MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team, released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled favorably in Mahmoud v. Taylor, confirming that parents have the right to make decisions about the education of their children concerning family life and human sexuality:

“I applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the fundamental rights of parents,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04). “Children are not wards of the state, and families, not government officials, should decide how curriculum related to human sexuality is introduced to their children. This is a clear victory for the rights of families and parents.”

In Mahmoud v. Taylor, a group of religiously diverse Maryland parents challenged a public-school district’s refusal to provide any opt-out option for their children from classroom activities that included explicit sexual material and ideological viewpoint advocacy about sexuality and gender.

“The Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor reaffirms that respecting parental rights is not only lawful, but essential to preserving both parental rights and religious freedom,” said Aderholt.

The parents who brought the suit were simply advocating for an opt out option in the classroom, which is a very common practice; they did not ask for specific books to be excluded from the curriculum.  

Congressman Aderholt was proud to lead an amicus brief in this case along with Senator Bill Cassidy and 60 Members of the House of Representatives and 17 Senators emphasizing that federal law does not compel the use of this curriculum and that Congress has long supported strengthened parental rights.

“For years, parents have sounded the alarm about obscene and inappropriate content invading our schools, and today, they were heard,” said House VAT Co-Chair, Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15). “The Supreme Court has delivered a historic win for families, affirming parental rights, safeguarding religious freedom, and pushing back against the Left’s radical gender ideology targeting our children.”

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a huge victory for parental rights nationwide. Parents should always have the primary role in guiding their children’s upbringing, and in no world should a school be allowed to hide critical information about their child’s learning from them. Today’s ruling ensures that public schools can no longer impose controversial gender ideology curriculum on children without parental knowledge or consent. As a father of three school-aged daughters, I deeply care about what my children are taught outside of our home, and this decision offers parents across the country greater peace of mind and control over their children’s education,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S (TX-36) added, “No government, no school board, and no activist agenda has the right to come between a parent and their child. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what our Constitution and our Creator make clear: children belong to families, not the state. Forcing children into radical gender ideology without parental knowledge or consent is not education, it’s indoctrination.”

“Today’s decision affirms the fundamental truth that parents, not the government, have the right to determine the best educational curriculum for their children,” said Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11). “Moms and Dads should not be intimidated or silenced when advocating for their children and religious convictions, and I applaud the court protecting parents’ rights and religious freedoms. I have and will continue to stand with students and parents.”

Rep. Rick W. Allen (GA-12) added, “This decision from SCOTUS is a major win for parental rights and religious freedom in our country. No elementary-aged child should be subject to woke gender ideology curriculum without parental input or consent, especially in a taxpayer-funded school system. Parents know their children best and should be the primary decision makers when it comes to their child’s education.”

“Today parents all over the U.S. received a Supreme Court huge victory,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03). “This ruling ensures parents will be notified of any gender and sexuality-related instruction and given the opportunity to opt-out. When Montgomery County, Maryland made the choice to instruct preschoolers on ‘LGBTQ+ inclusivity’ without notifying parents and guardians, they decided to supersede the will of these parents and guardians. To have these kinds of choices stripped from the parents is an absurd overreach by the state, and I was glad to see our Supreme Court agreed with me.”

“It should be common sense that parents have a right to protect their children from being indoctrinated by curriculum that violates their religious convictions,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06). “Parents know what is best for their children. I’m glad that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the parents trying to protect their children from being indoctrinated by controversial gender ideology curriculum.”

“I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to let parents make important decisions about what their children are exposed to in public schools, especially when it involves an ideology that violates their family’s religious beliefs. Public school instruction should stick to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents know best how to raise their children,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08).

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Skrmetti upheld Tennessee’s law protecting minors from irreversible and life-altering medical treatments:

“I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s law safeguarding our most vulnerable, our children, from irreversible and unnecessary medical treatments that carry dangerous risks,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This ruling reaffirms that protecting the health and well-being of minors is not just a state’s right, but a moral imperative. We will continue to fight to ensure that states can protect children from harmful medical practices and uphold the values that define our nation.”

After the previous administration challenged the law in federal court, the Supreme Court’s ruling confirms that states have the authority to act in the best interest of children and safeguard them from high-risk and irreversible interventions. This is a victory for America’s children and parental rights. 

 

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

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt introduced the DUAL (Defense United Access to Learning) Act, a bill that would allow the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) to partner with accredited colleges and universities to offer dual enrollment programs for high school students in military families, similar to what is already available to public school students in most states.

