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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) introduced the “Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies Act,” legislation to prevent the United States Navy from renaming the USNS Harvey Milk and other ships named for other great Americans and civil rights leaders. Reports from earlier this month indicate that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the Secretary of the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk during national Pride Month as part of the Administration’s broader efforts to demonize American citizens it does not like. Milk was a veteran, political leader, and advocate for the LGBT community. He served as a diving officer during the Korean War before being forced out of service with an “other than honorable” discharge due to his sexual orientation.  

Secretary Hegseth also ordered the review of other ships, including those named for American icons such as abolitionist Harriet Tubman, labor organizer Cesar Chavez, and former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, among others. Every one of these ships was built in San Diego, which is a proud military town and partner in the national defense. 

“Secretary Hegseth claims that this hateful move would return a ‘warrior ethos’ to the force, but renaming these ships won’t help better train or equip a single servicemember,” said Rep. Scott Peters.  “While Hegseth works to erase the names of these important civic leaders from the fleet, the President also publicly commits to renaming military bases for Confederate leaders. That is a clear values statement by the Administration about the America it envisions and asks our servicemembers and their families to serve. It is unacceptable and unreflective of our country. Every sailor deserves to serve on and fight from a ship named after an American who embodies those values we wish to see in our military. That is why the Navy named these ships after such important leaders.”  

The Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies act is co-sponsored by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member and Equality Caucus Chair Mark Takano (CA-39), and Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Mike Levin (CA-49), Hank Johnson (GA-4), Jill Tokuda (HI-2), Troy Carter (LA-2), Linda Sanchez (CA-39), John Garamendi (CA-8), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (Del-DC).  

It is also supported by Equality California, Silver State Equality, and VoteVets.  

“Just days into Pride Month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed plans to strip Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship. Milk is a global civil rights icon for LGBTQ+ civil rights, and this move is a petty and political act of erasure from the Trump administration,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “We’re proud to support Rep. Peters’ Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies Act, which would block efforts to rename ships honoring leaders in civil rights, labor, and social justice. We must protect these legacies.”  

“The Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies Act is about honoring the legacies of Americans who expanded freedom, justice, and equality — values that every service member swears to defend. Renaming ships that bear the names of Harvey Milk, Harriet Tubman, or Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not just unnecessary — it’s a political stunt that disrespects the very principles they stood for. We applaud Representative Peters for leading this important effort to ensure our Navy continues to reflect the diversity, courage, and moral leadership that defines the best of our country.” – VoteVets 

Read the full text of the bill here.  

Read a one-pager of the bill here.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) reintroduced the Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act, aimed at improving staffing and retention within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) by ensuring competitive and fair pay for correctional officers. The legislation would revise the locality pay system for BOP employees, allowing facilities located within 200 miles of the nearest General Schedule (GS) locality pay area to offer higher wages. This change reflects the real costs associated with commuting, cost-of-living, and the difficult and often dangerous work correctional officers perform every day.

In a strong show of bipartisan, bicameral support, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) will lead the bill in the Senate, with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and John Fetterman (D-PA) joining as original cosponsors.

“Our correctional officers put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Weber.  “It’s time their pay reflects the seriousness of that responsibility. This commonsense bill ensures that correctional officers—whether they serve in Beaumont, Texas, or anywhere across this nation—are compensated fairly for the dangerous, essential work they perform every single day.”

“Underpaying correctional officers leads to fatigue, which leads to mistakes and safety risks,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If we want criminals to remain behind bars, then we need to provide Bureau of Prisons employees with workable conditions. This goes for FCC Oakdale, Pollock, and the rest of Louisiana.”

“As the Representative of FCI Ray Brook, I am working to address the significant challenges our hardworking correctional officers are facing such as low staffing and retention issues,” said Chairwoman Stefanik. “Our COs put their lives on the line every single day and I am committed to addressing their staffing, compensation, and retirement issues in Congress.”

Cosponsors include: Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21). 

