RILEY INTRODUCES BILL TO STOP DATA CENTER PROJECTS FROM DRIVING UP ENERGY BILLS

The FAIR Data Act would require Big Tech to pay for the grid upgrades its massive data centers require instead of passing those costs on to Upstate families

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) and Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the FAIR Data Act, bipartisan legislation to stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for Upstate New York families and small businesses.

Massive data center projects, which demand huge amounts of electricity, are moving ahead across Upstate New York and the country. Serving them requires costly grid upgrades, and under current rules utility companies can pass those costs on to everyday ratepayers instead of the companies driving the demand. In the first half of 2025 alone, utilities across the country requested more than $29 billion in electricity rate increases – nearly double what they sought the year before – as they scramble to make infrastructure upgrades and meet increased need.

Riley’s legislation ensures those costs are paid by the large corporate customers creating the demand, not the families, farmers and small businesses already struggling with rising utility bills.

“Upstate New Yorkers are already paying through the nose for electricity, and we shouldn’t have to pay a penny more so Big Tech can rake in record profits,” Riley said. “If out-of-state tech companies want to build data centers here, they can pay their own way – not stick Upstate families with the bill.”

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to do a lot of good for our country, but that growth must be handled responsibly,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Families and small businesses are already paying far too much for electricity, and they should not be hit with even higher bills because major data center projects require massive amounts of energy and new infrastructure. The FAIR Data Act makes sure the companies behind these projects cover those added costs instead of passing them on to ratepayers. I am proud to join Congressman Riley in putting the people we represent first.”

Several data center developments have been proposed across New York’s 19th Congressional District. In Lansing, Maryland-based TeraWulf is seeking to build a 300-to-400-megawatt AI data center at the former Cayuga Power Plant, and in Oneonta, a company called Eco-Yotta has pursued a rezoning for an AI data center on County Road Nine. Both projects have faced fierce local opposition.

Specifically, the FAIR Data Act would:

Protect families and small businesses from subsidizing Big Tech: Ensures residential customers and small businesses are not forced to pay for electric grid upgrades needed to serve massive data centers.

Keep costs where they belong: Requires investor-owned utilities to recover the costs of serving large data centers from those facilities—not from everyday ratepayers.

Prevent cost-shifting: Prohibits utilities from passing along the costs of generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades built to accommodate very large data centers (75+ MW) onto households and small businesses.

Support free-market principles: Ensures large corporate electricity users pay their own way instead of relying on cross-subsidies from residential customers.

Strengthen state oversight: Uses the existing Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) framework to require state utility regulators to review and implement this consumer-protection standard while preserving state ratemaking authority.

Promote accountability: If a data center claims it will lower local electricity bills, it must report annually on whether those promised savings actually materialized.

Incentivize responsible regulation: Conditions certain Department of Energy (DOE) administrative assistance on states certifying that data center costs are not shifted onto residential and small business customers.

Improve transparency: Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to submit annual reports to Congress on how large data center electricity demand is affecting electric rates and grid reliability nationwide.

This legislation builds on Riley’s push to lower utility costs for Upstate New York families:

February 13, 2025 — Introduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act (H.R. 1355) to help families reduce energy usage and lower monthly utility bills

September 18, 2025 — Introduced the Keep the Lights Local Act (H.R. 5487) to ban foreign corporations and governments from owning American utility companies

December 10, 2025 — Introduced the No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act (H.R. 6590) to prohibit utility executives from receiving bonuses when they raise rates faster than inflation

April 17, 2026 — Introduced the No Taxes on Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8350) to allow Upstate New Yorkers to to allow taxpayers to deduct taxes and state-mandated surcharges included on their gas and electric utility bills.

April 29, 2026 — Introduced the Lowering Utility Bills Act (H.R. 8568) to crack down on utility companies overcharging customers.

2025–2026 — Served as an intervener in the Central Hudson and NYSEG rate cases, where he participated in proceedings and cross-examined utility companies on behalf of ratepayers.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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Congresswoman Luz Rivas, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath Meet with FAA to Advance Safety Improvements at Whiteman Airport

LOS ANGELES — On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), representative for California’s 29thCongressional District, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath met with officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to advocate for stronger safety measures and oversight at Whiteman Airport following two recent aircraft crashes involving aircraft landing at the airport in Pacoima.

The meeting follows Congresswoman Rivas’ and Supervisor Horvath continued advocacy after the April 20, 2026, and June 16, 2026, crashes. These efforts include Supervisor Horvath’s letters sent directly to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford calling for a temporary suspension of flight operations pending comprehensive investigations into the recent incidents, enhanced oversight of pilot training and aircraft maintenance, a thorough review of airport operations, and immediate safety recommendations.

Los Angeles County has conducted an analysis of crashes that have occurred in the last 25 years and cross referenced them with National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. According to the NTSB, every single crash has been caused by pilot error or aircraft malfunction.

“The meeting on Thursday with myself, Supervisor Horvath, and FAA was productive in ensuring safety and accountability at Whiteman Airport,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I look forward to seeing the FAA fulfill its commitments to increase inspections, community outreach, and education at Whiteman Airport. I have the highest standards and expectations for the FAA to ensure safety for those who use the airport as well as the continued safety for the surrounding community of Pacoima.”

“The safety of Pacoima residents will always be my top priority,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “On Thursday, Congresswoman Rivas and I made one thing clear to the FAA: protecting this community cannot wait. We expect the FAA to fulfill its responsibility to improve safety at Whiteman Airport, and we will continue pushing until every resident feels safe.”

Background:

During the meeting, Congresswoman Rivas and Supervisor Horvath reinforced the community's concerns and emphasized that protecting residents living near Whiteman Airport must remain the highest priority.

In response to continued advocacy and communication from Congresswoman Rivas and Supervisor Horvath and, the FAA provided updates on additional actions now being taken to enhance oversight of flight operations, pilot training and education at Whiteman Airport, including:

Increased oversight of pilots, flight schools, and aircraft repair stations, including expanded weekend inspections;

Regular pilot education seminars through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) in partnership with Los Angeles County Public Works;

Continued modernization of air traffic control communications infrastructure at Whiteman Airport;

Additional runway safety initiatives, including annual Runway Safety Action Team meetings and a new Arrival Alert Notice program for pilots; and

Ongoing investigations into the April and June aircraft crashes.

Congresswoman Rivas and Supervisor Horvath will continue working with the FAA, Los Angeles County Public Works, and the surrounding community to advance additional safety improvements and strengthen accountability at Whiteman Airport.

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Rep. Roy Outlines What Republicans Must Do Before End of 119th Congress

July 13, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to his House and Senate Republican colleagues outlining what Republicans must do before the end of the 119th Congress.

The Daily Signal wrote an exclusive story on the letter, which you can read here.

Read the full letter here.

Dear House and Senate GOP Colleagues:

We were elected to deliver what we promised the American people, not to campaign for re-election. Delivering on decisive policy mandates is the best way to grow a majority. We’ve demonstrated that we are capable of delivering on those transformative policies – as we did in the Laken Riley/SUE Act, and certain parts of the OBBB. However, we simply have not done enough - failing to codify border security, pause immigration and define birthright citizenship, protect citizens from warrantless surveillance, ban congressional stock trading, Make America Healthy Again, and countless other issues.

With the same resolve that led to historic tax cuts, the elimination of half the Green New Deal scam subsidies, spending reductions, welfare reforms, and other policy victories in the OBBB, we must deliver in the remaining six months of this Congress. Let’s finish the job:

Codify Permanently Trump Border Security Policies & PAUSE Legal Immigration:

Codify Border Security:

Pass the policies reflected in H.R. 2 from the 118th Congress that end abuses of asylum, parole, and “catch-and-release” policies that enabled the Biden Border Crisis.

