MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee voted against H.R.3944, the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill.

“National defense is not just about weapons and strategy — it’s about people. And this bill, as currently written, does not prioritize the needs of our people. Instead, it is laced with ideological provisions drawn from Project 2025,” said Congressman Bishop. “Veterans overwhelmingly want to be treated in VA hospitals and clinics — facilities tailored to their unique needs and staffed by professionals who understand the physical, emotional, and psychological costs of service. Instead of fortifying these institutions, this bill undermines them.”

“Equally troubling is the underfunding of military construction — particularly housing and childcare. These are not luxuries. They are necessities. A stable home, quality childcare — these are foundational to military readiness,” added Congressman Bishop. “When we fail to provide for the families of our service members, we degrade morale, retention, and focus. We cannot expect excellence from our armed forces if we do not support the very people who make that excellence possible.

WATCH: Rep. Bishop Opposes FY26 MilConVA Funding Bill During Debate in U.S. House

H.R. 3944, the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs:

• Worsens the quality of life for servicemembers and their families and hurts military readiness by funding military construction $904 million below what is needed.
• Enacts the Project 2025 goal to privatize medical care for veterans by transferring billions to private hospitals and clinics, which will only lead to higher costs, longer wait times, poor communication and coordination, and diminished quality of care.
• Further limits reproductive healthcare, harming women veterans’ health.
• Jeopardizes our defense capabilities, military installations, servicemembers, and their families by failing to include dedicated funding to strengthen military installations against climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disasters.
• Does not fulfill the United States’ commitments to our allies by providing $188 million less than what is needed for NATO infrastructure.
• Increases veteran suicide risk by undermining the ability to keep guns out of the hands of those prohibited under Federal law from purchasing or possessing firearms.
• Includes partisan, “culture war” changes to existing law that hurt Americans and disenfranchise veterans rather than making VA a welcoming and inclusive place for all those who have sacrificed and served our country.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, January 19, 2025, Congressman Al Green penned a communique asking U.S. Senators to remove Richard Russell’s name from the Russell Senate Office Building by reverting back to its original name, the “Old Senate Office Building.” This should be done until the Senate agrees on a name befitting the honor of being displayed on a public building that represents the United States Senate, the people of America, and the democratic values for which our nation stands. Senator Richard Russell, Jr. was an unapologetic white supremacist whose views contrast sharply with the ideals we pledge allegiance to. A copy of the letter is accessible by clicking here. 

Richard Russell opposed anti-lynching laws, co-authored the “Southern Manifesto” and fought against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which he condemned as “disastrous.” He utilized Senate procedures to filibuster anti-lynching legislation and to block voting rights protections. He openly declared his allegiance to “white supremacy,” as well as a commitment to preserving a racial hierarchy.

Congressman Al Green stated, “After having Richard Russell’s name on a prominent Senate Office Building for more than 50 years, it is long past time to remove and rename the Senate Office Building with a name that reflects and respects our goodwill. Renaming the Russell Senate Office Building is a powerful step in rejecting Russell’s legacy rooted in racial division and oppression. Senator Russell’s actions stand in direct contradiction to the values of equality and justice that we uphold as we seek a more perfect union. We must continue to confront and disassociate our buildings, statues, and spaces with names that will glorify hate and undermine our nation’s proclaimed values. For more information on Richard Russell, read the Politico article titled, “Why It’s Time to Rename the Russell Office Building” by clicking here.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

“It is clear that Health Secretary Kennedy received no serious input from medical experts in his unilateral decision to reverse COVID-19 vaccine recommendations,” said Rep. Kelly. “What concerns me is his lack of care for the consequences of his decision. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to COVID – we saw that firsthand just a couple years ago when maternal deaths spiked during the pandemic.  Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best medicine to prevent outbreaks.”

“Secretary Kennedy’s actions are proof that he is not fit for the job,” continued Rep. Kelly. “To the American people, take what Secretary Kennedy said to heart: do not take medical advice from him.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the Access to Birth Control Act, which would guarantee patients’ timely access to prescribed and over-the-counter birth control at pharmacies. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade three years ago tomorrow, refusals in pharmacies to fulfill a birth control prescription or purchase have increased.