Currently, DODEA students pay out of pocket for these opportunities and must organize these arrangements, whereas high school students nationwide have access to state-funded dual enrollment programs in which the schools establish. The DUALAct would eliminate that disparity, opening the door for thousands of students living on military bases, both in the U.S. and overseas, to earn college credit while completing high school. Importantly, the bill requires no new funding; it simply authorizes DODEA to use existing Department of Defense funds for this purpose.

“Military families make tremendous sacrifices for our country, and their children deserve the same educational opportunities that are available to other students nationwide,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This bill removes an unnecessary barrier and allows DODEA to invest in the future of its students, without increasing federal spending.”

The legislation would provide equitable access to advanced academic opportunities for the approximately 12,000 high school students enrolled in DODEA schools. It is designed to enhance college readiness, remove financial barriers, and strengthen the academic competitiveness of Department of Defense dependents.

“The DUAL  Act ensures that the children of our service members are no longer placed at a disadvantage simply because of their parents’ military service,” Aderholt added. “It’s a commonsense fix that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of military families.”

The DUAL  Act is supported by leading education and military family advocacy organizations, including the Military Child Education Coalition and the National Military Family Association.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Troy Balderson (OH-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand telehealth access for millions of Americans on Medicare. 

“Since my days in the California State Senate, I’ve been a big believer in telehealth’s ability to save money, time, and lives,” said Rep. Thompson. “Telehealth allows patients—especially those with low mobility or who otherwise can’t make it to the doctor’s office—to access the care they need when they need it. The CONNECT for Health Act will provide Americans on Medicare with the peace of mind that telehealth will be covered by their benefits. Proud to join Representatives Matsui, Schweikert, and Balderson to introduce this bill.”        

“Digital health isn’t just a convenience, it’s a modern necessity. It’s how we make care more accessible, especially for rural and underserved communities, without blowing up the budget,” said Congressman Schweikert. “By permanently removing outdated restrictions, the CONNECT for Health Act helps Medicare keep pace with the real world. This is about using technology to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and meet patients where they are.” 

“Telehealth is a proven tool to meet patients where they are and increase access to quality care throughout our communities,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The expansion of telehealth services has been crucial to reaching our most vulnerable patients, older Americans, and the traditionally underserved. The CONNECT for Health Act permanently removes barriers to this critical resource and keeps it accessible for Medicare beneficiaries for years to come.”

“Telehealth has become a core component for how we deliver high-quality care, especially in rural and underserved communities,” said Rep. Balderson. “The CONNECT for Health Act ensures Medicare keeps pace with modern medicine by removing outdated restrictions, expanding who can provide telehealth, and giving patients the flexibility to receive care from home. This legislation would be a big win for providers in rural Ohio, like our Federally Qualified Health Centers, who are the front line of care in many of the communities I represent.”

“Permanently extending telehealth coverage will benefit patients and physicians far and wide, ushering in a new era of patient care. Medicare coverage of telehealth offers better access to health care not just for rural and other underserved communities; it also reduces travel time and serves as a vital tool for patients to receive seamless care with their existing physicians.  We deeply appreciate Representatives Thompson, Schweikert, Balderson, and Matsui for their leadership,” said American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 would permanently expand access to telehealth services—ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive essential care.

• Telehealth utilization surged in 2020 when CMS waived many statutory restrictions on telehealth to ensure continued access to health care during the public health emergency.
• Recent reports find that older adults and individuals from underserved communities benefited the most from expanded telehealth access.
• Since 2021, Medicare beneficiaries’ telehealth utilization has stabilized at 15 percent, while overall health care use is level, indicating that telehealth often substitutes in-person care.
• With telehealth flexibilities set to expire in September 2025, beneficiaries will lose access to care due to statutory restrictions, including requirements that only permit beneficiaries to receive telehealth services if they are in rural areas and at certain clinical sites.
• Permanent changes to Medicare’s coverage of telehealth services are critical in order to protect access to care and fully integrate telehealth into care delivery.

The full bill text can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

In a ceremony Wednesday, Congress awarded the highest civilian honor to world-renowned American cyclist

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

BILL SET TO RIP HEALTH CARE FROM 17 MILLION PEOPLE, FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM 11 MILLION PEOPLE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington – Today, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (CA-04) introduced an amendment with 70 co-sponsors to stop Congressional Republicans’ proposal to spend $1.7 billion to make it easier for people to buy silencers, short-barreled shotguns, and short-barreled rifles. Read the amendment here. 