Fix the isolation of CBP and ICE Funding (with Reconciliation 2 funding, we leave these two isolated from appropriations, which is a long-term mistake).

End the Magnets:

Codify the end of Free Healthcare, Education (Plyler v. Doe), and other taxpayer-subsidized public benefits for illegal aliens.

Defund sanctuary jurisdictions and impose strong penalties on those who flout federal immigration law.

Hike remittance fees significantly for illegal aliens (1% from OBBB is absurdly low. It should be at least 25%).

Take the Supreme Court head on – end Birthright Citizenship for the children of illegal aliens and non-citizen foreign nationals.

Reduce and Reform Legal Immigration:

Pass the PAUSE Act – We should pause all immigration until we have a handle on our population and the MANY abuses of the system.

Halt the Islamic Invasion (MAMDANI, IMAM, Sharia-Free America Acts).

Pause H-1B visas and repeal or overhaul the visa program.

Firmly end Diversity Visa Lottery program and Chain Migration.

Expand De-Naturalization powers.

Enact (Senate) the SAVE America Act and Other Election Integrity Reforms.

Fight the Rise of Sharia Law and the Council on American-Islamic Relations:

Pass legislation clearly banning Sharia Law in the U.S.

Pass legislation to halt the Islamic Invasion (e.g. MAMDANI (naturalization), IMAM (clerics), Sharia-Free America (vetting) Acts.

Codify President Trump’s executive order designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.

Ban entry of – and remove – foreign nationals who adhere to Sharia Law.

Designate CAIR as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, cutting off its financial streams and repeal its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Deliver Energy Freedom – kill corporate cronyism, grift, and regulations:

Kill ALL subsidies to Unreliable & Expensive “Green Scam” Energy: Close loopholes & phase out EXISTING subsidies, including preventing the indirect subsidization of unreliable green energy projects in the form of transmission line subsidies.

End The Renewable Fuel Standard which cripples American refinery production.

Rapidly develop nuclear power.

Pass strong permitting reform.

Protect Americans from Warrantless Surveillance and Government (& Corporate) Use of Technology to Target and Spy on Americans:

Ensure warrant protections – among other protections – for American citizens targeted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Ban government control of American citizen spending by banning any “Central Bank Digital Currency”

Ban government & corporate surveillance in your cars by killing the so-called “Kill Switch” set to go live in 2027 that will also make cars less affordable.

Ban funding of Flock Cameras and other government surveillance tools.

Ban Congressional Stock Trading:

Pass the Restore Trust in Congress Act or an equivalent bill to prevent sitting Members of Congress (and consider the Executive and Judicial Branches as well) from stock trading.

Make America Healthy Again:

Provide Real Healthcare Freedom (to make it Affordable) – Employer provided health subsidy to HSA’s, Expanded Use for DPC, Insurance, etc…

Stop Subsidizing Sugar Drinks, Junk Food, and other harmful products.

Protect Americans from Poisons in Food, Air, Water.

Protect American Land & Housing from Foreign Ownership & Corporate Exploitation.

Ban foreign adversaries from purchasing American land – Focusing first on banning foreign purchases of American agricultural land, housing stock, and land near US military bases.

Prevent government housing subsidization that incentivizes big ugly corporate housing exploitation and enact market reforms to empower American homeownership and multigenerational households.

Codify the ‘Mixed-Status’ rule to end prorated housing assistance to illegal alien households and end housing block grants to sanctuary jurisdictions.

Reduce the Deficits and Debt – Take additional significant steps (beyond the OBBB) to cut spending including reducing so-called mandatory spending:

Continue to reduce or hold Discretionary Spending flat.

Eliminate Programs Plagued by Fraud and Reform to Eliminate Fraud.

Ensure Any Reconciliation Package is ACTUALLY deficit reducing.

Further reform Welfare and Mandatory Spending Programs.

Pass a Balanced Budget Amendment

Codify Elimination (Reduction) of Foreign Aid and Expose & Eliminate NGO Funding Typically Hostile to Our Interests:

Foreign Aid

End (at least Reduce) Payments to the United Nations and/or its subgroups, including codifying the prohibition on funding for UNRWA and permanently ending funding for the U.N. Population Fund.

Exit or Reform NATO.

Codify Exit from WHO.

End funding of NED (National Endowment for Democracy)

No Foreign Aid for Recalcitrant Countries (will not take back illegals)

Dismantle and Destroy the Marxist & Islamist Organization and Networks Undermining Our Safety and Rule of Law:

Codify ANTIFA as domestic terrorist organization and cut off its funding streams.

Codify SPLC as a domestic terrorist organization, revoke its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and cut off its funding streams.

Investigate and Cut off Funding for Soros / Wren Collective / Arabella and other groups known to be undermining the rule of law.

Protect Children:

Defund Abortion (Pill and Planned Parenthood) AND Transgender Surgeries:

Extend Defunding of Planned Parenthood from OBBB (funding resumed July 4th).

Defund Transgender Surgeries, particularly for minors.

Defund and Limit Mifepristone which continues to kill hundreds of thousands of babies.

Protect Children from Online Abuses and AI (and Protect Against Federal Preemption of State Laws on AI and Online Dangers to Children).

Cut Funding From / Impeach Radical Ideologue Judges Abusing Their Offices:

Judges who release career criminals, engage in political bias, submit to radical gender ideology, and authorize illegal spying on the American people must be impeached and have their benches defunded.

Radical ideologues plague our federal court system resulting in weaponized rulings that undermine blind justice and thwart the political will of the people.

Eliminate Barriers to Gun Ownership and Use (NFA, Constitutional Carry).

Pass a Constitutional Amendment for Term Limits to ensure Members cannot remain in Congress indefinitely, limiting complacency among elected representatives, allowing constituents to be better served by their representatives. In the absence of an amendment, pass STATUTORY limits to pay & leadership.

Respectfully,

Chip Roy

Member of Congress


Rep. María Elvira Salazar Returns to Affordable Senior Housing Project to Ensure Federal Investment Is Delivering for South Florida Seniors

MIAMI, Fla. — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) today returned to the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project to review construction progress and ensure the $3.5 million in federal funding she secured is being transformed into affordable homes for South Florida seniors.

Construction is well underway on the six-story development, which will provide 60 affordable one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors, allowing longtime residents to remain in the community they spent a lifetime helping build. During today's walkthrough, Rep. Salazar met with the development team to receive a project update, review construction progress, and discuss the anticipated completion timeline.

"Housing affordability continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing South Florida," said Rep. Salazar. "That's why I've worked to bring federal resources back home, increase our housing supply, and support projects that make a real difference for families. Securing the funding is only the beginning. My responsibility is to make sure those dollars deliver exactly what was promised. Promises matter. Delivering on them matters even more."

The Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project received $3.5 million in Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Salazar through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process. Today's visit underscores her commitment not only to securing federal investments, but also to ensuring they produce tangible results for the communities they were intended to serve.

Watch Rep. Salazar's visit to the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project:(here)

Rep. Salazar's Record on Housing:

Addressing South Florida's housing affordability crisis has been one of Rep. Salazar's top priorities in Congress. Her work includes:

Securing inclusion of her RESIDE Act in the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the first major federal housing reform package in more than two decades. The RESIDE Act helps communities convert vacant and underutilized properties into new housing, expanding housing supply, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating more affordable housing opportunities.

Leading the bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act, legislation that expands financing options for condominium associations and homeowners to complete critical structural and life-safety repairs while helping preserve safe and affordable homeownership.

Securing $3.5 million in federal Community Project Funding for the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project, now under construction and set to provide 60 affordable apartments for low-income seniors in South Florida.

