MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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.
 

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the American Samoa Government’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has been awarded an $800,000 federal grant through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program.

The federal award, made under Section 221 of the Clean Water Act, will support the development of American Samoa’s first comprehensive territory-wide stormwater asset inventory, geographic information system (GIS) mapping system, condition assessment framework, and capital planning process. The project will strengthen DPW’s capacity to make data-driven infrastructure decisions and improve long-term stormwater management and resilience across the territory.

“These funds will help strengthen American Samoa’s infrastructure while protecting public health and improving water quality,” said Congresswoman Amata. “A comprehensive approach to stormwater management will provide the Department of Public Works with better tools to identify needs, prioritize investments, and plan for the future. I appreciate the American Samoa Government’s Department of Public Works for its work on this important project and thank the Environmental Protection Agency for supporting this investment in our territory.”

The grant will support contractors working with DPW to develop the territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping system, assess existing infrastructure, establish capital planning and prioritization processes, and provide training to critical staff. Funding will also support the implementation of low-impact design best management practices at 25 priority coastal outfall sites.

The project is expected to produce a comprehensive stormwater asset inventory covering Tutuila, Aunu’u, and the Manu’a Islands, as well as a condition assessment and risk-ranked asset list, an inventory of nuisance flooding, and bilingual community education materials. The project will also establish a 10-year capital cost forecast, identify potential federal funding opportunities, and develop grant-ready infrastructure projects to support future investment.

“This grant will provide lasting benefits by building local capacity to manage stormwater and plan for critical infrastructure needs,” concluded Congresswoman Amata. “I look forward to seeing this investment benefit communities across American Samoa and contribute to cleaner waterways, stronger infrastructure, and greater resilience for residents throughout the territory.”

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

PAGO PAGO, AS – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is congratulating University of Arizona student Haylie-Jeanette Tuiasosopo on completing her internship with the American Samoa District Office.

District Office intern Haylie-Jeanette Tuiasosopo, center, with members of Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s American Samoa District Office staff.

“Congratulations to Haylie on successfully completing her internship,” said Congresswoman Amata. “She demonstrated maturity, intelligence, and a strong capacity to understand the responsibilities entrusted to her. I appreciate her service to our District Office and wish her continued success in her education and future career.”

Haylie began her internship in June and supported the District Office’s day-to-day operations. During her internship, she learned about constituent services and federal casework processes involving the U.S. Department of State, including passport-related matters; the Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“Being raised in American Samoa, it meant a lot to me to be able to bring my own perspective and experiences into the work while learning more about public service,” said Haylie. “As someone studying Communication and Public Relations, I was able to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and see how it applies to real people and real communities.”

Haylie said the experience strengthened her understanding of community service and advocacy.

“It gave me a much deeper appreciation for what it means to listen to a community and advocate for the people you serve,” she said.

The District Office thanks Haylie for her contributions and wishes her continued success at the University of Arizona.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

A newly shared account from the Congressman on using his diplomatic relations on August 15, 2021, to save Afghan pilot allies and their families.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Has Conducted Oversight of ICE Facilities in MA and Across the Country, Advocated for Children Detained by ICE, Named Impacted Families as Honorary State of the Union Guests

Pressley Has Stood in Vigorous Defense of Immigrant Communities, Fought to Bring Detained Neighbors Home, and Led Efforts to Address Childhood Trauma

Media Availability (YouTube) | Photos (Dropbox)

PLYMOUTH, MA – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Congressmen James P. McGovern (MA-02) and Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), conducted an unannounced Congressional oversight visit of the Plymouth County Correctional Facility—the only facility in Massachusetts currently holding civil immigration detainees on a long-term basis. Federal law gives members of Congress the authority to conduct unannounced oversight visits of ICE detention facilities without providing advance notice.

Following their visit, the lawmakers held a media availability calling for the release of individuals unlawfully imprisoned there and accountability for the harm and trauma caused by Trump and ICE’s campaign of terror. Congresswoman Pressley also called for the release of her constituent Darwin, whose fiancée joined the lawmakers following the visit, and who has suffered from traumatic physical injuries and treatment in prior ICE custody and reported lack of access to health assistive devices, potable water, and nourishing food at the Plymouth facility.

“Under this cruel, lawless Trump administration, families are being separated, children are traumatized, and our communities are suffering,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I came to Plymouth to conduct an oversight visit of a major detention facility in our state, check on my constituents, and demand accountability of ICE as they deny the humanity and rights of our community members. Learning of the trauma experienced by innocent individuals like my constituent Darwin and his fiancé are a damning reminder of the injustice of these detentions and the need to abolish ICE, end qualified immunity for ICE agents, and stop Trump and ICE’s campaign of terror. Today, I am more resolute than ever in my fight for the freedom, dignity, and humanity of our immigrant neighbors.”

“In 2018, I became the first Member of Congress to demand that we abolish ICE,” said Congressman McGovern. “After hearing heartbreaking stories today at the Plymouth detention facility from folks who were abducted by ICE on their way to work and ripped away from their families, my resolve to abolish ICE has never been stronger. Under orders from the Trump administration, masked federal agents are terrorizing our communities, stalking our streets, and executing American citizens in broad daylight with impunity. Any American with a conscience must join us in calling for this rogue agency to be abolished, for ICE agents to be held accountable, and for the human rights and dignity of immigrants to be respected without condition.”

