MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — When people who can work but refuse to do so and stay on Medicaid, it takes away resources from those who deserve and rely upon it – like the teenage son of Arkansas father Nick Stehle, who has severe autism and epilepsy and requires constant attention. The Wall Street Journal published Nick’s story last week, which touts the work requirements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will strengthen and preserve the program for those who need it.

“Yet thanks to ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion, he is stuck on a multiyear waiting list for in-home care because able-bodied adults are competing for the same resources,” Arkansas father Nick Stehle wrote.

Read the full op-ed here or below:

Medicaid was created to help people like my son. He is 17, has severe autism and epilepsy, and needs constant attention. Yet thanks to ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion, he is stuck on a multiyear waiting list for in-home care because able-bodied adults are competing for the same resources. Republicans in the Senate can help states fix this by strengthening the Medicaid work requirements in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act they’re about to pass.

ObamCare gave states a financial incentive to treat able-bodied adults better than the disabled. The federal government gives states $9 for every $1 they spend on able-bodied adults, but only $1.33 for every dollar spent on children, people with disabilities, pregnant women and seniors. Drawn by the promise of so much federal money, Arkansas’s Democratic governor expanded Medicaid in 2013. The program now covers more than 230,000 able-bodied adults.

Because able-bodied adults bring so much money, Arkansas makes them a priority. We applied for in-home care in 2023, but state officials said it would take 10 years. Democrats are doing everything they can to keep my son on the wait list. They’re trying to frighten Republicans into abandoning work requirements by claiming they’re ineffective, unnecessary and cruel—none of which is true.

In 2018 the Trump administration gave Arkansas a waiver that let it require able-bodied adults without children to work part time as a condition of receiving Medicaid benefits. A federal judge struck down the waiver on procedural grounds 10 months after the policy began to phase in. Yet the work requirement already had strong results.

In less than a year, nearly 18,000 able-bodied adults increased their incomes enough to get off Medicaid. States should encourage people to replace government dependency with financial independence, protecting Medicaid for people like my son. But Democrats and their allies now claim there wasn’t a corresponding increase in the number of people working. They also claim that people left Medicaid because they didn’t know about the work requirement and therefore didn’t fill out the paperwork. All these false claims are intended to convince Republicans that work requirements are difficult for states to administer.

Yet Arkansas thought it was well worth the effort, sending out more than a million letters, emails, text messages and phone calls in 2018 alone to inform recipients about the requirement. And far from not filling out paperwork, fully 87% of the people who were removed from Medicaid had already increased their incomes, moved out of state or otherwise become ineligible for the program. This freed up resources for people like my son. Arkansas projected the changes would save at least $300 million a year, reflecting how few of those able-bodied adults worked. Though the left now says that 92% of Medicaid recipients are supposedly working, that claim is based on self-reported survey data from the Census, with state sample sizes as small as 41 people. Only one conclusion is possible: Democrats want able-bodied adults to continue getting the benefits intended for my son.

A work requirement for Medicaid would put my son first. The House version of the “one big beautiful bill” applies only to childless adults on Medicaid expansion. The Senate could do better by extending the work requirement to even more able-bodied adults—say, those without young kids. The Senate could go even further, ending the Medicaid funding formula that encourages states to sign up able-bodied adults at the expense of people with disabilities. But the work requirement is the bare minimum of what Republicans should pass. Able-bodied adults have blocked my son from care for too long.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Amendment 59:

“The release of Amendment 59 by NOAA, without the proposed three-month bottom fishing closure, is a major victory for Florida, especially for our more than 4 million anglers, coastal communities, and families whose livelihoods depend on reliable access to these waters and fisheries.

“This outcome proves what anglers have been saying all along, the proposed bottom closure was a politically motivated attempt by the Biden Administration to shut down access to our fisheries and not rooted in actual data. 

“Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for listening to the concerns of anglers across the South Atlantic and pushing for accurate data. The final rule reflects what anglers are seeing and catching, which is more red snapper than ever before.

“I am proud to have introduced the Red Snapper Act in the House and secured funding for the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count to ensure we’re using independent, peer-reviewed data in future management decisions. Today is a huge step in the right direction and I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to ensure recreational anglers voices are heard in Washington, D.C.”

Read more about NOAA’s announcement here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s rescissions package:

“Since becoming Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, I have advocated for common-sense priorities that align with American values. I’m proud of my proven track record of advancing U.S. national security interests while eliminating the wasteful out-of-control spending that characterized the previous Administration.

“My National Security and Department of State funding bill for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which is now law, achieved a six percent cut, the largest year-to-year funding cut of all appropriations bills compared to FY 2023, and the largest in recent memory. The FY 2025 version of the same bill, which passed the House, cut funding a further 11% below FY 2024 levels.

“I am also proud of my well-documented FY 2024 and FY 2025 budget hearings with Biden Administration officials, where I consistently raised concerns about U.S. taxpayers footing the bill for controversial programs that failed to advance U.S. national security interests or reflect our values. These missteps have brought us to where we are today.

