MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon and Cuellar Introduce Bipartisan Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) 

Offers Real Solutions to Terrorism and Mass Shootings

Washington – Recently, Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) introduced H.R.2243, The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act (LEOSA). The bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act will improve public safety by allowing qualified law enforcement officers who have committed themselves to our communities the opportunity to continue doing so by extending their concealed carry privileges. The legislation removes existing prohibitions and will allow trained professionals to respond quickly to emergencies, should they happen to be in public places such as shopping malls, school zones, mass transit, etc. During the 118th Congress, the LEOSA Reform Act was passed by the House of Representatives in a 221-185 vote. 

“The bipartisan LEOSA Reform Act offers real solutions to address threats such as terrorism and mass shootings by ensuring that our retired and off-duty law enforcement officers can exercise their right to concealed carry – no matter where they live or visit,” said Rep. Bacon. “These measured changes will make existing law stronger and more workable for those who seek its benefits while maintaining the rigorous standards that currently apply. I want to thank Rep. Henry Cuellar for his support of this important legislation.”

“Many of our retired law enforcement officers are ready to continue serving our community but are unable to due to current law,” said Rep. Cuellar. “This bipartisan legislation will fix the issues that our nation’s off-duty officers and retired cops face while concealed carrying. I remain steadfast in my support for the men and woman who put their lives on the line every day to protect our homes, neighborhoods, businesses and communities.”

Locally, the sheriffs of the three counties for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District and other law enforcement agencies support the legislation: Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London, Saunders County Sheriff Chris Lichtenberg, Omaha Police Association President Patrick Dempsey, and Nebraska State FOP President Anthony Connor.

The bill also was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), The Air Marshal Association, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA), International Union of Police Associations, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, and Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) invites high school students across Nebraska’s Third District to submit their artwork for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition by Monday, April 7th. 

Smith is working with the Nebraska Art Teachers Association to coordinate the competition. Official rules, guidelines, and submission forms are available on Congressman Smith’s website: adriansmith.house.gov/services/art-competition.

First-place artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning entries from across the country, and Smith will display the runners-up in his Washington, D.C., and Third District offices. 

The Congressional Institute annually sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. 

For additional information, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900. 
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) submitted its 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) to Congress. The NTE is an annual report detailing foreign trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters and USTR’s efforts to reduce those barriers. 

“This annual report is a critical tool to identify tariff and non-tariff barriers to American products in the global marketplace, clearly indicating where we need increased engagement with our partners. Whether it related to market access for agriculture, manufacturing, intellectual property, digital regulations, or investor protections, the previous administration did next to nothing to address such unfair trade practices. By contrast, the current administration is more than willing to engage with our partners on trade. As they work to level the playing field, I urge President Trump and Ambassador Greer to promote market access for our hardworking producers through comprehensive, enforceable trade agreements which elevate certainty in the marketplace and rules-based economic security.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led a group of 33 House Democrats in pressing Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for answers after the sudden shutdown of five regional Head Start Offices. The closures come on the heels of a major agency reorganization and reduction in force that led to 10,000 layoffs on Monday.
 
In the letter, the lawmakers raise concerns about the lack of warning or transition plan and the potential impact on children and families who rely on the program.
 
“The abrupt closures—without a clearly communicated transition plan—puts services and education for our nation’s most vulnerable children and families at risk,” the lawmakers wrote.
 
Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education, health care, and family services at no cost to low-income children across the country.
 
The letter stresses the essential role regional offices play in helping local Head Start centers access federal support and navigate complex regulations and that the closures will jeopardize vital services.
 
“Removing these support structures without an alternative plan or clear communication on the impact jeopardizes the reliability and quality of services that so many families depend on,” the lawmakers continued.
 
The group is asking Secretary Kennedy to respond by April 7 with answers to the following:
 

1. What criteria were used to decide which regional offices to close?
2. When were staff informed that their offices would be shutting down?
3. What is the Department’s plan to support Head Start providers in the wake of these closures, and how will that be communicated to states and local communities?

 
“All children deserve quality education and services to support their early development during the most crucial years of childhood,” the lawmakers wrote. “An investment in Head Start and the regional offices that support them should remain a top priority.”
 
