MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the United States-Israel Bilateral Innovation for Research and Development in (BIRD) Health Act of 2025. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to partner with the successful Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to create a dedicated BIRD Health Program, modeled after existing collaborations in energy, cyber, and homeland security.

The BIRD Health Act deepens U.S.-Israel collaboration in the development of next-generation health technologies, fortify domestic supply chains, and reduce our reliance on adversarial nations for critical medical products. By leveraging Israel’s world-class biotech ecosystem and America’s unmatched research infrastructure.

“The United States and Israel share one of the strongest, most enduring alliances in the world, and it just makes sense to join forces in advancing life-saving health technologies that benefit both our nations,” said Rep. Weber. “The BIRD Health Act of 2025 builds on our shared strengths to support cutting-edge medical innovation, strengthen supply chains, and improve health outcomes for American families.”

“U.S. and Israeli doctors, scientists, and researchers are leading the world in groundbreaking medical advancements, including regenerative medicine, disease prevention, and cancer research,” said Rep. Pappas. “The health technology and innovation program created through this bipartisan legislation will strengthen the bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Israel to address emerging health issues, develop innovative solutions, and save lives.”

The bill supports:
• Joint U.S.-Israel research and development in medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, vaccines, and biotechnology
• Manufacturing partnerships to boost U.S.-based production of critical medicines
• Innovation ecosystems that promote startups, clinical trials, and commercialization of new treatments
• Data-sharing and cybersecurity protocols to protect patient privacy and medical infrastructure

Read the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Americans plan for inclement and severe weather by establishing a program to improve precipitation forecasts, including extreme rainfall and other related weather events. The program will be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency dedicated to providing citizens with reliable weather information.

Recently, heavy precipitation and flooding in Texas and North Carolina has tragically taken many lives and caused extreme destruction. Improving precipitation forecasts is vital to ensuring Americans have accurate weather predictions, especially during extreme weather incidents. The program established by this bill will support research, development, and implementation of Earth System Models (i.e., simulations used to understand and project changes in climate and ecosystems), including those related to extreme weather.

“Southeast Texas knows all too well the destruction that extreme weather can bring,” said Rep. Weber. “Every year, hurricanes and major storms threaten communities across this nation, especially along the Gulf Coast. That’s why this bill is so important. It delivers real, boots-on-the-ground improvements to help families, first responders, and local officials make smart, life-saving decisions ahead of time. Texans and Americans deserve the most accurate, cutting-edge forecasting tools available. We ought to have the most accurate, precise weather forecasting possible, and this bill makes sure we’re taking the right steps to invest in the latest, most advanced tools available.”

“Extreme weather endangers communities across the country, and we need to give Americans the tools to help them plan for and avoid dangerous weather,” said Rep. Ross. “From North Carolina to Texas, states are increasingly experiencing devastating storms that cause severe damage and loss of life. This legislation will ensure that every community can prepare for future storms with accurate precipitation forecasts. Thank you to Congressman Weber for joining me in this important effort.”

Bill text is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, DC – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01),  Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, reintroduced the End the Cyprus Embargo Act, bipartisan legislation that would extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus from one year to five years. This change will bolster the historic growth in U.S.-Cypriot relations, enhance bilateral cooperation, and advance U.S. security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.   Over the past two decades, U.S.-Cyprus relations have strengthened substantially, with Cyprus emerging as a pivotal ally for U.S. interests and regional stability. The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 authorized the President to waive the arms embargo on an annual basis. However, the annual renewal requirement restricts Cyprus’s ability to plan and procure U.S. defense articles effectively, compromises U.S.-Cypriot military interoperability, impedes joint research on cybersecurity and maritime security, and diminishes the effectiveness of the National Guard State Partnership Program in Cyprus.

“Cyprus has proven itself to be a valued and reliable partner for the United States,” said Congressman Bilirakis.  “Giving Cyprus planning certainty will allow the partnership to continue to flourish and will prove mutually beneficial for both nations and our allies.” 

