, 2025?

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

The House of Representatives today passed the Great Lakes Mass Marking Act, led by Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), co-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, and Tim Walberg (MI-05), member of the Great Lakes Task Force.

This legislation would mass mark all hatchery-produced fish. Currently, the United States tags only 9 to 11 million of the 21 million fish stocked each year. By marking all hatchery fish, mass marking will improve data collection, enabling better analysis of the health of wild fish stocks. This would provide valuable insights to help develop a science-based, collaborative fishery management program. With the Great Lakes fishing economy valued at around $7 billion, this data-driven approach could significantly enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of hatchery operations and fisheries management. 

View Rep. Dingell’s remarks on the bill on the House floor here.

“Mass marking is the practice of tagging large numbers of hatchery-raised fish so we can easily distinguish them from the wild fish population. Currently, we only mark 41 percent of hatchery fish. The implementation of mass marking will help us better understand the fish populations of our Great Lakes and the cultural, economic, recreational, and food benefits they provide,” said Rep. Dingell. “This bill provides the tools needed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a mass marking program for every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes region, which will allow fishery managers to collect valuable, timely information, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of hatchery operations and fishery management. I’m proud it passed the House, and will continue to work across the aisle with my colleagues to get it signed into law.” 

“Recreational fishing generates significant revenue for small businesses across Michigan while also allowing anglers and families to make memories that last a lifetime,” said Rep. Huizenga. “Establishing a Great Lakes Mass Marking Program will improve the effectiveness of our fisheries while enhancing the environmental, scientific, and recreational benefits that healthy fish populations provide. This bipartisan initiative is a win for both the economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes.”

“From Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, our fisheries are a cornerstone of our way of life,” said Rep. Walberg. “As an avid fisherman myself, I understand how robust and healthy fisheries are a lifeline for Michiganders, fueling local economies, offering world-class opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and upholding traditions for many families. I am pleased to see the House pass this vital legislation to ensure we have the tools and data necessary to preserve the fisheries of the Great Lakes for generations to come.” 

The Great Lakes Mass Marking Act would establish a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for the mass marking of hatchery-produced fish in the Great Lakes basin. The FWS initiated the program in 2010 on a limited scale. Under the existing program, the FWS tags hatchery-produced fish stocked in the Great Lakes, and produces data used by state and tribal fish management agencies to make management decisions regarding Great Lakes fisheries.

This bill would authorize $5,000,000 annually from FY26 to FY30 for FWS to carry out tagging and tag recovery operations on a greater scale and hire additional personnel.

The FWS must make the data collected under the program available to applicable federal, state, and tribal fish management agencies to:

• increase the understanding of the outcomes of management action;
• assist in meeting the restoration objectives of the Great Lakes;
• assist in balancing predators and prey;
• support and improve the economic status of tribal, recreational, and commercial fisheries; and
• assist in evaluating the effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts in the Great Lakes.

View the bill text here.

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

Dingell, Moolenaar Support Investigation of Foreign Control of Critical Mineral

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) re-introduced a bipartisan bill that renames the street in front of the Cuban Regime’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., as “Oswaldo Payá Way,” in honor of Cuba’s slain pro-democracy activist and leader of the Christian Liberation Movement.

Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas was murdered on July 22, 2012, in a car crash orchestrated by the Castro regime alongside young activist Harold Cepero, who also perished. Spanish activist Angel Carromero survived and has described the horrific ordeal in detail.

Last month, his daughter, Rosa María Payá, was elected to serve as a commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). She has dedicated her life to supporting freedom for the Cuban people and others living in tyranny in our hemisphere, while ensuring that we never forget the sacrifice that so many have made, including her father, in the struggle for freedom.

The original House cosponsors include: 

María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL-28), Darren Soto (D-FL-9) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11).

The Senate companion was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Curtis (R-UT), and Rick Scott (R-FL)

“Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas and Harold Cepero’s sacrifice serves as a harsh reminder that the ruthless Cuban regime has no reverence for human life, dignity, or fundamental rights. Renaming the street in front of the embassy in D.C. for Payá will honor those lost while ensuring that their legacy in the struggle for a free Cuba endures. The Cuban people will be free, thanks to courageous heroes who continue to risk everything in the name of freedom,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

“Confronted by decades of violence, threats and and intimidation, Oswaldo Payá demanded that Cuba allow more freedom to its people. I proudly join my colleagues in honoring this human rights hero by making his presence permanent, right in front of the Cuban Embassy, as a constant reminder of his work to bring justice to the Cuban people,” said Congressman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Bill text is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed his legislation, H.R. 672, to create a unique ZIP code for the Town of Miami Lakes.