Securing $1 million in federal funding for the West Miami Multigenerational Center, creating a new community hub that expands services and recreational opportunities for seniors, children, and families.

Supporting the expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to encourage the construction and preservation of affordable housing nationwide.

Advocating for policies that increase housing supply, protect homeownership, and improve housing affordability for South Florida families.

Rep. Salazar has consistently argued that solving South Florida's housing affordability crisis requires more than rhetoric. It requires increasing housing supply, modernizing outdated housing policies, protecting homeowners, and ensuring federal investments are translated into real projects that improve people's lives.


Statement from Rep. María Elvira Salazar on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Officially Becoming Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) issued the following statement after the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the first major federal housing reform package in more than two decades, became law:

"At the heart of America's housing crisis is a simple problem: we are not building enough homes. For years, rising costs, delays, and unnecessary barriers have made it harder to build the homes our communities need, leaving families across South Florida and the nation to pay the price," said Rep. Salazar. "The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes meaningful steps to address that challenge by making it easier to build, finance, and expand housing opportunities. "I'm especially proud to have served as the Republican co-lead of the bipartisan RESIDE Act, which was included in the final package and will help communities transform vacant and abandoned properties into housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and create new opportunities for families."

The United States faces a housing shortage estimated in the millions of units, a gap that has contributed to rising home prices and rents nationwide. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act addresses the nation's housing shortage by:

Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers that delay housing development, including streamlining housing processes and allowing the use of pre-approved home designs so builders can construct homes more quickly.

Modernizing HUD programs to expand housing supply, support manufactured housing, and give states and local communities greater flexibility to address local housing needs.

Enhancing community banking operations by reducing outdated regulatory burdens and expanding the ability of community and rural banks to support local lending and housing development.

Rep. Salazar, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, helped advance the bipartisan legislation through Congress.

Included in the final package is Rep. Salazar's RESIDE Act, legislation she introduced to help communities convert vacant and underutilized properties into housing.

Across the country, vacant and underutilized properties sit empty while families struggle to find affordable places to live. By helping communities convert those properties into housing, the RESIDE Act expands housing supply, revitalizes neighborhoods, and creates new opportunities for families. Its inclusion in the final package will help communities create new housing opportunities while bringing new life to vacant and underutilized properties.

South Florida remains one of the nation's most challenging housing markets, where rising home prices and rents continue to place pressure on working families, seniors, young professionals, and first time homebuyers. Addressing those challenges has been a key priority for Rep. Salazar both in Congress and at home in South Florida.

She has supported efforts to increase housing supply, strengthen community lending, and reduce barriers to development. She also secured $3.5 million in federal funding for the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing Project in the City of Miami, helping expand affordable housing opportunities for seniors and ensuring that longtime residents can continue to live in the communities they call home.

Rep. Salazar has also highlighted the importance of addressing workforce shortages in the construction industry, a challenge that continues to increase costs and slow the construction of much needed housing.


SCHNEIDER CALLS FOR ICE ACCOUNTABILITY FOLLOWING FATAL SHOOTINGS

“For the second time in less than a week, ICE personnel have shot and killed a person during an immigration enforcement operation. Since January of 2025, more than 20 people have been shot by federal immigration officials. We demand fully independent and transparent investigations into the circumstances of the shootings in Texas and Maine, and every other ICE and CBP related shooting. More than one instance of an innocent person being shot by ICE or CBP is too many. To make matters worse, there have been far too many instances of false or incomplete official reports covering up the actions by ICE and CBP officers. Again, even one false or incomplete report would be too many.

“It is long past time for ICE and CBP officers to drop their masks and turn on their body cameras! Under Trump and now Homeland Security Secretary Mullin, DHS continues to push dangerous and reckless tactics, disregarding the rule of law and public safety. Secretary Mullin must take immediate action to end the unnecessary escalations to deadly force and address the dehumanizing and extremist culture driving these actions.”


ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier, Local Leaders Hold Roundtable Discussion on Deteriorating Wilderness Conditions at the Enchantments

LEAVENWORTH, WA – On Friday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined local leaders, emergency responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and volunteers to discuss the impacts of the Trump Administration’s cuts to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on the Enchantments Wilderness Area.

Congresswoman Schrier was joined by Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay, Leavenworth Mayor Carl Florea, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Director Troy Campbell, Chelan County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Sergeant Jason Reinfeld, Chelan County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Specialist Rich Magnussen, Retired Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Wilderness Program Manager Suzanne Cable, and TREAD Executive Director Mat Lyons, among other local leaders and advocates.

BACKGROUND: The Trump Administration’s Forest Service cuts forced the Wenatchee River Ranger District, which staffs the Enchantments, down to just one employee from 11 in 2025. Insufficient staffing has led to diminished capacity to serve visitors, inadequate land management, and overflowing toilets that threaten Icicle Creek: Leavenworth’s drinking water source.

The administration recently proposed an additional 25% cut to USFS research, and is carrying out a complete reorganization of the agency as wildfire season begins.

Congresswoman Schrier has urged the Trump Administration to remedy these deteriorating conditions and pressed the administration to address poor Forest Service trail conditions and insufficient staffing in the Enchantments.

“The Enchantments are a beloved part of the Eighth District, and it is our duty to protect the area for future generations,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Due to the Trump Administration’s erratic staffing cuts and reorganization of the Forest Service, and also due to overcrowding, conditions at the Enchantments have deteriorated and even become unsafe - poorly maintained public lands and overflowing toilets have threatened public health and the environment. As wildfires blaze across our state, the failure to properly manage these lands poses a severe threat to the safety of our communities and health of our forests. I was grateful to speak with local leaders and advocates to better understand the impacts they are seeing on the ground, and ways we can advocate to restore healthy conditions. I want to be clear that however incredible these volunteers are, they cannot be expected to backfill the responsibilities of the Forest Service. I will continue to do all I can in Congress to protect the Enchantments Wilderness Area, and fight back against devastating Forest Service cuts.”

“We have demonstrated here at this roundtable discussion broad community support for taking action. We have local elected officials, law enforcement, business owners, and recreation and conservation organizations that are all united in asking the Forest Service to manage day use in the Enchantments to improve conditions not only to benefit the wilderness, but also to benefit the local community and visitors to the area that are important to this rural economy,” said retired Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Wilderness Program Manager Suzanne Cable.

“The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for search and rescue in the Enchantments, which is why it is so important this area is protected. I was grateful to join Congresswoman Schrier and local leaders to talk about how best to improve conditions in the area. The public should be aware that many hikes in the Enchantments area, including Colchuck Lake, are not for beginners. Hikers: Please research the route, bring proper clothing and equipment, and don’t exceed your physical capabilities,” said Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Sergeant Jason Reinfeld.

"The Enchantments are one of Chelan County's greatest natural treasures, and protecting both visitors and this unique wilderness requires strong partnerships,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. “This collaborative effort enhances public safety, helps preserve our natural resources, and supports the Sheriff's Office as we balance the growing demands of backcountry rescues and law enforcement while continuing to serve the day-to-day needs of our communities."

"No single organization or agency can protect the Enchantments alone. Lasting solutions require strong partnerships, especially as the Forest Service faces extreme capacity and funding challenges. I'm grateful to Congresswoman Schrier for bringing local leaders together to strengthen our shared commitment to protecting one of Washington's most iconic landscapes," said TREAD Executive Director Mat Lyons.

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Congresswomen Simon, Pressley, and Kamlager-Dove Introduce Resolution to Advance Reproductive Justice and Support Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the work still to be done to create a nation that lives up to the founding ideals of liberty and justice for all, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Sydney Kamlager-Dove introduced the America 250 Reproductive Justice Resolution. This resolution affirms reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right and supports policies that advance reproductive justice, including universal healthcare, maternal healthcare, paid family leave, comprehensive sex education, and protections against pregnancy-related criminalization.

