MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting Medicaid preservation for American Samoa in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which is the name of a budget reconciliation act in Congress, developed by the House Ways and Means Committee, and passed this week by the House. Overall, the bill will renew the 2017 tax cuts, preventing an automatic tax increase for federal taxpayers at the end of this fiscal year when it would expire, if no action was taken. 

Importantly for American Samoa, the bill preserves the federal matching rate for Medicaid, FMAP, which was improved in fiscal year 2020 to 83 percent federal and 17 territory match as a standard rate. While a new work requirement was added to Medicaid in the states, the territories are exempt from that.

Highlights of the bill for U.S. taxpayers include an increase in the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,500 per child, saving household money for families. In other key changes in the bill, there would be no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime for workers paid hourly, no taxes on auto-loan interest for American-made cars, and tax relief for seniors through an increase in the amount they can deduct. 

“Our Medicaid is our main priority for this bill, and I’m happy to say those most important policies were preserved for us,” said Congresswoman Amata. “This is a major bill for U.S. taxpayers designed to spur economic growth nationally and keep more money in the pockets of families, seniors, and small businesses. Getting the U.S. economy surging is a necessary step in generating the federal revenue that we depend on for necessary services, as well as securing the future and fiscal health of the country.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring Memorial Day 2025, and the memories of all the U.S. Service Members who gave their lives in service of the country, with the following statement:

See more pictures here

“On Memorial Day, we are forever grateful to those Service Members who sacrificed all in the cause of freedom. As patriots, they answered our country’s urgent call to serve, and gave their lives, never to return to their families. 

“As Vice Chairman of the Veterans’ Committee, I’ve toured battlefields and national cemeteries, the last resting place in honor for America’s Service Members all over the world, including North Africa, France, England, the Philippines, and the national cemetery in Honolulu and Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day is our special remembrance of these heroes that served a greater cause.

“American Samoa and our Toa o Samoa have done their part, serving with honor and dedication, and some of them have given their lives, including Iraq and Afghanistan in the years since September 11, 2001. We cherish their honored memories and think of these military families, for whom Memorial Day is a very personal remembrance. On behalf of our many hundreds now serving, we pray for peace, and are grateful for the blessings of freedom that our Armed Forces have secured for us through the years.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, DC – The staff of the D.C. office of Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata enjoyed the opportunity to host American Samoa’s Close Up student delegation on Wednesday for a home-cooked luncheon at the congressional office, and a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol, while Congresswoman Amata is in American Samoa for ASCC and high school graduations. 

The students are in Washington, D.C. with the Close Up Foundation civic program as part of the program’s yearly extended visit to the nation’s capital area historical and educational sites.

“Speaking for my staff, we always love to see our students for their day at the Capitol during their trip to Washington, D.C.,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I’m happy to be supportive of this great program for our youth, which makes an investment in our leaders of tomorrow. I know the students always enjoy themselves and the time with friends, but more importantly, they absorb a lot of important history and learning. Thank you to everyone helping with Close Up in American Samoa or in the national program.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, the House Natural Resources (HNR) Committee’s Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries examined an ocean monitoring bill that Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is co-leading in a group of six bipartisan House Members. The hearing is a necessary step before the Committee schedules a vote on the bill that supports coastal communities. 

“American Samoa, and every ocean community, depends on ocean observations for critical data that can save lives, lead to better maritime and economic decisions, environmental health, tsunami response, and support for fisheries, jobs, and U.S. efforts in this field of scientific research,” said Congresswoman Amata. “This reauthorization also modernizes IOOS for ongoing accuracy and improvement in ocean monitoring and equipment.”

Recently sponsored by Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), with Congresswoman Aumua Amata (American Samoa) and other original cosponsors at introduction Reps. Bonamici (D-OR-01), Weber (R-TX-14), Dingell (R-MI-06), and David (D-IL-07), H.R. 2294 will reauthorize the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for the next five fiscal years, maintaining its authorized funding level at $56 million annually. 

The bill, which continues to attract more cosponsors since introduction, and has the key support of HNR Chairman Bruce Westerman, ensures continued support for critical ocean monitoring efforts that benefit coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime industries.

