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Golden reintroduces bill to designate Bradley museum as National Museum of Forestry and Logging History

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) on Friday reintroduced his bill to designate Bradley’s Maine Forest and Logging Museum (MFLM), located at the site of Leonard’s Mills along Blackman Stream, as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History. 

“Honoring our heritage isn’t just about reminiscing: It’s about using the knowledge passed down over centuries to inspire future generations,” Golden said. “The story told at Leonard’s Mills about Maine’s forest products industry is as valuable as it is engaging. It deserves this national recognition for the role it has played, and will continue to play, in connecting the past, present, and future of forestry and logging in our country.”

MFLM was incorporated in 1960 to celebrate Maine’s forest heritage. Originally envisioned to preserve forest industry artifacts and documents, plans evolved into the creation of a living history site complete with working machinery and a community of volunteer reenactors. Today, MFLM owns more than 450 acres around Blackman Stream in Bradley and frequently hosts school groups, visitors and interactive public programs. 

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonard’s Mills is more than a museum. It’s a living, breathing experience that fully immerses visitors in one of our state’s richest traditions,” said Mike Wetherbee, president of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum’s board of directors. “Whether it’s inspiring young Mainers with their local heritage or educating people from away on the importance of Maine’s historical forestry and logging industry, everyone who walks these grounds leaves with a greater understanding of what makes our home special. Many thanks to Congressman Golden for working to secure this prestigious status and share Leonard’s Mills with even more people.” 

 Maine’s forest economy employs more than 14,000 Mainers and generates more than $5 billion in sales. Maine’s 17.7 million acres of forest covers 89% of the state — the highest percentage in the country.

Industry leaders praised the bill when Golden introduced it last Congress:

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is so important to Maine’s rich history of forestry and logging,” said Shawn Bugbee, Roads and Infrastructure Manager for Seven Islands Land Company. “Through the preservation and restoration of tools combined with the knowledge the volunteers bring to the Museum, those who visit get an authentic understanding of how forestry and logging was done by our ancestors. One of the most awe-inspiring things I have ever witnessed has been watching the steam powered Lombard Log Hauler operate in person — and this move will help more people get that same experience.”

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of people involved in Maine’s rich timber industry,” said Keith Kanoti, forest manager for the University of Maine. “The combination ofworking equipment, infrastructure and the natural beauty of the museum grounds site is unsurpassed and truly deserving of national status.”

“There’s a strong connection between the forest products industry and our modern society, and the Maine Forest and Logging Museum helps us all celebrate it,” said Joe Phaneuf, executive director and publisher of the Northeastern Loggers Association. “The story of the forest products is one worth telling, and this national designation will strengthen that mission.”

“This museum doesn’t just honor Maine’s past: It stands as a national treasure,” said Breanna Wing, director and producer of Axe Women: The Modern Lumberjill. “At a time when our landscapes are rapidly developing, the Museum is a haven that keeps important history alive —  teaching future generations about the resilience of our ancestors, whose grit and innovation through harsh winters built for the growth we see today. This national designation will amplify the importance of understanding and protecting the natural world, for both our material and spiritual well-being.” 

Full text of Golden’s legislation can be found here.

 

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Golden introduces bill to limit rural postal facility closures, increase Postal Service transparency

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced the bipartisan Protecting Postal Performance Act to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from downsizing facilities in underserved areas, provide more oversight over modifications to delivery schedules, and increase public transparency on proposed changes.

“For years, Postal Service leadership has made explicit choices to lengthen delivery times, abruptly close rural post offices, and ignore inquiries from concerned citizens and lawmakers. Congress must act to hold the agency accountable,” Golden said. “Our bill is a collection of simple, realistic reforms to make future decision making more transparent and ensure the Postal Service no longer neglects rural America. I’m proud to help lead this important mission with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and Maine’s dedicated postal employees.”

The legislation is co-led by Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01).