“While Republicans are spending the 250th anniversary attacking our fundamental freedom, we have to name what the future can and should look like for women and families. The reproductive justice movement was started by Black women in the 1990s, and I am honored to join my colleagues and reproductive justice leaders Congresswomen Pressley and Kamlager-Dove to introduce this resolution,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. “As the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration rollback reproductive healthcare protections, wage a war on Medicaid and education, and drive prices ever upward, they are putting women, children, low-income people, and families in impossible situations. This resolution is our blueprint for what the reproductive justice movement needs to look like going forward, and we will fight until every person has the dignity, resources, and access to care that they deserve.”

"As we mark America's 250th anniversary, we must also acknowledge that the fundamental freedoms this nation was founded on are not enjoyed by all its people—especially the right to one’s own body and reproductive freedom," said Rep. Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. "As Trump and his co-conspirators attempt to deny essential reproductive health care, it's more important now than ever that we affirm and fight for every person's freedom to access reproductive care and make their own health care decisions. I'm proud to introduce this critical resolution with Congresswomen Lateefah Simon and Sydney Kamlager-Dove and work to build a world where bodily autonomy is enshrined as a right, not treated as a privilege."

"Trump and Republicans are using America's 250th birthday to push a dystopian, warped definition of freedom that actually restricts our freedoms, especially for women," said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. "As we celebrate America at 250, we must reaffirm that our founding ideal of freedom includes not just reproductive freedom, but reproductive justice. Every woman should be free to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care—including abortion—and to decide when, if, and how to have children. Reproductive justice is a fundamental human right.”

Read the full text of the resolution here and find more information on the legislation below.

This resolution is endorsed by: All Above All, Women's March, UltraViolet Action, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association, Oshun Family Center, SIECUS, Women with a Vision, Doula Alliance of Maryland, SisterReach Illinois and SisterReach, Inc., Women's Law Project, IBBG, SiX Action, Avow, Working Families Party, Birth In Color, Women's Health & Evolutionary Wellness, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Guttmacher Institute, Black Muva Convos, Ibis Reproductive Health, ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, National Health Law Program, Baltimore City Women's Commission, Equality Federation, Forward Together, Reproductive Justice Maryland, Gender Justice, Cobalt, Ipas US, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Women's Health Specialists, Abortion Action Missouri, Men4Choice, MomsRising, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Medical Students for Choice, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, Catholics for Choice, Power to Decide, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.

"America was founded on the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—a promise that has too often been denied to women, people of color, immigrants, low-income communities, and gender-expansive people. As we mark this country's 250th anniversary, we have a responsibility to reflect honestly on where America has fallen short and to push it toward the best version of itself,” said All Above All President Nourbese Flint. “At a moment when those in power are rolling back our rights—banning abortion, attacking trans people, targeting immigrant families—the For All Our Futures resolution insists on something bigger: a future where reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and the freedom to build our families are central to the American promise.”

As co-lead of the Democratic Women’s Caucus’ Caregiving Task Force, Congresswoman Simon is committed to advocating for policies that protect healthcare and education and provide opportunities for families to thrive. She is the cosponsor of a number of bills that advance reproductive justice ideals and promote safe, healthy, and supportive communities including the EACH Act of 2025, Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, WIC Benefits Protection Act, Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025, Child Care for Every Community Act, Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025, the FAMILY Act, and more.

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Spartz Introduces Legislation to Streamline Advanced Nuclear Energy

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) introduced the Nuclear Regulatory Modernization Act of 2026, legislation to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthen America’s energy security.

The bill would streamline the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing process by eliminating obsolete mandatory hearings. It would also speed the domestic deployment of uranium enrichment facilities to reduce America’s reliance on imports from countries such as Russia.

“Energy security is national security - and international security. Advanced nuclear reactors can lower energy costs, strengthen the stability of the grid, and provide the reliable, clean electricity needed to power the future of innovation and economic growth. America must be the leader in nuclear innovation,” Spartz said.


STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens Slams Trump’s Out-of-Control ICE After Two Killings in a Week

Washington, DC — In response to the two fatal shootings of civilians by ICE agents in Texas and Maine, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“ICE agents have now shot and killed two people in the past week. The blatant disregard for human life from Donald Trump's ICE is horrifying and outrageous.

“This is exactly why I wrote the Hold ICE Accountable Act—everyone at ICE, from the bottom to the top, must be held accountable for crimes they commit. The families deserve justice.”

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Rep. Subramanyam Rips Proposed Rule on Federal Financial Assistance

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) spoke out about his opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance.”

The Congressman issued the following statement:

“This rule is just another attempt to hijack taxpayer money to create loyalty tests to the President and divert money to his friends and family. This massive change will allow political appointees to deny federal grants based on political goals and favoritism, and it imposes fees, red tape, and restrictions on critical scientific research. These changes will only stifle innovation and undermine scientific research for generations to come while continuing to enrich the President and his cronies.”

Congressman Subramanyam sent a letter to OMB Director Russell Vought stating his strong opposition to the proposed rule and outlined several sections that are his primary concerns. These include:

Section 200.205 will increase the administration’s ability to punish perceived political enemies by denying their federal funding, undermining the typically nonpartisan grantmaking process.

Section 200.220 which will severely limit international scientific cooperation and collaboration.

Section 200.340 would allow the administration the authority to cancel federal awards at any time for any reason and limit opportunities for grantees to appeal.


ICYMI: Now Law: Rep. Lee Helped Pass Most Significant Housing Reform in Decades

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) helped pass, became law on Saturday, July 11, 2026 – despite Trump’s best efforts to hold it hostage. This bill, the most significant piece of housing legislation in nearly four decades, will lower housing costs by cracking down on corporate homeownership and making it easier to build housing here in southern Nevada.

“It’s no secret how expensive it is to buy a home or even afford rent here in Las Vegas. On top of that, one in four homes are owned by big institutional investors that are jacking up the prices for Nevada families,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “That’s why I helped pass this bipartisan housing bill to crack down on corporate investors and make it easier to build more homes families can afford. But, the President didn’t want to give Nevadans relief and chose to sit on it for a week to prove a political point. Nevadans deserve better. Despite this unnecessary delay, families will finally get the relief they need.”

Recently, Lee led nearly a dozen battleground members to call on President Trump to sign the legislation. Despite Republicans and Democrats coming together to overwhelmingly pass the bill, President Trump refused to sign it as Americans saw their housing costs skyrocket, even calling it “unimportant.” The bill automatically became law without the President’s signature on July 11, 2026.

Across the country, Americans are feeling the impacts of the housing crisis. Nationwide, the average age of a first-time homebuyer reached a record-high of 40-years-old. In Nevada, median rents have nearly doubled over the last decade, and Las Vegas residents need to make over $72,000 annually to comfortably afford rent – nearly a 40% increase since 2020.

Key provisions of the bill include:

Prohibiting large institutional investors that already own more than 350 properties from purchasing certain single-family homes.

Investors own 24.84% of Nevada’s single-family homes, equating to about 303,000 properties—that’s 6% higher than the national average and the seventh highest share in the nation.

Reauthorizing and expanding eligibility for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, including increasing the maximum eligible income.

The HOME program has invested $264.1 million in Nevada since 1992, which has helped build or preserve 8,910 homes, provide rental assistance to over 1,350 families, support more than 15,800 jobs, and generate roughly $1 billion in local income.

Increasing flexibility for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, including authorizing the use of funds for construction of new affordable housing.

Clark County receives approximately $8.5 million annually from HUD in CDBG funding, which may be used for a variety of activities that support low- and moderate- income communities.

Permanently excluding veterans’ disability payments from annual income calculations under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH).