For a full copy of the letter, click here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

NEW YORK–Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter calling on city agencies to work together to develop a coordinated response to illegal street racing and large-scale car meetups in Ozone Park. 

“These gatherings have grown in scale and intensity, posing risks to pedestrians, residents, and first responders alike,” Velázquez wrote. “It is critical that we take steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities.”

In the letter, Velázquez requests that the New York City Police Department and the Department of Transportation work together to identify proactive strategies to address the issue before it escalates and take into the unique needs of the impacted neighborhoods into account. 

The letter calls for a strategy that includes targeted enforcement, improved traffic management, and community engagement.

Velázquez also pointed to federal resources through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that may assist in making long-term street safety improvements in New York City. 

“The BIL awarded New York State over $29 billion including federal funds for transportation and roadway safety projects,” wrote Velázquez. “It is essential for the city to pursue this funding to execute these lifesaving improvements.”

For a full copy of the letter, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman sends letter to Secretary Kristi Noem urging release of millions of dollars held back from pantries in the borough and throughout NYC

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06) and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) announced that they reintroduced the Fair Access to Co-Ops for Veterans Act (H.R.1803), a bipartisan bill to make it easier for veterans in Queens and across the nation to purchase co-ops. 

The legislation would expand the Veterans Home Loan Guarantee program to include co-ops, allowing the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to guarantee co-op loans taken out by veterans. The bill would also direct the VA to advertise this co-op program to eligible veterans, participating lenders, and interested realtors.

Full Testimony: https://youtu.be/tBZXcheSJbk

The bill was originally introduced last year by Reps. Meng and Malliotakis. Meng recently testified in support of the bill before the House Veteran Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

“The VA Home Loan Program has been a transformative benefit for service members for over 80 years. This program can’t be fully enjoyed by New Yorkers who served in our armed forces,” Meng said during the hearing on Capitol Hill. “In New York City, about two out of three apartment buildings are co-ops.  And if you have seen New York, you know, that is a lot of co-ops.  Co-ops, on average are more affordable in New York than condos or homes.  They offer a realistic way for working-class New Yorkers to own their place and build equity…Currently, a veteran or servicemember can use their VA home loan to purchase a condo, a townhome, a mobile home, or a manufactured home, but not a co-op.  It is our job to serve those who serve us. So, let’s serve them by increasing the accessibility of homeownership to more veterans.  Let’s expand the American dream that the VA Home Loan Program helped define over 80 years ago. Let’s give veterans and servicemembers access to co-ops.”

“With co-ops making up about a quarter of New York City’s housing market, it’s essential that our veterans—who have given so much for our country—have access to these homes,”said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “I’m proud to partner with Rep. Meng on this bipartisan effort to include co-ops in VA home loan eligibility, helping to expand home ownership opportunities and support veterans in their transition to civilian life.”

Last year, a recently married servicemember in the New York Army National Guard reached out to Meng’s office asking why he could not use a major benefit like the VA Home Loan on New York’s most affordable housing option.  His story reflects the challenges that roughly 200,000 veterans that call New York home and countless other veterans in towns and cities across the country experience where co-ops are present, like Palm Beach, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

“The VFW supports the Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025 to extend the VA Home Loan Guaranty program to veterans seeking to purchase residential cooperative housing units (co-ops).,” said Kristina Keenan, Legislative Director, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). “Veterans who live in cities where co-ops are prevalent are disproportionately affected. In New York City, for example, co-ops comprise almost two-thirds of all multi-family housing, for which veterans cannot use VA home loans. Veteran home ownership in New York City is also significantly lower than the rest of the country. Other cities where co-ops are prevalent are Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Expanding the VA home loan program to co-ops would provide more veterans with long-term housing stability.” 

“The courageous men and women who have served in our nation’s military deserve access to affordable housing,” said Warren Schreiber, Co-President of the Presidents Co-op and Condo Council, and President of the Queens Civic Congress. “Rep. Meng’s Fair Access to Co-Ops for Veterans Act enables these veterans to achieve affordable housing and homeownership. The co-op community is eager to welcome our veterans.”

In 2006, Congress passed a bill creating a five-year pilot program allowing veterans to purchase cooperative housing. Prior to this legislation, the VA Home Loans program could not be used for co-ops. However, the pilot program expired in 2011 and has not been renewed since.

