MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Washington—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, introduced the Social Security Child Protection Act to better protect children from fraud when their Social Security cards are lost or stolen. 

The legislation would require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue a new, different Social Security Number (SSN) to an individual under the age of 14, if the card is lost or stolen while being issued to the child in the mail. 

“Protecting children from identity fraud is something all of Washington should agree with. Unfortunately, current policies from the Social Security Administration make it difficult for children to receive new Social Security Numbers when their card gets lost in the mail, but this commonsense legislation changes that. This bill should be advanced without delay,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.  

Background:

• Social Security cards are only issued to children after their parents complete an application, either at the hospital immediately after birth, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Once the application is processed by the SSA, a card is issued and mailed to the child.
• Under current policy, if that card is stolen or lost in the mail, the SSA will not issue the child a new SSN until that child is the victim of fraud and reports it within 2 years of the fraud taking place.
• Child victims of Social Security fraud often learn of the fraud years after it occurs. Changing your SSN as an adult resets your credit history and complicates your ability to keep track of government and employment records. By allowing a child to replace their SSN before entering adulthood, they can be spared from these difficult situations.
• The SSA is responsible for securely issuing Social Security cards and should take preventative action when that card does not make it to the child.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a legislative hearing entitled “From Gridlock to Growth: Permitting Reform Under the Clean Air Act.” The Subcommittee considered several measures, including H.R. 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act. This measure, introduced by U.S. Congressman Griffith (R-VA), seeks to clarify Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) interpretations of New Source Review (NSR) in relation to the Clean Air Act.

After the Environment Subcommittee Members questioned witnesses on his bill, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“American factories and electric power plants refrain from making small or intermediate improvements to their facilities, improvements which reduce emissions or increase the efficiency of a plant, because of fears that their actions could result in the loss of their air permit. I believe this practice must be corrected by pushing for my bill to reform New Source Review regulations. I look forward to advancing this commonsense permitting reform to help American industry, reduce emissions and empower innovation.”

Numerous organizations and industry leaders expressed support for Congressman Griffith’s measure.

“One of the reasons the refining and petrochemical industries support permitting reform is because of problems with EPA’s New Source Review (NSR) program. It is harder for our facilities to make safety and environmental upgrades under the current NSR regime. Long, drawn-out permitting timelines for these essential projects delay facility upgrades and dramatically increase price tags, diverting capital from projects that protect our workers, communities and environment. These sorts of projects should absolutely be exempted from NSR costs and delays. AFPM applauds Representative Griffith for introducing the NSR Permitting Improvement Act, and we hope this provision will be part of comprehensive permitting reform enacted during this Congress.” – Chet Thompson, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President and CEO

“The Chamber commends Representative Griffith for introducing this important legislation to modernize Clean Air Act permitting, enabling industrial facilities to pursue efficiency upgrades and implement critical operational safety improvements without unnecessary delays. These targeted reforms will help reduce regulatory burdens that hinder innovation and investment, empowering America to build for the future—faster, smarter, and more sustainably.” – Chad Whiteman, Vice President, Environment and Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

“The NMA urges prompt passage of H.R. 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act, and commends Congressman Morgan Griffith for its introduction. H.R. 161 addresses long-standing issues in the EPA’s outdated NSR-program framework, which discourages U.S. investment. Companies seeking to deploy modern technologies, reduce emissions, or improve efficiency have faced regulatory uncertainty that delays projects, increases costs, and undermines grid reliability. Passage of H.R. 161 will help ensure lasting clarity so that future administrations cannot reimpose unnecessary permitting barriers.” – Rich Nolan, President and CEO, National Mining Association

“Arizona’s job creators applaud Rep. Griffith’s leadership on this important reform of the New Source Review program. For too long, outdated permitting rules have discouraged companies from modernizing facilities, even when those improvements would reduce emissions and improve efficiency. This simple but important change to the Clean Air Act makes it easier for manufacturers, utilities, and other employers in Arizona to invest in upgrades that strengthen reliability, protect air quality, and support economic growth. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry is pleased to support this commonsense legislation that benefits both our environment and our economy.” – Danny Seiden, President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“AF&PA is grateful for Chairman Griffith’s tireless leadership to bring common sense into the air permit process. This is hard but crucial work to ensure the success of U.S. manufacturing, including forest products, and the family-wage jobs it provides.” – Paul Noe, Vice President, Public Policy, American Forest & Paper Association