“While President Trump claims that ICE operations are targeting the “worst of the worst,” the individuals in ICE custody that we met with today included a police officer and construction workers who were on the job with valid work permits and active Social Security numbers. In fact, many of the individuals in ICE detention at the Plymouth Correctional Facility have open immigration cases and prior to their arbitrary arrests, were seeking to comply with the formal processes governing applications for immigrant visas, asylum, and humanitarian parole. Absent substantive reforms including body camera requirements, a prohibition on agents wearing masks, the termination of arbitrary enforcement operations, and the adoption of humane use of force standards, ICE will continue to operate outside the law and we must keep fighting to oppose agency funding,” said Rep. Lynch. “We must also keep exercising our legal right, as Members of Congress, to conduct unannounced oversight inspections of ICE detention facilities to better ensure that individuals in custody are treated humanely and that ICE is transparent and accountable to the American people.” 

In Congress, Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in pushing back against Trump, defending our immigrant neighbors, and calling for ICE to be abolished. Rep. Pressley has visited individuals behind the wall at detention facilities in Texas, Louisiana, and Massachusetts and leads legislation to bring accountability to families whose loved ones have been murdered and harmed by ICE agents, including the DHS Use of Force Transparency Act and the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act.

A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks is available below and the video from the media availability is available here. Photos from the visit are available here.

Transcript: Rep. Pressley’s Remarks Following Unannounced Oversight Visit of Plymouth ICE Facility

U.S. House of Representatives

August 14, 2026

Well, and let me just, you know—I know technically they are characterized as detainees—but just to center their humanity, today we met with Jose, we met with Alexis, we met with Darwin.

These are sons. These are fathers. These are husbands. Men who are loved by their families, whose labor is valued and essential to the functioning of our communities and our economies. They are sorely missed by their families, and they desperately miss their families.

Jose, for example, 30 years old, has a four-year-old and a two-year-old. He’s never met his two-year-old daughter Ariella—Ariela, rather. And as Jim mentioned, he was a police officer in Ecuador, and in his time spent here, he has worked in construction.

We met with, with Darwin and Alexis, and both talked about how they miss working, and they’re, they’re eager to get back to work. They find dignity in their work, they take pride in their work. They take pride in the role that they play, many of them as the sole breadwinners in their families, not only their families here, but money that they are sending back to countries like Ecuador, Honduras.

I asked about where are most of the detainees from, and the countries were Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Honduras, with some rare exceptions.

But what is very clear is that this is a waste of money and a waste of time. And for what? We have separated families. We are causing trauma, and we have people that are providing valuable contributions to community, of which we are all being denied.

So it is a tremendous injustice to these families and a great disservice to our communities writ-large.

One of the, one of the men that we met with, Darwin. This is his fiancé Angelina, and I’m going to turn things over to her in a moment. But I want to say two things.

I’ve said repeatedly that our strategy as a Democratic caucus is litigation, legislation, agitation, when necessary, and mobilization.

The reason we could do this unannounced visit today is because of litigation initiated by our task force, and because that, the court sided with Joe Neguse, Congressman Neguse, and the rest of us who signed on to that—that is why we could do this today.

So, although the work of litigation can move more slowly than we would like, that is why we could do this unannounced visit today.

Secondly, I reinforced for Jose, Alexis, and Darwin that there are people who’ve never met them, who care about them, and are fighting for their freedom. And they all expressed the relief that they felt in knowing that, that they had not been forgotten.

And so, in that aim, I also want to acknowledge that since two of the gentlemen here who were arrested and detained were picked up in Vermont, and so we made sure they knew that Senator Welch and Senator Sanders, that we were here, you know, in their stead, and again that there are people working vigorously on their behalf.

And so I now turn it over to Angelina to tell more of Darwin’s story.

—

As immigrant communities have been under siege by the Trump administration, Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in pushing back and defending our immigrant neighbors.

In the Massachusetts 7^th, Rep. Pressley has supported the many families torn apart and children suffering from the detention of a loved one—including harrowing attacks on Massachusetts families in their daily lives, abductions of dedicated workers at the Allston car wash, visiting Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk during her unlawful detention and pushing to bring her home, and more.

Rep. Pressley has shone light on the inhumane attacks by ICE on immigrant communities and pushed back against the reckless agency. During Oversight Democrats’ bicameral shadow hearing on the use of violence by ICE, Rep. Pressley highlighted the urgency of the moment by uplifting stories of traumatized community members she met with during her trip to Minnesota with Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and invoking the horrifying detention case of five-year-old Liam Ramos.

Rep. Pressley has stridently condemned the trauma that Trump’s terror ICE campaign is forcing upon children. Rep. Pressley’s advocacy to protect children from abuse and trauma dates back to her days as a Boston City Councilor. In her first term in Congress, she partnered with the late Chairman Elijah Cummings to hold the first Congressional hearing on childhood trauma on the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Rep. Pressley leads the STRONG Support for Children Act, which would support communities in addressing childhood trauma through healing-centered, neighborhood-based, gender-responsive, culturally specific, and trauma-informed approaches that acknowledge the impact of systemic racism and inequities over generations.