The Veterans Home Loan Guarantee program helps Veterans, Servicemembers, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. Through the program, loans are provided by private lenders with the VA guaranteeing up to 50 percent, allowing the lender to offer more favorable terms.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), along with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Zach Nunn (R-IA), announced the introduction of their bipartisan, bicameral Hot Foods Act, which would permit the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to cover hot food purchases. 

Currently, SNAP contains an outdated provision that limits purchases to food that needs to be prepared at home before it is consumed or specifically cold prepared foods. The Hot Foods Act would remove this prohibition and allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy hot foods like prepared rotisserie chickens, hot sandwiches, soups and more.

 “Millions of American families rely on SNAP daily to put food on the table. It simply doesn’t make sense to restrict them from using their benefits to buy hot meals while allowing them to buy the exact same type of meal cold or frozen,” said Rep. Meng. “The Hot Foods Act removes this dated rule preventing people from purchasing hot foods with SNAP, giving flexibility to working parents, people with disabilities, and the many hard-working Americans who need to put food on the table every day. I am proud to work across the aisle to make this commonsense change.”

 “SNAP is one of the most effective tools for reducing food insecurity and combating poverty. It’s past time that Congress cuts unnecessary red tape in the program that prevents Americans from using their SNAP benefits to buy prepared and hot foods to feed their families,” said Senator Bennet. “This bill will make it easier for working families, single parents, people with disabilities, and seniors to put nutritious food on the table.”

Of the more than 42 million SNAP participants, including 2.8 million New Yorkers, nearly 70 percent of them are children, elderly, or those with disabilities. The ability to purchase hot and ready-to-eat foods would provide much-needed flexibility to those who rely on this program to supplement their nutrition and dietary needs.

“Millions of Americans rely on SNAP to help put healthy, nutritious food on the table — and they deserve the flexibility to use those benefits in ways that reflect real-life needs. For workers and families constantly on-the-go, prepared hot foods are often the most practical and accessible option. The Hot Foods Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that expands food choice, respects individual circumstances, and strengthens the impact of SNAP for those facing food insecurity every day. I’m proud to work across the aisle to deliver this long-overdue reform,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Right now, a person receiving SNAP benefits cannot purchase hot foods, meaning if you are unhoused, living at a shelter, do not have adequate cooking faculties, or just don’t have time because of a nontraditional work schedule, then your benefits are no good to you for making healthy food choices like hot soup or a rotisserie chicken,” said Rep. Hayes. “SNAP should reflect modern grocery options instead of creating unnecessary barriers for recipients.”

“A working mom trying to put food on the table for her kids can use SNAP to buy a cold sandwich—but not a hot bowl of soup or a rotisserie chicken. That just doesn’t make sense,” said Rep. Garbarino. “Outdated restrictions like this ignore the reality many families face. The Hot Foods Act is a commonsense reform that would give families more flexibility to purchase nutritious, ready-to-eat meals. I’m proud to co-lead this effort to ensure children have access to the healthy, hot meals they need.”

“No family should have to choose between hunger and dignity,” said Rep. Nunn. “Iowans deserve the flexibility to use their nutrition benefits on warm, ready-to-eat meals that make life a little easier – especially for working parents.”

“SNAP participants may purchase items like chicken, but not hot items such as rotisserie chicken. This doesn’t make sense and also creates challenges for those who lack access to a kitchen or have difficulty preparing their own meals, including older adults, people living with a disability, or those experiencing homelessness,” said Salaam Bhatti, SNAP director for the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “The Hot Foods Act would remove this barrier, improving SNAP participants’ access to food and alleviating the stress often associated with preparing meals with limited resources. We commend Congresswoman Meng and Senator Bennet for reintroducing this bill and urge Congress to pass this commonsense legislation.”

“Children deserve access to nutritious food, without unnecessary stipulations or arbitrary barriers. Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods allows parents who may be working multiple jobs or experiencing housing insecurity to still provide hot and nutritious meals that their children need,” said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus Campaign for Children. “Access to adequate nutrition is vital for our children’s health and well-being, and First Focus Campaign for Children applauds Rep. Meng and Sen. Bennet for ensuring that SNAP keeps food on kids’ tables, regardless of circumstances.”