An expert witness in oceanography, Dr. Stephan Howden, testified at length in favor of the bill. He is professor in the Marine Science Department of the University of Southern Mississippi, and Director of the Hydrographic Science Research Center, along with various leadership roles in the Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) since 2005. 

“IOOS is one of the most cost-effective, impactful federal programs supporting our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. It’s a cross-sector, bipartisan success story. And reauthorizing it is not just smart policy—it’s essential for public safety, national defense, economic growth, and resilience,” said Dr. Howden, continuing, “IOOS is not just about science and data. It’s about safety, sovereignty, and smart governance. Reauthorizing this critical law is a win for our nation.”

The IOOS Reauthorization Act of 2025 upgrades the program’s effectiveness in the following ways:

• Clarifying the type of data IOOS provides as operational oceanographic information;
• Updating statutory references to reflect current law by replacing the National Ocean Research Leadership Council with the Ocean Policy Committee;
• Enhancing the role of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to ensure IOOS is used to its full capacity as an integrated system.

“In American Samoa, we have a buoy gathering this kind of ocean information named in memory of longtime Port Director Chris King, and contributing to the data from all over the world,” concluded Congresswoman Amata.

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

JOLIET – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced Voices of the People: A Community Conversation in Joliet, Illinois on May 31^st.

Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10), the first Gen Z Member of Congress, will join Underwood and community leaders from across northern Illinois for a conversation on how constituents can stay informed, be engaged, and feel empowered to support our communities and protect our values.

Underwood and Frost will provide updates on their work in D.C. and the conversation will be moderated by Emmy-nominated producer, author, and community leader, Ernest Crim III. Additionally, several organizations will table the event to provide community resources and support.

Constituents interested in attending the event can RSVP at the link here.

WHO:  Congresswoman Lauren Underwood

Congressman Maxwell Frost

Northern Illinois Community Organizations

WHAT: Voices of the People: A Community Conversation

WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 11:00 AM CT – 1:30 PM CT

WHERE: Joliet, Illinois (Address to follow)

Outlets and content creators interested in covering the event must RSVP.

Contact Justin Kidd: Justin.Kidd@mail.house.gov

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

WASHINGTON—The Congressional Jewish Caucus issued the below statement in response to the shooting that took place at the Capital Jewish Museum killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, employees of the Israel Embassy. The Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Jerry Nadler (NY-12). Members include Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Greg Landsman (OH-1), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Mike Levin (CA-49), Kim Schrier (WA-8), Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Seth Magaziner (RI-2), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Laura Friedman (CA-30), and Eugene Vindman (VA-7). 

“The Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus are shocked and horrified by the brutal murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, employees of the Israeli embassy gunned down by an antisemitic assailant in front of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. The young couple planned to be engaged soon in Israel. 

“Yaron and Sarah were leaving the American Jewish Committee’s Young Diplomats Reception, hosted by the AJC’s Young Professional Board, when they were killed. Their murders, in the midst of Jewish American Heritage Month, is an outrage. While the investigation is ongoing, we must be clear: the targeting of any Jewish gathering is antisemitism and the violence perpetrated on Wednesday night was a hate crime and an act of terrorism.

“The members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity to the families of the victims, their friends and colleagues at the Israeli Embassy, and everyone else traumatized by this savage attack in the Capital of the United States at a site cherished by the Jewish community. 

“We must not accept or normalize antisemitic hate — history teaches us that antisemitic words lead to antisemitic violence. We will redouble our efforts to oppose antisemitism, hate crimes, and violence in response to this horror, and, now more than ever, we urge our friends and colleagues to do the same. 

“May the memories of this beautiful young couple be forever a blessing to their families and friends.”

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) led lawmakers today in introducing a measure that would designate May as Sex Ed for All Month. The Resolution calls for bolstering an effective initiative that provides young people with comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive sexual health information, as well as access to sexual and reproductive health care services, empowering them to make healthy decisions for themselves and promoting healthy lifelong attitudes toward sex, health, and reproductive rights.