“While not perfect, the $9.4 billion rescissions package reflects President Trump’s vision of restoring conservative and responsible fiscal policies.

“I look forward to working with President Trump and his Administration to fund priorities that make sense for the American people, advance our national security interests, and support long-standing congressional directives that bolster security, stability, and prosperity at home and abroad.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, led a 17-member coalition from the Florida Congressional Delegation in a letter to President Trump and his administration requesting sustained F-35A production and fielding to modernize the aging F-16C fleet at Homestead Air Reserve Base.

“As Dean of the Florida Delegation, I am acutely aware of the security threats our nation faces from drug trafficking, transnational criminal organizations, and the increasing malign influence and presence of anti-American adversaries like Russia and China in the Southern Hemisphere. Florida is foundational in protecting our national security, countering the southern border threats and defending our Eastern coastline.

“For these reasons, having the modern, multi-role F-35A fighter aircraft at HomesteadAir Reserve Base, which has served as a foundational line of defense for over 80 years, is a vital asset and will ensure the United States’ readiness in confronting these threats to our national security,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

“As America faces growing threats from our adversaries like Communist China and Putin’s Russia, the need to modernize our air defenses has never been more urgent,” said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. “The F-35 is the most advanced fighter jet in the world, and its production is critical to maintaining our military dominance. Located in Florida’s 28th District, Homestead Air Reserve Base must receive the investments and upgrades needed to support the next generation of tactical air power. South Florida plays a strategic role in our national defense, and Homestead must be ready to host and sustain the F-35 mission for decades to come.” 

Read the full text of the letter here or below.

“We would first like to thank you for your efforts to keep our nation safe, make our military the most lethal military force in the world and return peace through strength around the world. As Commander in Chief, you understand the critical role Florida plays in delivering on that mission and protecting our national security. From deterring and preventing the approximately $2.7 trillion impact to American lives through fentanyl counternarcotics efforts to supporting Southern border operations and homeland defense alert missions along our coastlines, Homestead Air Force Reserve Base (HARB) is critical for our national security. Florida’s strategic location makes it uniquely postured to counter Chinese, Russian, Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs), and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and their influence in the southern hemisphere. These regional threats are the largest contributor to the state of national emergency within the United States over illegal aliens, infiltration of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, and illicit opioids.

“Under your leadership as both our 45th and 47th president, Florida continues to fight the cartels and drug traffickers, leading to South Florida being named the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area of the Year. We dismantled or disrupted 54 drug trafficking organizations in 2023 and seized an estimate value of $748 million in illicit drugs, including 23 metric tons of cocaine, 248 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 224 kilograms of fentanyl.

“Through U.S. Southern Command, appropriately headquartered in Florida, we are tracking and thwarting Chinese efforts to expand their Belt and Road Initiative in Latin American Countries to monopolize natural resources, such as 20% of the world’s oil reserves, 25% of the strategic metals, and 31% of the fishing areas. We are working to claw back the $358 billion amassed by 35 TCOs in the region in 2023 through interdiction and counter trafficking efforts to help stabilize South America, preventing their problems from reaching our shores. The Russian Surface Action Group, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and cruise missile submarine Kazan docked in Havana, Cuba, passed within 30 miles of the Florida Keys last June. Florida is uniquely postured to support the border alert mission to deter these acts of aggression.

“Within Florida, HARB serves a foundational role in supporting the most critical national defense missions. HARB generated $364 million for the local economy in 2023 alone. It is the home to the 2,500-member 482nd Fighter Wing and its reserve associate, the 367th Fighter Squadron, responsible for F-16 alerts across the coastline in support of Operation Noble Eagle. It houses the Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch, operating Blackhawks and turbo-prop airliners like the DHC-8 to interdict smugglers and prevent illegal aliens from crossing into the United States. Special Operations Command South Headquarters is also resident at HARB, executing special operations as assigned to U.S. Southern Command, spanning 31 countries and 10 overseas territories across Central and South America and the Caribbean.

“Florida’s Gulf of America, Atlantic Ocean access, and its proximity to Central and South America is what drove the 125th Fighter Wing Air National Guard (ANG) unit selection for the F-35A Lightning II. Starting with an initial batch of aircraft to Jacksonville ANG in March of this year and expanding to the 125th Fighter Wing Detachment 1 at HARB in 2027. The Air Force Reserve also planned this F-35A modernization to replace the aging F-16C fleet within the 482nd Fighter Wing. This would create a common fighter platform between the Reserves and National Guard at HARB, reducing costs for base operations through shared maintenance efforts. Together, these units would provide a considerable increase in readiness for the North American Aerospace Defense Command Alert mission across both the Southern and Eastern U.S. border as well as downrange multi-role operations through short-notice worldwide deployments.

“Together, we ask your administration to ensure that the F-35A goes to Homestead Air Reserve Base and the F-35A production quantities remain undeterred. There is no real trade when comparing other airframes and locales to a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of countering Russian, Chinese, VEOs, and TCOs operations across the entirety of the Southern and Eastern U.S. border and throughout the Southern Hemisphere. HARB is a vital asset for our national security and power projection, and critical for your Peace through Strength agenda. Thank you again for your leadership and we hope you will consider, within all applicable rules and regulations, our input on the matter.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remembrance of Memorial Day last week and in solemn tribute to the 13 brave U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives during the horrific terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside of Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) has reintroduced the 13 Folds of Honor Act,which providesa new script to be read during burial flag-folding ceremonies.