“Birth control is safe, effective, and essential for healthcare,” said Rep. Kelly. “No pharmacy employee or politician should weigh into such a private decision as to if or when to start a family. My bill removes barriers that obstruct a patient’s right to birth control so everyone can access birth control without intimidation, harassment, or discrimination.”

According to the National Women’s Law Center, pharmacists have refused to fill prescriptions for birth control or provide emergency contraception over the counter to patients in 26 states and the District of Columbia. These refusals are based on personal beliefs and can negatively impact a patient’s health. Additionally, these refusals disproportionately affect people of color, low-income people, LGBTQ people, and those who live in rural and other underserved areas. 

The Access to Birth Control Act has over 40 original cosponsors in Congress. It has been endorsed by 10 organizations including the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the National Health Law Program.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

MATTESON, ILL. — U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. military strike against Iran:

“President Trump’s decision to bomb Iran will not lead to peace but rather cause more violence, destruction, and conflict in the Middle East. Iran can never be allowed nuclear weapons, but it was President Trump’s decision to break the Iran Nuclear Deal that allowed Iran to speed up their enrichment program, making us and our allies less safe. Instead of using diplomacy to lower temperatures, President Trump has escalated the situation, which will further destabilize the region and cause  repercussions here at home and across the globe. The Trump Administration must come to Congress for an Authorization for Use of Military Force.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

Rep. Kelly, Cook County Health, healthcare leaders gathered at Blue Island Health Center to condemn the Republican tax bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

MATTESON, ILL. – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement recognizing Juneteenth, which marks 160 years since enslaved Black Americans were officially freed:

“Juneteenth is a powerful day to reflect on the progress Black Americans have made to overcome racial barriers. This country was built on the backs of Black people, and then we continued to bleed and fight for our civil rights – from Selma to Little Rock to Pullman in Chicago. 

“Right now, our basic rights are under attack by a king-wannabe in the White House who wants to erase our history, our legacy, and our civil rights heroes who died for our freedom. Our healthcare is on the chopping block, costs of living are too high, gun violence kills far too many, police brutality threatens public safety, and our immigrant neighbors live in fear of illegal deportation and detention. This Juneteenth, I bear in mind that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere – and we have work to do to achieve freedom for everyone.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) honored the founder, chairman, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, Frederick W. Smith, on the Floor of the House of Representatives. 
 

Click here for a downloadable link to his speech.

Remarks as prepared:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Frederick W. Smith. Who left us this past Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the age of 80. 
 
Mr. Speaker, if I were to stand and speak at this podium all day, I would barely be able to scratch the surface of Fred Smith’s extraordinary life, his influence on the country and the world, and his profound impact on the City of Memphis. 
 
To many people, Fred Smith will likely be remembered as a titan of industry and the founder of FedEx. To my constituents, he will be remembered as a champion for the City of Memphis. Personally, I will remember Fred Smith as a man who loved his country and devoted his life to the American dream. 
 
Born in Marks, Mississippi and raised in Memphis, he was very proud of his country. Fred Smith was a true patriot – serving honorably as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. After that service, he returned home with a bold idea – a company that could deliver packages overnight around the world. Fred Smith turned that idea into a global enterprise: revolutionizing international supply chains, transforming how businesses operate, and changing how people connect. 
 
Fred Smith not only directed and dominated the modern logistics industry, he created it. For more than 50 years after the conception of FedEx, he continued to lead it. 
 
Today, FedEx operates in over 220 countries, but its heart and headquarters remain in Memphis, Tennessee. Through FedEx, Fred Smith turned Memphis into a global logistics hub – driving economic growth across the region, while employing tens of thousands of Tennesseans. Today, the FedEx world hub at Memphis International Airport is one of the busiest and largest cargo airports in the world. FedEx is the largest Fortune 500 company in the state of Tennessee. 
 
Fred Smith’s commitment to Memphis went far beyond business. In fact, upon Fred’s passing on Saturday, former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said, “Fred Smith was the most significant Memphian in history. He gave them a fair shot at their American dream and his philanthropic work helped support countless organizations”. 
 