“In a time when the Trump administration is threatening our reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, this Resolution expresses support for protecting young people’s access to comprehensive, culturally responsive, and equitable sex education,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “I’m proud that Washington state is a leader in providing accurate and inclusive sexual health education to all students, and this Resolution supports ensuring that young people across the country have access to the same resources. Sexual and reproductive health is an issue of social justice, and the May as Sex Ed for All Month Resolution sets forth a vision for a future in which young people have the information and care they need to make healthy decisions for themselves while we decrease the rate of sexually transmitted infections.”

Sex education that includes information beyond abstinence has been found to delay sexual activity, increase contraceptive use, and decrease physical aggression between intimate partners. Young people who receive sex education are 50 percent less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy and 31 percent less likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection. 

The Resolution calls on public officials at all levels of government to advocate for sex education legislation and recommends the implementation of sex education in schools. Specifically, the resolution prioritizes sex education programs that are comprehensive and evidence-based, medically accurate, age-appropriate, equitable, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed. The resolution discourages programs that withhold health-promoting information about sexuality-related topics, promote gender or racial stereotypes, or are unresponsive to gender or racial inequities, fail to address the needs of sexually active young people, and fail to be inclusive of individuals with varying gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations.                                                                                       

Today’s resolution is co-sponsored by Alma Adams (NC-12), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-13) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02). 

The resolution is also endorsed by Advocates for Youth, AIDS Foundation Chicago, AIDS United, Alabama Campaign for Adolescent Sexual Health, All* Above All, American College of Nurse-Midwives, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Reproductive Rights, EducateUS, Equality California, Equality Illinois, Equality New Mexico, Guttmacher Institute, Health Connected, Healthy Teen Network, Ibis Reproductive Health, If/When/How, More Than Sex-Ed, a project of Community Partners, National Center for Youth Law, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Organization for Women, National Women’s Law Center, National Working Positive Coalition, NE FL Diversity Caucus, Nevada County Citizens for Choice, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, Nicole Clark Consulting, LLC, PFLAG Tulare Kings Counties, Phenix Health, Physicians for Reproductive Health, PITA MERAH, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Population Institute, Pride Action Tank, PWN-USA Ohio, Religious Community for Reproductive Choice, Reproaction, Reproductive Freedom for All, Rural AIDS Action Network, Secular Student Alliance, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Silver State Equality, SiX Action, Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, The AIDS Institute, The Center for HIV Law and Policy, U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus, UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Underprivileged Welfare Support Development Association, Union for Reform Judaism, Women of Reform Judaism, Women’s Foundation of Florida, and Woodhull Action Fund.

Issues: Arts & Education

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Statement on Passage of H.R. 1

This morning, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation delivers on the mandate given to President Trump and the Republican Party by the American people last November. Included in the bill are provisions to avoid a 25% tax increase on Michigan families, empower U.S. Border Patrol and ICE to secure the southern border, and ensure tax dollars are spent wisely by cutting wasteful spending, while protecting programs like Medicaid for vulnerable populations who rely on it.

Congressman Moolenaar’s NO GOTION Policy was also included in the legislation passed today, which prohibits  companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party from qualifying for green energy production tax credits.

“The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act is a major win for families in Michigan’s Second Congressional District. This bill delivers on our promises to the American people to prevent a tax hike that would cost them thousands, and puts an end to the crisis at the southern border. It also addresses wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars, by establishing commonsense policies to protect programs like Medicaid for the Michigan residents who rely on it,” said Moolenaar. “I am also grateful my NO GOTION policy was included in this critical legislation. The tax dollars of hard-working Michigan families should not fund companies like Gotion, which are beholden to the Chinese Communist Party. I will continue my work to support Michiganders and get our nation back on the right track.”

Moolenaar’s NO GOTION policy would prohibit foreign entities of concern from claiming green energy production tax credits implemented by the Biden administration in the “Inflation Reduction Act.” Gotion is a “wholly owned and controlled” subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech, a Chinese-based battery company. In an amended Foreign Agents Registration Act filing, Gotion admitted it is subsidized by the Chinese government.