“The traditional 13 folds symbolize our nation’s unity and deep respect for those who served. This legislation enhances the ceremonial flag-folding presentation that honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and deceased servicemembers. The new script acknowledges not only the significance of the ceremony but also pays tribute to the 13 servicemembers who gave their lives during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart. “While no words can ease the pain of the families who lost their loved ones, the 13 Folds of Honor script symbolizes our profound gratitude and unwavering respect for their service. My deepest appreciation goes to Former Commander Dr. J.B. Holmes of the Golden Gate VFW Post 7721 for his tireless commitment to our veterans and for championing this meaningful tribute, as well as to the Korean War Veterans Association and the Del Webb Veterans Club of Naples for their endorsements.”

Bill text is available here.

The original cosponsors include:

Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), John Rutherford (R-FL-5), Tim Burchett (R-TN-2), Gregory W. Steube (R-FL-17), Harriet Hageman (R-WY-At Large), Mark Amodei (R-NV-2), Richard McCormick (R-GA-7), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-2), David G. Valadao (R-CA-22), Gregory F. Murphy (R-NC-3), Robert F. Onder (R-MO-3), Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL-28), and Jim Baird (D-CA-19).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered a powerful speech to a packed crowd at KJLH’s 25th Annual Women’s Health Expo. The KJLH Women’s Health Expo is one of the largest health events for women in the state. This year’s theme – The Silver Lining: 25 Years of Building Generational Health – honors the legacy and impact of the event, as well as the dedication to advancing the health and empowerment of women and families across Southern California. Under Stevie Wonder’s leadership, this annual event continues to grow and features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing health, wellness, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle resources, tailored to women and families.

The Congresswoman released the following statement:

“Each year since the expo was founded, I am so pleased to join KLJH in advancing the health and wellness of women and families. The founders of this Expo knew that women wanted information about their health and needed better connections with health care providers, so that they could take control of their health and the health of their families.

As the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, I’ve been raising the alarm – in the halls of Congress and back here in Los Angeles — about the disastrous impact of Donald Trump’s policies. I was absolutely appalled to learn of the Trump administration’s plans to slash more than $30 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in his budget for next year. That is more than one quarter of the department’s budget.

This cruel and senseless budget would dismantle the life-saving programs that enable Americans to stay healthy – from medical research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to disease prevention by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – from substance use treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to the training of our nation’s future health care workforce.

You might be wondering: What can I do, as an ordinary citizen, to fight back against Trump’s attack on our institutions and way of life? What can I do to stop cuts to Medicaid and other life-saving health care programs?

We have to be out there in the streets. We need to make our voices heard and show that we won’t stand silently by while they take away our benefits and destroy our government. Trump’s relentless assault on our institutions and individual freedoms is not just dangerous; it is a coup in slow motion. And we all must be committed to defending our democracy before it’s too late”.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Congresswoman Maxine Waters joined the Greater Zion Church Family in Compton to celebrate Bishop Michael J. Fisher’s 20th pastoral anniversary and elevation to Bishop.

See excerpts of the Congresswoman’s remarks below:

“I am encouraged by leaders like Bishop Fisher, who use their skills to influence positive change. I join the Greater Zion Church Family’s celebration of Bishop Fisher’s 20th Pastoral Anniversary and recognize his outstanding leadership and dedication to both his congregation and the community of Compton. His father, the late Rev. Dr. W. Jerome Fisher, was a master teacher and powerful preacher who organized the first Black church in Compton. I applaud Bishop Fisher’s vision and unwavering commitment, as cofounder of the Compton Ministers Alliance and past president of Pastors for Compton, as he continues to inspire and uplift this community. I extend a special congratulations on this significant anniversary and his recent ecclesiastical elevation to Bishop. I extend my very best wishes for his continued success in service to others”.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

On May 30, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered the commencement speech to the graduating class at the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center. The Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center is an accredited school within the Los Angeles Unified School District that offers quality educational programs to a diverse student population. Its mission is to educate and prepare adult learners for academic excellence and career success. This year alone, the school has helped over 11,000 students. This is the largest enrollment ever at the school and the largest enrollment of any school in the Los Angeles Unified School District Division of Adult and Career Education.

“I am extremely proud of each and every one of the students graduating who had the drive to better their lives and improve their community”, said Congresswoman Waters. “Your graduation is a testament to your strength, your character, and your ability to believe in yourselves and never give up on your dreams. Whatever you do, know that your families, our community, and our entire nation are depending on you. I want you all to go through life with your heads held high, understanding that you can achieve any goal you set for yourselves. I know you are already inspired. You can and you will Achieve the Impossible! Congratulations to the class of 2025!”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

“Trump is demonstrating the height of his racism as he works to remove 500,000 legal immigrants from this country.”