“Passage of this bill would be a great step forward in protecting the Postal Service and ensuring prompt, reliable, and efficient mail service to the American public,” Scott Adams, Secretary of the American Postal Workers Union of Maine said. “Restricting ‘transportation optimization’ will help prevent built-in delays that would otherwise go into effect.”

The Protect Postal Performance Act is endorsed by the United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA).

“UPMA is grateful for the bipartisan efforts of Rep. Budzinski, Rep. Hageman, Rep. Golden, Rep. Bergman and Rep. Pappas in Congress to protect the workers of the postal service from service cuts that would negatively impact the quality of mail delivery received by the American people. The Protecting Postal Performance Act will help ensure evidence, data, and sound management practices lead the USPS’s strategy going forward and will ensure that any changes to retail and postal facilities in the future are fully vetted. Sound financial management of the Postal Service means a sustainable postal service – and UPMA will be a partner in ensuring that the organization follows the data to be the best service provider to the American people,” Tony Leonardi, National President United Postmasters and Managers of America said. 

Golden has championed holding USPS leadership accountable to Mainers throughout his time in Congress. Following his outreach to Postmaster General DeJoy in 2023, USPS reopened its Etna facility that had been closed for more than two years. Last year, USPS also announced that it was postponing plans to consolidate the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Facility in Hampden after bipartisan efforts led by Golden and other members of Congress. In a February 2025 letter to Postmaster General DeJoy, he demanded answers over the agency’s delay in reopening the West Paris Post Office — which has been closed for nearly four years — despite having signed a new lease last August.

Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

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Golden votes for Continuing Resolution to avoid government shutdown

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today in favor of a seven-month Continuing Resolution, or “CR,”  to fund the government and avoid a harmful government shutdown. 

Without a new spending agreement in place, government funding is scheduled to lapse on March 14. In a shutdown, the president would have broad discretion to halt government services and furlough federal employees. 

“This CR is not perfect, but a shutdown would be worse,” Golden said. “Even a brief shutdown would introduce even more chaos and uncertainty at a time when our country can ill-afford it. Funding the government is our most basic obligation as members of Congress. My vote today reflects my commitment to making tough choices and doing my job for the people of Maine.”

The CR includes several defense-related provisions Golden fought for on the House Armed Services Committee, such as $7.951 billion for DDG-51 funding, which accommodates a third ship in FY25, slated to be built at Bath Iron Works; $83.2 million in advance procurement funding for DDG-51s in FY26; and funding to provide junior enlisted members of the Armed Services their biggest pay raise in 40 years. 

The CR also includes:

  • increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Transportation Security Administration;
  • increased funding for disaster relief;
  • increased funding for operational expenses at national parks, including Acadia; 
  • extended telehealth flexibility for Medicare; and
  • advance funding for state Medicaid grants and Aging and Disability Services Programs.

Overall, the CR increases overall defense spending by $6 billion while cutting nondefense spending by $13 billion, relative to current spending levels.

Golden also pushed back against Democratic Party messaging gimmicks related to the CR, particularly the claim by some Democrats that the CR cut funding for veterans, based on the CR not including advance funding for the next fiscal year.

“There are no cuts to veterans care in the period covered by this bill, and we have six months to ensure funding continues into the next fiscal year,” Golden said. “To say this bill contains cuts is, at best, a misreading that creates unnecessary fear among veterans. At worst, it’s the adoption of the same cynical GOP political tactics that Democrats have rightfully denounced — using misdirection to justify a vote. This may seem politically expedient, but it only lowers us to a level we shouldn’t accept.” 

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Ranking Member Huffman Slams Trump Admin Orders to Hand Over Public Lands to Big Oil

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

March 20, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the Interior Department’s sweeping rollbacks of protections of Alaska’s public lands:

“President Trump is running a fossil fuel fire sale—selling out Alaska’s wild places to pad Big Oil’s pockets while trampling over Indigenous communities, wildlife, and our climate future,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “This reckless push to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and expand drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve will have devastating consequences for Alaska Native communities who have fought for generations to protect their lands and way of life. 
 
