MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

SEATTLE, WA – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined scholars, patients, and healthcare leaders to discuss the impacts of social media on youth mental health, and policy solutions to protect children and hold Big Tech accountable. 

Included in the discussion were Seattle Children’s CEO Christopher Longhurst, MD, MS; Founding Director of the Stanford Social Media Lab Jeff Hancock, PhD; former Seattle Children’s patient Emme Leonard; Children’s Alliance Executive Director Soleil Boyd, PhD; Seattle Children’s Chief of Psychiatry & Mental and Behavioral Health Services Ray Hsaio, MD; and Seattle Children’s Adolescent Medicine Division Head Yolanda Evans, MD, MPH.

BACKGROUND: Congresswoman Schrier is the first and only pediatrician in Congress, and has used her experience to advocate for the safety, health, and security of children online. This Congress, Congresswoman Schrier introduced Sammy’s Law  – a bill that would improve kids’ online safety by requiring social media companies to cooperate with third-party watchdog apps that would alert parents if their children have been exposed to harmful messages or interactions online. Congresswoman Schrier additionally introduced the Kids Off Social Media Act, which prohibits kids under the age of 13 from being on social media and bans companies from recommending content using algorithms for users under the age of 17.

Congresswoman Schrier also recently joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to advance the KIDS Act, a bipartisan bill that takes historic steps to protect our kids and their data online and hold Big Tech accountable.

“As a pediatrician and member of Congress, I have seen first-hand the dangerous impacts social media has on our kids’ mental, physical, and emotional health,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Finding solutions to protect kids online and hold Big Tech accountable has always been a top priority of mine, and I was glad to join local healthcare leaders, scholars, and patients today to hear about their experiences working directly to address this public health and safety crisis. I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to keep our children safe from the many harms social media platforms are causing in Washington state and across our country.”

“The evidence is clear: social media has a profound impact on youth mental health, and the data reinforces what we see in young people seeking care at Seattle Children’s,” said Christopher Longhurst, MD, MS, CEO at Seattle Children’s. “Protecting our youth is a responsibility we all share, and I’m grateful Representative Schrier, Attorney General Brown, state legislators and other community partners have joined Seattle Children’s in discussing the issue and necessary solutions to keep our children and teens safe.”

###

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

WASHINGTON—Today, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to center human rights and civilian protection in all United States engagement in the Central Sahel, a region in West Africa that encompasses Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. 

Citing expert testimony delivered at a May 14 hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, the letter raises alarms about the “precarity and violence of life in the region, which boasts the world’s fastest growing theaters for armed Islamists allied to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.” It notes that “security forces in the Central Sahel have adopted an aggressive counterterrorism approach and themselves been implicated in widespread violations of international humanitarian law.”

“Human rights violations and war crimes by government forces and their allies are significant drivers of recruitment into armed groups,” McGovern wrote. “For this reason, meaningful improvement in the regional security situation cannot be achieved unless human rights and civilian protection are treated as the non-negotiable foundation of engagement with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.” 

The letter calls on Secretary Rubio to: 

• Ensure that any provision of foreign assistance occurs in strict compliance with human rights conditions in U.S. law;

• Designate human rights violators for targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act; 

• Provide public explanation of the lifting of sanctions on individuals who could be implicated in serious human rights abuses, such as the February 2026 delisting of three Malian officials linked to Russia’s abusive Wagner Group; 

• Consistent with the Elie Wiesel Act, assess the risk of future atrocities in the Central Sahel and report to Congress on regional atrocity prevention;

• Demand the immediate release of arbitrarily detained political figures, journalists, and civil society; 

• Support inclusive, local peace processes; and

• Increase humanitarian and development aid for essential local services to minimize the grievances that extremist groups exploit.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced a total of $161,035 in federal funding secured to support law enforcement initiatives in Lawrence, Lowell, Haverhill, Fitchburg, and Marlborough. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) Program.
“Our police officers show up for us every day, and this funding helps us show up for them. Byrne JAG grants put real tools in the hands of local departments so officers can do their jobs as safely and efficiently as possible. That means safer communities for all of us to call home,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I fought for this funding because our local departments asked for it, and I’ll keep working to deliver what they need to protect our communities.”
Specific funding allocations include::

