MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of July as ‘American Patriotism Month.’ This resolution seeks to celebrate patriotic pride and supports efforts to teach and display patriotism by highlighting heroic acts made by brave men and women throughout American history. 

“Throughout American history, patriots have stepped up to protect and defend the American people and uphold the values that make our country the greatest in the history of the world,” said Congressman Williams. “We have created holidays for many groups but fail to adequately celebrate the patriots who made our freedoms possible. American Patriotism Month is an opportunity to reflect on the history of our great country and honor the men and women who carried out the heroic acts that shaped the land we love and call home.”

Read the bill text here. 

Original Cosponsors: Reps. Donalds, McCormick, McDowell, McGuire, Bice, Luna, Norman, and Fleischmann.

### 

Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Steve Cohen (D-TN), along with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would use existing federal funding to create an incentive for surface transportation projects at and within five miles of an airport. This will help improve access and reduce congestion around our busiest airports. 

“Memphis International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the world. It is imperative that shipments can get in and out of Memphis quickly and effectively,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act is critical legislation that will ensure federal funding is used to modify surface transportation around our nation’s busiest airports and help carry us further into the 21st century.”

“Improving access and reducing congestion to our nation’s airports through our next surface transportation reauthorization bill makes good economic sense,” Congressman Cohen said. “Our Memphis International Airport, the nation’s busiest cargo airport, is at the confluence of river, rail and highway circuits we call ‘America’s Distribution Center.’ Updates to the ground infrastructure in Memphis and around the country through grants authorized under the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act will modernize and improve the air traveler’s experience.”

“Our nation’s airports are working overtime to meet growing passenger demand, and our airports in Tennessee are no exception,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to boost infrastructure projects at and near airports to reduce congestion and make it easier for Americans to catch their flights.”

“We’ve all been there—you’re rushing to the airport but then get stuck in traffic outside while worrying that your flight is going to take off without you,” Senator Duckworth said. “Airports like Chicago O’Hare and so many others are building to keep up with the growing passenger demand, but our surface transportation leading into and out of our airports needs to keep pace. That’s one reason why I’m proud to introduce the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act to help make it easier, faster and more reliable for traveling Americans to get into and out of our airports.”

Background:
The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would create a discretionary grant program using existing Highway Trust funds for road, bridge, tunnel, passenger rail or transit projects that make improvements at and within 5 miles of a public airport that reduce congestion, expand capacity, expand access or rehabilitate surface transportation infrastructure. The Highway Trust Fund is an existing federal account under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.
 
This legislation is endorsed by the Air Line Pilots Association, Airports Council International, American Association of Airport Executives, Allied Pilots Association, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association of Professional Flight Attendants and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.
 

Click here for the full text of the bill. 

 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [6/5/25] –Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY) introduced legislation to protect access to nutritious meals for children during the summer months.

Families of students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals can receive a $40 per month per child grocery benefit during the summer through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT) Program. This program has successfully reduced hunger during the summer months, but some EBT cardholders have had their benefits stolen by skimming devices illegally installed on point-of-sale terminals. 

The Mitigating Electronic Access Losses for Students (MEALS) Act will allow for the replacement of S-EBT benefits that have been targeted by scammers. Currently, EBT cardholders have limited protection and may lose all of their benefits if criminals skim their information and then cash out their benefits. 

“Students should not have to go hungry if their families fall prey to scammers who install illegal skimming devices at the places where they buy groceries,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The MEALS Act is commonsense legislation that will prevent the theft of S-EBT benefits and restore those that are stolen. This legislation will help keep hungry kids fed when school is out during the summer.”

“It is unconscionable that any child should go hungry in the wealthiest nation on earth,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “As lawmakers, we have a moral and legislative duty to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food year-round, especially during the summer months, when free or reduced-price school meals are unavailable. The Summer EBT program is a proven tool for combating food insecurity, yet far too often, these essential benefits are stolen through no fault of the families who rely on them. This is unacceptable. We must create a clear and efficient process to replace skimmed Summer EBT benefits quickly and in their entirety so that no child suffers due to theft or bureaucratic failure.” 

This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, around 336,000 children received the grocery benefit to purchase nutritious meals during the summer break. 