“I am thrilled that my legislation to establish a unique ZIP code for the Town of Miami Lakes has passed the U.S. House of Representatives for the third time. The next step is to bring it to the Senate for a vote,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.”Residents of Miami Lakes have long faced delays and issues with mail and package delivery, as well as inaccurate census data that has negatively impacted the Town’s operating revenue. These challenges have affected vital funding intended for services such as senior programs and led to wildly fluctuating insurance rates, including for cars. Miami Lakes has been waiting for over 20 years to secure a stand-alone ZIP code, and with my bill’s passage, we’re one step closer to providing a long-overdue solution.”  “It’s high time communities like Miami Lakes receive their own zip code. This simple and common sense change would vastly improve life for customers of the United States Postal Service like Miami Lakers. I urge every member of Congress to continue supporting H.R. 672 to help enhance service for communities like mine. I again want to thank Congressman Diaz-Balart for all his efforts over the years to make our own zip code a reality and I also want to thank Senator Scott for his efforts as the bill makes its way to the United States Senate.” said Mayor Joshua Dieguez. Bill text is available here.  The Senate Companion bill was introduced by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).  Background:  In 2016, Díaz-Balart successfully included a provision in H.R. 6303 that would have authorized USPS to establish a dedicated ZIP code for Miami Lakes and several other municipalities. This bill passed the U.S. House and was sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Similarly, in 2018, Diaz-Balart introduced a bill to designate a unique ZIP code for Miami Lakes, which also passed the House and was sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Additionally, in 2019, 2021, and 2023 Rep. Díaz-Balart introduced similar legislation to address this issue.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, the Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), joined Cheryl Casone on Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss the NSRP Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill, concerns over a potential Democrat-led government shutdown, and allegations surrounding former President Obama’s role in the Russia collusion hoax against President Trump.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

MIAMI, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation and House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, issued the following statement in celebration of the groundbreaking ceremony for PortMiami’s new Phytosanitary and Cold Chain Processing Facility:

 

“This groundbreaking is more than just a milestone; it’s a promise fulfilled. In 2020, I secured $44 million in federal funding for the Phytosanitary and Cold Chain Processing facility. This ensures that PortMiami, one of the main economic drivers in South Florida, has the capability to guarantee the safety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers from South America that transit through the port.

This project is another example of my track record in delivering for our community and the state of Florida. I remain committed to advocating for priorities that foster economic growth, support local jobs, and enhance U.S. national security.

The efforts today were made possible through partnership with local leaders, including former Port Director Juan Kuryla, former Aviation Director Lester Sola, and then-County Mayor Carlos A. Giménez, as well as current PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb, who helped identify barriers and craft targeted solutions. I look forward to continuing this important collaboration to better serve our region.”

 

Background

Recognizing that U.S. ports could not fairly compete for infrastructure funding under national programs, Congressman Díaz-Balart, while Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations, created for the first time ever a dedicated federal funding stream specifically for seaports, known as the Port Infrastructure Development Program in the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations bill. From the $293 million total he secured, he ensured that $93 million would be prioritized for top-tier ports in need of critical infrastructure, like a modern fumigation facility. The funds Congressman Díaz-Balart obtained for the PortMiami Phytosanitary and Cold Chain facility are $44 million.

The groundbreaking is taking place five years later due to the land being temporarily used for the debris removal and cleanup from the 2021 Surfside condo collapse tragedy.

Once complete, the facility will support the safe and efficient flow of agricultural products, including the large volume of flowers Florida receives, as well as food products free from pests and diseases. It will offer specialized treatment and cold storage for a wide range of goods, including fruits, vegetables, spices, meats, seafood, frozen items, pharmaceuticals, biological samples, and cosmetics.

The project will enhance the region’s capacity to handle sensitive commodities and expand PortMiami’s competitiveness in global trade. U.S. seaports are not only drivers of economic growth, but they are also critical to national security.