Lawrence: $43,500 to enhance public safety and combat violent crime by modernizing its patrol technology and improving officers’ ability to respond quickly and effectively in the field. By providing officers with reliable, modern technology, the project aims to improve operational efficiency, support data-driven crime prevention, and strengthen the safety of Lawrence residents and businesses.

Lowell: $41,462 to support the Lowell Police Department’s goal of strengthening its crime prevention, intelligence, and community engagement efforts by investing in personnel, training, and resources that support data-driven and evidence-based policing. Byrne JAG funding will support a Crime Analyst in the Crime Analysis and Intelligence Unit, as well as a Grant Research Analyst and Program Manager in the Research and Development Unit, helping the Department better identify crime trends, develop effective strategies, and maximize available resources. 

Haverhill: $39,354 for the City’s goal to enhance officer and community safety by strengthening de-escalation capabilities and providing officers with effective, less-lethal options when responding to volatile or aggressive situations. Continued investment in the Taser 10 program will help reduce use-of-force incidents and associated injuries, ensure officers have the training and equipment necessary to respond safely and proportionally, mitigate legal liability and associated costs, and strengthen community trust through safer, more measured policing practices.

Fitchburg: $20,134 for the Fitchburg Police Department’s goal of enhancing officer safety and emergency response capabilities by providing officers with modern protective equipment for high-risk and rapidly evolving incidents. This investment will strengthen the Department’s readiness to respond to violent encounters and emergencies, reduce risks to responding personnel, and improve the Department’s ability to protect both officers and community members. 

Marlborough: $16,585 to improve operational efficiency, strengthen internal coordination, and enhance public safety through the continued use and expansion of the City’s Systemsworks Detail Tracking System. Continued investment in this technology will also support data-driven personnel deployment, reduce payroll errors, strengthen compliance with labor agreements, and ensure the Department can maintain efficient, coordinated operations while continuing to provide high-quality service to Marlborough residents.

Since taking office in 2019, Trahan has consistently supported increased funding for the Byrne JAG program and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, the two main initiatives that direct federal funding to local police departments. In 2024, she helped bring over $140,000 to MA-03 police departments. In 2025, Trahan supported legislation containing $964 million in funding for the Byrne JAG program, a $417 million increase from when she first took office, and $800 million for the COPS program, a $457 million increase since 2019.
###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

The funding will help address affordable housing shortages in the City of Fontana and give more low-income Fontana residents pathways to permanent housing

FONTANA, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that he secured $1.2 million in community project funding for the City of Fontana’s Aldea Apartments Acquisition Phase II project. This grant funding will help expand affordable housing and address homelessness in the Inland Empire by purchasing 2.4 acres of land adjacent to the Aldea Apartments building, where 80 additional housing units will be built. Additionally, the funding will support much-needed upgrades to the existing building’s outdoor amenities to improve residents’ quality of life, including the construction of a children’s playground, dog park and parking lot.
Once complete, the Aldea Apartments will serve as a bridge between temporary shelter programs and permanent housing, giving individuals and families at risk of falling into homelessness a stable, low-cost place to live. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.
“Here in the Inland Empire, we know how important it is for our neighbors to have access to safe and affordable homes for their families, even when they fall on hard times,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’m proud to deliver $1.2 million for the City of Fontana to upgrade and expand the Aldea Apartments, giving families at risk of homelessness a stable, low-cost and comfortable place to call home. I’ll keep fighting to lower the cost of housing and deliver more resources that help families in our community build brighter futures.”
“Support from our partners, like Congressman Pete Aguilar, serves as a foundation for building a strong, thriving community,” said Mayor Acquanetta Warren, City of Fontana. “This funding for the next stage of the Aldea Apartments reflects Fontana’s vision of a community where all residents can find housing stability and opportunities. Congressman Aguilar’s leadership will have a lasting impact in Fontana.”
As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

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

HIALEAH, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, attends the renaming of Hialeah Elementary School after his late brother, former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

“It fills my heart with profound gratitude to join the celebration of the renaming of Hialeah Elementary School in memory of my late brother, Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Lincoln lived with an unwavering commitment to public service and the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive. 