VASH is a joint effort between the HUD and the VA, where HUD allocates “Housing Choice” Section 8 vouchers across the country. These vouchers allow Veterans and their families to live in market rate rental units while VA provides case management services. Veterans’ disability income will no longer be considered when applying for the HUD-VASH vouchers. From 2008-2024, HUD-VASH collectively provided over 2,000 vouchers to support Nevada’s veterans.

This bill includes key provisions to broaden access to homeownership, expedite building of manufactured housing, make available small-dollar mortgages, better protect borrowers and families living in public or assisted housing, enhance federal oversight of housing providers, and lay the groundwork for the development of new homes families can afford across America.

KSNV-NBC 3: News 3 Live at Three-Thirty

July 10, 2026

Here's Nevada Congresswoman Susie Lee from last week, when President Trump canceled the signing ceremony.

“In our state, Clark County is facing one of the most severe housing crises in the country.

“In fact, we have the worst shortage of affordable rental units in the entire country.

“And let's just be clear: I think we can all agree that buying or even renting a home should not be out of reach for Americans.

“We should live in a country where one job should be enough to own a home, to afford health care, to afford a vacation once a year, to retire with dignity. and that's exactly what we've been fighting for.”

The bill takes aim at investors buying up housing, which the Congresswoman has said is a key issue because 1 in 4 homes are actually owned by investors right here in Clark County.

The Nevadan: Instagram Post

July 7, 2026

Nevada Rep. Susie Lee had a blunt message for Trump on a bipartisan housing bill: “Sign the damn bill.”

Lee says Clark County’s housing crisis is too urgent for political games, especially after the legislation passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate.

Congresswoman Lee has consistently worked to build more housing families can afford across southern Nevada. She led and helped get signed into law the bipartisan Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts (AACE) Act to speed up appraisals and approvals for Nevada housing projects and cut governmental red tape that drives up housing costs. Congresswoman Lee is also a cosponsor of the Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation (HOME) Act to help lower housing costs for Nevadans by cracking down on price gouging by corporate investors who are buying up housing stock and driving up home prices.

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Rep. Sykes Supports Strengthening Efforts to Combat Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) celebrated the passage of H.R. 8535, the Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish performance metrics and improve coordination within the Department on working to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking. The bill will strengthen efforts to disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the United States and help address the overdose crisis impacting families across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

“The fentanyl crisis has touched communities across Northeast Ohio, and addressing it requires a coordinated response from every level of government,” said Rep. Sykes. “This bipartisan legislation will help improve federal accountability and provide law enforcement with better information to target those responsible for trafficking these dangerous drugs. I will continue working to support efforts that keep Ohio families safe and address this public health challenge.”

According to the Ohio Department of Health, fentanyl remains the primary driver of the state’s overdose crisis. In 2023, Ohio recorded more than 4,400 unintentional drug overdose deaths, with fentanyl involved in the vast majority of those deaths. The continued impact of fentanyl-related overdoses demonstrates the need for stronger prevention, enforcement, and response efforts throughout the state.

The Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop measurable goals related to fentanyl detection, deterrence, and seizure efforts. These benchmarks will help the agency evaluate their progress, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen strategies to prevent illicit fentanyl from entering the country.

The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.


Taylor Bill Passes House, Renaming Georgetown Post Office in Honor of President Ulysses S. Grant

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) applauded today’s passage of his bill, H.R. 7809, through the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote. This bill will designate the United States Postal Service located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio, as the “Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building.”

Every member of the Ohio delegation in the House of Representatives joined Congressman Taylor as cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation. Senators Jon Husted (R-OH) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Through his decisive military leadership and commitment to protecting civil rights, President Ulysses S. Grant changed the course of American history," said Congressman Taylor. “Georgetown is proud to be the hometown of this American legend, and as our nation continues to celebrate its 250th birthday, it is fitting that we honor his enduring legacy with a lasting local tribute. I’m honored to help commemorate the life and service of President Ulysses S. Grant and celebrate the courage and leadership that continues to inspire Ohioans today.”

Background:

On April 27, 1822, Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, and spent his childhood in Georgetown before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839. After graduating, Grant joined the 4th Regiment of the United States Infantry, where he served with distinction in the Mexican-American War.

Over the course of the American Civil War, Grant commanded and fought in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, the Wilderness, Petersburg, and Appomattox. Grant was appointed the first Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army after Congress reestablished the position in 1864.

On March 4, 1869, Grant was sworn in as the 18th president of the United States, becoming the second Ohioan to serve in this role. Throughout his two terms as president, Grant worked on civil rights issues, including the establishment of the Department of Justice, the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment, and other Reconstruction efforts.

President Grant was inaugurated into his first term as president on March 4, 1869, at the age of 46. His second inauguration took place on March 4, 1873. Congressman Taylor’s bill commemorates the anniversaries of both inaugurations and would designate the first post office location in the United States dedicated to the life and legacy of President Ulysses S. Grant.

The full bill text of H.R. 7809 is available here.

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Congresswoman Tenney Introduces No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act to Protect America's National Laboratories from Foreign Adversaries

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the No Hostile Operatives in our National Labs Obtaining Our Knowledge which Establishes Risks to our Security (No Hostile ONLOOKERS) Act, legislation to strengthen safeguards at America's National Laboratories by prohibiting the Intelligence Community from funding research, development, or technical support at laboratories that allow assignees or visitors from hostile foreign nations to access sensitive facilities, information, or technology without appropriate national security protections.

America's National Laboratories conduct some of the nation's most sensitive scientific research and technological development, including work critical to national defense, intelligence, energy security, and emerging technologies. The No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act would prohibit the Intelligence Community from obligating or expending funds for research, development, or technical support at any National Laboratory that permits assignees or visitors from countries of risk, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to access laboratory facilities, information, or technology. The legislation includes a narrow waiver allowing the head of an Intelligence Community element to authorize an exception only after certifying to Congress that the activity presents no risk of foreign intelligence collection and providing a written justification for the waiver. By strengthening security standards, the legislation helps protect America's research enterprise from espionage, intellectual property theft, and other national security threats posed by hostile foreign adversaries.

"Our National Laboratories are home to some of America's most advanced scientific research and technological innovation,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “We cannot allow hostile foreign regimes like Communist China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea to exploit access to these facilities to steal sensitive research or undermine our national security. The No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act establishes a commonsense safeguard to ensure Intelligence Community funding only supports laboratories that take these threats seriously. Protecting America's research, innovation, and technological edge is essential to maintaining our national security and staying ahead of our adversaries."

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Congressman Shri Thanedar Celebrates the July 27 Opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge

Washington, D.C. — After the announcement that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will officially open on July 27, 2026, Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) issued this statement:

“After being completed for over a month, the Gordie Howe Bridge is finally opening,” said Rep. Thanedar. “Just one week after I brought House Homeland Security leaders to Detroit to demand the bridge open, an opening date was finally announced.

Reps. Bennie G. Thompson and Lou Correa joined me to call out the delay and Trump’s ties to Matthew Moroun, the wealthy MAGA donor who owns the competing Ambassador Bridge. Michigan workers, families, and businesses should never be denied economic opportunity because of Trump’s political games.

I want to thank everyone in our community who raised their voice and helped hold the Trump administration accountable for delaying this critical project.

I will continue holding this administration accountable. I have introduced articles of impeachment against Trump, Hegseth, and Bondi, pushed to end qualified immunity and abolish ICE, and fought to open the Gordie Howe Bridge. I will never stop standing up to abuses of power and fighting for the families I represent.”

The Gordie Howe International Bridge crosses the Detroit River, connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The six-lane bridge is about 1.5 miles long and has the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America. It also includes new border facilities on both sides and will provide another route for workers, businesses, and goods traveling between the United States and Canada.