Read the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced the bipartisan Mariner Exam Modernization Act, introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Chair Mike Ezell (R-MS-04). 

“Our country’s maritime industry shouldn’t be held back by an antiquated credentialing system,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Mariner Exam Modernization Act is a commonsense step to ensure our licensing process reflects the skills mariners actually need on the job—eliminating redundancy, updating outdated requirements, and making the path to certification more efficient. I’m proud my bill cleared a key milestone, and I’ll keep working to secure its final passage.”

“Passing the Mariner Modernization Act out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is a critical step toward giving our mariners a credentialing system that matches the realities of today’s maritime industry—not one bogged down by outdated exams and unnecessary red tape. This brings much-needed reform which will also help expand the workforce. It’s about strengthening America’s maritime workforce and supporting the professionals who keep our maritime commerce moving safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Ezell.

The bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to develop and implement a plan to modernize the Merchant Mariner Credentialing exam, aiming to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency within 270 days of receiving recommendations from a dedicated working group.

The current Coast Guard licensing exam process for Merchant Mariner Credentials is outdated, redundant, and unnecessarily burdensome for aspiring mariners. Candidates must repeatedly demonstrate the same competencies, first through years of hands-on assessments and then again on a seven-part written exam—discouraging new entrants and diverting time from more relevant modern training like cybersecurity. 

Additionally, the exam includes obsolete content and lacks a modern review system, leaving graduates underprepared for the realities of today’s maritime industry.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

Congressman David Scott Statement On the Events Unfolding in the Middle East

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

At approximately 3:00 a.m. local time, 7:00 p.m. in Illinois, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a preemptive military strike targeting Iran’s nuclear program and key personnel. Israel has struck more than 300 targets, including nuclear sites, air defenses, and IRGC headquarters This may mark the beginning of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Though we do not yet know the full implications for the United States, our partners, or the global economy, one thing must be clear: America stands with Israel.

Iran’s long record of malign behavior—its threats to wipe Israel off the map, its support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—makes clear why Israel assessed that it could not wait. A nuclear-armed Iran would pose an unacceptable threat not only to Israel but to the entire world.

Israel destroyed Iraq’s nuclear reactor in 1981, and Syria’s in 2007. Later events proved the wisdom of Israel’s actions and benefited the region and the world. I am confident, with Iran on the brink of weaponization, the world will again be grateful that Israel acted to prevent catastrophe.

Just last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency released a comprehensive report documenting Iran’s extensive violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Rather than correct course, Iran doubled down, announcing it would accelerate enrichment and stonewall international inspectors. On Wednesday, the IAEA formally censured Iran. Tehran responded with more threats.

In moments like this, American leadership matters. The US stood with Israel in 2023 when it was attacked by Hamas and Hezbollah, and then again in 2024 when Iran launched hundreds of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. We must do so again today—with resolve, with clarity, and with the unity that defines our most serious moments.

I believe in the strength of the U.S. – Israel alliance. I am grateful for the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women of the United States armed forces and pray for their success and safety. I am immensely proud that every enlisted sailor in our Navy begins their service at Naval Station Great Lakes in my district, where they learn what to do on days like this. I know they are fully prepared precisely for this moment.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

This week, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Shomari C. Figures (AL-02), Brian Mast (FL-21), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Nick LaLota (NY-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Enhancing Science, Treatment, and Upkeep of America’s Resilient and Important Estuarine Systems (ESTUARIES Act), to reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Estuary Program (NEP) through 2031.

The NEP is a non-regulatory program that supports locally driven efforts to restore and protect the environmental and economic health of 28 estuaries of national significance, where rivers meet the sea, including Mobile Bay. The reauthorization ensures continued federal support for this critical program, which has protected vital habitats, improved water quality, and fostered regional resilience since its creation in 1987.

“Protecting and restoring Puget Sound, the nation’s largest estuary by water volume, is essential to Washington’s environment, culture and maritime economy,” said Rep. Larsen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan ESTUARIES Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program and continue investing in the health of our nation’s estuaries.”

