MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Lead Democrat of the U.S. Congressional Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Co-Chair of the Congressional European Union Caucus, released the following statement after Russian drones violated Polish airspace:

“Russia’s incursion into Polish airspace is a dangerous escalation and a direct test of NATO’s resolve. For the first time since the alliance was founded in 1949, allied forces engaged a hostile airborne threat, and NATO’s swift, united response sent a clear message of strength.

Vladimir Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine to the destabilization of NATO itself. Donald Trump’s refusal to hold Russia accountable and his undermining of our allies have only emboldened Putin. If President Trump truly wants to show he isn’t doing Putin’s bidding, he must condemn Russia’s aggression, back Ukraine, and stand with NATO. Anything less is weakness.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on the horrific school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN.

“My prayers are with the people of Minnesota, the victims, and their families after today’s horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Schools are supposed to be sanctuaries of education but in their first week back, two young students have already tragically lost their lives from another mass shooting.”

“America is the only developed country in the world where this continues to happen. We owe it to our children, teachers, and parents to act and we must act now. Their lives depend on it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswomen Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Summer Lee (PA-12),and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) along with SenatorKirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), introduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 aimed at addressing food insecurity by increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and allocating more funds to those with large medical and housing expenses.

The Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 changes the formula used to calculate SNAP benefits from the Thrifty Food Plan to the Low Cost Food Plan, increasing the average SNAP benefit amount. Currently, SNAP recipients receive an average of just $6.20 per person per day from the program and rising food costs consistently outpace SNAP benefits each year. In addition, the bill raises the SNAP standard medical deduction and SNAP shelter deduction caps, allowing recipients with large medical and housing expenses to access more SNAP funding.

“No one in America should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, but SNAP benefits are simply not enough to put food on the table. As inflation and cost of living continue to rise, we should focus on strengthening SNAP, not making deep, reckless cuts that only worsen hunger in the United States,” said Congresswoman Adams, Senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “The Closing the Meal Gap Act will help tens of millions of people—including seniors, people with disabilities, single mothers, veterans, and children—become more food secure and support their households. Hunger is a policy choice and today, we are choosing to provide for the people who need it most.”

“In the richest country in the world, it is unacceptable that over 40 million Americans, including 15 million children, still face hunger. We must do more to combat hunger in New York and across the nation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m so proud to lead my Democratic colleagues in introducing the Closing the Meal Gap Act. By enhancing SNAP benefits, this vital legislation will help put food on the table for those who need it most. This is potentially life-saving, commonsense legislation, and I am determined to get it passed.”

“This legislation treats food as the fundamental necessity that it is,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Our bill provides a long-overdue update to SNAP, ensuring the program meets the needs of families. Making access to nutritious foods easier, not harder, is a meaningful step towards ending hunger.”

“Hunger is a despicable policy choice in one of the wealthiest countries in the world,” said Congresswoman Lee. “As groceries are breaking budgets and wages remain stagnant, Trump and Republicans are shamelessly gutting SNAP and tearing food assistance from millions of families nationwide. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the Closing the Meal Gap Act with my colleagues to make life a little easier for working folks across the country and expand access to food assistance. Every Member of Congress should be taking meaningful steps to address the hunger crisis plaguing our country.”

“At a time when families are being crushed by the rising cost of living, Republicans have chosen to launch heartless attacks on SNAP slashing benefits and making it harder for millions to put food on the table,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Hunger is not inevitable; it is the result of failed policies and misplaced priorities. The Closing the Meal Gap Act strengthens SNAP so families, especially those with children, and seniors don’t have to choose between paying rent, affording medicine, or eating dinner. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to fight back against these cruel cuts and make sure every household has access to the nutrition they need to live with dignity.”

The Closing the Meal Gap Act comes after Republicans in Congress made an unprecedented $186 billion in cuts to SNAP in their “One Big Beautiful Bill” earlier this year, threatening access to the lifesaving food security program for millions of Americans. The budget bill also cuts and restricts future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, making the Low Cost Food Plan a better option to calculate benefits for SNAP recipients. In addition, it also removes internet service costs as an eligible deduction for SNAP benefits.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced ten amendments to the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendments aim to rein in the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional expansions of power; center human rights in trade, military, and foreign policy; cut down military funding not aimed at benefitting our servicemembers; restrict our nation’s role in enabling endless wars abroad; delay the transfer of arms to Israel; and hold governments that engage in transnational repression accountable.

“This year’s NDAA flies in the face of one that centers the needs of the American people,” said Rep. Omar. “As our Pentagon spending reaches a trillion dollars a year, we’re facing an Executive that has grown too comfortable exercising unchecked, unconstitutional expansions of power. I introduced ten amendments to reorient our foreign policy, center human rights, and stop our complacency in advancing endless wars that only harm our reputation abroad and do nothing to make us any safer. I’ll keep fighting for a Pentagon budget that puts the American people first, not defense contractors.”  

The amendments introduced by Rep. Omar include:

• Omar #11 – Cuts $150 billion from the topline, with exemptions for Defense Health spending and troop pay/benefits. Coled by Rep. Pocan.

• Omar #46 – Strikes language establishing tech partnerships with Israel

• Omar #54 – Repeals the 127(e) program. Coled by Rep. Gosar.

• Omar #100 – Bans arms sales to any country engaged in transnational repression against U.S. citizens.

• Omar #106 – Repeals the Alien Enemies Act.

• Omar #162 – Requires a report on UAE foreign policy in specific countries in East and North Africa, including an assessment on whether U.S.-origin equipment sent to the UAE is being used for gross violations of human rights in those countries.

• Omar #164 – Repeals two different Syria sanctions statutes (Caesar and the Syria parts of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012).

• Omar #167 – Requires a strategy for providing direct support to Sudanese civil society, including the Emergency Response Rooms.