“We’ve seen this playbook before: extreme MAGA Republicans ramming through handouts for polluters, gutting protections, and leaving taxpayers to clean up the mess all while sacrificing the most ecologically sensitive areas in the nation. The reality is that new oil and gas leases won’t lower prices at the pump, won’t create sustainable jobs, and won’t make America energy independent. This is a political stunt designed to enrich the same polluters who have spent decades driving the climate crisis. The American people deserve better than this shameless corporate giveaway.”
 

BACKGROUND

The Trump administration’s Interior Department, under Secretary Doug Burgum, is pushing a sweeping rollback of environmental protections in Alaska, aiming to fast-track fossil fuel development across millions of acres of federally protected land. These actions, part of Executive Order 14153 and Secretary’s Order 3422, are designed to reinstate and expand oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), while revoking public land withdrawals that could greenlight controversial projects like the Ambler Road and the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Pipeline.

This move represents a direct reversal of policies put in place under the Biden administration to protect these critical landscapes from exploitation. The National Petroleum Reserve, spanning 23 million acres, contains some of the most ecologically significant and intact Arctic ecosystems, including critical habitat for polar bears, migratory birds, and the Western Arctic caribou herd. The Arctic Refuge is a sacred landscape for the Gwich’in people and a globally significant calving ground for the Porcupine Caribou Herd. Drilling in these areas would have devastating consequences for Indigenous communities, wildlife, and the broader Arctic ecosystem.

These policies align with a long-standing pattern of the Trump administration putting fossil fuel interests over environmental and public health safeguards. The previous Trump administration had similarly rushed to open the Arctic Refuge to drilling in 2020, only to see major oil companies and investors reject lease sales due to overwhelming public opposition, financial risk, and legal uncertainty. Now, in a second attempt to force through their dirty energy, pro-polluter agenda, Trump’s Interior Department is doubling down on these efforts, despite economic realities that continued fossil fuel expansion is both unnecessary and unprofitable in the long term.

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Huffman, Dexter Condemn Trump’s Plan to Shutter Facilities that Support Local Economies, Demand Answers

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

March 20, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Oreg.) led 76 of their colleagues in a letter to General Service Administration (GSA) Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian, expressing strong opposition to the planned facility closures at the Department of Interior (DOI), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Forest Service (USFS) across the country. The members also sent document requests to the impacted agencies demanding answers on the terminations.

“The purging of DOI, NOAA, and USFS offices across the nation is a direct attack on the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s economy and natural resources, as well the people, industries, and communities that rely on the services these agencies provide. We demand that these closures be halted immediately and that a comprehensive review of the decision-making process that led to this reckless action be conducted,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers cited the importance of these facilities and the severe ramifications shuttering them would cause, stating: “These agencies are indispensable in their physical locations, delivering vital services from public safety to economic development to the protection of invaluable natural and cultural resources. The proposed closures will undermine our nation’s ability to respond to public safety needs and continue lifesaving environmental monitoring.”

In the absence of Republican leadership, Ranking Member Huffman and Natural Resources Committee (NRC) Democrats have conducted rigorous oversight into DOGE’s reckless cuts:

  • On March 14, leaders from the Natural Resources and Science, Space, and Technology Committees sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Lutnick demanding information on the Trump administration’s apparent plan to terminate at least 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) office leases nationwide.
  • Huffman and Dexter sent additional document requests to about facility closures to the Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service.
  • Earlier this month, Huffman and Dexter sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, demanding answers on the Department’s plans to implement DOGE-mandated reductions in force (RIF)—another reckless move that could disrupt critical government services, kill thousands of jobs that depend on these services, and undermine local economies all over the US.
  • Huffman was among the first to sound the alarm upon discovering the GSA’s plan to shutter over 2 million sq. ft of office space used by DOI across the country.
  • During NRC’s first markup of the 119th Congress, Committee Democrats offered a series of amendments to Republicans’ “Authorization and Oversight Plan” designed to use the Committee’s oversight authorities to meaningfully rein in Musk and Trump’s abuses of power.
  • Huffman and Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Ranking Member Val Hoyle sent a letter to Vice Admiral Nancy Hann demanding answers on reports of President Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to unlawfully dismantle NOAA. Ranking Member Huffman sent a similar letter to Chair Westerman urging him to use the Committee’s oversight authority to investigate Musk and DOGE’s infiltration of NOAA, which was ignored.

