Nationwide Coalition of Parents Travel to D.C. to Demand Congress Take Action on Nitrous Oxide

Washington, DC – As deaths and serious injuries from nitrous oxide abuse continue to rise across the nation, a grassroots coalition of parents and family members from across America traveled to Washington, D.C., to demand federal action against the addictive chemical and urge support of the bipartisan Nitrous Oxide Safety Act, authored by U.S Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15).

On Sept. 2, over 40 members of People Against Nitrous Oxide (PANOS), representing at least 15 states, joined Mullin at the U.S. Capitol for a press conference to raise awareness about the risks, and to urge lawmakers to support the bill (H.R. 7945), which would prohibit retail sales of nitrous oxide to consumers.

The grassroots advocacy effort brought together families and advocates who have lost loved ones or experienced the devastating effects of nitrous oxide misuse. PANOS, a grassroots coalition of over 300 members, has doubled in size over the past year alone as nitrous oxide-related deaths have risen 578% in the last decade. The advocates met with their Members of Congress and staff to share their stories and urge them to cosponsor the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act, the first federal legislation proposed to address this growing public health crisis.

The timing of the PANOS Advocacy Day comes at a pivotal moment for the legislation, which cleared a critical step on Tuesday, Sept. 1: The bill received unanimous approval during a markup of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade of the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

“I have heard from too many parents whose children have suffered debilitating injuries or, tragically, lost their lives to nitrous oxide misuse,” said Rep. Mullin (CA-15). “In the midst of their pain and grief, these parents and family members have taken it upon themselves to come together, organize, travel to Washington, and use their voices to ensure no other family has to endure the suffering that they have. Their courage is truly inspiring, and I’m proud that the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act has passed subcommittee markup, marking an important step forward. But we still have work to do, and I will continue pushing alongside these families until we get this bill across the finish line and signed into law.”

“My two-tour veteran son, Robert Howland, died by suicide driven by Nitrous Oxide in 2022,” said PANOS founder Julia Charleston, who lives Alabama. “Feeling all alone, I started the PANOS page desperate to find others who were tangled up in Nitrous’ tenacles. I have since met over 300 PANOS members whose lives have been devastated by the toxic, potentially fatal poison, and their stories are horrific. Nitrous Oxide can be sold at Vape Shops and Gas Stations across the country; you can order as much as you want from Amazon and other manufacturer websites, and have it shipped right to your front door. Because of the easy accessibility, people mistakenly think it’s safe, until it isn’t. We are eternally grateful to Congressman Kevin Mullin and his staff’s tireless advocacy of The Nitrous Oxide Safety Act, H.R. 7945.”

“Just a year ago, I was sitting in a hospital watching my adult son fight for his life,” said Gerrie Gray-Benedi, a mother from Virginia, who worked to enact a nitrous oxide ban in Virginia after her adult son was hospitalized with severe blood clots. “I had no idea what nitrous oxide was, how it was being sold, or how easily it could be obtained. I witnessed firsthand the neuropathy and blood clots he experienced, and that crisis made it my mission to fight for change. I worked with Virginia legislators to pass bipartisan legislation that became law July 1. By sharing my story, I’ve connected with families across the country experiencing this same crisis. I still struggle to understand how these large canisters can be sold as culinary products in vape stores and made so easily available online when we know the devastating consequences they can cause. I strongly support the bipartisan Nitrous Oxide Safety Act, and I’m in Washington because it’s time for Congress to act.”

“My 18-year-old son and only child, Maddix Bias, was killed on February 3, 2024, by an impaired driver who was huffing nitrous oxide,” said Candi Morris, a mother from Oklahoma. “She had purchased two giant tanks of nitrous oxide at a vape store on Campus Corner in Norman, Oklahoma. I have worked in dentistry for 25 years, and I had no idea nitrous oxide was being sold to the public when members of the dental community must undergo training, maintain CPR certification, and hold a state license to administer it. As soon as I learned the cause of the collision that killed Maddix, I made it my mission to get this dangerous substance out of the hands of the public—especially children and young people.”