• Omar #169 – Repeals the War Reserve Stockpile Authority for Israel.

• Omar #1096 – Expresses the sense of Congress that a foreign terrorist organization designation is not an authorization for the use of military force.

Additionally, Rep. Omar cosponsored the following amendments:

• Sherman #79 – Mandates compliance with the War Powers Resolution.

• Gosar #328 – Nullifies Executive Order 13338, National Emergency declaration relating to Syria.

• Gosar #331 – Nullifies Executive Order 13566, National Emergency declaration relating to Libya.

• Sherman #528 – Expresses a sense of Congress and requires a report in support of a formal end to the Korean War.

• Casar #883 – Prohibits funds from being used for unauthorized military force against Venezuela.

The full text of the amendments is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement following the unconstitutional military strike on a vessel in the Caribbean ordered by the Trump administration.

“I strongly condemn the Trump Administration’s lawless and reckless actions in the Southern Caribbean. Congress has not declared war on Venezuela, or Tren de Aragua, and the mere designation of a group as a terrorist organization does not give any President carte blanche to ignore Congress’s clear Constitutional authority on matters of war and peace. 

“From the video posted by the President and Secretary Rubio, it appears that US forces that were recently sent to the region in an escalatory and provocative manner were under no threat from the boat they attacked. There is no conceivable legal justification for this use of force. Unless compelling evidence emerges that they were acting in self-defense, that makes the strike a clear violation of international law.

“They’re now using the failed war on drugs to justify their egregious violation of international law. The U.S. posture towards the eradication of drugs has caused immeasurable damage across our hemisphere. It has led to massive forced displacement, environmental devastation, violence, and human rights violations. What it has not done is any damage whatsoever to narcotrafficking or to the cartels. It has been a dramatic, profound failure at every level. In Latin America, even right-wing Presidents acknowledge this is true. Trump and Rubio’s apparent solution, to make it even more militarized, is doomed to fail. Worse, it risks spiraling into the exact type of endless, pointless conflict that Trump supposedly opposes.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON— Today, the entirety of the Minnesota congressional delegation led by Senator Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Ilhan Omar introduced a resolution honoring the victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. The resolution condemns this senseless act of violence, honors the memory of those lost, and recognizes the courage of first responders, caregivers, and community members who acted swiftly in the face of tragedy.

The Minnesota delegation stands united in honoring the lives cut short, supporting the survivors, and lifting up the Annunciation Catholic community, which has shown strength and resilience in the aftermath of this horrific attack.

The resolution is supported by the full Minnesota delegation: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Representatives Brad Finstad (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Pete Stauber (MN-08).

 

Resolution Text:

Honoring the victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

RESOLUTION
Honoring the victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Whereas, on August 27, 2025, students and parishioners gathered at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis for a mass to welcome back students on their first week of school;

Whereas their sense of peace was shattered when a shooter opened fire while they were in prayer, killing 2 children and injuring 21 others;

Whereas first responders, including the Minneapolis Police Department, emergency medical teams and caregivers at the Children’s Minnesota Hospital and Hennepin Healthcare System, and Federal law enforcement, community members, and volunteers responded with courage and compassion; and

Whereas the Annunciation Catholic community, local schools, families, and neighbors have shown strength and resilience in the face of this tragedy:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

1. condemns this senseless act of violence and offers its condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured in the tragedy;

2. honors the memory of the victims and stands in solidarity with survivors, the Catholic community, and the broader Minneapolis community;

3. commends the bravery and service of law enforcement, first responders, medical caregivers, school and church staff, and community members who acted swiftly to protect and help others;

4. stands with the Annunciation community and all Minnesotans in the face of this terrible tragedy;

5. expresses hope that the Annunciation community, together with other communities scarred by violence across the country, will heal through unity, compassion, and shared faith;

6. declares that there is no place for violence in our communities, and that everyone deserves to feel safe in their sacred places of worship and schools; and

7. expresses solidarity with all faith communities and schools that have been scarred by such violence.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON– Today, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) led a moment of silence on the House floor to honor the victims and survivors of the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

The observance paid tribute to the two children whose lives were cut short, the 21 others injured, the first responders, and the Annunciation Catholic community as it begins the long path of healing. Rep. Omar was joined by colleagues who stood in solidarity with the Minneapolis community.

The full video can be found here

Full transcript below:

“ Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House out of order. 

Today, we honor the two beautiful souls, an 8- and 10-year old lost to senseless gun violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis last week.

My heart is shattered for all the families impacted by this horrific tragedy.

The horror that children, educators, and parishioners went through while they were praying should not have happened.

I am incredibly grateful for our brave first responders who saved countless lives by their heroism and swift action.

As our Minneapolis community continues to grieve, we must stand united to prevent another tragedy from occurring ever again.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence.

Thank you. I yield back.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

MINNEAPOLIS—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement after the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in her district. 

“I am beyond heartbroken over the tragic news of the shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The loss of life is unthinkable. As a mom and Minneapolis resident, my heart is utterly shattered. I will keep praying for all the families impacted by this tragedy.

“I am especially thinking of the two beautiful children who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. While we do not yet know the shooter’s specific motivations, we do know that children and schools are all too often the victims of horrific violence in this country. We cannot continue to fail our kids with the lack of federal action. It is beyond despicable that elected leaders are more concerned with appeasing the gun lobby than keeping our children safe. The horror that children and educators went through today, while they were praying, should not have happened. I am committed to do everything I can to stop these tragedies from occurring ever again.

“I will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates. Today our country failed our kids and I will not allow elected leaders to move on or forget this horror.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

This letter follows Congressman Pappas’s visit to the DEA Lab in Bedford last month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Proposed USPS consolidation efforts included closing the Manchester USPS Processing and Distribution Center