As each student steps through these doors, they will see his name and, I hope, feel inspired by the values he lived—compassion, integrity, and a dedication to doing the public good by helping many. I am grateful that the Lincoln Diaz-Balart Hialeah Elementary School will stand as a lasting tribute to his legacy, reminding us all of the power that each one of us has to make a difference in the lives of others.

The great city of Hialeah and its residents always held a special place in Lincoln’s heart. He shared a special bond with this community, who 9 times elected him to Congress. He understood the hopes, challenges, and dreams of Hialeah in a deeply personal way, and he cherished its people. It was one of the great honors of Lincoln’s life to be the voice of the residents of Hialeah in Washington for 18 years. 

On behalf of our entire family, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this honor possible. I especially want to thank School Board Member Dan Espino for his hard work on this effort. We are profoundly grateful for the way you have embraced us while honoring Lincoln’s legacy.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding the legislative vehicles to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, the Ukraine Support Act and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026:

“Right now, Ukrainians are fighting bravely on the front lines of a war not only for the survival of their independent nation but for the future of democracy and respect for international law. 

“At present, there are two main legislative vehicles for continuing to deliver American support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and self determination. One is the Ukraine Support Act, cosponsored by Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, and myself. That bill was discharged from the Foreign Affairs Committee and passed with bipartisan support through the House.  

“The second bill is the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions package in the Senate. That bill has now passed the Senate, and former Chairman McCaul and I and others have cosponsored a companion to the Senate-passed bill. I would support an amendment to our bill consistent with the views of Ranking Member Meeks and Ranking Member Neal, which would make it clear that the President’s tariff authority is limited to the nations currently deemed to be affected by the Senate formula. 

“The Ukraine Support Act authorizes up to $8 billion for Ukraine’s military in FY26 and extends lend-lease authority for Ukraine and Baltic partners through FY28. It also includes sanctions aimed at Russian financial firms, oil companies, and Putin allies. The sanctions bill would deprive Putin of the revenues needed to carry on his illegal war of conquest, imposing some of the most punishing sanctions ever on the drivers of Russia’s war engine. 

“The threat posed by Putin, sowing global instability, kidnapping children, and targeting civilians, demands comprehensive and resolute action. Each of these bills on its own would be a significant blow to Russian aggression. But together they have the potential to accelerate the shift in momentum we are already seeing on the battlefield and help Ukraine achieve the victory it has long sought and must win. Both bills ought to become law.”

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

Dingell Statement on Los Alamos Project Site Selection

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella regarding Larsen’s visit to ICE’s suboffice in Ferndale on July 31:

“As part of my oversight responsibilities, I am working to get answers for my constituents about the facility’s operations and policies,” said Rep. Larsen. “While the officers present during my visit were able to answer some of my questions, I am writing to get additional clarification and data.”

Rep. Larsen has also contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) about their facility in the Ferndale area and intends to visit it. HSI has been responsible for the operations that detained nearly 50 people in Lynden in recent months.

“The President’s immigration enforcement agenda is hurting the local economy and making our communities less safe,” said Rep. Larsen. “My office stands ready to help family members locate their loved ones in ICE custody and access legal services – call 425-252-3188 or go to larsen.house.gov/helping-you/visas-and-immigration.htm.”

Rep. Larsen’s full letter to Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella is available here and below.