“I came to Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act because no family should experience what ours has. My 17-year-old son, Jack, died of cardiac arrest after inhaling nitrous oxide while visiting Penn State for a football weekend. There were no other drugs or alcohol in his system, yet he was dead within 20 minutes. Jack should still be here and his story, and the other stories shared today, should be a warning about how dangerous nitrous oxide can be. This bill would end the retail sale of nitrous oxide to consumers while protecting its legitimate uses. Congress has the power to act and help save lives, and I pray that they do so,” said Bridget Schoenig, a mother from Pennsylvania.

Rep. Mullin’s Nitrous Oxide Safety Act prohibits all consumer sales of nitrous oxide in both physical retail stores and online, while preserving legitimate medical, industrial, and food production applications. The Consumer Product Safety Commission would enforce the federal law, and anyone selling nitrous oxide could potentially face civil or criminal penalties if their products are getting into the hands of consumers for household or recreational use.

Specifically, the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act would:

Prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide products to consumers for household and recreational use;

Strengthen regulatory clarity to prevent mislabeling or youth-targeted marketing of nitrous oxide canisters.

Preserve access for licensed medical and dental professionals using nitrous oxide under established clinical protocols; legitimate industrial, food production, automotive, and research applications; and

Allow continued sale of legitimate multi-ingredient food products that contain nitrous oxide as a component (such as canisters that contain both cream and nitrous oxide in a single product).

During the PANOS Advocacy Day, families focused on securing new congressional co-sponsors to build legislative momentum. Rep. Mullin is now pushing for a vote on the legislation by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee and, ultimately, a vote on the House Floor.

The Nitrous Oxide Safety Act is a straightforward approach that reflects growing bipartisan concern over the rapid rise in inhalant misuse, and the need to modernize consumer protections. Rep. Mullin’s bill is cosponsored by Reps. Stephanie Bice (OK-05), David Kustoff (TN-08), Thomas Kean (NJ-07), William Timmons (SC-04), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

Read the full bill text here.

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Kiggans, Underwood Recognize September 1st-8th as National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced a resolution to recognize the first week of September 2026 as National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week. The resolution recognizes the contributions of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) to patient outcomes and health system quality across the country.

As it stands today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not list CNS as a separate advanced practice nursing occupation, even though Medicare and Medicaid both recognize CNS as a distinct profession. The resulting lack of specialized data has made it increasingly difficult to address any healthcare gaps and secure funding for this critical profession. This resolution reaffirms support for policies that ensure the CNS workforce is accurately counted, classified, and supported in federal health workforce planning.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Our Clinical Nurse Specialists serve an incredibly important role in administering quality care and education to their patients. As a geriatric nurse practitioner and Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, I know firsthand the value our advanced practice nurses bring to patients, providers, and our entire healthcare system. Unfortunately, federal workforce data does not reflect the important work our CNSs do, but their contributions are felt across the country every day. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to recognize our National Clinical Nurse Specialists and thank them for their continued dedication to patients, providers, and communities throughout our nation.”

“As a nurse, I know the unique role that Clinical Nurse Specialists play in delivering high-quality care and advocating for their patients, all while working to strengthen their communities,” said Congresswoman Underwood, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “Our nursing workforce is facing unprecedented attacks, and we must do more to protect, support, and strengthen our profession. I’m proud to introduce this resolution honoring Clinical Nurse Specialists for their expertise, dedication, and contributions to patient care during National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week.”

“Clinical Nurse Specialists are on the front lines of improving patient outcomes and strengthening health systems in every state, yet our workforce remains invisible in the federal data that shapes nursing policy. We thank Representative Kiggans for recognizing CNS Week and for standing behind the simple principle that you cannot plan for a workforce you refuse to count. This resolution moves us closer to the day when CNSs are counted, classified, and supported the way our patients and health systems deserve,” said National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists President, Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS.

Read the resolution here.

Read a one-pager here.

As a geriatric nurse practitioner and Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, Congresswoman Kiggans is committed to strengthening America’s nursing workforce, supporting healthcare professionals, and ensuring nurses receive the recognition and resources they need to provide high-quality care to their patients.

This resolution is endorsed by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.


