MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

DeSantis’ internment camp puts decades of massive restoration and billions of dollars in Everglades investments at risk. It desecrates the tribal lands it sits upon and wastes hundreds of millions of state funding at a grossly inflated cost.

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

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, have introduced H.R. 4230 the Appropriations Compliance and Training Act, legislation to restore accountability to the Executive Branch and ensure that Appropriated taxpayer dollars, enacted by Congress and signed into law, are spent in strict accordance with Congressional direction.
 

“The Power of the Purse rests with Congress. That is established quite clearly in the Constitution, and it has been repeatedly affirmed by the Supreme Court. This Administration has demonstrated time and again a lack of understanding — or worse, deliberate disregard for the direction Congress provides through the Appropriations process,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “This is about enforcing the Constitution and safeguarding democracy. We set policy, we provide direction, and we allocate funds. Then, based on those allocations, the Executive Branch must execute — not reinterpret or ignore — what Congress has directed on behalf of the American people. This is not about politics. It is about protecting the constitutional role of Congress, respecting the will of the American people, and ensuring every public dollar is spent lawfully and transparently.”

“Instead of being laser-focused on the cost-of-living crisis, President Trump is making it worse by illegally stealing resources promised to the American people,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). “The Trump administration has been lawless from the jump, illegally freezing or taking funding, appropriated in law by Congress, for programs and services across the federal government that help the middle class, the working class, and small businesses and make sure billionaires and big corporations pay taxes. Whether they are a Democrat or a Republican, nobody should be managing American Taxpayers’ hard-earned money if they do not understand the law. This is a common-sense requirement to defend Congress’s power of the purse and reaffirm its constitutional authority over government funding.”

The bill has already received strong support, with a growing list of cosponsors including Appropriations Committee Members: Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Rep. James Clyburn (SC-06), Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-02), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Rep. Marc Pocan (WI-02), Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01), and Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04).

The Appropriations Compliance and Training Act will require high-ranking federal employees in the Executive Branch to take annual, mandatory training that will ensure their understanding and compliance with Appropriations laws, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act. These laws clarify Congress’ power of the purse and prohibits the Executive Branch from spending or withholding funds beyond the explicit direction of Congress. The legislation is meant to make sure that all Executive Branch officials clearly understand their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of violations. It also includes a review of what Congress has directed, through the Appropriations process, for each agency in that year’s funding law.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Garamendi (CA-08), along with Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen standards for federally funded infrastructure projects by ensuring that critical corrosion prevention work is done by qualified workers using proven techniques. The legislation would also build on a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board and direct the Department of Transportation to study and generate best practices for inspecting and addressing corrosion on bridges made of weathering steel.

Corrosion costs the United States billions of dollars every year while putting public safety at risk. According to a 2001 study from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), using currently available corrosion control practices could directly save between $85.5 and $199.5 billion, with indirect savings even higher.

“The persistent corrosion of our roads and bridges needs to be addressed with the urgency this issue demands. Our bill builds on the historic success of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest federal investment to modernize our nation’s infrastructure. It requires all federally funded bridge projects to use certified contractors for any corrosion control work and employ industry-recognized standards for corrosion mitigation and prevention,” said Congressman Garamendi. “America’s corrosion professionals, union painters, and new apprentices are ready, willing, and able to do the job. I am thrilled to work with my colleagues to pass this critically important legislation to strengthen our nation’s bridges.”

“We should have the strongest, safest, and most resilient infrastructure in the world,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I support the Bridge Corrosion, Prevention and Repair Act, which will protect our communities by toughening safety standards for our nation’s bridges and improving structural conditions.”

“Too often, corrosion is overlooked as a serious threat to the safety and longevity of our nation’s bridges,” said Congressman Bost. “This legislation takes a proactive approach by putting clear standards in place to prevent costly failures before they happen. It’s a responsible step that will help extend the life of our infrastructure and ensure federal investments deliver real results for the communities that depend on them.”

“In 2021, the Infrastructure Report Card gave Pennsylvania’s bridges a D+—an unacceptable risk to our communities and economy. I helped pass the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to rebuild infrastructure in PA-1 and nationwide, and while we’ve made progress, there’s more work ahead. This legislation builds on that work by requiring federally funded bridge projects to meet rigorous corrosion prevention standards, engage certified professionals, and use proven methods that extend the life of our bridges. It ensures taxpayer dollars deliver lasting value and keeps our infrastructure safe and reliable for generations to come,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

The bill is endorsed by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).    

“AMPP commends Representatives Garamendi, Bost, Fitzpatrick, and Deluzio for their continued leadership and advocacy in championing legislation to address the hidden but urgent threat of corrosion on America’s bridges. The introduction of this bill reinforces what experts have long known: corrosion is a preventable safety risk that demands national attention. AMPP stands ready to support efforts that prioritize corrosion prevention, promote the use of industry standards, and invest in a skilled workforce capable of protecting the infrastructure that millions of Americans rely on every day,” said Alan Thomas, CEO, Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).

