MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Trust and Modernization in Tax Governance Act or “TMTG” Act to promote accountability and fairness in government. The TMTG Act amends the tax code to limit the amount of untaxed profit that executive branch officials, including the President and Vice President, can defer when selling assets to comply with conflict-of-interest laws. Specifically, the bill caps the deferral at $100 million and requires any deferred gain to be recognized and taxed once they leave office.  

“Americans deserve leaders who follow the same rules they do, not a government that allows the wealthiest officials to skirt their obligations. This bill ensures that public servants prioritize public good over personal profit,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “The incoming administration raises concerns with its notable trend of appointing multimillionaires and billionaires to key cabinet positions. Trump’s “bro-ligarchy” has immense wealth and are already benefiting from privileges that most Americans can only dream of. The TMTG Act will act as a safeguard to stop them from exploiting loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Working for the U.S. government should be about public service not a tax shelter for billionaires.” 

The Trust and Modernization in Tax Governance Act (TMTG Act) Would:  

• Limits Tax Deferrals for Executive Branch Officials: Caps the amount of untaxed profit (“deferred gain”) that executive branch officials, including the President and Vice President, can claim at $100 million when selling assets to comply with conflict-of-interest requirements. 
• Ensures Tax Liability Post-Service: Requires any deferred gains that remain untaxed during an official’s tenure to be recognized and taxed once the individual leaves government service. 
• Promotes Fairness in Tax Policy: Closes a loophole in the tax code that allows the wealthiest government officials to defer large profits, ensuring they adhere to the same rules as ordinary taxpayers. 
• Applies Specifically to Executive Branch: Targets high-ranking officials in the executive branch to address potential conflicts of interest and ensure accountability in asset divestment. 
• Strengthens Government Transparency: Reinforces trust in public institutions by preventing officials from using their positions for financial gain at the expense of taxpayers. 
• Balances Public Service and Financial Responsibility: Encourages ethical behavior by ensuring public servants do not exploit tax laws to avoid paying their fair share. 
• Covers All Taxable Years: Limits apply to the cumulative deferral across all years, preventing long-term exploitation of the system.  

 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now Act or IRAN Act to promote internet freedom and access to information in Iran. 

According to the Freedom House Index, Iran has the third worst internet freedom score in the world. The government of Iran uses the internet as a tool of political repression and surveillance. But the people of Iran are standing up and demanding basic human rights, freedom, and democracy. Access to the open internet can be a tool for political organizing, the free exchange of ideas and a connection to the global community of democratic peoples. Promoting internet freedom in Iran is a critical element of supporting the Iranian people in their struggle for a peaceful and democratic Iran.

“Iran is one of the most oppressive governments when it comes to internet freedom,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14). “My goal with this bill is to promote access to internet freedom for Iranian civilians. Ultimately, the future of Iran should be up to its people, but every Iranian deserves the right to free and open access to information and the internet. I’m glad to have met with Iranian American leaders in my district, many of whom still have loved ones living under the oppression of the regime, to advocate on their behalf for a solution to this human rights issue. Together, we must all fight to support the people of Iran in their fight for freedom and democracy.”

“The Iranian mullahs know their regime lacks popular support and engages in political suppression and surveillance, limiting Iranians’ ability to organize, communicate freely, and connect with the outside world to prop up their despotic regime,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24). “This landmark legislation mandates the State Department implement the Comprehensive Strategy to Promote Internet Freedom and Access to Information in Iran to promote open Internet access for all Iranians, equipping them with the tools to pursue democracy and peace in their country. We must continue to empower and support the people of Iran in their fight against this brutal regime.”

“As the people of Iran continue to stand against their government’s campaign of oppression, they are faced by difficulties compounded by an inability to access an open internet,” said Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36). “An accessible internet is essential to organizing, sharing ideas and promoting peace. To support the ongoing campaign for human rights and democracy in Iran, the United States must do what it can to encourage internet access for Iranian civilians. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing the Internet Reach and Access NOW Act to establish internet access and bolster the fight for freedom in Iran.”

“By supporting the IRAN Act, we take a stand for the Iranian people’s fundamental right to internet freedom, a cornerstone of their democratic aspirations and insistence on human rights,” said Neda Bolourchi, PAAIA Executive Director. “PAAIA and the Iranian American community greatly appreciate and thank Representatives Swalwell and Tenney for their leadership in championing this vital legislation, which is a beacon of hope for those striving for a future where their voices can be heard, and their rights respected.”

“Internet access is critical for the Iranian people to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information, yet time and time again the Iranian regime shuts off the internet to hide atrocities and silence dissent,” said Annie Boyajian, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Freedom House. “The Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act will play an essential role to help Iranians circumvent internet blackouts and ensure tech companies provide Iranians access to technologies.”

The IRAN Act Would:

• Amend the duties of the Secretary of State to permanently include implementing a comprehensive strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran, coordinating such efforts between the heads of other federal departments for maximum efficacy, and updating the strategy on an ongoing basis. This is the first time the US Government will be statutorily required to pursue a strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran.
• Require the State Department to update the Comprehensive Strategy to Promote Internet Freedom and Access to Information in Iran, which was required by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8754). The IRAN Act adds three new objectives for the comprehensive strategy to ensure the strategy more accurately reflects the needs of Iranian civilians and civil society. The new objectives are:
  • Evaluating the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) and direct-to-cell satellite technologies by civil society and human rights activists in Iran and developing strategies for increasing the accessibility of VPNs.
  • Developing guidance for the Department of the Treasury to ensure that enforcement of sanctions does not prevent companies from providing to Iranian civilians the technology and other tools necessary to access the open internet.
  • Assessing the ability of the Iranian regime to cut off all access to the internet and developing strategies to circumvent internet blackouts for Iranian civil society.
• Require a report to relevant Congressional Committees, allowing for a classified annex, on the updated comprehensive strategy within 120 days of the enactment of this law.