Krishnamoorthi and Coalition of South Asian Lawmakers Lead National Roundtable to Combat Rising Hate Against South Asian Americans

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and a coalition of South Asian lawmakers today led a national roundtable with state and local South Asian elected officials focused on rising hate and discrimination targeting South Asian American communities and concrete steps policymakers can take to combat hate and prevent violence.\

The roundtable brought together Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Suhas Subramanyam, and Shri Thanedar, along with state and local elected officials from across the country, Indian American Impact, and Stop AAPI Hate. Participants discussed what South Asian communities are experiencing, the forces driving hate, and strategies to strengthen prevention, reporting, and response.

“Today’s roundtable brought together South Asian leaders from across the country to confront the rise in hate, harassment, and violence our communities are seeing and focus on what we can do about it,” Krishnamoorthi said. “This is about protecting South Asian Americans, but it is also about making clear that no American should be made to feel they do not belong because of where they were born, how they worship, or what their name sounds like. That is why I have been working to strengthen our response to hate crimes, including through the Hate Crimes Commission Act, so we can better understand what is driving this hate and prevent violence before it happens.”

Earlier this year, Krishnamoorthi reintroduced the Hate Crimes Commission Act with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Grace Meng and Nydia Velázquez. The legislation would establish a bipartisan commission to examine what is driving hate crimes, including the role of social media and technology, assess barriers to complete reporting, and identify successful prevention and response strategies. It would also require a Government Accountability Office audit of federal hate-crime data to improve the accuracy and reliability of information on hate crimes nationwide.

The roundtable included state and local elected officials from North Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia, California, Michigan, Texas, and Pennsylvania, as well as Indian American Impact Executive Director Chintan Patel and Stop AAPI Hate Co-Founder Manju Kulkarni.


Krishnamoorthi Blasts Trump Cybersecurity Cuts as Experts Warn of “Shockingly Poor” Defenses

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today blasted Trump Administration cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the federal government’s lead cybersecurity agency, as national security experts warned that defenses protecting critical infrastructure in communities across the country remain dangerously weak. During a House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing, Dr. Seth Jones confirmed his assessment that some U.S. cyber defenses, particularly among municipalities, are “shockingly poor.” Krishnamoorthi pointed to reports of cyberattacks on water systems across at least 12 states this summer before noting that the Trump Administration cut CISA’s workforce by nearly one-third last year. Krishnamoorthi called for strengthening the agency as threats to critical infrastructure grow, rather than cutting its capacity.

“There is no question that with the end of the Cold War and then the terrorism focus of the last quarter century, our counterintelligence architecture deserves a hard look to make sure the government is connecting the dots in our new era of strategic competition. On a bipartisan basis, we have worked with the majority as they focused on this issue, and this open hearing will help advance the goal of an aggressive but measured approach to improving what exists,” Krishnamoorthi said.

Krishnamoorthi also pressed witnesses on growing Russian threats to the Baltics as rapidly evolving drone technology creates new challenges for protecting military and civilian infrastructure. He cited witness David Feith’s testimony that direct threats to critical infrastructure, particularly from drones, “have matured with astonishing speed over the last five years,” and pressed witnesses on what more can be done now to deter a Russian attack on the Baltics.

Witnesses described the increasing use of inexpensive armed drones, the difficulty of defending critical facilities against them, and efforts by Baltic countries to strengthen their counter-drone capabilities. Krishnamoorthi, who recently traveled to Ukraine, warned that Russia could use drone attacks against the Baltics to test NATO resolve.

The hearing examined whether the United States’ national security and counterintelligence architecture is keeping pace with threats from China, Russia, and other adversaries. In his opening statement, Krishnamoorthi called for hardening U.S. cyber defenses, better connecting information across the federal government, and ensuring information collected by law enforcement does not remain isolated within individual investigations.


Congressman Langworthy Announces $70,000 Federal Grant to Strengthen Olean Region’s Skilled Trades

Washington, D.C.—September 2nd…Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced a $70,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the Olean Business Development Corporation (OBDC) to support the Olean Region Skilled Trades Accelerator Project.