“The Republic of Cyprus is a steadfast democratic ally in the Eastern Mediterranean and an essential partner in ensuring regional security,” said Congressman Pappas. “This policy change will better empower U.S.-Cyprus bilateral relations, support our mutual commitment to collaboration on security and defense, and improve long-term planning and procurement coordination.”

“Cyprus is a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the U.S. must continue making efforts to improve diplomatic relations between our two countries,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Reducing the number of necessary embargo reviews for aid to Cyprus will allow this important ally to strategically plan for the future while supporting U.S. security interests abroad.”

“For too long, the United States has maintained an outdated and counterproductive embargo on the sale of defense materials and services to the Republic of Cyprus,” Congresswoman Malliotakis said. “Our legislation seeks to correct this by recognizing Cyprus as a key strategic partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and allow for the responsible export of U.S. defense items to support our shared security interests. By strengthening Cyprus’s ability to defend itself, we can promote greater stability in the region.”

The End the Cyprus Embargo Act will solidify U.S.-Cypriot relations, foster long-term planning and cooperation, and ensure interoperability with regional allies. Specifically, this legislation will: 

• Extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo from one year to five years.
• Permit the President to reconsider the arms embargo waiver only every five years following its enactment.
• Prohibit the President from terminating the waiver unless Congress receives certification that the Republic of Cyprus is no longer:
  • Cooperating with U.S. efforts to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial oversight reforms; and
  • Denying Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.

This legislation is supported by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), and PSKEA (International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus).

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

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Valadao’s (CA-22) bill, H.R. 1044. The existing permit for the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project in Tulare County is set to expire in 2026, and this bill authorizes seven permit renewals to ensure it can continue operating. 

“The Kaweah Hydroelectric Project is a critical source of clean, reliable, and affordable energy for California, and these permit renewals are the key to keeping it running,” said Congressman Valadao. “Without authorization, CA-22 ratepayers would see a dramatic increase in their energy costs and would be left to foot the bill for dismantling much-needed infrastructure. This is an issue that’s been a priority throughout my time in Congress, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.” 

Congressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here or read as prepared below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise to urge support for my bill, H.R. 1044, which authorizes seven permit renewals for the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project in Tulare County, California. 

Southern California Edison has operated the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project since 1899—marking well over a century of reliable, clean power. 

For decades, Congress has allowed the continued use of federal lands for this purpose. But unless we act now, that authorization will expire in 2026.

Without authorization, Southern California Edison would be forced to dismantle critical infrastructure—costing ratepayers in the region tens of millions of dollars and eliminating a clean, reliable, and affordable source of energy.

This bill ensures that Kaweah can keep operating without disruption or unnecessary costs to families across California.

I want to thank Chairman Westerman and his staff at the Committee on Natural Resources for their work on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and protect the Central Valley’s clean energy future.

Thank you, and I yield back.

Background:

Southern California Edison (SCE) and its predecessor have operated the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project since 1899, providing reliable, renewable energy to Californians. Part of the project’s infrastructure—Kaweah #3—is located on National Park Service land. Since 1912, the federal government has authorized use of this land through a series of permits.

In 1986, Congress passed legislation allowing one 10-year permit with one 10-year renewal. When those expired, Congress again acted in 2005 to authorize two more 10-year extensions. Those extensions will expire in 2026. Without further congressional action, SCE will be forced to dismantle its infrastructure inside the park at a cost of tens of millions of dollars—costs that would fall directly on California ratepayers. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Lawmakers emphasize importance of emergency broadcasting funding to keep Americans safe amid natural disasters and emergencies

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Grace Meng (NY-06) led lawmakers today in introducing the Housing is a Human Right Act, transformative legislation to authorize more than $300 billion for housing infrastructure to reduce homelessness across America. This urgent proposal would invest more than $200 billion in necessary affordable housing and support services and provide $27 billion a year for homelessness services, $100 million a year for community-driven alternatives to criminalization of those experiencing homelessness, and make targeted investments in communities at disproportionate risk of homelessness. 