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

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Rep. Tlaib celebrates housing bill becoming law

WASHINGTON – The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes the Housing Our Communities Act introduced by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), goes into effect tomorrow after President Donald Trump refused to sign it for 10 days. The Housing Our Communities Act will directly help our local communities increase the supply of affordable housing by providing federal grants to local, regional, and state governments to support development.

“The housing crisis is hurting Michigan, and this bill is an important step towards helping our local governments address their communities’ needs. I’m proud of our bipartisan housing package because it will help relieve housing costs that are a crushing burden for too many of our neighbors,” said Rep. Tlaib. “Housing is a human right, and it’s shameful that in the richest country in the world, we still experience widespread homelessness and housing instability. For too many, a reliable and safe roof over their heads is a matter of life and death. Families across our district and the country need urgent relief from this housing affordability crisis. Our bill is a critical piece of this larger housing package that brings us closer to making safe, affordable housing a human right for everyone.”

As families face an escalating housing crisis, Rep. Tlaib’s legislation directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a competitive grant program to support a broad array of planning and implementation activities tied to affordable housing. The program would help strengthen housing plans, update zoning codes, increase inspection capacity, reduce barriers to housing supply, and better coordinate housing with transportation and community development goals.

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New Dems Celebrate ROAD to Housing Package Finally Becoming Law

Washington, D.C. — Today, Housing, Infrastructure, & Transportation Working Group Chair Norma Torres (CA-35), New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair for Policy Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Housing Task Force Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued a statement after President Trump’s 10-day window to either sign the bill or veto it expired, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act automatically became law.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a comprehensive plan to address the housing crisis and help families afford to keep a roof over their heads. It delivers on many of the key objectives laid out in the New Democrat Coalition’s Housing Affordability Agenda, such as building more homes and getting them on the market faster, making it easier for families to buy or rent a home, and leveraging better housing data to surge resources where they are needed.

“After countless unnecessary delays, Congress is finally taking a crucial step forward in the fight to lower costs.

“We could not be more proud of the work that so many of our New Dem colleagues have put into this package—which contains provisions from 22 New Dem Member-led bills and two New Dem proposals. They have spent countless hours meeting with housing experts and families from across the country to put forward bold recommendations to drive down housing costs. It is thanks to their hard work that we can finally start to deliver real relief to working Americans.

“By refusing to sign this bill, the President has once-and-for-all proven that he is not willing to lift a finger to address affordability or ensure that all families have a safe, comfortable place to live.”

New Dems has engaged with the House Financial Services Committee, our partners in the Senate, and outside stakeholders to ensure our Members’ priorities are reflected in housing legislation. This bipartisan agreement reflects provisions of numerous New Dem-sponsored or co-led bills, including:

H.R. 5990, Whole-Home Repairs Act, Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)

H.R. 6363, Build Now Act, Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04)

H.R. 4810, BUILD Housing Act, Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)

H.R. 4660, Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act, Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)

H.R. 5907, Accelerating Home Building Act, Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05)

H.R. 5591, RESIDE Act, Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)

H.R. 6293, Housing Supply Expansion Act, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50)

H.R. 7792, Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act, Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04)

H.R. 6025, Appraisal Industry Improvement Act, Reps. Brad Sherman (CA-32) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)

H.R. 1981, Choice in Affordable Housing Act, Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06)

H.R. 965, Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32)

H.R. 4989, Streamlining Rural Housing Act, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)

H.R. 975, Credit Union Board Modernization Act, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52)

H.R. 6327, Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act, Reps. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and Eugene Vindman (VA-07)

H.R. 7791, Increasing Housing in Opportunity Zones Act, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09)

H.R. 6726, Reforms to Housing Counseling and Financial Literacy Program Act, Rep. David Scott (GA-13)

H.R. 2840, Housing Supply Frameworks Act, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)

H.R. 2362, VA Home Loan Awareness Act, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)

H.R. 7504, Housing for America’s Middle Class Act, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-01)

H.R. 1640, HEIRS Act, Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)

H.R. 2031, HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act, Reps. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Bill Foster (IL-11), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Juan Vargas (CA-51)

H.R. 3694, VALID Act of 2025, Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)

Other provisions added:

Sec. 301(d)(2) (Energy Efficiency Standards) - Page 10 of our 118th Congress Housing Action Plan called for streamlining standard setting on energy efficiency for manufactured homes.

Re-authorizing the PRICE Housing Program, which New Dems called to fund in annual appropriations before authorization lapsed.

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House Passes Rep. Van Epps’ Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act

Washington, D.C.- Today, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Van Epps’ (TN07) Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA)Terror Threat Assessment Act.

Upon passage of the bill, Rep. Van Epps stated, “I am grateful my Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act passed the House of Representatives today. When the United States designates a nation as a Major non-NATO ally, it's a significant move. Giving a country MNNA status is not merely symbolic; it comes with practical benefits, but also risks. This legislation strengthens coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and Congress to better assess and support MNNA partners as they confront terrorist threats within their own borders. This will ensure Congress has the information it needs to provide effective oversight as a partner with this administration.”

Watch or read Rep. Van Epps’ remarks on the House Floor below

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“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8168, the Major Non-Nato Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act.

When the United States designates a nation as a Major non-NATO ally, it comes with security cooperation and possible trade deals for defense equipment. This is an important designation that our nation does not grant lightly.

However, we cannot ignore the fact that foreign terrorist organizations continue to operate in or around some MNNA countries, creating threats that could have serious consequences for U.S. national security. For that reason, it's critical for Congress to have a full picture of the terrorist organizations that may be operating within our partner nations.

And that’s why I introduced this legislation.

My bill strengthens coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and Congress to better assess and support MNNA partners as they confront threats within their own borders. It requires the department to provide Congress with a comprehensive assessment identifying foreign terrorist organizations operating within MNNA countries, as well as each partner’s capacity to counter those threats.

These partnerships are important, but we must also protect our own national security.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this bill and yield back.”

Read the bill here.

Read the one-pager here.

Read Rep. Van Epps’ original press release here.

Read about the bill’s passage throughout committee markup here or watch his remarks here.

Background:

The MNNA designation is linked to provisions of the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act. Over time, limited oversight of the MNNA program has created a gap where U.S.-designated terrorist organizations are present in, or operating from, MNNA countries. This bill addresses this gap by providing Congress with regular visibility into where these groups operate, how they function, how partner governments are responding, and whether the United States has the capabilities and resources needed to help our partners mitigate threats before they reach the homeland. There are currently 20 countries designated as MNNAs plus one unofficial designation (Taiwan).


Rep. Van Epps Announces 2026 Service Academy Day

Franklin, Tennessee - Rep. Matt Van Epps will host a Service Academy Day on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to provide students and families with information about the nation's prestigious U.S. Service Academies and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) opportunities.

Invited to attend the event are representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and ROTC programs to answer questions about admissions, nominations, scholarships, and military service.

Rep. Van Epps said, “My time at West Point shaped the leader I am today. Our service academies challenge young men and women to embrace duty, honor, and selfless service while preparing them to lead in uniform and beyond. Whether you're interested in attending a service academy or pursuing an ROTC scholarship, I encourage students and their families to join us to learn more about these life-changing opportunities to serve our country.”

Service Academy Day Information:

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Doors Open: 10:00 a.m.

Program: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Franklin High School, 810 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064

Students, parents, guidance counselors, and anyone interested in learning more about military service and academy admissions are encouraged to attend.

Please RSVP for the Service Academy Day here.

For more information about the nomination process, visit Rep. Van Epps’ Service Academy FAQ page here, or you can call his Franklin District office at (629) 223-6050.