The $100,000 project, which includes $30,000 in matching funds from Olean Business Development, will help locally owned skilled-trades businesses overcome barriers to growth, strengthen their operations, and prepare for the next generation of business ownership. The program will serve 10 businesses and provide a flexible, in-person accelerator tailored specifically to the needs of skilled-trades entrepreneurs.

The Olean region is facing a shortage of skilled-trades workers as experienced tradespeople increasingly approach retirement. The accelerator will help address that challenge by supporting emerging and existing businesses and creating pathways for the transition of businesses from aging owners to a new generation of trained and capable entrepreneurs.

The project will also help ensure the continued availability of essential services, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, throughout the region while supporting business sustainability, generational wealth creation, and local economic growth.

“Small businesses and skilled trades are essential to Olean’s economy, and we need to make sure they have the tools and resources to grow and succeed,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This investment will help local tradespeople build stronger businesses, create opportunities for the next generation to take the reins, and ensure families and businesses across the region continue to have access to essential services. I’m proud to help deliver this investment to strengthen our local economy and create good-paying careers right here in the Southern Tier.”

Bob Forness, President and Executive Director of Olean Business Development Corporation, said, “We are extremely grateful to Congressman Langworthy for his continued commitment to Olean and his work to bring federal resources home to our community. This grant, and the collaboration with Jamestown Community College’s Workforce Development Team in deploying the program, will make a meaningful difference for local skilled-trades businesses that are facing the dual challenges of finding qualified workers and preparing for a transition to new ownership. Congressman Langworthy understands that investing in these businesses means investing in good-paying jobs, essential services, and the long-term economic health of our region. We appreciate his partnership and leadership in helping make this project possible.”

The Olean Region Skilled Trades Accelerator will provide participating businesses with a more flexible alternative to traditional accelerator programs, recognizing the time constraints facing many tradespeople. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses while creating opportunities for generational ownership and retaining essential skilled-trades services in the region.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments serving 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC works to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth, and help the Appalachian region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.


Larson, DeLauro Applaud $240 Million Contract to Advance F135 Modernization at Pratt & Whitney

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), Chair of the Bipartisan Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, applauded a $240 million contract modification for Pratt & Whitney to advance the F135 Engine Core Upgrade program to the engineering and manufacturing development phase. This contract award will support work in East Hartford, Middletown, and Windsor Locks.

“It was only two years ago that we rallied lawmakers, industry leaders, and machinists to defeat a costly alternative engine that would have uprooted thousands of Connecticut jobs and devastated our state’s manufacturing supply chain,” said Larson and DeLauro. “This investment makes good on the promise of the legislation we passed to ensure the next generation of the F135 engine is developed and built by Connecticut workers. Our delegation will continue to work together to support the hard-working machinists and engineers who call our state home—and deliver the best possible equipment to our Armed Forces and allies across the globe.”

Larson and DeLauro led passage of legislation in 2024 to fully fund F135 engine modernization and ensure no federal funds will be used to integrate an alternative engine, achieving a nearly three-decade goal to secure Pratt and Whitney as the sole supplier of engines for the F-35. In 2026 alone, the Connecticut delegation has announced $4.7 billion in new contracts for engine manufacturing at Pratt & Whitney, which employs 11,000 workers, and supports 21,000 jobs across the state, both at Pratt and across the engine supply chain.


Rep. Mike Levin Votes No on GOP Amendment to Surrender Congress’s Constitutional Authority over Supreme Court

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) voted against H.J.Res.1, a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine the U.S. Supreme Court at nine Justices in the Constitution and strip future Congresses of its existing authority to determine the size of the Court. Rep. Levin opposed the amendment because he believes Congress should be defending its constitutional powers and responsibilities rather than voluntarily surrendering them. Rep. Levin released the following statement after his vote:

“Congress should be protecting the powers entrusted to it by the Constitution, not voting to surrender them. The Constitution leaves the size of the Supreme Court to Congress, and Article I entrusts Congress with the legislative authority to carry out that responsibility. This constitutional amendment asks us to surrender that power, which is precisely why I voted against it.