In addition to Ranking Member Huffman and Representative Dexter, the letter was signed by Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Donald Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, André Carson, Troy Carter, Ed Case, Judy Chu, Gil Cisneros, Yvette Clarke, Steve Cohen, Jim Costa, Jason Crow, Danny Davis, Diana DeGette, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Sarah Elfreth, Shomari Figures, Maxwell Frost, John Garamendi, Sylvia Garcia, Pablo Hernández, Chrissy Houlahan, Val Hoyle, Sara Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Tim Kennedy, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Mike Levin, Seth Magaziner, Doris Matsui, Sarah McBride, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, Jim McGovern, Dave Min, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jimmy Panetta, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Delia Ramirez, Emily Randall, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Bobby Scott, Brad Sherman, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Haley Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, Nydia Velázquez, Maxine Waters, George Whitesides, and Nikema Williams.

The letter was endorsed by Earthjustice, National Parks Conservation Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, Center for Biological Diversity, Standing Trees, Environmental Protection Information Center, CalWild, Californians for Western Wilderness, Southern Environmental Law Center, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Silvix Resources, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Environmental Protection Information Center, Next 100 Coalition, Idyllwild Forest Health Project, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, Alaska Wilderness League, Oceana, National Ocean Protection Coalition, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Southern Environmental Law Center, Appalachian Voices, and MountainTrue.

Read the full letter here.

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Committee Leaders Huffman, Lofgren, Dexter, and Amo Demand Information on NOAA Lease Terminations

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

The leaders released a list of 34 office leases identified by the Trump administration to be up for termination, along with the target closure dates.

March 14, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Committee on Natural Resources (HNR) Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-2), Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), HNR Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (OR-3), and SST Subcommittee on Environment Ranking Member Gabe Amo (RI-1) sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Lutnick demanding information on the Trump administration’s apparent plan to terminate at least 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) office leases nationwide.

“Working families rely every day on the services that NOAA provides from these facilities,” said the Ranking Members. “The 34 offices that will be impacted by these closures are located across 17 states and territories, meaning the consequences of these closures will be far-reaching.”

The Members emphasize the vital NOAA services all Americans rely on to keep them safe and informed: “NOAA provides critical information about extreme weather and coastal hazards, manages fisheries, conserves coastal and marine resources, and protects American fishermen and consumers. Closing field facilities will compromise NOAA’s ability to provide these services and damage the local communities and economies that rely on them.”

They note that while closures hit red and blue districts alike, the Administration seems to disproportionately respond to feedback from Republican Members, meaning that Americans lack equal representation under President Trump: “The National Weather Service (NWS) is at risk of losing at least three offices, including a weather center in Norman, Oklahoma. Fortunately for all who rely on NWS’s forecasts, and especially for the residents in and around Norman, that office may have won a reprieve after a House Republican spoke to Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  This is not the first reported instance of a Republican legislator being able to defend their constituents from DOGE’s indiscriminate cuts.”

These planned office closures occur in the following districts: 

Rep. Nick Begich (AK-AL) – National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) offices in Juneau, Seward, and Sitka with PTDs of 6/30/2025, 6/30/2025, and 12/31/2025

Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) – NMFS offices in Eureka and Arcata with PTDs of 9/30/2025

Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) – National Ocean Service (NOS) office in Santa Barbara with PTD of 5/31/2026

Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15) – NMFS office in Seffner with PTD of 6/30/2025

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) – Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Key Largo with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) – NMFS office in Sunrise with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) two NMFS offices, one NOS office, and one General Counsel office in Saint Petersburg with PTDs of 12/31/2025