“Too often, policymakers and regulators in Washington allow the ‘perfect’ to be the enemy of the ‘good.’ For years, federal air regulations created perverse incentives that actually discourage environmental improvements by treating efficiency upgrades as regulatory violations. Rep. Griffith’s New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act fixes this broken system by allowing facilities to modernize with cleaner, more efficient technologies without triggering costly and time-consuming permitting delays. This common sense reform will accelerate emissions reductions and boost the competitiveness of American businesses.” – Heather Reems, CRES President & CEO

“The American Cement Association supports Representative Morgan Griffith’s (R-VA) New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (H.R. 161) for its modernization of the New Source Review (NSR) permitting process for manufacturing facilities. The Clean Air Act has helped bring about early tremendous improvements to our air quality in the 1970s and 1980s; however, the law has failed to keep up with ensuring manufacturing and energy generation keeps pace with economic growth. The NSR permitting process discourages sustainability, efficiency, and operational improvements to cement facilities that would benefit the environment and the American economy. ACA looks forward to working with Congress to enact commonsense legislation like Mr. Griffith’s that fosters American manufacturing and job growth.” – Sean O’Neill, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, American Cement Association

“As demand for electricity skyrockets across the nation, we need more affordable and reliable electricity generation than ever before. This requires co-ops to build and upgrade power plants, which triggers a complex EPA permitting process that is mired in red tape and confusing inefficiencies. The New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (H.R. 161) is a welcomed step in the right direction. It provides important streamlining and simplification to the EPA’s New Source Review program and lends greater clarity about what actions trigger NSR requirements.”– National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

BACKGROUND

To begin the 119^th Congress, Congressman Griffith served as chair of the Environment Subcommittee before his July appointment to Chair of the Health Subcommittee. 

Congressman Griffith has introduced various bills on this topic in previous congresses, including the 118^th Congress. 

Congressman Griffith actions this year on environmental issues include his sponsorship of H.J. Res. 61, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval overturning a Biden-era executive rule that hurt American rubber tire manufacturers. President Trump later signed Congressman Griffith’s CRA into law.

Congressman Griffith also helped lead efforts in the House to overturn California’s Clean Air Act waivers. President Trump signed the relevant CRAs into law.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) renewed her demand for answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding conditions and operations at the ICE Processing Center in Camarillo, California. Brownley sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons raising serious concerns about transparency, safety, and the treatment of detainees at the facility.

Brownley’s letter follows reports from constituents and local advocacy groups of ambulances and first responders repeatedly seen outside the Camarillo center. She stressed that, given the documented pattern of abuse and inhumane treatment at ICE facilities nationwide, DHS and ICE must provide immediate accountability and oversight.

In the letter, Brownley pressed for detailed information on the scope and legality of immigration enforcement activities at the facility, including whether U.S. citizens, veterans, or DACA recipients have been detained, and whether detainees are being afforded adequate legal counsel, medical care, and safe conditions. She also demanded information on whether detainees’ rights are being protected and what steps ICE is taking to ensure compliance with federal law.

“The people of Ventura County deserve transparency and accountability from DHS and ICE. We cannot and must not turn a blind eye to reports of mistreatment, unsafe conditions, or violations of due process,” said Brownley. “Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight of federal agencies, and I intend to fulfill that duty on behalf of my constituents.”

In addition to demanding answers, Brownley formally requested access to conduct a site visit of the Camarillo facility as part of her Congressional oversight responsibilities. She asked for a detailed response to her questions no later than September 19, 2025.