“Keeping our bridges safe and corrosion free not only makes our communities safer, but has the power to help create thousands of good jobs that drive our economy. The IUPAT thanks Representatives Garamendi, Bost, Fitzpatrick, and Deluzio for their leadership in re-introducing the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act.  Safe infrastructure and investing in good jobs is something that should unite us all and we look forward to the passage of this bill with strong bipartisan support,” said Jimmy Williams, Jr, General President, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

Read a section-by-section summary here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to limit national injunctions blocking President Trump’s executive order targeting birthright citizenship:

“I am deeply concerned that today’s decision will limit future federal courts from protecting the rights of Americans for years to come. This reckless ruling limits the ability of federal courts to block presidential executive actions that are contrary to the Constitution and the law. As Justice Jackson wrote, ‘May a federal court in the United States of America order the Executive to follow the law?’ Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, conservative or progressive, the answer should be – yes, it must.

“The Fourteenth Amendment is clear: If you are born in the United States, you are an American citizen. No ruling can change that, which is why the legal fight to protect birthright citizenship will prevail.

“Every child born in the United States is an American citizen, and I will not rest until that constitutional right is fully and unequivocally protected.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Senior Armed Services Committee Member Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s unilateral military action against Iran:

“President Trump’s unilateral and unauthorized decision to conduct military strikes against Iran demonstrates how he continues to put his own ego above the safety of our country. Without a clear and imminent threat, Trump has now dragged our country into a regional war and unnecessarily put thousands of service members at risk.  

“The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. Trump’s reckless action, taken without a vote of Congress or an imminent threat to U.S. forces, violates the clear intent of our founders – that Congress, not a king-like executive, should decide when the country goes to war.

“Trump broke his promise to bring peace to the Middle East and to keep the United States out of another war in the region. In fact, he has done the opposite—dramatically increasing the risk of the U.S. being drawn into yet another conflict. He will bear full responsibility for every harmful consequence of this reckless action.

“Trump once warned that President Obama would conduct military strikes due to an ‘inability to negotiate.’ He had it backwards: Obama had a deal—Trump started a war.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON DC – Today, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) released the following statement regarding the Israel-Iran conflict.   

“America cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. We must not allow Prime Minister Netanyahu to sucker us into another endless Middle East war. We must de-escalate and return to the negotiating table to achieve what we all want: an Iran that never obtains a nuclear weapon.”

“Israel’s attack was a dangerous escalation that has already resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians in both Iran and Israel. War with Iran is not in the interest of the United States, and robust diplomacy remains the best option for achieving long-term peace, regional stability and an Iran with no nuclear weapons. Further escalation is a threat to regional stability, risks drawing the U.S. into a wider conflict, and puts thousands of American servicemembers in harm’s way.

“The JCPOA negotiated by President Obama was our best chance at ensuring that Iran could not build a nuclear weapon. Unfortunately, Donald Trump ripped up this critical treaty. Trump may have killed that signature deal that was negotiated by Russia, China, France, the U.K., Germany, the European Union and the United States. There is still room for the administration to negotiate a new deal to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. We should be focused on reviving diplomatic efforts—not threatening military escalation or considering the use of bunker buster bombs. This is a dangerous path.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

The Public Ferry Coalition applauds the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus, welcomes this important step in raising awareness of the vital role ferries play in transportation

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) sent a letter alongside Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), and Tom McClintock (CA-05) to applaud the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision to rescind the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) and BLM.

“Rescinding CalGem’s memorandum of understanding with BLM is a critical step toward restoring domestic oil production in the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “Kern County alone has lost hundreds of millions of dollars in local revenue and thousands of good-paying jobs because Sacramento bureaucrats refuse to issue permits in a timely and transparent way. By getting rid of this unnecessary red tape, we can get production back on track, lower energy costs for Valley families, and bring much-needed investment back to our communities.”

“It is critical that the 2012 MOU between CalGEM and Bureau of Land Management be rescinded as a vital step toward restoring California’s energy production,” said Congressman Fong. “This decision removes barriers to needed energy production, reduces costs for families, strengthens economic stability, and reaffirms our commitment to American energy dominance. By streamlining permits and restoring the Bureau of Land Management’s authority over federal lands, we can unlock California’s energy potential, support good-paying jobs, and ensure affordable energy for families across our state.”

“Under Governor Newsom, California has waged a war on oil production, hurting the economy in Kern County and threatening our ability to have affordable and reliable energy,” said Congressman LaMalfa. “Under the 2012 MOU between CalGEM and BLM, the state has been able to obstruct oil and gas production on Federal lands. This is completely unacceptable. Luckily, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum understands how this MOU is an obstacle to achieving energy dominance. I want to thank him for rescinding this MOU and allowing California’s oil and gas business to operate on Federal lands without interference from Governor Newsom.”

