MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—United States Congressmen Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Ro Khanna (D-CA) today announced that a bipartisan group of 14 House lawmakers sent a letter asking Secretary of State Marco Rubio to condemn the People’s Republic of China’s Ethnic Unity Law as a tool of forced assimilation, ideological control, and transnational repression.

“Far from promoting genuine equality among ethnic groups, this law codifies and expands the Chinese Communist Party’s majoritarian campaign of forced assimilation against Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, and other non-Han Chinese communities,” wrote the lawmakers in their letter. “We respectfully urge the Department of State to respond publicly and forcefully to this law before it goes into effect on July 1, 2026, and to make clear that the United States rejects the CCP’s attempt to disguise forced assimilation as “ethnic unity.”

The so-called Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was adopted by China’s National People’s Congress on March 12, 2026, and goes into effect on July 1, 2026. The law contradicts and undermines the PRC’s own constitutional and legal guarantees of regional ethnic autonomy, and codifies and expands the CCP’s majoritarian campaign of forced assimilation against Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, and other non-Han Chinese communities.

Specifically, the letter calls on Secretary Rubio to: 

• Publicly condemn the law, raise it with PRC officials, and coordinate with like-minded governments to address it in bilateral dialogues, at the UN Human Rights Council, and through relevant UN treaty bodies and Special Procedures;

• Prioritize the protection of Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian, and other minority-language education, religious freedom, and cultural preservation through U.S. policy and programming;

• Strengthen U.S. efforts to counter PRC transnational repression; and

• Strengthen enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and work with like-minded allies to expand enforcement.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Jim Costa (D-CA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY), and James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA). 

The full text of the letter is available here.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming federal funding notices of two health grants, totaling over $1.33 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH). One social services grant of $580,847 is for cancer prevention and control programs, and the health services grant of $749,804 is to strengthen vaccine and preventable disease programs.

Both are discretionary, continuing grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and its National Center for Chronic Diseases Prevention & Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). 

“Thank you especially to the two project directors, Jasmay Willis and Yolanda Masunu, for their work on these grants,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to all our health and medical personnel working to keep our people’s health a priority, especially in areas of disease prevention.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed the 2026 winner of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition, Eve Filomena Snow, of Tafuna High School, to the U.S. Capitol last week for the opening of her artwork. Eve visited Washington, D.C., took part in the agenda of events, and was accompanied for the occasion by her dad, her mom, and her sister. Her winning painting, “The Beauty from One Generation to the Next,” is now displayed at the U.S. Capitol where it can be visited for the next year. 

Winning artist Eve Snow and her family in Congresswoman Amata’s office in DC

American Samoa’s competition was judged in April with 26 enjoyable entries from local students. The winners from congressional districts all over the nation are invited yearly to the Capitol to see their artwork on display, attend a national reception, and other activities. 

“Congratulations to Eve for her excellent and lovely artwork,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It is a special representation of American Samoa, and our culture, and beautifully depicts our island ways regarding dignified elders and the heritage of our youth.”

Eve’s painting photographed before it was displayed on the wall

Eve’s artwork is displayed where thousands of Capitol tour groups each year, and often Members of Congress, will walk by the display wall many times over the year ahead. 

Congresswoman Amata’s office works in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education and the American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities.to hold the competition, select several standouts, and determine one to represent American Samoa in Washington. American Samoa’s public and private high schools are invited to send entries for the competition.

“Thank you again to all of the creative students who participated and the excellent art teachers,” Amata concluded. “Thank you so much each year to our generous local sponsors for making the art competition available to our students.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice of a grant of $58,578 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA). 

“Thank you to the Criminal Justice Planning Agency, and in this effort Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix, as they work together to reduce substance abuse in our islands,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. 

These initial, discretionary funds through the Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance are for residential substance abuse treatment for the incarcerated. The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) funding is to establish and strengthen substance use treatment services for individuals housed within the correctional facility. The RSAT program’s purpose is to break the cycle of drug use, crime, and recidivism, so the project will focus on individuals in pre-trial and sentence status who have substance use disorders or substance abuse related treatment needs. RSAT funding will be used for counseling eligible pre-trial detainees, and substance use screening and testing services with the American Samoa Department of Health, followed by structured substance abuse treatment programming and recovery support services.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, along with 26 Members of Congress, urged the Trump Administration to support a new issuance of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to help address the global economic fallout caused by the Iran War and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The letter argues that rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions are placing significant pressure on developing economies while threatening broader global financial stability. A new SDR allocation would provide critical liquidity to vulnerable countries, reinforce U.S. economic leadership, and help stabilize international markets—all without costing American taxpayers.