Thanks to Fred Smith, Memphis acquired the NBA’s Grizzlies in 2001 when he committed to purchasing the naming rights for the future home of the basketball team: the FedExForum. Two years ago, when the University of Memphis was ambitiously pursuing stadium upgrades for the football team, Fred Smith and his family committed $50 million to help the school achieve its financial goals. 
 
Fred and Dianne Smith, and the Smith family, have donated to so many worthwhile causes in the Memphis area, including the world-class Memphis Zoo. Memphians can also thank Fred Smith for saving the FedEx St. Jude Golf Championship when it lost its previous title sponsor. 
 
Yesterday, when discussing the life of Fred Smith, I talked with my good friend, Chris Richards. She was the General Counsel at FedEx and a close advisor to Fred Smith. A little over 25 years ago, Fred came to Chris with an idea he told her she would not like. He wanted FedEx to be involved in a major motion picture in which the plot involved crashing a FedEx plane. Fred thought that the script for “Cast Away” was a great read and could be a good movie that benefited the company.
 
As FedEx’s lead attorney, Chris told Fred there had never been an airline who willingly participated in a movie where they gave permission to crash their plane. Chris advised against all of it, but Fred wanted to think outside the box. He signed off on the idea. He was really impressed with the production staff and the movie star, Tom Hanks. That would be important years later. 
 
At the request of former Senator Bob Dole, Fred became involved in the creation and fundraising of a World War II memorial to honor and remember our nation’s Greatest Generation. Fred would become a major factor in getting that memorial constructed. It would cost a lot of money to raise and build such a monument, but as a result of that movie, Fred turned to his friend, Tom Hanks, for his help and public support to help raise funds for the memorial. Indeed, that movie ended up being good for FedEx, and in turn, good for the World War II memorial and our nation. 
 
With his passing, we honor and celebrate a lifetime of inspiring service and leadership. 
 
We celebrate a Marine, a Memphian, and a really good man.
 
To Dianne and the entire Smith family, Roberta and I mourn with you. 
 
To our nation, we lost an innovator, a job creator, a trailblazer, and a leader. 
 
We are all better off for the remarkable life that he led. 
 
With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

Memphis, TN. — Tonight, Rep. David Kustoff (TN-08) released the following statement regarding FedEx founder Fred Smith’s passing.

“Before building one of the most influential companies in modern history, Fred Smith served his country with honor as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in Vietnam. After returning home, he continued his service by profound investment in our state and the great city of Memphis.

It is hard to fully capture the impact he had on our city. His work and philanthropy touched every corner of Memphis. He invested in our children, our schools, our sports, and our future. Fred Smith gave hope to the people of Memphis because he believed so deeply in our potential.

I had the privilege of working with Fred Smith on many issues over the years. Ultimately, every effort was to further the best interests of our community. He never stopped showing up for Memphis. Fred Smith was a friend to all. He was a builder and a leader. I have no doubt that his legacy will live on forever.

Roberta and I mourn his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane and the Smith family.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on June 22, 2025

As we wait for more details on this evening’s U.S. actions against Iran’s nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and most significantly, Fordow, I proudly thank the brave service members who put their lives on the line for our defense and security. America and the world are more secure because of their success. I am grateful all have safely returned, and I pray for the safety of our 40,000 U.S. troops, our many diplomats and the thousands of U.S. citizens living, working and visiting the region.

Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, the regime in Tehran has effectively waged an undeclared war on the United States, Israel, and the broader West. A nuclear armed Iran poses a grave and unacceptable threat to the United States, and is an existential threat to Israel and every Arab state in the Gulf.

Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Ever.

A diplomatic path to reversing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and permanently dismantling Iran’s nuclear development programs was preferable to war. Negotiations were recently restarted, but Iran dug in its heels at the recent talks in Italy, in Oman, and again this week in Switzerland. Iran gave every signal that diplomacy in this moment was a dead end.

I still hope that, after tonight’s actions, Iran accepts that it will never have a nuclear weapon and returns in good faith to the negotiating table.

While Iran’s nuclear ambitions demand a strategic, serious and coordinated response, it remains the sole Constitutional authority of Congress—not the President—to take our nation into war. That prerogative exists not only as a matter of law, but as a safeguard. The Administration must immediately engage with Congress and urgently provide a bipartisan, classified briefing so we can assess the intelligence, legal justifications, objectives, and consequences of this action.

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