To request a military service academy nomination from our office, please complete the form here. The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 30th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

For additional information, please contact Matthew Siciliano at matthew.siciliano@mail.house.gov.


Vindman Announces More Than $1 MILLION in Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start Programs in Orange County

Vindman Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Veterans

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HUGE MILESTONE: Vindman Returns $7 Million in Backlogged Benefits to Virginians

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Vindman Hears from More Than 780 Virginians in Support of His Legislation to Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying after Leaving Office

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Vindman Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence

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Vindman, McDonald Rivet Introduce Bill to Tackle Corruption, Ban Public Officials from Trading Stocks & Using Prediction Markets

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.-08), Kevin...

Vindman Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Staffing at VA Health Clinics, Improve Care Offered to Vets

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Abe Hamadeh...

Following Vindman Push, USDA Declares Disaster Designation for Virginia Farmers Impacted by Frost and Freeze Damage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Secretarial Disaster...

Vindman-Led Bill to Protect Americans and Combat Deadly Nitazenes Passes Out of Health SubCommittee

In August 2025, Vindman Introduced the First-Ever Bill in Congress to Combat the Alarming Rise of...

Vindman Votes For Bipartisan Housing Package to Lower Costs Including His Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) celebrated final congressional passage...

ICYMI: Vindman Hosts Second Annual Job & Resource Fair in Stafford

Washington, D.C. — On Thursday, June 18, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) hosted a...

Vindman, Mackenzie Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Grocery Costs & Expand Food Access in America’s Food Deserts

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.-07) introduced...


House Passes Walkinshaw's Bipartisan Bill to Honor Gerry Connolly

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman James R. Walkinshaw's (VA-11) bipartisan legislation to name a United States Postal Service facility in Fairfax, Virginia in honor of the late Congressman Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, whose decades of public service transformed Northern Virginia and inspired generations of public servants.

The legislation designates the USPS facility located at 10660 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030 as the "Congressman Gerald E. 'Gerry' Connolly Post Office Building."

“Gerry Connolly served Fairfax with every fiber of his being, and for more than a decade I had the privilege of serving as his Chief of Staff. I saw firsthand the intellect, integrity, and relentless commitment he brought to public service. He was a champion for federal workers, a courageous defender of democracy, and one of the most effective lawmakers of his generation. But to me, Gerry was a mentor, a best friend, and a formative figure in my life. Naming a post office in the heart of Virginia’s 11th District is a fitting tribute to a man who spent decades as a stalwart defender of the Postal Service and America’s postal workers. The broad bipartisan and bicameral support for this legislation reflects the profound impact Gerry had across Virginia, our nation, and the world,” said Congressman Walkinshaw.

“Gerry cared deeply about the health of the postal system and for its employees. He would truly be honored to have this post office named after him,” said Smitty Connolly, Gerry Connolly’s wife.

Congressman Gerry Connolly's Legacy of Service

Gerry Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2008, including five years as chairman. His leadership helped guide the county through a period of rapid growth and positioned Fairfax as a national model for smart planning, environmental stewardship, transit expansion, and affordable housing policy. He championed initiatives that were ahead of their time in addressing housing shortages, expanding the tree canopy, preserving open space, and advancing Washington Metro's Silver Line.

His local government experience informed a distinguished career in Congress, where he rose to become the Ranking Member of the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He was widely regarded as one of Congress's most effective lawmakers and a respected advocate for good governance, infrastructure, the federal workforce, and the United States Postal Service. The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking recognized him as the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House during the 117th Congress.

Connolly was also a statesman whose leadership extended well beyond the United States. As a two-time President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, he was a fierce defender of transatlantic unity and democratic values. He presided over the Assembly's response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, advocated for the establishment of a Centre for Democratic Resilience at NATO Headquarters, and supported the accession of Sweden and Finland to the Alliance.

His international leadership, combined with decades of service in Fairfax County and Congress, reflects a legendary career defined by integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to democracy and public service.

Congressman Walkinshaw introduced the House legislation alongside Chairman James Comer (KY-01), earning broad bipartisan support from Members across the House, including Reps. Rob Wittman (VA-01), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Mike Turner (OH-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

The legislation now advances to the Senate, where U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) have introduced companion legislation. Following Senate passage, the bill will be sent to the President’s desk.

Read the full bill text here.

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Walkinshaw’s First Bill to Pass House Advances Bipartisan Crackdown on Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8535, the bipartisan Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act, marking Congressman James Walkinshaw's (VA-11) first bill to pass the House. The legislation strengthens the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to stop illicit fentanyl before it reaches American communities by improving coordination, data-sharing, and accountability across the agency.

Introduced with Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), the bill requires DHS to set clear performance metrics, improve data-sharing across DHS components, and better measure whether federal efforts to detect, deter, and seize illicit fentanyl are working.

“Today, the House passed my bipartisan legislation to take an important step in the fight against illicit fentanyl, and I am proud that my first bill to pass the House will help save lives,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Families across America are losing loved ones to this deadly drug. We owe them action. This bill will help ensure DHS is working as one team, sharing information, measuring results, and stopping illicit fentanyl before it reaches our communities. I urge the Senate to pass it quickly.”

"In the past five years, fentanyl has claimed the lives of at least 250,000 young Americans. Stopping this generational crisis must be our number one priority,” said Rep. McCaul. “I’m extremely proud the House has now passed this crucial legislation, and I urge the Senate to follow suit and ensure DHS has the tools and methods in place to decisively stop the flow of this deadly drug into our nation and save American lives."

The bill follows a September 2025 Government Accountability Office report that found DHS’s ability to assess the effectiveness of its counter-illicit fentanyl efforts remains limited. GAO found that DHS components need clearer performance goals and stronger data-sharing procedures to evaluate what is working, improve coordination, and direct resources where they are needed most.

The Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act would require DHS-wide data sharing, full implementation of the department’s illicit fentanyl assessment program, and clear goals to track how effectively DHS is combating illicit fentanyl trafficking.

Illicit fentanyl remains the leading driver of overdose deaths in the United States. In the past five years, illicit fentanyl has claimed the lives of at least 250,000 young Americans. According to the CDC, illicit fentanyl was involved in more than 69 percent of all U.S. overdose deaths in 2025. Without consistent metrics and coordination across CBP, ICE, and other DHS components, Congress and the public cannot fully assess whether federal efforts are working or where additional resources should be directed.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Michael Guest (MS-03) and Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement and unanimously passed the Homeland Security Committee. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program also supports the effort because it improves information sharing to deter, detect, and seize illicit fentanyl.

Read the full bill text here.

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Banks Advances Anti-Illegal Immigration Initiative to Keep America Safe

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate reconvenes, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) is continuing his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration by cosponsoring three pieces of legislation to strengthen immigration enforcement, protect American workers, and close the loopholes that fueled the border invasion under President Biden.

These bills would require all employers to verify new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States, ensure illegal aliens remain in detention instead of being released into American communities while they await immigration proceedings, and prohibit birth tourism.

Sen. Jim Banks (R- Ind.): “President Trump is restoring law and order back at our border, and Congress needs to back him up. These bills crack-down on the incentives that fueled the Biden border invasion, protect American workers, and work to make communities safer.”

Senator Banks cosponsored the following bills:

The Mandatory E-Verify Act, led by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), requires employers nationwide to use E-Verify to confirm employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. This legislation is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project, Federation for American Immigration Reform, NumbersUSA, Heritage Action and the National Immigration Center for Enforcement.

The Detention Authority Clarification Act, led by Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), clarifies the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to detain illegal aliens without releasing them on bond while they await immigration proceedings. This legislation is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project.

The BACK OFF Act, led by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), prohibits foreign nationals from entering the United States for the purpose of birth tourism. This legislation is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project.