“Congressional Republicans are bowing to the whim of the gun lobby by proposing we eliminate the $200 tax on silencers and easily concealable short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns,” said Thompson. “We’ve regulated silencers and these guns for over 90 years for a reason. This tax was put in place in 1934 as part of a comprehensive effort to address their illegal use by criminal gangs. 

“Congressional Republicans’ proposal to spend $1.7 billion to flood our communities with these firearms and make it easier for mass shooters and criminals to access these weapons makes our communities less safe. I urge my Republican colleagues to help us take up this amendment and strike down this ill-advised handout to the gun lobby.” 

“Slashing taxes on silencers, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, and similar devices is a $1.7 billion gift to boost gun industry sales that will endanger law enforcement and our communities,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We urge every lawmaker in the House to put public safety ahead of gun industry profits and oppose this disaster of a bill.”

“The House must take up and pass this important amendment. For 100 years, Republicans and Democrats agreed on commonsense safeguards to keep silencers and short-barreled firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, President Trump and today’s extreme Republicans put gun lobby CEO donors ahead of Americans’ safety and are fighting to make it easier for dangerous people to get these weapons. The gun lobby freely admits this is the first step in their plan to remove all safeguards keeping gun silencers away from criminals. Passing this provision would endanger law enforcement and the communities they risk their lives to protect—and Republicans know it,” said Emma Brown, GIFFORDS Executive Director. 

“We know what these weapons do. We’ve lived through the lockdowns, the sirens, the funerals. We’ve seen the aftermath up close. The House has a choice: pass this amendment, or keep rewarding violence with taxpayer dollars. Anyone who votes against it should have to explain that choice to the families left behind after their children are murdered,” said Jackie Corin, Executive Director, March For Our Lives. 

“After the assassination of a public servant in Minnesota and a heinous sniper attack on first responders in Idaho, it is outrageous that Trump’s allies in the Senate have passed a bill that puts countless lives at risk to line the pockets of gun industry executives. Making firearm silencers and other uniquely lethal weapons more accessible will increase violence and enable would-be mass shooters and assassins. Brady vigorously supports Representative Thompson’s amendment to reverse this dangerous provision and safeguard the American public,” said Kris Brown, Brady President. 

“Stripping silencers from the National Firearms Act is not reform—it’s a reckless gift to the gun lobby that will endanger law enforcement, embolden mass shooters, and silence victims before anyone can respond. Silencers are not tools of self-defense—they are tools of assassination. Representative Thompson’s amendment to reverse this dangerous provision from the Republican funding bill is critical. The House must act immediately to keep silencers out of the hands of criminals and domestic terrorists. We cannot allow Donald Trump and his allies to dismantle 90 years of bipartisan safeguards just to appease gun manufacturers and extremist donors. Lives are on the line—and Congress must choose the people over the gun lobby,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement in response to Congressional Republicans’ decision to change the process by which Congress calculates the cost of their tax bill in order to hide trillions of dollars in spending. Congressional Republicans are using this trick to pretend that extending the President’s 2017 tax bill, which disproportionately benefit his billionaire donors, will be free. In reality, this bill will saddle Americans with trillions more in debt.

“It’s a simple fact that this big, ugly bill is set to add $5 trillion to our national debt. It’s shameful that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are trying to hide that fact.

“Congressional Republicans are using a budgeting gimmick to claim that the cost of extending the President’s 2017 tax bill will be zero dollars. This is as if you paid your mortgage payments for the last few years and then decided you don’t have to budget for home payments going forward. This budgeting theory would bankrupt families and businesses and will certainly bankrupt our country.

“This is flat out irresponsible. This bill will saddle our future generations with debilitating debt in order to give handouts to people who don’t need the help. Everyday Americans will be left with pennies while the wealthy reap all the benefits. Every hardworking American, regardless of party stripe, should be outraged.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), and U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)and Alex Padilla (D-CA), reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing harmful pollution from the global shipping industry. Maritime shipping is a significant source of greenhouse gas pollution around the world and a major contributor to local air pollution in port communities.

 

The bicameral International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would address pollution from large cargo ships and oil tankers by charging a fee for greenhouse gases and other hazardous air pollutants emitted by these ships. The revenue from collected fees would be used to fund cleaner ships and port equipment, protecting our port communities and fighting climate change, while also revitalizing the U.S. shipping industry.  