“SNAP is the most impactful hunger-relief program in the U.S., but there are steps lawmakers can take to modernize the program and make it work even better for eligible individuals and families,” said Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America. “Feeding America supports the Hot Foods Act, which would give people the option to use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot and prepared foods. This important change would provide additional flexibility for families, seniors, and people with disabilities to choose the foods at the grocery store that best meet their dietary needs.”

“It’s crazy that – under current federal law – a struggling American can use SNAP benefits to buy a cold rotisserie chicken but can’t obtain that the very same rotisserie chicken (at the same price) with SNAP benefits if happens to be heated up at the store,” said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America. “Ditto for countless other types of low-cost, nutritious hot foods unallowable for SNAP recipients, many of whom are working people who don’t have a ton of time to cook or are people for whom cooking is a physical hardship. Ditto for countless other types of healthy, hot food prohibited in SNAP. We greatly appreciate that Rep. Meng leading efforts to end this silly, harmful policy.”

 “How Americans shop and eat has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, but SNAP policy hasn’t kept up with the times. The Hot Foods Act is a commonsense solution that gives low-income families the same flexibility that other consumers enjoy when purchasing meals,” said Henry Armour, president and CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). “Allowing SNAP recipients to buy hot, prepared foods – like a rotisserie chicken or hot sandwich – means greater convenience, more nutritious food options and simplified compliance for SNAP retailers. We applaud Reps. Meng, Fitzpatrick, Garbarino, Hayes and Nunn for their leadership and urge Congress to pass this much-needed legislation.”

Originally introduced by Rep. Meng in May 2023, this legislation has 78 cosponsors. It is supported by The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), First Focus Campaign for Children, Feeding America, Hunger Free America, and the National Association of Convenience Stores.

A copy of the bill can be viewed here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) signed onto a letter, led by Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy condemning the cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that include terminating 10,000 employees and dismantling or consolidating several health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The HHS is integral to protecting the health of Americans and providing critical services and resources, including Medicare and Medicaid, food and drug safety, and medical.

“My constituents are calling my offices every day outraged by the ridiculous firings under the Trump administration, including from those unfairly dismissed after years of dedicated public service,” Rep. Meeks said. “It is clear that President Trump, Elon Musk, and Secretary Kennedy are indifferent to the harmful impact these funding cuts will have on Americans. The Department of Health and Human Services was created to protect public welfare—not to undermine access to quality health care.” 

The 10,000 HHS workers being fired include the removal of 3,500 full-time employees from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2,400 employees from the CDC, 1,200 employees from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and 300 employees from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Congressman Meeks calls for the reversal of these firings and dismantling of the existing agencies within HHS.

The members wrote in the letter:

“Make no mistake, we have no faith that these drastic cuts will benefit the American people. We are concerned that this will ultimately lead to slowdowns in service, approvals, and research, and impacts to public health response capabilities.”

“Millions of Americans rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare services and funding provided by HHS and its affiliates. Any delay in these services and funding would have drastic consequences for our most marginalized communities. Despite claims that FDA layoffs will not impact inspectors or drug, medical device, or food reviewers, prior layoffs by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the FDA are reported to already have caused staff to struggle to meet deadlines.”

“As Black and brown communities continue to face severe healthcare disparities, it is crucial that access to affordable healthcare is not reduced in any way, but rather prioritized and improved, and research is undertaken to develop tailored solutions to these problems Moreover, in light of pervasive attempts to restrict access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for women, LGBTQ+ communities, and people of color, and increasing racial gaps in maternal health outcomes, your efforts to further deprioritize these offices is likely to further deprive our constituents of healthcare targeted to their needs, including HIV/AIDS care, maternal healthcare, minority healthcare, and women’s healthcare.”

“Given the Trump Administration’s broad intentions to eviscerate civil rights protections to harm Black and brown communities, as well as proposals to slash funding for social safety net programs, we have no faith that this restructure will result in improved protections for our constituents’ civil rights or their hard-earned and critically needed medical coverage.”

The letter was signed by the following members: Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-8), Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-9), Rep. Danny Davis (IL-7), Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2), Rep. Henry Johnson (GA-4), Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-7), Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-at large), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4), Rep. James McGovern (MA-2), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Eleanor Norton (DC-at large), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-7), Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-2), Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-3), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-2), and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-7).

Read the full letter here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)