The IRAN Act has 21 bipartisan cosponsors – Reps. Ted Lieu, Brian Fitzpatrick, Ro Khanna, Maria Salazar, Gerald Connolly, Michael Lawler, Virginia Foxx, Nicole Malliotakis, Gus Bilirakis, Anna Eshoo, Rob Wittman, Scott peters ,Brad Schneider, Barbara Lee, Cory Mills, Stephanie Bize, Mike Levin, Jim Himes, Adam Schiff, Dan Goldman, Josh Gottheimer Jim Costa.

H.R. 9299 is endorsed by – Freedom House, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), J Street, United for Iran, Iranian American Democrats of California, Psiphon & Lantern (the two largest providers of VPN services to Iranian civil society).

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) invites high school and home-schooled (grades 9-12) students in California’s 21st Congressional District to participate in the2025 Congressional Art Competition. The winner will be invited to Washington, D.C., and their artwork will be displayed for 11 months at the U.S. Capitol Building in the Cannon Tunnel, where it will be enjoyed by Members of Congress, staff, and visitors from around the world. The submission deadline is April 16th, 2025, by 5:00 PM (PST). Students can drop off their submissions at Rep. Costa’s district offices, or schools with numerous submissions can coordinate a pick-up with staff. If students are interested in participating, all submission materials can be found at costa.house.gov/artcompetition.   
BACKGROUND Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage young artistic talent throughout the nation. Students can submit paintings, drawings, mixed media, computer-generated art, photography, or print media. After submissions, a panel of independent judges will evaluate and select the winning entry.  
ELIGIBILITY: 

High school students and home-schooled students (grades 9-12) in California’s 21st Congressional District.
Artwork must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws.
Artwork entered must be in the original medium (not scanned reproduction or a painting or drawing).
Submit a painting, drawings, mixed media, computer-generated art, photography, or print artwork.  

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK TO: 

Fresno District Office: 2440 Tulare Street, Suite 420, Fresno, CA 93721
Visalia District Office: 425 E. Oak Ave, Suite 202, Visalia, CA 93291 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order attempting to abolish the United States Department of Education.
“President Trump says he’s putting America first, but instead, he’s putting America’s kids last. He continues to abuse his power by trying to abolish the Department of Education and limit access to public education. This reckless executive order threatens vital K-12 funding, financial aid for college students, and protections for students with disabilities and special needs. The Constitution is clear: the President cannot abolish a department created by Congress,” said Congressman Costa.BACKGROUNDIn California’s 21st Congressional District, there are 287 traditional public and public charter schools serving 159,413 children. Of these children, 40,253 were living below the poverty line and their school identified 2,003 as experiencing homelessness.
Federal funding accounts for 15.2% of all education dollars, which equals $471.7 million that the parents depended on for their children’s education. View the breakdown of funding by clicking HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – On National Agricultural Day, U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced a resolution designating March 18, 2025, as “National Agriculture Day” and celebrating the importance of agriculture as one of the most impactful industries in the United States.“Agriculture is part and parcel of America’s national security,” said Costa. “Having an abundance of nutritious, affordable, and quality food on America’s dinner table is critical every night. The San Joaquin Valley is the nation’s agricultural powerhouse, producing over 300 commodities. I’m proud to lead this resolution to recognize the vital contributions that farmers, ranchers, dairymen and women make to our agricultural economy.”“Our farmers, ranchers, and other members of the agriculture community work around the clock all year to feed, clothe, and fuel the world,” said Alford. “This industry has been recognized on National Agriculture Day for decades, and we’re proud to help ensure this well-deserved honor continues. Agriculture is the backbone of communities across Missouri’s Fourth District and all of America. I’m pleased to once again partner with Congressman Costa on a resolution to give this industry the recognition it deserves.”The resolution is cosponsored by Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Angie Craig (MN-02), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), David Rouzer (NC-07), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Mike Bost (IL-12), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Pete Sessions (TX-17), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Riley M. Moore (WV-02), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Tony Weid (WI-08), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Dave Taylor (OH-02), and John Rose (TN-06).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee held a virtual press conference with San Joaquin Valley leaders to highlight the negative impact of the Trump Administration’s decision to slash over $1 billion to local food purchase programs that benefit schools and food banks.Congressman Costa was joined by local leaders including Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools; Nikki Henry, Fresno Unified School District (FUSD); Natalie Caples, Central California Food Bank; Paul Towers, Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF); and Bryce Loewen, Blossom Bluff Orchards in Parlier, CA.  

WATCH the Video Recording HERE.
BACKGROUNDThe Trump Administration slashed over $1 billion from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS); two vital programs aimed at addressing food insecurity through local farm-to-table partnerships.

In California, these programs supported 533 small farmers who, in turn, produced food for 55 food banks and other community food partners. Of the more than 500 small farmers, about 100 were from the San Joaquin Valley. Nationwide, the programs supported more than 8,000 producers as of December 2024. Both programs have benefitted farmers, producers, and consumers by providing federal funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments. For example, Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) received $492,746 during the 2022-2023 school year to buy local agricultural products.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that it plans to cut nearly half its workforce.
“President Trump is prioritizing billionaires over kids. Make no mistake – while he cannot abolish the Department of Education without an act of Congress, he is doing everything in his power to privatize public education. These cuts will lead to overcrowded classrooms, cuts to financial aid, and the elimination of special education services. Our kids will pay the price for these reckless policies.” said Congressman Costa.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)