The full letter can be found here and below:

September 12, 2025

The Honorable Kristi Noem
Secretary
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20528-0525

Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,

I am writing to seek urgent answers regarding the conditions and operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center in my district, located at 321 Cortez Circle, Camarillo, California 93012.

My office has received several reports of ambulances and first responders outside of the facility, raising serious questions about the safety of detainees and conditions under which detainees are held. Given the documented pattern of abuse and inhumane treatment reported at ICE facilities across the country, it is of utmost importance that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide greater transparency and accountability with regards to ICE’s facilities and operations, and ICE must allow Members of Congress to conduct site visits at ICE facilities to fulfill our Constitutional oversight duties.

In light of these concerns, I am requesting prompt answers to the following questions:

1. What immigration enforcement activities, if any, have taken place this year at the ICE processing center in Camarillo?
2. How many individuals have been detained this year at the Camarillo facility, and how many are currently detained at the Camarillo facility? What is the status of each affected individual, and are any facing imminent deportation proceedings? Has anyone been placed in expedited removal or administrative removal?
3. For individuals detained, how many have had access to legal counsel? How many have been allowed to notify family members and loved ones of their location and reasons for detention? What is the process for such notifications, and what is the process for loved ones and legal counsel to visit with or speak to those detained?
4. Are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, DACA recipients, visa holders, or veterans among those questioned or detained? If so, how are their rights being protected?
5. What steps has ICE taken to ensure proper medical care is being provided to injured or ill detainees? Has ICE requested emergency medical care for any of its detainees, and if so, on how many occasions? If ICE requested emergency assistance, what were the conditions of the detainee(s) that necessitated an emergency response call?
6. Detail the food, sanitation, and living conditions at the facility. Are detainees being regularly provided with food and water? Do detainees have access to restrooms and reasonable privacy for dressing? Are detainees held in rooms that meet federally-mandated occupancy safety standards?
7. What steps is ICE taking to comply with disability rights laws and ensuring that detainees are provided access to necessary medications, assistive devices, and means of communication?
8. What steps is ICE taking to employ adequate measures to protect detainees from potential abuse and harassment?

Finally, I request access to visit the Cortez Circle facility as part of my oversight responsibilities and in pursuit of transparency and accountability. To arrange the visit, I request ICE officials contact my office at (805) 379-1779.

Given these pressing and immediate concerns, I also request a detailed response to my questions no later than September 19, 2025.

Sincerely,

JULIA BROWNLEY
Member of Congress

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Issues: 119th Congress, Civil Rights, Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Rep. Cuellar Appointed to Serve on FY26 Appropriations Conference Committee

Congressman joins House–Senate negotiations for the second time

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), joined a bipartisan coalition of 294 lawmakers in cosponsoring H.R. 842, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. This bill would allow Medicare to cover FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests beginning in 2028, if the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determines coverage is appropriate.

The bill is named in honor of the late Nancy Gardner Sewell, mother of Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), whose legacy as an educator and advocate continues to inspire this bipartisan effort following her passing from pancreatic cancer in 2021.

“South Texas seniors deserve access to innovative cancer screenings,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The Nancy Gardner Sewell Act is a strong, bipartisan, and practical step to expand Medicare coverage for potentially life-saving cancer detection tests. By helping seniors get screened earlier, we can reduce late-stage diagnoses, improve outcomes, and lower long-term costs.”

Currently, many cancers lack routine screening options under Medicare, leaving older Americans at greater risk of late detection. The bipartisan bill creates a clear framework for CMS to evaluate and cover MCED tests, setting guardrails that ensure coverage is evidence-driven. The bill limits coverage to one test every 11 months and phases in by age – beginning at 68 in 2028, rising by one year each year thereafter.

In South Texas, where seniors face barriers to care in more rural communities, expanding access to blood-based MCED tests is especially important. These tests can be performed locally, without requiring long travel, making cancer screening simpler and more accessible.