The MEALS Act will:

1. Require the Secretary of Agriculture to
   1. Issue guidance to State agencies and covered Indian Tribal organizations (ITOs) in detecting and preventing theft of summer EBT benefits, and issue a rule for participating State agencies and ITOs to take appropriate security measures and implement procedures for the replacement of summer EBT benefits;
   2. Coordinate with the Office of Family Assistance at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to determine how summer EBT benefits are being stolen and establish measures to prevent summer EBT benefits from being stolen and establish standard reporting methods;
   3. Submit a report to Congress that includes the prevalence of summer EBT theft and measures establishes by the Secretary and AG;
   4. Replace stolen summer EBT benefits, and State agencies and covered ITOs to submit claims for replacement benefits that include a signed statement by the affected household, data reports on benefit theft, and planned use of benefit theft prevention measures;
2. Require GAO to submit a report to Congress that examines the risks related to summer EBT benefit payment system security and policy recommendations to improving the summer EBT payment system. 

A summary of the Meals Act can be found here, and the full text can be found here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

LEON Act is named for Rev. Leon Sullivan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON (June 4, 2025) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) issued this statement today: 

“I’m deeply concerned by recent violence at aid distribution centers in Gaza and continue to call for a negotiated ceasefire to end the violence in Gaza, including the immediate return of all hostages and the safe, immediate delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid. I’m co-sponsoring a new resolution calling on this administration to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza and to bring about the release of the hostages.

“And I continue to join with congressional colleagues in calling on this administration and the Israeli government to protect Palestinian lives; opposing the forcible transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza; and advocating for providing economic security in the West Bank as Palestinian unemployment rates continue to rise. Recently I signed on to a congressional letter to the Israeli ambassador expressing opposition to their blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, as well as a congressional letter to President Trump opposing his remarks about taking over Gaza.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

JOLIET – Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced the projects in the 14th District selected to be submitted for consideration for Community Project Funding in FY2026. 

If funded, the projects below will have extraordinary benefits for our community: ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water, strengthening rural access to health care, preventing workplace exploitation, helping residents get jobs, providing vulnerable populations access to necessities like emergency shelter and food, and supporting parent-students by providing affordable childcare options in northern Illinois. 

“Making sure that our community’s needs are reflected in federal funding has always been a top priority of mine in Washington,” said Underwood. “Our families will feel the enormous impact of these 15 projects every day. We’re making sure our drinking water is clean and safe across northern Illinois; strengthening access to quality health care in rural communities, providing parents affordable childcare options, and so much more. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring these federal dollars home.”

FY25 projects that were selected by Members of Congress last year were not included in the funding bill passed earlier this year, and nearly all FY25 projects in the 14^th District are being resubmitted for FY26.

Community Project Funding is an initiative that allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent, coupled with strict transparency and ethics requirements. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Underwood has certified that she and her immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects selected. Underwood’s certification forms for the projects listed are available here, listed in alphabetical order.

Below are descriptions of the projects submitted for consideration, in alphabetical order by project sponsor:

Project Title: Bentley Road Pathway Connection

Project Sponsor: Plainfield Park District

Amount Requested: $1,300,000

Address of Sponsor: 23729 W. Ottawa St., Plainfield, IL 60544

Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to develop 4 uninterrupted miles along the DuPage River into a pathway connecting parks, recreation areas, and small businesses in Will County.  The pathway will serve as a vital link between existing multi-use trails at Riverside Parkway, Sunset Park, and Hammel Woods along the DuPage River corridor. 

Project Title: Center for Parenting Students 

Project Sponsor: Waubonsee Community College

Amount Requested: $600,000

Address of Sponsor: Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Project Description and Justification: This funding would support the creation of a new Center for Parenting Students’ at Waubonsee Community College. The center will provide crucial support for student parents, helping them balance their academic pursuits with childcare. 

The Center will offer a welcoming environment with designated family-friendly consultation and meeting rooms. Additionally, lactation suites, changing rooms, and a dedicated feeding space will cater to the specific needs of parenting students. The Center will provide essential support services, access to books, toys, and tablets for children while their parents work on group projects or utilize computers and printers for academic work. 

Project Title: City of Lockport Environmental Infrastructure Program 

Project Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District 

Amount Requested: $1,368,950

Address of Sponsor: 231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604 

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding would be used for an environmental infrastructure project that will improve wastewater and stormwater management in the City of Lockport, Illinois. 

Local infrastructure needs addressed by this project include the Bruce Road & SOS Children Village Utility Improvement Project, as the project includes the installation of a new lift station to serve the SOS Children Village.

Project Title: Clean Water Project in Oglesby, IL

Project Sponsor: City of Oglesby

Amount Requested: $1,020,800

Address of Sponsor: 110 East Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will help replace 2,100 feet of water main lines currently impacted by lead and/or asbestos-cement within the City of Oglesby. The pipes pose significant risks to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and generate long-term cost savings for the community of Ogelsby.