August 11, 2026

Dear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:

Thank you for the opportunity to visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Ferndale Suboffice/Hold Facility (“Ferndale Suboffice”) in Ferndale, Washington on July 31, 2026.

I toured this facility because I have heard from constituents whose family members and friends have been detained at the Ferndale Suboffice. As part of my oversight responsibilities, I am working to get answers for my constituents about the facility’s operations and policies. While the officers present during my visit were able to answer some of my questions, I am writing to get additional clarification and data.

To better understand the purpose and use of ICE’s Ferndale Suboffice, please provide answers to the following questions no later than Friday, August 21, 2026:

1. When did ICE ERO begin operating at the Ferndale Suboffice?

2. How many people have been detained at the Ferndale Suboffice in the last 30, 90 and 365 days?
a. What was the average length of stay during each period?
b. What was the longest length of stay during each period?

3. How many total individuals were held at the Ferndale Suboffice in each of the following years: 2023, 2024 and 2025?
a. What was the average length of stay during each period?
b. What was the longest length of stay during each period?

4. Since ICE ERO began operating the Ferndale Suboffice, how many individuals have been held overnight in this facility?

5. Since ICE ERO began operating the Ferndale Suboffice, how many children have been detained at the facility?

6. What policy limits stays in this facility to 12 hours? Please identify the specific directive establishing this limit, including the date it was issued.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

ROELAND PARK, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids returned to a local grocery store in Roeland Park to buy the exact same basket of household staples she purchased last month. Davids bought 13 everyday food items — including milk, eggs, bread, tortillas, ground beef, chicken, apples, and tomatoes — to track whether checkout prices are going down for Kansas families.

“Every Kansas family knows what it feels like to watch checkout totals creep up at the grocery store,” said Davids. “Prices are still far too high, and progress isn’t coming fast enough. We shouldn’t have corporate tax giveaways for billionaires while regular families struggle to put food on the table. I’ll keep fighting to strengthen our supply chains, support Kansas farmers, and lower everyday costs across the board so working families actually get the relief they deserve.”

Many Kansas households continue reporting financial pressure due to rising inflation and reckless policy decisions in Washington that only favor billionaires. The average family is paying more than $2,500 extra this year due to tariffs and is expected to spend about $740 more on gas. In the past year, residential electricity prices have risen by 13 percent nationally, and families have paid more than $300 more for groceries.

Davids has made lowering the cost of groceries for families and small businesses a priority in Congress, including by: 

• Supporting the bipartisan Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification (HPAI) Act, which ensures fair compensation for all farms affected by avian flu, including those in both infected and buffer zones.
• Completing a one-day tour to highlight how strengthening supply chains helps lower grocery prices for Kansas families.
• Urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to begin enforcing the Robinson-Patman Act to prevent corporate price discrimination that drives up grocery costs for consumers.
• Voting to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to shore up the food and agriculture supply chain, ensure fair competition in the meat and poultry sectors, and lower food and gasoline costs for consumers.
• Supporting the Price Gouging Prevention Act, legislation ensuring large corporations can’t take advantage of consumers at the grocery store.
• Holding multiple roundtables with Kansas business, manufacturing, and technology leaders on how recent legislation to improve supply chains will help boost their businesses’ financial security.
• Working a “Sharice’s Shift” at a local Price Chopper, where she helped store employees unload deliveries from shipping trucks, stock grocery shelves, and bag groceries. 

For beef prices specifically, Davids called on the Trump Administration to reverse a policy that would significantly increase imports of Argentinian beef. Economists say increasing imports is unlikely to lower consumer prices while potentially increasing market volatility and benefiting large corporations over family ranchers. Farm bankruptcies are also rising, and more imports risk further squeezing struggling operations without delivering meaningful relief at the grocery store. The administration received bipartisan backlash over its original beef trade deal last year.

To support Kansas producers, Davids has also embarked on a Farm Bill listening tour, where she visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a goat farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers, toured a dairy farm in Garnett, and more.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

Previous Article