“Homelessness is not a personal failure, it’s a policy failure,” said Jayapal. “At a moment when Trump and Republicans just enacted the largest transfer of wealth from poor and working people to billionaires, while slashing food assistance and health care for millions of Americans, it is more urgent than ever to pass this legislation to invest in our most vulnerable communities. As rents skyrocket across the country and homeownership is out of reach for millions of Americans, we can and must invest in proven solutions to build more affordable housing.  Housing is a human right – and every person deserves to have a safe place to call home.”

“Housing is a human right, and no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home,” said Meng. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this landmark legislation, which dedicates billions of dollars toward ending homelessness nationwide. Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes, and simply providing a roof is not always enough. This bill tackles the root causes by funding affordable housing, expanding supportive services, and investing in communities that face the greatest risk. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to belong.”

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, across the United States, over 750,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024, an increase of 18 percent from 2023. Additionally, as costs have skyrocketed and the minimum wage has stagnated, there are no longer any American cities where a minimum-wage earner can afford the cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

This is particularly true in Washington state, which had the third-highest homeless population in the country in 2024. In 2024, on any given night in King County, there were an estimated 16,868 individuals experiencing homelessness, which is a whopping 26 percent higher than the 2022 estimate.

A lack of housing often leads to penalization, both civil and criminal, depending on local laws. It also makes it difficult to seek or hold a job, obtain assistance with accessing resources, find safe housing, and receive regular care for health needs. In fact, the harsh conditions of unsheltered homelessness lead to a mortality rate that is at least four times higher than that of the general public. 

Vulnerable groups already targeted by this administration are also disproportionately likely to experience homelessness — including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, former foster youth, and formerly incarcerated people. While Black communities make up 13 percent of the general population, they comprise 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness and half of all homeless families. And up to 40 percent of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+, while only making up 9.5 percent of the general population.

The Housing is a Human Right Act will address this crisis by:

• Investing up to $100 billion for McKinney-Vento Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and $100 billion for Continuum of Care (COC) grants.
• Creating a new grant program to invest in humane infrastructure; providing municipalities with $6 billion a year through a flexible program that will allow them to address their most urgent housing needs to keep people in stable housing and support those experiencing homelessness. 
• Incentivizing local investments in humane, evidence-based models to support people experiencing homelessness, including alternatives to criminalization and penalization.
• Providing $10 billion for FEMA emergency food and shelter grants while improving grants to better represent high rates of homelessness and income inequality.
• Authorizing $100 million in grants to public libraries to provide assistance and tailored supports to persons experiencing homelessness.

The Housing is a Human Right Act is sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

The Housing is a Human Right Act is endorsed by A Way Home America; Bellwether Housing; Downtown Emergency Service Center; Homestead Community Land Trust; Lavender Rights Project; Low Income Housing Institute; Minority Veterans of America; National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; National Homelessness Law Center; National Housing Law Project; National Low Income Housing Coalition; RESULTS; Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness; The Southern Poverty Law Center; and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

Issues: Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Senator Michael F. Bennet, D-Colo., and U.S. Representative Don Beyer, D-Va., today reintroduced legislation to update and expand unemployment insurance so the program better meets the needs of the modern workforce and is ready to respond should the economy go into a recession in the future.

“There’s no question that our unemployment insurance system is in desperate need of an update,” Wyden said. “American workers who become unemployed by no fault of their own shouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table and paying their bills as they get back on their feet. This bill modernizes unemployment insurance so working Americans get a 21st century economic lifeline – all while ensuring that we’re keeping up with our changing economy.”

“Too many Americans struggle to access essential unemployment benefits as they navigate a patchwork of outdated state systems,” Bennet said. “Our bicameral bill strengthens unemployment systems across the country to prepare for an economic downturn and help workers stay afloat during difficult times.”