Project Title: Education for Parents Project

Project Sponsor: Northern Illinois University 

Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Address of Sponsor: 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL 60115

Priority Project and Justification: This funding will be used to remodel and convert property at Northern Illinois University into a significantly larger child care center. The project will help the university hire new personnel and cover essential upgrades to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children; including roof, drainage, window, and flooring repairs, classroom painting, and a learning space renovation.  

Project Title: Expanding Hope and Reducing Hunger in La Salle, IL

Project Sponsor: Illinois Valley Food Pantry

Amount Requested: $750,000

Address of Sponsor: 122 Wright Street, LaSalle, IL 61354

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will help the food pantry expand their refrigeration and storage capacity, allowing them to serve more families in our community. Currently serving around 500 families monthly, the pantry is at capacity.  

Project Title: Grand Prairie Water Commission Infrastructure Construction for Northern Illinois

Project Sponsor: City of Joliet

Amount Requested: $5,000,000

Address of Sponsor: 150 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will build 7.5 miles of underground water transmission main to deliver finished drinking water from the Chicago Department of Water Management to communities in the southwest suburbs. 

The City of Joliet is part of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a group of six communities that will utilize Lake Michigan as an alternative water source. 

Project Title: Law Enforcement Collaboration to Prevent Workplace Crime in Will County, IL

Project Sponsor: Joliet Township 

Amount Requested: $339,346 

Address of Sponsor: 1220 Richards St., Suite A, Joliet, IL 60435

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will be used by Joliet Township  to hire one attorney and two project staff dedicated to collaborating with local organizations and law enforcement to address workplace exploitation across Will County and the surrounding area. The project will connect victims of workplace abuse and violence to victim services in northern Illinois communities.

Project Title: Lead-Free Water Project in Aurora, IL

Project Sponsor: City of Aurora

Amount Requested: $3,500,000

Address of Sponsor: 44 E. Downer Place, City of Aurora, IL 60507

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will be used to remove and replace all remaining lead water service lines within the City of Aurora, providing safe, potable water for the community. An estimated 120 lead service lines for homes, impacting nearly 400 residents, are expected to be replaced. The pipes pose significant risks to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and generate long-term cost savings for the community.   

Project Title: Lockport Township Emergency Shelter  

Project Sponsor: Lockport Township 

Amount Requested: $2,235,015

Address of Sponsor: 1463 Farrell Road, Lockport, Illinois, 60441

This funding will be used to support and protect the local economy in Fairmont, Lockport, and the surrounding communities in Will County by converting space within an existing building in Lockport, Illinois into a permanent emergency shelter and regional hub for first responder safety training. Specifically, this project would fund renovations that would enable the shelter to have a full-service generator, weather-resistant roof, reinforced windows and doors, modern HVAC, emergency radios, cot beds, and ADA-compliant accommodation for up to 205 evacuees and personnel.

Project Title: Reducing Recidivism and Supporting Reentry in Will County, IL

Project Sponsor: Will County Workforce Services Division—LWIA—10 

Amount Requested: $600,000

Address of Sponsor: 2400 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435 

Project Purpose and Justification: This project will provide work training services to justice impacted individuals, increasing public safety and reducing the recidivism rate in Will County, IL. The program will offer participants the option to participate in work-based training or education, or to receive work-based training that leads to full-time employment. Through this program, formerly incarcerated individuals will obtain skills that will help them find and secure meaningful employment.  

Project Title: Securing A Sustainable Water Source in Oswego, IL

Project Sponsor: Village of Oswego

Amount Requested: $2,640,000

Address of Sponsor: 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, IL 60543

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will support the construction of the three receiving stations, which are integral to the success of the Lake Michigan Water Source Project. The receiving stations will allow Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville to store and prepare more water from Lake Michigan. Each City requires one receiving station to prepare and store safe water, and to establish a proper connection with the lake.

The communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville will join the DuPage Water Commission, a group of 30 communities that utilize Lake Michigan as an alternative water source. 

Project Title: Senior Outreach and Care Project

Project Sponsor: White Oak Library District

Amount Requested: $3,250,000

Address of Sponsor: 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville, IL 60446

Project Description and Justification: This funding will be used for the construction of a new building for the Outreach Services Department at the Crest Hill Branch Library, allowing the library to reach more people in Will County. The funding will be used to construct a new building, hire two additional staff members to support the new location’s expanded services, and purchase three computer workstations and essential technology like chargers and keyboards.

Additionally, the funding will allow the library to purchase a Bookmobile to continue outreach efforts outside the library’s physical location as well as additional books for circulation.

Project Title: Shab-eh-nay Tribal Administration Buildings

Project Sponsor: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

Amount Requested: $1,360,914

Address of Sponsor: 16281 Q Road Mayetta, Kansas 66509

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will support the construction of governmental office space for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and their neighbors. The new building will allow the Nation to have a designated facility to conduct its government business, deepen their connections with the community, and provide services to residents.  