“There is an important distinction between choosing not to exercise a power and amending the Constitution to ensure that Congress can never exercise that power again. That distinction matters even more at a time when Washington Republicans are set on surrendering congressional authority left and right to the Trump Administration. Time and time again, my Republican colleagues have failed to defend Congress’s role as a coequal branch of government and have stood by as this Administration has stripped Congress’s power of the purse, resisted congressional oversight, and sought to expand presidential authority at every possible opportunity. To voluntarily strip Congress of yet another constitutional power is the wrong response at the worst possible time.

“I am a firm believer that the Supreme Court needs very serious reform to make it more accountable to the American people and to restore public confidence. I have been a vocal advocate for codifying 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices, and I strongly support implementing rigorous and enforceable ethics and conduct requirements that hold the Justices to meaningful standards of accountability. Congress should pursue those reforms and utilize the powers vested to us by Article I of the Constitution before we consider changing the size of the Court.

“The Framers created three coequal branches of government precisely to avoid the dangers of concentrated power. My vote today does not reflect a position on changing the composition and structure of the Supreme Court. Rather, it is a vote against writing another surrender of congressional power into the Constitution and tying the hands of future Congresses in the process.”

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Congressman Sam Liccardo Condemns ICE on the House : “Stop Digging Graveyards for the Living"

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16) took to the House Floor to condemn Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) for their role in the deaths of 52 people in their custody since President Donald Trump took office.

“Fifty-two people have died in ICE custody since Donald Trump took office, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, daughters and sons, every one someone's child and every one a child of God,” said Liccardo. “Someone loves us, someone mourns us, and when we die, grief takes part of them with us. My heart aches for the families who never got the chance to say goodbye, who never held their loved ones' hand before they died alone behind barbed wire and concrete.”

His somber speech ended with a moment of gratitude for the cities and localities for using local zoning laws to mitigate the expansion of ICE detention facilities and protect the health and safety of our communities. Liccardo’s office created a toolkit to help communities enact ordinances, and so far, the City of San José, San Mateo County, and Napa County have taken a step toward advancing such ordinances.

Read Liccardo’s full remarks below or watch on YouTube. A downloadable version is available for media distribution here.

Floor Remarks:

I'd like to thank Representative Torres for her leadership. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

A graveyard of living people, that's how Lorenzo described Camp East Montana, the ICE detention facility where guards denied him sunlight and fresh air for a full month. Lorenzo persevered. 52 others would never feel the sun upon their face again. 52 people have died in ICE custody since Donald Trump took office, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, daughters and sons, every one someone's child and every one a child of God. Someone loves us, someone mourns us, and when we die, grief takes part of them with us. My heart aches for the families who never got the chance to say goodbye, who never held their loved ones' hand before they died alone behind barbed wire and concrete.

I have undocumented neighbors in San Jose who have lived there for more than two decades. They have built lives there. They have built families there. Some coach for youth sports teams. Others volunteer at their church. Several have built businesses, employing U.S. citizens, and all have built our community.

This is not the first time our country has put the most ambitious of our dreamers and doers behind bars. In 1942, my father came home, telling my grandfather that his friend was missing from their weekly pickup baseball game. It turned out his friend, Norm, had been taken with his family from their home on Fifth Street in San Jose and incarcerated in Heart Mountain, Wyoming. Norm was a Japanese American. That young boy returned to San Jose and grew up. And decades later, I had the honor of working for him as his intern. His name is Norm Minneta, and he served in this Congress for two decades. But the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans left an indelible stain on our country.

The last of those who endured it still walk among us, and the ghosts of those who did not endure it still haunt our national conscience. So history will harshly also judge us for the abuse, for the abuse of an inhuman treatment of our undocumented neighbors. Too many of us have declined to speak out, or perhaps only when ICE’s chaotic cruelty takes the life of an American citizen, as in Minneapolis. Yet the deaths in our DHS detention centers continue unabated, accompanied only by the incriminating silence of the quietly complicit.

I'm proud that in my own Bay Area region, San Mateo County, the City of San Jose, the County of Santa Clara, and the County of Napa have all taken steps to obstruct the construction of new detention centers in our communities. We're helping them and others with a toolkit that includes a model ordinance, but local leaders should never have to fight this battle alone. Congress must act. We must defend human dignity; we must uphold our Constitution; and we must stop digging graveyards for the living.

