MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

DECATUR, GA – “It’s always deeply disturbing to hear of a police officer dying in the line of duty. But the pain is magnified beyond measure when it happens right here at home to one of DeKalb County’s finest. I’ve had the privilege of being around these heroic first responders my entire career. The sacrifice and dedication they provide to keep us safe can never fully be repaid. Mereda and I express our deepest sympathies to the family of the fallen officer, his colleagues, and the entire Emory and CDC communities.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the Congressional Armenia Caucus, released the following statement today opposing any possible weapons transfers to Azerbaijan and called on Azerbaijan to release all Armenian POWs. 

“Azerbaijan must be held accountable for its aggression. While U.S. engagement and support for Armenia is critical, the U.S. must take a stronger stance to ensure that Armenia receives just and tangible security guarantees,” said Congressman Sherman. “The U.S. should – in no way – be lifting the Section 907 prohibition on U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan.”

“Azerbaijani troops continue to unlawfully hold Armenian POWs,” Sherman continued. “Every one of the Armenian POWs must be immediately and unconditionally released.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, bipartisan legislation to review the current state of stomach cancer in the United States and provide actionable recommendations to improve prevention, screening, and early detection.

     In 2025, an estimated 30,300 Americans will be diagnosed with stomach cancer and as many as 11,000 will die from the disease. With a five-year relative survival rate of just 36 percent, stomach cancer is among the deadliest cancers. When diagnosed at a late or distant stage, the five-year survival drops to just 7 percent. 

     Stomach cancer is often difficult to detect early because many symptoms, like indigestion, heartburn, and nausea, are mistaken for common gastric issues, and up to 80 percent of patients are asymptomatic in the early stages. Further, research shows that more than 70 percent of stomach cancers are caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which is more prevalent among military service members, veterans, rural residents, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Early detection and treatment of H. pylori dramatically reduces stomach cancer risk.

     While overall incidence has declined over the last century, the incidence of stomach cancer in younger people has been increasing steadily in recent years. 

     The Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act would: 

     Direct the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct a comprehensive review of stomach cancer, including current incidence and mortality rates, risk factors such as H. pylori, availability and effectiveness of screenings, and public and provider awareness.

     Require a report to Congress with recommendations to define high-risk populations, improve screening guidelines, and advance research, prevention, and treatment strategies.

     Direct the Department of Defense (DoD), in coordination with NCI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to study stomach cancer among service members and veterans and provide policy recommendations to integrate prevention and early detection into the Military and VA Health Systems.

     “Over my time in Congress I have fought for the inclusion of stomach cancer among those cancers eligible for research funding under the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program in the Department of Defense. I am grateful to support this bill to promote early detection and prevention of this horrible disease. It is time to eliminate stomach cancer,” said Congressman Wilson.

      “Stomach cancer is a devastating disease that too often goes undetected until it is too late. Its early symptoms are easy to dismiss, and by the time most patients are diagnosed, options are limited,” said Congresswoman Chu. “This cancer disproportionately impacts veterans, people in rural communities, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who face higher rates of infection, lower screening rates, and more late-stage diagnoses. In fact, AANHPIs experience roughly double the rate of stomach cancer compared to white Americans, and in some groups, such as Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese Americans, rates can be three to five times higher. By improving research, screening, and public awareness, the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act will help save lives, close gaps in care, and bring us closer to a future where no one has to suffer the pain of this preventable cancer.”

     This legislation is supported by Hope For Stomach Cancer & GC Disparities Institute, Debbie’s Dream Foundation, Sara Schottenstein Foundation, GI Cancers Alliance and Raymond Foundation, Project Periwinkle, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Gastric Cancer Prevention and Screening Program – Yale School of Medicine, National Minority Quality Forum, American College of Gastroenterology, Gastric Cancer Disparities Initiative, Stomach Cancer Task Force, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

     “We are grateful to Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman Joe Wilson for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act,” said Aki Smith, Founder and Executive Director, Hope for Stomach Cancer. “This bill represents real hope for families across the country impacted by this devastating disease—especially those in communities that have long faced disproportionate risks and outcomes. By supporting research, awareness, and early detection—and by launching a Department of Defense study to investigate military-related risk factors—this legislation brings us one step closer to saving lives and closing persistent gaps in care. We strongly urge Congress to pass this bill without delay.”