Project Title: Strengthening Rural Healthcare for Farmers and Families in Mendota, IL 

Project Sponsor: Community Health Partnership of Illinois

Amount Requested: $1,250,000

Address of Sponsor: 205 West Randolph Street, Suite 1340, Chicago, IL 60606

Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will expand the Mendota Health Center, transforming the 10,666-square-foot warehouse into an expanded space for medical, dental, and behavioral health services. 

The proposed health center will house 25 employees and serve over 6,000 individuals needing accessible, quality primary care services. The Mendota Health Center is a lifeline for the community, providing quality health care in Mendota and surrounding areas.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Harder chairs the bipartisan Build America Caucus focused on pro-growth policies

WASHINGTON – Today, following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling narrowing environmental reviews of infrastructure projects, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) released the following statement:

“We shouldn’t have to wait years to build common-sense projects like roads, bridges, and clean energy projects that make our communities better and more affordable. It’s clear the NEPA status quo is unnecessarily burdensome with current interpretations worlds apart from congressional intent. The best long-term fix is a bipartisan bill that makes it easier to build the projects we need quickly while respecting environmental concerns.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Above: Harder speaks with a Valley senior at the Lodi Memorial Park & Cemetery ceremony

LODI – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) joined active duty servicemembers, Valley veterans, and dozens of families to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Harder shared remarks about his personal connection to today’s events, the ongoing impact of fallen servicemembers’ sacrifices, and efforts to support past and present members of our armed forces.

California’s 9th Congressional District alone is home to nearly 30,000 veterans, and more than 160,000 active duty servicemembers call California their home. As a fifth-generation resident of the Valley whose grandfathers served in the armed forces, Harder is committed to ensuring servicemembers, veterans, and their families have the resources and support they have earned.

Harder was joined by representatives from local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, American Legion posts, and local elected officials. 

Above: Harder joins Valley veterans and State Sen. Jerry McNerney at the Park View Cemetery ceremony

Above: Harder at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium ceremony

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

BOLTON, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announces the Military Academy appointments for the Second Congressional District. 

Dylan Michael Wiley has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson.

Dylan successfully completed his studies at the Naval Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, Rhode Island, where he demonstrated academic excellence and dedication. Throughout his time at NAPS, he excelled in his coursework and made significant contributions to the school community. His positive outlook and unwavering commitment to his future at the Naval Academy reflect his strong aspirations to succeed and lead. Among his many accomplishments, Dylan represented his peers as a NAPS representative. Additionally, he held the role of Supplementary Student Assistant for Physics and served as the NAPS 2nd Company Guide-On. 

Dylan is the son of Nelson and Debra Wiley, Jr. of Raymond, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Naval Academy.

Nicholas McGlorthan, has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. 

Nicholas has successfully completed the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO. At the USFA Prep School, Nicholas further developed his leadership and academic skills. He served as a Character Officer, guiding fellow Cadets in upholding the honor code. He took part in land navigation exercises in the Colorado mountains, marched in parades, and completed college-level courses in trigonometry, chemistry, and writing. He also participated in an aviation course, which included hands-on flight experience. Hiking the Colorado mountains has become one of his favorite pastimes. Nicholas plans to major in Mechanical Engineering at the Air Force Academy and is exploring a future career in drone piloting.

He is the son of Sharron McGlorthan of Jackson, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Air Force Academy.

If you are interested in attending a Military Academy, you may contact Ms. Shander Gund, my academy representative at (662) 741-9003 or via e-mail at shander.gund@mail.house.gov.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Job Corps Caucus, led a letter signed by 199 members of Congress to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging her to continue the Job Corps program.

On May 29, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a notice that it will begin a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers across the country. Job Corps is a national program with over 120 centers across the country. Job Corps offers at-risk youth varied academic opportunities and career pathways in business and industry.

In their letter, they highlighted, “Nearly 20,000 young people utilize Job Corps to learn skills for in-demand vocational and technical job training. Job Corps is one of the few national programs that specifically targets the 16-24-year-old population that is neither working, nor in school, and provides them with a direct pathway into employment openings in industries such as manufacturing and shipbuilding. The program also connects these young Americans with apprenticeships, higher education opportunities, or the military.”

The members of Congress also noted, “As companies continue to onshore and invest in the men and women of our country, a steady stream of skilled laborers will be required to meet the growing workforce demand. The Job Corps program is uniquely positioned to fill that role and provide these hardworking young Americans with the vocational and technical job training that will set them and our country up for success.”

The Jun. 5 letter to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer can be viewed here.

###