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Sánchez introduces bill to strengthen Social Security benefits for widows, widowers

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, today introduced the Protecting Our Widows and Widowers in Retirement (POWR) Act, a bill to improve financial security for widows and widowers by adjusting the way the Social Security Administration calculates insurance benefits for surviving spouses in two-income households.

“The grief of losing a loved one shouldn’t be compounded by the stress of financial hardship,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “Sadly, that’s the reality for too many surviving spouses, who can lose half their household income overnight. The POWR Act moves to fix that. After decades of hard work and paying into the system, widows and widowers deserve to keep the benefits they earned together.”

“The nonpartisan Elder Justice Coalition is proud to support the POWR Act,” said Bob Blancato, national coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition. “Social Security is about promoting economic security. The two provisions of the POWR Act aim to remedy shortcomings that prevent widows, widowers and those on SSI from achieving that. We commend Rep. Sánchez for leading this important reform effort.”

According to the National Academy of Social Insurance, women are more likely to suffer a greater financial hit following the loss of a spouse. Despite higher workforce participation rates, women continue to rely more heavily on Social Security than men. The average widow sees a 33% to 50% drop in her benefits after the death of a spouse.

However, surviving spouses typically need 79% of the couple’s prior combined income just to maintain their standard of living. The POWR Act closes that gap, creating an alternative benefit equal to 75% of a couple’s combined Social Security benefits.

The POWR Act is cosponsored by Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

It is endorsed by the Elder Justice Coalition, Alliance for Retired Americans and National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

The full text of the bill is available HERE.

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Sánchez opening statement at hearing on critical resources, supply chains

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) delivered opening remarks at the full committee hearing on “Strategic Partnerships to Secure Critical Resources and Supply Chains.”

Video of her opening statement is available HERE and the text follows:

“Thank you, Chairman Smith. I’d like to begin this morning by congratulating Ranking Member Richie Neal on his primary victory last night.

We look forward to serving with him in his next term.

I also want to thank the witnesses for joining us today.

Critical minerals are a timely and important topic. But we really need to put this hearing into perspective.

Americans’ pocketbooks are feeling the squeeze, thanks to Trump’s nonsensical war with Iran and his disastrous economic policies.

Gas is up 38% in just six months. Beef prices are up nearly 10% just this year.

And meanwhile, Trump is doubling down on his illegal tariffs, even after his Supreme Court defeat and starting a self-defeating trade war with Canada.

Instead of stroking his own ego and renaming lakes, Trump should listen to what’s worrying American households.

Though despicable, the president’s actions are not surprising. What is disheartening, however, is the silence from congressional Republicans, which allows this circus to continue.

With Congress stepping back, shady backroom deals have become a defining feature of this administration. Just this week, we learned of a murky oil deal the president struck with Venezuela.

Meanwhile, the American people are kept in the dark because Republicans don’t want us asking “Who really profits from this chaos?”

To answer that, one needs to look no further than President Trump’s critical minerals agenda.

Let me be clear: Ways and Means Democrats have long supported strengthening U.S. critical minerals supply chains. We need to invest in clean energy and technology, create good-paying American jobs and reduce our reliance on China.

That is not where we disagree. The issue is how we get there and who gets rich along the way.

Democrats will not turn a blind eye to the Trump administration’s corrupt conduct.

For example:

The New York Times found that 14 companies tied to Trump cabinet officials’ families are seeking or receiving nearly $9 billion in federal support, including a lucrative critical minerals project in Kazakhstan.

Another example is Vulcan Elements.

Donald Trump Jr.’s investment firm took a stake in the company and, just months later, the Pentagon announced a $620 million loan to Vulcan, followed by another $50 million in federal support.

ProPublica reported that the loan process was accelerated after the White House intervened on the company’s behalf.

Then there is USA Rare Earth.

With Cantor Fitzgerald as its lead placement agent, the company raised $1.5 billion in private capital while seeking an equity stake and $1.6 billion gift from Commerce.

And who leads Cantor Fitzgerald? Secretary Lutnick’s sons.

These cases demand answers.

We are not talking about pocket change—we’re talking about hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars that are on the line.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is weakening oversight at institutions like EXIM and DFC, laying the groundwork for politically connected insiders to profit at the public’s expense.