     “We strongly support the reintroduction of the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act and commend Representatives Judy Chu and Joe Wilson for their leadership on this urgent and often overlooked issue,” said Michael Ehren, Board President of Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF). “This bill is an important step toward greater awareness and improved outcomes for patients, families, and military communities. DDF is proud to support this effort and grateful for the commitment to making stomach cancer a national priority as we continue to push for robust research funding that will allow us to turn better data into effective treatments and future screening strategies.”

     “The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) applauds Congresswoman Judy Chu and Joe Wilson for introduction of the ‘Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act’ and for recognizing early endoscopy as a powerful tool in the detection and prevention of stomach cancer,” said ASGE President Amitabh Chak, MD, MASGE. “Beyond greater public awareness of stomach cancer, its signs and symptoms, understanding those most at risk for this deadly cancer can guide clinicians in their use of endoscopy that can prevent stomach cancer or catch it at a stage when treatment can still be effective.”

     “I strongly support the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act. This vital legislation addresses a long-overlooked cancer that disproportionately affects immigrants, veterans, and underserved communities,” said Dr. Chul S. Hyun, Director of the Gastric Cancer Prevention and Screening Program at Yale School of Medicine—the first program of its kind at a U.S. academic medical center.

     “We are grateful to Congresswoman Chu and Congressman Wilson for reintroducing the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, which would fund vital research and help develop actionable screening guidelines for physicians like me,” said Amy S. Oxentenko, MD, FACG, President of the American College of Gastroenterology. “Gastroenterologists know firsthand the importance of detecting cancer early, but too often, this doesn’t happen for patients with stomach cancer. To change this tragic reality, we need to fully understand which of our patients, including our military servicemembers, are most at risk – and that’s exactly what this bill seeks to achieve. ACG members across the country urge Congress to pass this critical legislation.”

     “Stomach cancer research, prevention and screening falls woefully short and there is a critical need to educate about risk factors and early detection to improve patient outcomes in the United States,” said Larry Kim, MD, AGAF, AGA President. “The Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act is the first step to address these gaps and lead to improvements for the future of public health. The American Gastroenterological Association thanks Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) for their leadership in addressing the rising rates of stomach cancer and supports this legislation that will help make a difference against this disease.”

     A full copy of the bill is available here. 

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

Miami, Florida – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, attended the City of Miami Springs and the City of Hialeah’s Senior Centers to discuss the economic wins and historic tax relief for seniors that are included in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation.

“The City of Miami Springs and the City of Hialeah Senior Centers carry out exceptional work supporting our seniors and enhancing the quality of life in the community. I thank the local leaders for their crucial work in making these events available and accessible to residents.

“One of the things I most enjoyed while attending each event was sharing how the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ – now law – delivers real relief, protecting the average taxpayer in Florida’s 26th district from a 24% tax hike. Among its many wins, it includes a $6,000 bonus tax exemption for low- and middle-income seniors. That means lower taxes and more money in your pocket.

“I’m proud to have supported the passage of the America First ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ which brings concrete wins to the community by lowering taxes for working families and seniors. I look forward to continuing to deliver real results for South Florida.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It is a relief to share that Austin Robert Drummond, the suspect in the tragic quadruple homicide in Lake County, has been apprehended. 

I want to thank the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for their efforts in bringing this manhunt to an end. I am also grateful to the many state and local law enforcement agencies who devoted their time and resources to this search — including the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jackson Police Department. 

West Tennessee is fortunate to have federal, state, and local law enforcement agency coordination. An all-of-the-above approach to fighting crime is instrumental in making our communities a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. 

Roberta and I continue to keep the victims and their families in our thoughts. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, led a bipartisan group of 40 lawmakers in calling on the U.S. Department of State to reject Turkey’s attempts to rejoin the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Turkey was removed from the program by the Trump Administration in 2019 and is currently subject to sanctions under the Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) because of the Erdogan government’s decision to purchase Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system in direct violation of U.S. law. 

Underscoring the danger of readmitting Turkey to the F-35 program while in possession of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, the lawmakers wrote, “Lifting sanctions or allowing Turkey back into the F-35 program without first removing its S-400s would jeopardize the integrity of F-35 systems; expose U.S. military secrets to Russian intelligence; undermine our defense industrial base and allied confidence in purchasing future U.S. platforms; and disrupt development of the next-generation fighter jet recently announced by the Administration.”

They stressed the bipartisan, bicameral support for Turkey’s removal from the program and continued sanctions: “This is not a partisan issue. Congress has consistently supported CAATSA sanctions and Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program across multiple administrations and with bipartisan support. We urge the Administration to uphold U.S. law, maintain CAATSA sanctions, and protect American defense and intelligence assets. We must continue to hold allies and adversaries alike accountable when their actions threaten U.S. interests.”