Background:

Oil production on federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plays a key role in California’s energy supply. While BLM continues to approve new drilling permits, CalGem now insists on a second, state-level permitting process, even though federal law does not give them authority over federal land. Over the last 15 years, BLM has gradually allowed CalGem to delay and influence permits through informal agreements—not through official law or policy change. This was accomplished through informal practices and agreements, not through statutory changes. As a result, more than 100 BLM-approved permits are now stuck, waiting for unnecessary approval from CalGEM.

Read the full letter here.

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

OFFICES OF CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CLOSED JULY 3-4 FOR EMANCIPATION DAY/INDEPENDENCE HOLIDAY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

June 30, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) reintroduced the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act, legislation aimed at curbing illegal gun trafficking and reducing gun violence. The bill would require federally licensed firearms dealers to report the sale of two or more long guns—such as AR-15s or AK-47s—to the same individual within a five-day period.

In 2022, law enforcement officials reported that the shooter from the Uvalde school shooting– which claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers– purchased two AR platform rifles within a three-day period from a federally authorized dealer. In the United States, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens. Every year, 22,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded, and approximately 3 million are exposed to gun violence. In 2024 alone, there were  503 mass shootings, resulting in more than 16,725 deaths and 31,646 injuries. 

“Just this month, I sat with young students in my district— who should be thinking about school, friends, and their futures—but instead, are advocating for a call to action against gun violence,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “Their voices, stories and their courage stay with me every day. This bill is a commonsense step to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in America. That is a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality. Yet, Republicans in Congress continue to block meaningful reforms, and the Trump Administration is making it easier for dangerous individuals to access deadly weapons. I refuse to stand by as our communities suffer and families are torn apart. I’ll keep fighting with everything I have to close deadly loopholes, strengthen background checks, and finally ban assault weapons.”

Mass shootings do not have to be inevitable—commonsense policies like requiring a report on the sale of two or more long guns in a 5-day period will help prevent tragedies and save lives,” said Rep. Schneider. “I’m proud to join Rep. Torres to introduce this bill and help address our senseless epidemic of mass shootings.”

The Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act is supported by numerous gun safety and public interest organizations, including: March for Our Lives, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, GIFFORDS, Everytown for Gun Safety, National Education Association, and Amnesty International. 

“There’s nothing unpredictable about gun violence in this country. When assault-style rifles are bought in bulk with no oversight, tragedy is often just days away. Young people have been sounding the alarm, and this bill answers that call with real, preventative action. The Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act is common sense. We thank Reps. Torres and Schneider for stepping up, and we condemn anyone who stands in the way. A vote against this bill isn’t about gun rights. It’s a choice to look away while innocent people are murdered.” Jackie Corin, Executive Director of March For Our Lives

“When individuals purchase multiple firearms in quick succession, it is often a sign of tragedy to come. Bulk firearms purchases are a strong indicator of gun trafficking or that guns will be used in criminal activity. It is essential that we require licensed gun dealers to report sales of multiple firearms, not just handguns, so we can better identify potential gun trafficking and cut off the supply of firearms that fuel transnational cartels and violence in our communities. Brady applauds Congresswoman Torres for introducing the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act and for her continued commitment to freeing America from gun violence.” Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady: United Against Gun Violence

“Requiring gun dealers to report bulk purchases of long guns is a commonsense step to help prevent gun trafficking and mass shootings. In many instances, individuals intent on causing harm have purchased multiple firearms within days of committing an attack. This bill provides law enforcement with a critical tool to identify patterns of suspicious activity and intervene before tragedy strikes. We applaud Congresswoman Torres for her leadership in modernizing how we detect and respond to potential threats.”  Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government & Political Affairs at GIFFORDS

One of the most glaring red flags for a mass shooting is someone stockpiling semi-automatic weapons in a matter of days — but too often, this flag goes unnoticed,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Congresswoman Torres for introducing common-sense legislation to require gun dealers to speak up when they notice a seller stocking up on weapons of war.”

Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days- however, this requirement excludes reporting requirements for long guns, which include assault style rifles and shotguns. The Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act changes the requirement so federal firearms licensees must report multiple sales or dispositions of all firearms to the same person within five business days.

Bill text

The legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives: Barragán (CA-44), Cleaver (MO-5), DeGette (CO-01), Foushee (NC-04), García (IL-04), Goldman (NY-10), Johnson (GA-04), Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Lynch (MA-08), Neguse (CO-02), Norton (DC), Peters (CA-50), Pettersen (CO-07), Scanlon (PA-05), Schakowsky (IL-09), Smith (WA-09), Stansbury (NM-01), Swalwell (CA-14), Torres (NY-15), Vargas (CA-52), Velázquez (NY-07). 

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