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Banks Takes Action on Supreme Court’s Birthright Citizenship Ruling: Introduces Citizenship Act of 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This afternoon, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Citizenship Act of 2026 to end birthright citizenship for the children of illegal aliens and birth tourists. The legislation codifies President Trump’s January 20, 2025 Executive Order declaring that the United States is under invasion by illegal aliens. The bill responds to President Trump’s call for Congress to act on birthright citizenship following the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara.

The Citizenship Act of 2026 affirms Congress’s constitutional authority over naturalization and codifies the longstanding exception to birthright citizenship for children born to foreign invaders. The legislation finds that illegal immigration and birth tourism constitute an ongoing invasion and amends federal law to confirm that children born to illegal aliens and birth tourists are not entitled to automatic citizenship.

Sen Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “The Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship decision was an unprecedented assault on American sovereignty, and we must do whatever it takes to save our country. I’m leading the Citizenship Act to reverse the effects of this consequential ruling and ensure the millions of illegal aliens that invaded our country can’t continue to exploit our immigration system.”

Fox News Digital exclusive here.

Full bill text can be found here.

Key Provisions of the Citizenship Act:

Codifies President Trump’s declaration that the United States is under invasion by illegal aliens.

Amends federal law to confirm that children born to illegal aliens are not entitled to birthright citizenship, codifying a longstanding common law exception for children of foreign invaders.

Affirms Congress’s constitutional authority to establish a uniform rule of naturalization and the duty of the United States to protect states from invasion.

Provides a legislative fix consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, which recognized that children of invaders are not entitled to birthright citizenship.

Responds to the ongoing border crisis, with as many as 15 million illegal aliens remaining in the United States, by ensuring federal law confirms that birthright citizenship does not apply to the children of those who entered as part of an invasion.

Background:

Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to establish a uniform rule of naturalization, while Article IV guarantees that the federal government will protect the states against invasion. The bill argues that the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration in recent years, combined with the continued exploitation of birth tourism, constitutes an ongoing invasion that Congress has the authority to address.

The legislation follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, which left intact the longstanding constitutional exception that children born to foreign invaders are not entitled to birthright citizenship. This bill codifies President Trump’s January 20, 2025 declaration that the mass unlawful movement of persons into the United States constitutes an invasion and applies that principle to illegal aliens and birth tourists.

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ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Fox News Sunday

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Gillian Turner on Fox News Sunday to discuss the impact and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and the ongoing strikes and negotiations in Iran.

Click the image above for full discussion.

Key Excerpts:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “I met Lindsey Graham about a dozen years ago when I was serving in Afghanistan when he came to or base for to do his two weeks of annual training with the U.S. Naval Reserves, I got to spend time with him then in uniform but then over the years he has given me a lot of advice on running for Congress, running for the House, running for the Senate. But most importantly in recent years, how to be an effective United States Senator. I would say Lindsey Graham is the most effective senator in the Trump era… I am sad for South Carolina, I am sad for our country, I’m sad for the Senate; we have a lot of work to do to fill the void that Lindsey Graham has left in the United States.”

“Well, President Trump has been very clear that he is going to finish the job. That we’re negotiating and dealing with scum, as President Trump calls them, in the Regime in Iran. This week, trying to negotiate with the Iranians at the same time they are calling for the President to be assassinated, you see what we’re dealing with. The United States of America is not going to let Iran get away with ever have a nuclear weapon, especially not on Donald Trump’s watch.”

“As soon as Iran can come to the table and understand that they have no other choice but to do what it takes to sign an agreement with the United States of America that they will never have a nuclear weapon, that they can’t control that Strait, that they can no longer funnel money to terrorist proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. That they can no longer get away with that… President Trump is doing what no other President has done before. He is negotiating from a position of strength.”

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ICYMI: Trump Birthright Citizenship fight comes roaring back with page from Kavanaugh playbook

Banks uses Wong Kim Ark exceptions to deny birthright citizenship to birth tourists and children of illegal immigrants

Click the here to read the full story from Fox News Digital or read below.

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Jim Banks will introduce legislation Monday aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants and birth tourists by defining them as children of “invaders” under federal law after a Supreme Court ruling last month dealt a setback to President Donald Trump’s executive order on the issue.

Trump recently urged Senate Republicans to move faster on his legislative agenda, including ending birthright citizenship, telling them they were “not fighting hard enough,” Banks, R-Ind., recalled in a June 30 interview with Human Events.

Banks told Fox News Digital he plans to introduce the Citizenship Act as soon as the Senate opens for business Monday afternoon – crafting it with a nod to Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s concurrence in last month’s Trump v. Barbara case.

Kavanaugh, concurring in the judgment and dissenting in part, said Trump’s order conflicted with federal birthright citizenship law but suggested Congress could amend that statute to create new exceptions.

The Citizenship Act would declare that children of statutory “invaders” are not entitled to birthright citizenship under the law and codify a 2025 executive order that cites the term.

In its summary, Banks’ bill declares “any person who enters the United States without authorization or for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism is considered an invader …” and amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude children of such “invaders.”

Banks’ key use of “invaders” cites Trump’s executive order declaring illegal immigration across the southern border an “invasion,” while the bill notes the “Barbara” decision leaves that avenue open for Congress to crack down on.

Without touching the constitutional amendment process or attempting to overturn any court ruling, the Citizenship Act will codify Trump’s declaration of “invasion” and amend federal law to revoke birthright citizenship from children of illegal immigrants under exceptions listed in the same case the “Barbara” ruling’s majority used as its precedent.

Kavanaugh found that Trump’s order didn’t violate the Fourteenth Amendment but did conflict with a federal statute on birthright citizenship passed in the spirit of the amendment conservatives said was intended mainly for freed slaves and their children.

Bush-appointed Justice John Roberts relied on the landmark 1898 U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark case to rule against Trump in “Barbara” and “guarantee citizenship to all children born in the United States and subject to its power” – but Banks’ bill would use that same case as precedent to secure an end to birthright citizenship for progeny of illegal immigrants and birth tourists.

Then-Justice Horace Gray – an appointee of Republican President Chester Arthur – ruled in Wong Kim Ark that those exceptions include diplomats’ kids, “enemies within” and those engaged in hostile occupation of U.S. territories who are not “bound to render obedience to the sovereign [U.S. government] whose domains are being invaded.”

By Roberts reaffirming Wong Kim Ark’s precedent with its exceptions, Banks’ bill would essentially use it against itself.

“The Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship decision was an unprecedented assault on American sovereignty, and we must do whatever it takes to save our country,” Banks told Fox News Digital.

“I’m leading the Citizenship Act to reverse the effects of this consequential ruling and ensure the millions of illegal aliens that invaded our country can’t continue to exploit our immigration system.”

In U.S. v. CASA, a similar 2025 case that went against Trump, Obama-appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor separately confirmed “children born of alien enemies in hostile occupation” do not qualify for birthright citizenship, while not taking the extra step to classify illegal immigrants as such “invaders” mentioned in the original ruling.

Banks also makes a textual Constitutional argument in his bill, writing that Article IV requires the feds to “protect each [state] against invasion” while Congress’ Article I power includes “establish[ing] a uniform rule of naturalization.”

He also cited President James Madison’s 1788 analysis that the Constitution vested Congress—not the states—with authority over naturalization through a uniform national rule.

The Citizenship Act lays out that some Mexican nationals view migration northward as a means of re-conquering territory the U.S. won during 1840s military hostilities finalized in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 that established Texas and beyond as part of the U.S.

It also points to Chinese birth tourism being encouraged directly by the CCP – which brings the birthright citizenship debate over what defines an invasion by a hostile government full circle.

Banks’ bill argues those examples demonstrate that birthright citizenship has become intertwined with broader questions of national sovereignty and foreign influence.

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