“We stand firmly in support of our servicemembers, our defense industrial base, and preserving United States leadership in global aerospace and defense capabilities, and we urge you to do the same,” they concluded.

The full text of the letter can be found here. 

The letter is supported by AHEPA, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), American Jewish Committee (AJC), American Friends of Kurdistan, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, CUFI Action Fund, FDD Action, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), Middle East Forum (MEF), and PSEKA – International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus.

Background: 

The Trump Administration removed Turkey from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2019. In recent months, it has been reported that the Trump Administration is actively discussing Turkey’s readmission to the program with President Erdogan.

Bilirakis and Pappas have led bipartisan efforts under both the Trump and Biden administrations to stop the sale of fighter jets to Turkey in response to Turkey’s continued violation of U.S. law, unprovoked aggression against key U.S. allies, and destabilizing actions throughout the region. Following repeated calls on the State Department to block the sale of fighter jets to Turkey, Pappas secured passage of a bipartisan amendment in the House FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have prohibited the sale of F-16s to Turkey. 

In response to the Biden Administration’s notification to Congress of plans to proceed with the sale of F-16s to Turkey, Pappas again led multiple efforts opposing the proposed sale and advocating for conditions if any such sale proceeded.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Congressman Gus Bilirakis released the statement below:  

“Earlier today, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a historic peace agreement, formally bringing an end to decades of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “This landmark accord—brokered by President Trump in coordination with international mediators—includes mutual recognition of national borders, the reopening of vital transportation corridors, and commitments to enhanced regional cooperation. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I commend this significant achievement as a critical step toward enduring peace and stability in the South Caucasus.”

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

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) hosted a press conference at Rocky Nook Park to reintroduce the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which would designate approximately 250,000 acres of public land in the Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument as wilderness, the highest form of federal protection available. A wilderness designation would protect the land from future oil or gas drilling. 

“From the rugged trails of the Los Padres National Forest to the sweeping Carrizo Plain, the Central Coast is home to some of the most pristine public lands in the country,” said Rep. Carbajal. “With my Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, we’ll take bold steps to ensure these landscapes are safeguarded so that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty that defines our region.”

“CalWild was thrilled to celebrate Representative Carbajal’s reintroduction of his Central Coast Heritage Protection Act today.  In addition to protecting important ecological, cultural, recreational and other values in the Central Coast region, this bill sends a strong message that we all love our national public lands and want them to remain accessible to all of us.  We applaud Representative Carbajal’s leadership and ever enduring commitment to see these lands and waters managed in a way that ensures they will remain the same for many generations to visit and enjoy,” Linda Castro, Assistant Policy Director, CalWild.

“The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act would permanently protect some of the most biodiverse areas in Los Padres National Forest and across the Carrizo Plain National Monument. We thank Congressman Carbajal for his relentless efforts in championing this legislation, especially at a time when threats to our nation’s public lands have never been greater,” Bryant Baker, MS, Director of Conservation & Research.

“I know we will succeed thanks to Representative Carbajal’s tenacity and leadership,” Jonathan Ullman, Director of the Sierra Club: Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter.

The bill is supported by nearly 500 Central Coast landowners, businesses, elected officials, farmers, ranchers, civic leaders, wineries, recreationalists, and outfitters. The public lands this bill would protect are home to a wide array of plant and animal life, and the bill will help sustain the ecological future of 468 species of wildlife and more than 1,200 plant species.

Carbajal’s bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives five times over his tenure in Congress, but has stalled in the U.S. Senate in previous terms.

In 2023, the legislation was advanced to the Senate floor as part of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (CA) public lands package to restore and expand protection for over 1 million acres of federal public land.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, multiple grants for research. The awards include:

• $567,977 for brain imaging research related to parent-infant interaction
• $832,818 for research project exploring expanded safe water access to improve health outcomes in Appalachia
• $442,750 for pharmacology, physiology, and biological chemistry research related to enzymes and molecular biology

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“This is great news for Virginia Tech, which continues to be a dynamic leader in the country for medical and scientific research.

“These HHS grants for more than $1.8 million help Virginia Tech make even greater research contributions to related scientific fields.”

BACKGROUND

This week, Congressman Griffith visited the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia. The Institute is responsible for more than 40 faculty-led research teams. Congressman Griffith spoke with Institute leadership and met with different research leaders to learn more about their progress.

In July, Congressman Griffith announced separate HHS grants to Virginia Tech for cancer research.

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