During her time in Congress, Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading advocate for a just and humane criminal legal system, and has visited prisons in Louisiana, Texas, California, and Massachusetts to hear from detainees, advocate for them, and conduct oversight on the conditions in which they are being detained. Rep. Pressley’s visit to Louisiana is a continuation of her advocacy for a People’s Justice Guarantee, her comprehensive, decarceration-focused resolution that outlines a framework for a fair, equitable and just legal system.

• In May 2026, Rep. Pressley pushed for the closure of the Dilley Detention Center and other detention facilities committing human rights abuses. In a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley emphasized the state-inflicted trauma imposed on children by detention centers.
• In April 2026, the House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Pressley’s bipartisan discharge petition by a vote of 220-207 to extend Haiti TPS for three years. Congresswoman Pressley won a key procedural vote on the discharge petition and managed debate on the House floor prior to the successful final passage vote. Last month, Rep. Pressley’s discharge petition successfully met the 218-signature threshold to move forward with bipartisan support—only the 15^th discharge petition to do so in the last 40 years.
• In March 2026, Rep. Pressley visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston Field Office in Burlington, to conduct oversight of the operations and conditions of the facility.  Rep. Pressley engaged with ICE staff and leadership in a closed-door tour and discussion in the facility.
• In March 2026, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Dave Min (CA-47) introduced the DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026 to ​​increase transparency and government oversight regarding injuries and deaths caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.
• In February 2026, during Oversight Democrats’ bicameral shadow hearing on the use of violence by ICE, Rep. Pressley demanded Congress end qualified immunity to ensure federal law enforcement officers are held accountable for breaking the law and murdering civilians. Rep. Pressley called on her colleagues not to settle for bare minimum reforms in funding negotiations for the Department of Homeland Security, instead urging them to fight to rebalance power and restore accountability.
• In February 2026, Rep. Pressley convened immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners, community advocates, and municipal leaders to hear of the essential role that immigrant-owned small businesses play in Massachusetts’ economy and communities and how they are suffering under Trump’s attacks.

• In January 2026, Rep. Pressley and Senator Markey held a field hearing with members of the Haitian community on the importance of extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Testimony was documented in the Congressional Record.
• In January 2026, at the invitation of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Pressley went to Minneapolis to meet with organizers and community members impacted by ICE’s violent operation in Minnesota, where they have murdered bystanders, terrorized schools and small businesses, and abducted children and parents.
• Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026, which builds on the lawmakers’ prior work by granting victims the right to sue federal law enforcement officers—not just state and local—for civil rights violations and abolishing the defense of qualified immunity in these suits. The expanded legislation would help deliver accountability for families abused by law enforcement, including ICE agents.
• Congresswoman Pressley delivered a floor speech on the need to end qualified immunity for federal law enforcement, including immigration officers. Watch the floor speech here.
• In January 2026, Congresswoman Pressley condemned the ICE murder of Renee Good in Minnesota and motioned to subpoena all records and footage related to the shooting, but Republicans obstructed it. Footage of Congresswoman Pressley’s motion to subpoena is here.
• In December 2025, Rep. Pressley convened and welcomed home the workers and families impacted by the cruel and unlawful ICE raid at an Allston car wash in November. Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House floor condemning the Allston ICE raid and defended the vibrant immigrant communities who are being maliciously stolen from their homes, ripped from their families, and unlawfully detained and deported by the Trump Administration and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• In June 2025, Congresswoman Pressley convened immigrant justice advocates, local leaders, and impacted families to tell Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Hands off our immigrant neighbors. 
• Rep. Pressley has also been an outspoken critic against the unlawful detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student, Somerville resident, and constituent of the Congresswoman’s who was unlawfully detained for weeks in retaliation for her protected speech. After weeks of advocacy and Congressional oversight, including a visit to detention centers in Louisiana, Rep. Pressley and Senator Ed Markey welcomed Ms. Öztürk to Massachusetts following her arrival from ICE detention in Louisiana.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
August 14, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

Press Release

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES USVI NIKE RBI 18U GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today congratulated the United States Virgin Islands Nike RBI 18U Girls Softball Team on winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U World Series, defeating Houston 3-1 in Thursday’s championship game.

“These young women did an outstanding job and came out triumphant as World Series Champions,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “They represented our Territory against teams backed by Major League Baseball’s biggest organizations, and they did it with the heart, discipline, and unity that define who we are.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to Head Coach Elroy Hill and Assistant Coaches Richard Clendinen, Brock Creque, and Inocenia Bermudez, for their tireless work in training and mentoring our young women.”

The team, sponsored by the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, secured its berth in the World Series by winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U Caribbean Regionals on June 24. The USVI was one of eight teams competing, the only team representing a U.S. territory.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Funding for terminal access road, snow removal equipment building and realigning taxiway

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

Congressman Baird Applauds Institute of Museum and Library Services Funding for Purdue University