Del. James Moylan (Guam) – NMFS office in Barrigada with PTD of 6/20/2026

Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – Mauna Loa Observatory in Hilo with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02) – Oceanic and Atmospheric Research office in Idaho Falls with PTD of 8/31/2025 and NMFS office in Boise with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Cleo Fields (LA-06) – NMFS office in Baton Rouge with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) – NMFS office in Salisbury with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) – National Weather Service (NWS) office with no listed PTD

Rep. Bill Keating (MA-09) – NMFS office with no listed PTD
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) – NMFS office in Northfield with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) – NMFS office in Wall Township with PTD of 9/30/2025

Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (Northern Mariana Islands) – NMFS office in Saipan with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) – National Weather Center in Norman with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) – NWS office in Salem with PTD of 6/30/2025

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) – NMFS office in Astoria with no listed PTD

Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02) – NMFS office in Narragansett with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) – NOS office in Barre with PTD of 9/30/2025

Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03) – two NMFS offices in Hampton Roads with PTDs of 6/30/2025

Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06) – NOS office in Port Angeles with PTD of 8/31/2025

Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08) – NMFS office in Ellensburg with PTD of 1/31/2026

Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) – NMFS office in Bellingham with PTD of 8/17/2026
 
The letter can be found here.

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Ranking Member Huffman Statement on the Passing of Former Chair Raúl Grijalva

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

March 13, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee released the following statement on the passing of former Committee Chair Raúl Grijalva:

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and friend, Representative Raúl Grijalva. Raúl brought exceptional grit and authenticity to his remarkable public service career. He was renowned for his unwavering commitment to protect human dignity, our environment, public lands, and natural and cultural resources. He was a steadfast partner and advocate for Indigenous communities and worked tirelessly to ensure Congress fulfilled our trust and treaty obligations to Tribal governments. His North Star was environmental justice: he always stood up for voices that too often go unheard. His passion, clarity of values, and fearless commitment to justice set a powerful example for all of us who had the privilege to work alongside him.

“Serving as the top Democrat for nearly a decade, Raúl’s impact on the Natural Resources Committee—on the countless lives he touched—is immeasurable. From his leadership on the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act, to his tireless efforts to protect sacred lands like Oak Flat and the Grand Canyon, Raúl was steadfast in championing policies that uplifted frontline communities and preserved our nation’s environmental and cultural heritage. His leadership helped achieve permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, historic climate investments through the Inflation Reduction Act, and significant support for ocean programs. He also developed a bipartisan coalition that led to the passage of the Puerto Rico Status Act, the first to pass the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. His dedication to lifting up all communities leaves a legacy that will continue to shape our work for years to come.

“At the Natural Resources Committee, I will work day-in and day-out to honor Raul’s legacy by defending and building upon the progress he made for our people and our planet. His absence will be deeply felt, and my thoughts are with his family, his staff, and all who knew and loved him.”

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Huffman, Dexter Demand Documents on Trump Administration’s DOGE-Mandated Reductions in Force Plans

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

March 13, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Oreg.) sent a letter to?Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, demanding answers on the Department’s plans to implement?DOGE-mandated reductions in force (RIF)—a reckless move that could?disrupt critical government services, kill thousands of jobs that depend on these services, and undermine local economies all over the United States. 

“To date, the Administration’s efforts to fire federal workers and shutter facilities have created chaos, lacked any discernible strategy, and were sometimes illegal. Federal agencies have fired hundreds of workers and then called them back — sometimes within a few days of firing them,” the lawmakers wrote. 

The lawmakers underscored the reckless and harmful nature of these actions, stating:?“They cancelled hundreds of leases for federal offices, but then walked some of the decisions back, after discovering these closures would impact services and benefits to the tax-paying public. In addition to being chaotic, the Administration’s workforce strategy may have also been purposefully cruel and retaliatory, specifically aiming to “traumatize” the federal workforce into quitting, and leaving the federal government “vigorously shaken.” 