The budget reconciliation bill protects Medicaid for the people who rely on it. Currently, 4.8 million able-bodied Americans are covered by Medicaid – who are choosing not to work, as well as 1.4 million illegal immigrants receiving this taxpayer funded program. H.R. 1 addresses this issue, removing Medicaid coverage from people who are in our country illegally and requiring able-bodied individuals to return to work so Medicaid can continue to serve the vulnerable populations it was intended for. 

H.R. 1 extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanently, avoiding a 25% tax hike on Michigan families, saving an average of over $1,300 every year. It also provides additional tax relief for middle-class families, ending federal income tax on tipped wages, overtime pay, and interest on loans for American-made cars. 

Under the previous administration, more than 10 million people came into our country illegally, averaging nearly 160,000 border patrol encounters per month. Under the Trump administration, border patrol is reporting over a 90% drop, with just 8,383 illegal crossings last month. H.R, 1 builds on this success by providing funding to US. Border Patrol for hiring, technology to detect fentanyl, and the completion of the border wall. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Helps Secure Funding for Pentwater Dredging from Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced that it has allocated $2.2 million for operations and maintenance of the Pentwater Harbor in its Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan. Congressman John Moolenaar has strongly advocated for the project.

“The Army Corps of Engineers FY25 Work Plan is wonderful news for our state, especially the communities like Pentwater on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Pentwater Harbor is a vital asset to the community, providing reliable access to Lake Michigan for thousands of residents and visitors. This crucial funding will help ensure the Pentwater channel is properly maintained to allow for continued access to the Pentwater Harbor. I will continue my work to advocate for communities across Michigan’s Second Congressional District to receive vital funding,” said Congressman Moolenaar.  

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman John Moolenaar for his strong advocacy on behalf of Pentwater Harbor in Washington, D.C. that helped secure this funding and brought to light the importance of recreational harbors. We would also like to thank Senator John Bumstead and Representative Curt VanderWall, for their continued support and leadership at the state level,” said Pentwater Village Manager, Rachel Witherspoon. “We also want to thank the Pentwater community for their unwavering dedication to the harbor. Your commitment, engagement, and persistent efforts to raise awareness about the importance of recreational harbors like ours have made a significant impact and helped bring national attention to our needs.” 

Witherspoon continued, “The USACE has long been a valued partner to the Village of Pentwater, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as we move forward with this project in the coming months. Together, and with this investment, we will work toward ensuring that Pentwater Harbor remains a vital and vibrant part of our community for generations to come.” 

“We are thankful for and appreciative of Representative Moolenaar’s advocacy for the livelihood of the Pentwater Harbor. We provide world-class recreational opportunities for tens of thousands of locals and visitors each year to experience a classic “Pure Michigan” getaway. The health and viability of our channel is critical to our entire community. Rep. Moolenaar’s recognition of our needs demonstrates his understanding of this vital resource to our quintessential Lake Michigan community. We are so thankful for this support,” said Mary Marshall, Pentwater Village Council President. 

Currently, the Pentwater channel is at dangerously low water levels, risking damage to vessels attempting to navigating it which limits current access to the Pentwater Harbor. The dredging project would prevent a closure of the channel.  

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

Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement on the Trump administration’s attacks on academic freedom and access to education:

“The Trump administration is attacking colleges and universities to exact political revenge. These tactics will fail, and I stand with Harvard and all educational institutions against the President’s unlawful attempts to bully his opponents into silence.

“The Administration should be investing in research and young people to keep the U.S. globally innovative and competitive. Instead, it is slashing funding that supports cutting-edge science, hard-working students and local jobs.

“In Northwest Washington, funding cuts have jeopardized climate resiliency research at the University of Washington and Mars sample testing at Western Washington University. Funding cuts are also threatening the Federal TRIO Programs and Pell Grants, which have a proven track record of helping low-income and first-generation students succeed.

“I will continue to fight against the Trump administration’s budget cuts, and to fight for academic freedom, college affordability, and keeping the U.S. globally innovative and competitive.”

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