This bill is endorsed by the Association of National Estuary Programs and the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program.

“The National Estuary Program is one of the smartest investments Congress can make in clean water, resilient infrastructure, and local economies,” said Joyce Novak, Chair of the Association of National Estuary Programs. “Reauthorizing the NEP ensures that coastal communities can continue to lead with science, partner across sectors, and deliver real results where they matter most. We thank our bipartisan champions in Congress for recognizing the power of this program to protect both ecosystems and economies.”

“The National Estuary Program has a long history of bi-partisan support in the State of Alabama, with champions from both sides of the aisle,” said Roberta Swann, Director of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. “This public-private partnership gives coastal Alabama communities local control over their natural resources, leading to better outcomes for long-term management and creating value by balancing conservation with development. Mobile Bay NEP’s collective impact model means more people, who are tied to the waters through economy, or history, or just because it makes their life better, have buy-in for the wise stewardship of our estuaries and coasts. Whether from communities, local governments, research institutions, or business and industry, we all benefit when we work together to protect the waters we share.”

Read the full announcement here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Releases Statement on Crash of Air India Flight

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

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after Israel carried out preemptive strikes on Iran:

“For weeks, Israel had indications that Iran was racing to advance its uranium enrichment program and develop a nuclear bomb. Despite repeated warnings from Israel, America, and the United Nations to comply with nuclear restrictions, Iran did not relent in its efforts. Yesterday, Israel determined that it was fast approaching a point of no return for stopping Iran’s nuclear program. With the window of opportunity for a preemptive strike closing, Israel made its own decision to strike key Iranian nuclear and military targets.

“The international community has long made it clear that a nuclear-armed Iran is an unacceptable threat. For Israel, that threat is existential. Iranian leaders have stated their intention to see Israel ‘wiped of the map.’ Israel has a right to defend itself and has always been transparent that it would take military action to assure its security if Iran approached nuclear capability. That is what we saw yesterday. Following Hamas’ October 7 terror attacks, Israel took similar action to defeat Hezbollah – another proximate Iranian threat to the Israeli people.

“I believe the Trump Administration’s decision to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action without an alternative agreement contributed to Iran’s enrichment progress and thus to the circumstances that necessitated Israel’s strike yesterday. I urge the Administration not to allow Iran’s nuclear program to advance so far again.

“Iran has already begun to retaliate against Israel. While our ally has successfully defended itself from initial Iranian drone and missile attacks, America needs to do its part to counter further Iranian strikes against Israeli and American targets in the region, just as the Biden Administration coordinated the defense against Iran’s missile attacks on Israel last year.

“Iran deems America one of its greatest adversaries other than Israel. We must not allow Iran to endanger us all with nuclear weapons. Every nation that wants to see peace and stability restored in the region ought to share that mission.”

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

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), released the following statement in response to Israel’s defensive strikes against the Iranian regime:

“Iran’s accelerating nuclear program, developed in secret and in violation of international agreements, poses a direct threat to our national security and the safety of the entire region. With a long track record of supporting terrorism – particularly through its regional terrorist proxy network – obstructing international inspections, and calling for the destruction of Israel, the Iranian regime has made its intentions unmistakably clear.

“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has long directed and armed terrorist proxies including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen – groups responsible for deadly attacks on civilians, Israeli population centers, and U.S. personnel and assets across the region.

“Faced with an existential threat, Israel acted to protect its citizens and prevent a nuclear-armed adversary from gaining ground. I support Israel’s right to defend itself and to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its people.

“Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is critical not only for Israel, but for the security of the United States and our allies. This is a moment that calls for resolve and unity from the international community.

“In Congress, there is strong bipartisan agreement that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. I will continue working across the aisle to uphold that commitment. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense and Homeland Security, I remain focused on strengthening our strategic partnerships, supporting our allies, and safeguarding peace and security at home and abroad.”

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