Huffman and Dexter emphasized the?deeply concerning implications?of these federal workforce reductions, including the potential gutting of critical agencies responsible for protecting public lands, managing natural resources, and enforcing environmental laws.? 

The lawmakers requested the Department provide all materials related to the Office of Management and Budget’s and Office of Personnel Management’s February 26 memo requiring agencies develop agency reductions in force and reorganization plans. 

Read the full letter here. 

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Swalwell and Reschenthaler Introduce Bill to Incentivize American-Made Magnets

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-14) and Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) introduced the Rare Earth Magnet Security Act (REMSA). This bipartisan bill secures the domestic supply chain and stimulates the production of rare earth magnets as part of a national initiative to strengthen the economy and combat climate change. It’s time to mine, make, and magnetize  minerals in the United States for the sake of our economic security.

REMSA would create a production tax credit for rare earth magnets that are manufactured in the United States. While the U.S. has made progress in developing this industry, only a few manufacturers currently produce these critical components domestically. These magnets are used in a wide variety of applications necessary for our modern economy, such as computer hard disks, cell phones, and MRIs. They are also critical for certain clean energy uses. For example, almost 90 percent of all-electric vehicles contain a powertrain driven by one of these magnets.

Rare earth magnets are challenging to make and are not readily available in large quantities. Low-cost, high-quality magnets from China have squeezed the profitability of United States producers, and while industry sources estimate the global rare earth magnet market will nearly double by 2027, China could dominate the market because of low production costs.

“Our nation’s economic security, national defense, and clean energy future depend on a stable supply of critical minerals and components. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Rare Earth Magnet Security Act,” Congressman Eric Swalwell said. “China’s decision in 2024 to cut off the U.S. and other nations from key critical minerals was a wake-up call to our country’s dangerous dependence on foreign sources. We cannot allow foreign adversaries to control the materials that power our economy and strengthen our national security. This bill will boost domestic production of rare earth magnets, which are essential to everything from electric vehicles to advanced medical technology. I believe in putting American innovation and workers first. By investing in domestic manufacturing, we’re ensuring that the U.S. remains a global leader in technology, defense, and sustainability.”

The bill is endorsed by MP Materials, eVAC Magnetics, and Niron Magnetics. 

“While the U.S. has resumed responsible rare earth extraction and processing at scale, our country’s capacity to produce the magnets essential for manufacturing and national defense remains limited. REMSA is a bipartisan, fiscally responsible solution to catalyze private-sector investment, level the playing field for domestic producers, and close this critical gap,” said Matt Sloustcher, EVP of Corporate Affairs & Chief Communications Officer, MP Materials.  

“Rare earth permanent magnets are essential to defense, aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial applications. The Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025 will promote domestic production of these critical rare earth permanent magnet solutions,” said Scott Pelhank, Vice President, of eVAC Magnetics. “This legislation is vital to ensuring U.S. national security, sustainable supply chains, and a resilient industrial base.”

The bipartisan bill creates a $20 per kilogram production tax credit for magnets that are manufactured in the United States, or $30 per kilogram for magnets that are both manufactured in the United States and for which all component rare earth material is produced and recycled or reclaimed wholly within the United States. To be eligible, the rare earth magnets may not include any component rare earth magnet material produced in non-allied foreign nations such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Swalwell and Reschenthaler launched the bipartisan Congressional Critical Materials Caucus in 2021 to help the United States develop the technical expertise and production capabilities to assure a long-term, secure and sustainable supply of energy-critical elements like those used in rare earth magnets.

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Swalwell & Duckworth Introduced Legislation to Make Air Travel Easier for Parents with Breast Milk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to safely travel with breast milk.

The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act is co-led by U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) in the House. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate and is co-led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI). 

The BABES Act will require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to strengthen and streamline protocols for screening breast milk, formula, and feeding equipment. These improvements will help ensure that parents can navigate airport security without unnecessary delays, confusion, or the risk of damaging other related nutrition products. 