“Cancer touches every family, and better screening means better odds,” continued Congressman Cuellar. “By establishing clear rules for Medicare coverage, we give patients and providers certainty while safeguarding the program’s integrity. I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure seniors in South Texas and across the country have access to lifesaving innovations in cancer detection.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) joined over 60 of his democratic colleagues in cosponsoring H.R. 4849, Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act. This bill would reverse the drastic health care cuts Republicans passed in the “Big, Ugly Bill” and permanently extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. Without congressional action to extend these tax credits, South Texans who obtain health care through the ACA will be forced to pay almost 200% more in insurance costs.

The Republican budget law will strip health care from almost 15 million American, including more than 1.4 million Texans and 40,000 people in TX-34 who currently rely on Medicaid (known as STAR+PLUS in Texas) or the ACA over the next 10 years. These cuts will also lead to closures of rural hospitals and health centers across South Texas leaving South Texans and Americans, sicker and poorer.  

“We cannot stand idly by while poorly conceived legislation strips health care and raises costs for our most vulnerable. I am committed to working across the aisle to ensure our seniors, veterans and families have access to affordable high quality health care,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Republicans have an opportunity to reverse the cuts they promised they would not touch. Its time do right by the American people.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $462,000 to the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission. One EDA investment of $210,000 supports the development and implementation of an economic development framework. A second EDA investment of $252,000 will fund the hiring of a disaster recovery coordinator to assist with disaster recovery related projects in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Counties.

“These EDA investments for $462,000 help the Commission address natural disaster and economic development issues that affect the regional economies.” 

BACKGROUND

The $210,000 grant was administered through the Economic Development District Planning grant program.

The $252,000 grant was administered through the natural disaster supplemental package that Congress passed in the American Relief Act of 2024. Congressman Griffith supported the spending package as he continually advocated for it to include disaster relief.

A disaster recovery coordinator will help produce technical assistance, planning and management of disaster relief projects in the region.

Both grants are designed to strengthen regional economies and attract private investments.

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith met with the heads of planning district commissions based in Southwest Virginia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Lawmakers warn a CR anomaly for NASA is needed to prevent the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from prematurely making dramatic cuts at NASA without the consent of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and Judy Chu (CA-28) led a group of bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter yesterday to House Appropriations Committee leaders urging them to include language in this week’s anticipated short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) that would explicitly protect NASA funding at no less than the currently-enacted levels.

“Without an anomaly providing guidance on the NASA budget,” the Members wrote, “OMB has pledged to apply its proposed FY 2026 cuts as soon as October 1st. That would result in an unprecedented, single-year cut to NASA, particularly NASA’s space science activities, resulting in irreversible impacts on America’s space leadership and capabilities.”

The letter notes that the cuts to NASA funding proposed in the FY26 President’s Budget Request (PBR) would be devastating for the agency and would affect every state and nearly every congressional district. The lawmakers note that if implemented, the FY26 PBR would: create needless disruption and uncertainty that threatens project timelines and risks unanticipated budget growth, throw away billions of dollars of functioning spacecraft, weaken national security, stifle the space economy, and ultimately surrender American space leadership to our adversaries like China. The letter commends House Appropriators for largely rejecting these cuts in the Committee’s Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, but notes that Congress must act now and provide explicit guidance in the CR to ensure the Administration adheres to Congressional intent.

“We therefore respectfully ask the Committee to include language in the CR explicitly protecting NASA funding at no less than the FY 2024/2025 enacted levels. Congress has acted before to protect essential programs under CRs, and NASA – a vital part of our economy, our national security, and our global standing – deserves the same protection,” concluded the lawmakers.

Click here for the full text of the letter.

“Congress has made its intentions clear: NASA should not be cut, and America’s leadership in space science must be preserved,” said Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society. “This message is bipartisan and bicameral. There is no ambiguity here. But given the uncertainty projected by OMB, and the irreversible consequences of potentially terminating dozens of one-of-a-kind space assets and disbanding skilled teams across the country, it is critical that our elected officials provide clear directives in the upcoming Continuing Resolution. We commend the Co-Chairs of the Planetary Science Caucus and its allies for taking this strong stand to protect NASA and ensure congressional intent is respected on October 1st and through all of FY 2026.”

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