For years, PortMiami, one of the busiest and most strategic ports in the country, had been operating at a disadvantage. While other ports could process thousands of pallets at once, PortMiami’s space was limited to fumigating just 20 pallets per trailer, and paying a U.S. Department of Agriculture fee each time. This inefficiency placed our region’s competitiveness and supply chain integrity at risk.

Former Port Director Juan Kuryla, then-Aviation Director Lester Sola, and the County under then-Mayor Carlos A. Giménez were able to identify land at Miami International Airport for the construction of this renowned facility. A seamless transition for the Port and MIA Cargo, this facility expands capacity for the Port, reduces costs, and ensures faster, safer handling of perishable goods, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, and more.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in full Committee today against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior Appropriations bill that cut $2.9 billion from programs and agencies that support public lands and our nation’s natural resources.   

The Interior, Environment and Related Appropriations bill funds the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service and various independent agencies including the National Endowments on Arts and the Humanities. The bill’s FY 2026 discretionary funding level is $38 billion. This is a decrease of $2.9 billion from the FY 2025 enacted level.  

“While these measures fund many critical Hawai‘i and priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it cripples efforts to deal with climate change by defunding all of the climate work by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Case. 

“It further decimates public lands by slashing funding for the National Park Service and gutting key conservation agencies that protect our parks, forests and wildlife. It also undermines museums and cultural institutions, cutting support for the Smithsonian and slashing the arts and humanities by $72 million each.”

In full Committee debate on the measure, Case voiced his strong opposition to the bill’s proposed $1.7 billion in cuts to federal support for Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (see remarks here: https://youtu.be/0w197WN4wys).

These vital programs offer low-cost financing to local communities for a broad spectrum of water quality infrastructure projects. They have played a critical role in efforts to remediate Red Hill, including supporting technical assistance for source water protection, and are critical to continued maintenance of Hawaii’s drinking water quality. 

“Red Hill reinforced all over again that in an island community our water systems are fragile and priceless,” Case said.  

“We need sustained investment not just to meet the urgent demands of remediation, but to ensure the long-term safety, resilience, and sustainability of our water infrastructure. We cannot cut back now on the very programs that have made that possible over the last half century,” Case said. 

Continued support for the State Revolving Funds is also essential to Hawaii’s ability to confront emerging contaminants like PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which pose serious risks to public health and the environment. Furthermore, these funds are critical for moving forward on 38 high-priority water infrastructure projects across the state. These projects strengthen drinking water safety, improve wastewater treatment, and build long-term resilience in Hawaii’s water systems. Without adequate federal investment, many of these initiatives risk delay or cancellation, leaving our communities vulnerable. 

However, the measure added several of Case’s priority requests, including: 

·         $5 million for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to respond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds that now face possible extinction. These funds will help save numerous endemic birds in Hawai‘i that have been devastated by climate change and avian malaria.  

·         $45 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program.  

·         $66 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. These centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate.  

·         $63 million for State Historic Preservation Offices, which will help preserve Hawaii’s treasured historic properties.

·         $80 million for State Fire Assistance, which provides financial and technical support directly to states to enhance firefighting capacity, support community-based hazard mitigation and expand outreach and education to homeowners and communities concerning fire prevention. 

·         $20 million for the Joint Fire Science Program, which supports a national collaboration of fire science exchanges providing science information to federal, state, local, tribal and private stakeholders.  

·         $5 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their communities on the West Coast.  

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case was also able to secure a Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) project of $1,092,000 for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) to upgrade the sewer infrastructure at Papakōlea.  

“Papakōlea is the only Hawaiian Home Lands community located in central Honolulu with more than 300 homes and some 1,300 residents,” said Case. “As the infrastructure in Papakōlea ages, the sewer system has become susceptible to cracks, root intrusions and other defects that diminish the effectiveness of the service lines. My CPF will assist DHHL to work on a sewer line rehabilitation/replacement program for the community.” 

The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.  

A summary of the bill is available here.  

This is the eighth bill of twelve separate bills developed and approved by the Appropriations Committee that would fund the federal government at some $1.6 trillion for FY 2026 commencing October 1^st of this year. The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.

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