“The climate crisis isn’t a distant threat. It’s here, it’s accelerating, and it’s devastating communities across our state and our country,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “We must act quickly to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollution across our economy. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act takes decisive action to slash pollution from cargo ships and provide urgently needed investment in clean maritime technology and infrastructure. While the International Maritime Organization made history this spring by approving a global net-zero shipping framework, President Trump tried to derail negotiations and continues to block any action to fight climate change. This bill would ensure the U.S. is leading—not lagging—on climate action. As Trump and his allies double down on climate denial and fossil fuel handouts, we’re fighting back with real solutions that protect public health and the planet.”

 

“Communities near our ports—like those in the San Francisco Bay Area—bear the brunt of pollution from ships that fuel global trade,” said Congressman Mullin. “The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act ensures that the global shipping industry does its part to reduce emissions. The revenue from these pollution fees will help speed the shift to cleaner ships and healthier ports. I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Matsui to advance this policy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis while protecting the people and places most impacted by maritime emissions.” 

 

“As climate change destroys lives and drives up costs for families, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to avoid the worst consequences for communities, businesses, and the environment,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Encouragingly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put forward a global carbon price on shipping emissions. This legislation reinforces that work, further cutting harmful emissions while supporting the maritime innovators that are pioneering clean technologies to protect public health and can help put us on course to climate safety.”

 

“California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long,” said Senator Padilla. “Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities. The health of our communities and our planet requires us to be forward-looking and ambitious — we owe future generations nothing less than bold, transformative action.”

The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would:

• Impose a $150 per ton fee on greenhouse gas pollution emitted by ships carrying cargo destined for the U.S., as well as fees for nitrogen oxides ($6.30/lb.), sulfur dioxide ($18/lb.), and soot (PM2.5) ($38.90/lb.) that ships emit in U.S. waters. The fees would only apply to large foreign-flagged ships with 5,000 gross tonnage or more.
• Provide critical funding to modernize the Jones Act fleet with low-carbon vessels, revitalizing and electrifying U.S. shipbuilding, and addressing and reducing pollutants in America’s port communities, along our coasts, and in our oceans.

   

The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act has been endorsed by EV Maritime, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Ocean Conservancy, Pacific Environment, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, and 350 Brooklyn.

“We applaud Senator Whitehouse and Representative Matsui for reintroducing the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2025,” said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment. “This bill will ensure that the shipping industry pays its fair share in the fight against climate change. It will raise billions of dollars over the next decade, funds that would be reinvested into cleaner ships and port infrastructure, as well as maritime workforce training and development. The bill will curb the shipping industry’s massive pollution problem and help protect port communities that are disproportionately exposed to harmful emissions. Now is the time for the U.S. to show global leadership in the transition to a zero-emission shipping industry, and we call on Congress to pass this important legislation.”

“Global shipping is responsible for 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, equal to the emissions from 112 billion gallons of gasoline,” said Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions U.S. Policy Manager. “This pollution heats our ocean, drives climate change and chokes portside communities with toxic fumes. But the U.S. can chart a new course. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would charge a fee to large ships offloading cargo at U.S. ports for their emissions, and use the funds to make critical upgrades here in the U.S., like electrifying ports, modernizing vessels and switching to cleaner fuel. Passing this bill would protect the ocean, reduce climate impacts and create cleaner air for millions of Americans living near ports. It would also make the entire U.S. maritime sector including American ships more efficient and competitive. Ocean Conservancy is grateful for the leadership of Representative Matsui and Senator Whitehouse on this critical issue. For the health of our ocean and our communities, we urge Congress to pass this common sense legislation.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement after House Republicans voted to pass H.R. 1, the Big Ugly Bill. The bill will cut nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid and take health care away from 17 million Americans. 

“Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill is a staggering betrayal of the American people. It cruelly rips away health care from 17 million Americans. It takes food off the table of children and our most vulnerable. It’s a disaster for American workers and American families struggling to pay the bills. Bottom line – it’s the biggest transfer of wealth from the working class to the rich in American history,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – every dollar slashed represents real human suffering. Republicans are forcing Americans with the fewest options to make impossible choices – all to give tax breaks to billionaires.”

“The bill includes nearly a trillion dollars of cuts to Medicaid – leaving children with disabilities, cancer patients, seniors in nursing homes, and working families without the care they depend on. These cuts will shutter rural hospitals and pull ambulances off the streets,” Matsui continued. “And while the Big Ugly Bill is slashing health care and nutrition assistance, it will also drive up energy costs by more than 400 dollars a year per household, kill clean energy jobs, and sabotage clean energy projects across the country. This isn’t just bad policy – it’s an all-out assault on American families. It is cruel. It is reckless. And that’s why I emphatically voted NO.”

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