“As the United States has more influence than any other country at the IMF, your support of a new SDR issuance would virtually guarantee its realization. This is not a partisan issue. Stabilizing the global economy and creating jobs for American workers, without adding a dime to the U.S. budget, is something all Americans can agree on.”

The letter emphasizes that supporting a new SDR issuance would:

• Help stabilize developing economies facing severe energy and supply shocks.
• Protect global financial markets from prolonged instability.
• Reinforce U.S. leadership within the international financial system.
• Strengthen demand for American exports and support U.S. economic interests.
• Come at no direct cost to American taxpayers.

The letter was co-signed by (27) Reps. Gabe Amo (RI-01), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).

The effort is endorsed by ActionAid USA, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, American Friends Service Committee, Center for Economic and Policy Research, Partners In Health, Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness, Oxfam America, The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Read the full letter HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON — Today, Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul introduced the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act with Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) to increase security cooperation and strengthen defense capabilities between the United States and Ukraine. Co-leading the legislation are also Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue Congressman Jim Costa (D-Calif.), and Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Congressman Don Bacon (R-Neb.). 

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 introducedin the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

“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 McCaul. “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.”

“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 Kaptur. “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.”

“Ukraine’s defense has shown the world a defining reality of modern warfare: the nations that innovate, adapt, and produce at speed will hold the advantage. The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act advances that lesson in a practical and strategic way by enabling the United States to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Ukrainian partners to identify battlefield-tested unmanned and counter-unmanned capabilities, accelerate co-development and co-production, and strengthen our defense industrial base here at home,” said Fitzpatrick. “This is how we support Ukraine, improve American readiness, and ensure that peace through strength is matched by the capabilities required to sustain it.” 

“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 Quigley. “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.” 

“Ukrainians are some of the most innovative people in the world. They are testing modern warfare technologies on the battlefield in real time,” said Costa. “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 Bacon. “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.”

A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here.

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Warner, Kaine, Scott Applaud $310.2 Million Loan to Reduce Traffic in Hampton Roads

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) applaud a $310.2 million federal loan awarded to the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC) to fund the construction and implementation of much needed express lanes, a free-flowing toll system, and a new flyover ramp that together will help ease traffic congestion in the area. This Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan is awarded to the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network 2026 Project by the Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau.

“Interstate 64 is one of the Commonwealth’s most heavily trafficked routes, serving as a vital connection for families, communities, businesses, ports, and military bases,” said the lawmakers. “We’re thrilled that this federal loan will help reduce the area’s traffic bottleneck, boost the regional economy, ready our infrastructure for emergency needs, and deliver Virginians from point A to point B quickly and safely.”

The I-64/I-464 corridor is a critical route that commuters rely on and freight companies utilize to access to the Virginia Port system. The Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network 2026 Project will help reduce congested traffic in the area, as well as enhance regional resilience by providing additional capacity for emergency evacuations and allow for the more efficient deployment of military personnel. Once completed, the project is expected to deliver travel time savings of 10–15 minutes in express lanes and up to 10 minutes in general-purpose lanes.

The TIFIA loan will finance multiple segments of the project, including:

1. Converting existing general-purpose shoulder into a part-time high occupancy toll (HOT) and an existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane into a HOT lane;
2. Creating a new flyover ramp on the I-64/I-464 interchange; and
3. Constructing and implementing a fully integrated open-road tolling system across the network.

Substantial completion is anticipated by June 2030.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Statement on Birthright Citizenship Supreme Court Case

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: June 30, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the Supreme Court issued its decision in Trump v. Barbara.  

“While the United States remains one of the most welcoming nations for immigrants, decades of failure to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws has resulted in the abuse and misuse of birthright citizenship and I supported the administration’s efforts to curtail those abuses,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

Newhouse continued, “The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution was intended for the children of slaves who were born in the United States, it was not designed for foreign nationals to flock to our borders and secure citizenship for their expected child. While I am disappointed with the ruling from the Supreme Court, this should be a wakeup call for Congress to address our immigration crisis.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Protecting Women’s Sports

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: June 30, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the Supreme Court issued its decision in favor of Idaho and West Virginia in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox.

“I welcome today’s Supreme Court ruling in favor of Idaho and West Virginia’s laws preventing biological men from competing against biological women in athletic competitions,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

Newhouse continued, “Female athletes in Washington state have been forced to compete against male athletes due to Bob Ferguson, Nick Brown, Chris Reykdal, Jamie Pedersen and Laurie Jinkins’ extreme policies. This SCOTUS decision is a win for the girls and their families who have fought for safety and fairness in sports, especially Ahnaleigh Wilson of East Wenatchee and Frances Staudt of Tumwater, who have worked tirelessly on behalf of their peers.”