“The last recession again showed the importance of our unemployment insurance system and the desperate need for its expansion and modernization,” Beyer said. “The inadequacy of the system forced Congress to step in and temporarily expand the program, but without permanent reform we remain woefully unprepared for a major crisis. Our bill would make long-overdue improvements to our unemployment system that will help families and the broader economy more easily weather a future economic shock.”

The Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act would:

• Update the federal-state Extended Benefits program so that it will automatically add additional weeks of benefits when unemployment rises.
• Establish new requirements for state unemployment programs to ensure that benefits are adequate to support workers through job loss and that more workers are covered when they lose their job. This would include requiring that all states offer 26 weeks of benefits, replace 75% of workers’ wages, cover part-time workers, and pay workers for their first week of unemployment — the “waiting week.”
• Create new permanent federal programs for unemployed workers, including a $250 per week Jobseeker Allowance that would be available to any unemployed workers not covered by the traditional unemployment insurance system, such as self-employed workers and new entrants to the labor force.
• The bill would also include an additional $25 weekly federal allowance for each dependent an unemployed worker has, and provide federal funding to increase unemployed workers’ wage replacement rates to 100% during major disasters or public health emergencies.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.

A section-by-section summary is here.

The text of the bill is here.

Statements of Support

Rebecca Dixon, President and CEO of National Employment Law Project: “The pandemic revealed how absolutely critical unemployment insurance is for supporting jobless workers, their families, and the entire economy. By updating the Extended Benefits program, modernizing regular unemployment insurance, and adding a powerful new jobseeker’s allowance to support workers who are excluded from the current system, the Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act will make the system stronger, more equitable, and better prepared for the next recession.”

Michele Evermore, Senior Fellow at National Academy of Social Insurance: “I applaud Senators Wyden and Bennet and Congressman Beyer for their consistent leadership on this issue. The time to think about improving unemployment insurance is now, before the next crisis. Many UI systems across the United States are no longer equipped to support people in an economic downturn. They often do not reach enough people or provide enough income support to keep people afloat. This legislation mainly codifies five decades of bipartisan advisory council recommendations to ensure UI supports people who lose their jobs in the way it was intended.”

Andrew Stettner, Director of Economy and Jobs at The Century Foundation: “The core unemployment insurance system currently only covers 3 in 10 jobless workers. The bill contains overdue reforms that would ensure the workers in every state have the protections they need, and that our entire economy can rely on the economic stabilization UI uniquely provides in times of recession. The time to fix UI is now, so it is there when we need it most.”

A letter of support from over 100 organizations is here.

A web version of this release is here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) today led Nevada’s Congressional Democratic Delegation in urging U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to administer FEMA’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants which have been delayed under the Trump Administration.

“We are writing to urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program, as required under current law,” Rep. Titus and the Delegation said in a letter.  

Through the UASI program, FEMA provides communities critical assistance to help them prevent, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. In Southern Nevada, UASI grants were used to purchase equipment deployed by fire and EMS personnel during the Harvest Festival mass shooting in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017.  

“Given the track record of these grants keeping our constituents safe, we are deeply concerned that the Department of Homeland Security has missed the statutory deadline to publish a NOFO for UASI, the first step in administering these grants,” the letter reads. “The safety and security of our communities are on the line.” 

Rep. Titus added “With all the high volume of events in my district, like the F1 Race, the Super Bowl, and various concerts, UASI funds can help our first responders be ready to meet any threats to these gatherings of people.” 

Background 

Section 303 of Division C of Public Law 118-47 requires FEMA to make applications for Federal Assistance grants, including UASI, available to eligible applicants no later than 60 days after the enactment of the law. According to that timeline, the grants should have been made available by May 16, 2025. Nevertheless, FEMA has yet to issue a notice of funding opportunity to make these grants available to the communities who rely on them. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of committee last night by a vote of 55-2. The NDAA sets Department of Defense (DoD) policies and authorizes funding levels for defense programs. 

“Georgia’s military installations play a key role in implementing President Donald Trump’s strategy of Peace Through Strength,” Rep. Scott said. “The FY26 NDAA strengthens the U.S. military and enhances the quality of life for our warfighters and their families. I am proud to have several amendments included that support our military in their mission of defending the United States.” 