“As a husband and father, my wife and I know how challenging traveling can be for new parents. TSA screening is already stressful enough without the added anxiety and humiliation of having your breast milk or formula heavily scrutinized and mistreated,” said Congressman Swalwell. “The BABES Act will ensure TSA handles these screenings with care, consulting maternal health experts to establish proper hygienic standards while maintaining robust security measures. This bill is about giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their families while they travel.” 

“Being pro-family means we need to make traveling as easy as possible for mothers,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “This bill ensures that food and breast milk necessary for the healthy growth of infants is not mishandled while families are flying, and provides TSA the authorities to update these policies as necessary.” 

“As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to travel when you are breast feeding or worried about how to feed your child,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “We’ve heard countless stories from moms who were forced to throw out milk or pumping supplies, even though they are TSA approved. Outdated regulations or lack of training shouldn’t add to an already stressful situation. We need clear policies about how TSA handles breast milk, baby formula, and pumping supplies so parents can travel without worrying that they will be confiscated, contaminated, or mishandled. This is a bipartisan, commonsense step to support families and keep our kids safe and healthy.” 

“Every parent deserves the confidence that their children’s nutrition and feeding equipment will be treated with care and respect while traveling on an airplane,” said Congresswoman Luna. “The BABES Act is an important step toward creating a more family-friendly travel experience by ensuring TSA protocols are fair, swift, and hygienic, providing parents with peace of mind, all while upholding essential security standards.” 

“Far too often, traveling moms are mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “Ensuring that the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary is the least we can do to help parents travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve. After our bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent last Congress, I’m proud we are reintroducing this bill with such strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. I’ll continue to do everything I can to get this done for traveling moms everywhere.” 

“Supporting moms and families will always be one of my top priorities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bipartisan legislation that will make it easier for mothers to safely and easily travel with breast milk and formula for their babies, and I’ll continue to fight for ways to support our families in Montana and across America,” said Senator Daines. 

“On any given day, thousands of families travel by air with milk and the supplies they need to keep their babies fed,” said Senator Hirono. “The BABES Enhancement Act will require TSA to clarify and regularly update its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula, helping to ensure that parents and their young children can travel with peace of mind. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to keep families and their children safe and healthy.” 

“Far too often, families traveling with infants and young children are subjected to inconsistencies when going through TSA’s screening, causing inconveniences that can make traveling together even more difficult. This simple legislation to update the TSA’s compliance guidance for the 3-1-1 liquids will help families travel without added hassles,” said Senator Cruz. 

Emily Calandrelli, host of the popular Netflix show Emily’s Wonder Lab, was delayed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while carrying supplies she needed to safely pump milk for her 10-week-old son. Calandrelli was ultimately forced to check her items despite existing TSA guidelines that permitted her to carry them on. Calandrelli shared her story online and was flooded with hundreds of messages from other mothers who had similar experiences while traveling. 

“After a frustrating experience traveling through airport security with my breast pump equipment, I worked with my representative on this bill in hopes that no other mom would have to face the same challenges. I’m incredibly grateful to our representatives who are standing up for moms and parents, working to make the TSA process more efficient and compassionate for all of us,” said Calandrelli. 

Unsanitary screenings of breast milk or formula put children at risk. Additionally, lactating parents must breastfeed or pump every few hours to avoid complications like clogged milk ducts or mastitis, a painful and potentially serious infection. 

Under the BABES Enhancement Act, TSA will:

  1. Develop clear and consistent guidelines in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations for screening breast milk, formula, and related feeding equipment; 
  2. Ensure all TSA officers receive enhanced training on these procedures to prevent improper handling or disposal; 
  3. Improve transparency and communication with travelers about their rights when transporting these critical items; and 
  4. Update its guidance every five years to respond to the emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology. 

Congressman Swalwell’s bill also would direct an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products, providing lawmakers with information related to violations of policies like those experienced by Calandrelli. 

The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act is endorsed by March of Dimes, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, MomsRising, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. 

The BABES Act is also supported by Reps. André Carson (D-IN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). 

Read the full text of the bill here.