“Congressman Austin Scott has been a steadfast voice for our servicemembers and their families as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. In the FY26 NDAA, his leadership ensures our warfighters—especially those serving at Robins and Moody Air Force Bases and the more than 20,000 reservists and guardsmen across Georgia—have the resources and support they need to defend our nation. Congressman Scott is always fighting to take care of the men and women who wear the uniform, said Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03).

Rep. Scott had 18 amendments adopted during the HASC markup of the FY26 NDAA and another 10 were included in the base text of the bill. Some of the bill language provisions authored by Rep. Scott include: 

PROVIDING FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS AT ROBINS:

The Chairman’s mark of the FY 26 NDAA contained two provisions that were championed by Rep. Scott throughout the drafting of this bill. 

First, Section 1102 of the bill would allow for retired members of the Armed Forces to be appointed to competitive or excepted service positions in the Department of Defense without a waiver. This will allow more retired military personnel to continue to serve our country as civilians at Robins Air Force Base.

Furthermore, included in the bill was an extension of the authority for depot working capital funds, like Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC), to be used for unspecified minor military construction from September 30, 2025 to September 30, 2027. This will enable WR-ALC to continue to modernize their facilities. 

“Once again Congressman Scott delivers for Robins AFB! These two provisions are critical to ensure access to talent and to shore up aging infrastructure for the missions at Robins,” said Retired Brig Gen John Kubinec, President and CEO of the 21st Century Partnership. 

 

SUPPORTING MISSIONS AT MOODY:

Rep. Scott authored an amendment to delay the full retirement of the A-10C “Warthog” aircraft, several dozen of which are based at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. The Scott amendment requires the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 96 A-10 aircraft in FY 26. The A-10C provides close air support and combat search-and-rescue capabilities unmatched by any other aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory.

“Prematurely retiring the A-10 would create a combat readiness gap in the timeline for replacement of A-10s with the F-35s. This premature retirement also impacts operational continuity of all the AIRMEN who will be involved in transitioning to the F-35. Congressman Austin Scott’s amendment minimizes operational risk and ensures a safe, timely and effective transition from the A-10 to the F-35 for AIRMEN and our Air Force,” Dr. Lucy R. Greene, PhD., Community Supporter and Emeritus Member of the Air Combat Command Commanders Group.

Also included was an amendment sponsored by Rep. Scott that would extend the intergovernmental support agreements (IGSA) pilot program until September 30, 2030. Moody AFB has benefitted greatly from partnership tools, particularly the IGSA. The agreements provide additional flexibility in some areas for the base and keeps funds local. Moreover, Moody enjoys tremendous support from the Lowndes County community and government to include three IGSAs signed between Moody and Lowndes County.

This important piece of legislation marked up by the House Armed Services Committee also included the following provisions by Rep. Scott:

• Established a pilot program to provide service personnel with a voluntary option to enroll in a low-premium supplemental insurance plan to help protect against uncovered out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a cancer diagnosis in the family.

• Renamed Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA as Fort Shughart Gordon. MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart were two Delta snipers that fought and died in the October 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. They were both posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and their names deserved to be linked forever in history.

• Strengthened deterrence against Russia in the Baltics by requiring the Secretary of Defense to identify and mitigate obstacles to the deployment of HIMARS platforms and munitions among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in crisis scenarios.

• Modified and extended annual reporting on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation to include Russia’s strategic goals, force posture, and military spending.

• Expanded training of partner and allied forces to include space domain awareness.

• Enhanced congressional oversight of the U.S. Africa Command.

Other provisions inserted by Rep. Scott included establishing minimum facility requirements for military working dogs, authorizing the Secretary of Defense to evacuate family pets of American citizens during emergency evacuations on a space available basis, and enhancing the preservation and commemoration of our nation’s naval heritage. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Lawmakers emphasize importance of emergency broadcasting funding to keep Americans safe amid natural disasters and emergencies