Competition with China is no excuse for abandoning safeguards which prevent taxpayer funds from being misused for private enrichment.

We also cannot say that because China is a strategic competitor, every mining deal is automatically a good deal.

Securing our supply chains does not mean we have to sacrifice labor rights, human rights or environmental protections.

[America] can compete with China and uphold democratic values.

We can secure critical minerals and create jobs for American workers.

We can also build supply chains without recreating the exploitative systems that have historically defined global mining.

Congress has a duty to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are invested in projects that serve the national interests.

The resources of the United States government belong to the American people — not to the president’s family, not to cabinet officials’ families nor to their business associates.

So, I challenge my Republican colleagues: Do not waste this hearing by digging for fool’s gold while real conflicts of interest stare us in the face.

And with that I yield back.”

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Ranking Member Lofgren's Opening Statement at Hearing on Advanced Nuclear Reactors

(Washington, DC) — Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is holding an Energy Subcommittee hearing titled, Powering the Nuclear Renaissance: Accelerating U.S. Leadership in Advanced Nuclear Reactors.

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren's (D-CA) opening statement as prepared for the record is below:

Good morning and thank you, Chairman Weber and Ranking Member Ross, for holding this important hearing. And thank you to each of the witnesses for being here today.

This Committee has long supported the development of advanced nuclear technologies in a bipartisan way. In fact, under former Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s leadership, we passed the first comprehensive authorization of our nation’s nuclear energy R&D enterprise in 15 years as part of the Energy Act of 2020, and then we provided billions in forward funding for these authorized activities in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act over the following two years.

Thats because we recognize the vital role that nuclear energy currently plays – along with our substantial renewable and energy storage assets – in providing clean, reliable power to our nation. And we are encouraged by the potential for advanced nuclear technologies, including fusion I might add, to do so much more.

This is why I am also so concerned about several actions taken by this Administration that would undermine our country’s ability to develop and rely on these technologies in the years to come. President Trump’s legally dubious and completely unjustified firing of the Senate-confirmed Commissioner and former Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Chris Hanson, can never be viewed as an acceptable precedent. By all accounts on both sides of the aisle, Mr. Hanson was doing an excellent job balancing the NRC’s longstanding, critical mission to ensure the safety of our domestic nuclear fleet with thoughtful reforms to accelerate and reduce the costs of NRC’s processes. But clearly none of that mattered to this President.

The Administration has also fired and actively encouraged the loss of hundreds of key expert staff across various agencies that would be necessary to actually carry out the goals for nuclear energy that they say they are trying to achieve, including at the NRC and the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy, Clean Energy Demonstrations, and Loan Programs Offices.

President Trump has signed several Executive Orders with the clear goal of undermining the independence and the authority of the NRC, attempting to establish an alternative reactor licensing process at the Department of Energy with far less transparency or opportunity for public engagement than the NRC’s well-established practices. Here I will note that the complaints of a small number of startup companies with ties to the Administration do not justify gutting an agency that has been a gold standard for the world in ensuring nuclear safety.

The broader nuclear energy community recognizes that one disaster resulting from these actions would severely harm the entire industry – a short-sighted “move fast and break things” approach could frankly be catastrophic.

Lastly, it must be noted that the Department has proposed major cuts to its nuclear energy RD&D activities in each of its budget requests so far, including a proposal to cut its flagship Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program by 51% in FY 2026, and a proposed funding cut for the Office of Nuclear Energy overall by 9% in FY 2027. The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that this Congress passed last year also included a massive cut to support for DOE’s Loan Programs Office, substantially reducing its ability to support new nuclear projects that Secretary Wright has insisted are at the top of its agenda. And no, renaming the Loan Programs Office as the “Office of Energy Dominance Financing” does not make this move any less unwise.

I believe there remains plenty of common ground for us all to work together to support and improve our nation’s nuclear energy capabilities. But we can do better than what we’ve seen in the last 19 months of this Administration. If America is going to lead the world in 21st century nuclear technologies, we must do better.

With that I yield back.


Congressman Harris Delivers Floor Remarks in Support of Constitutional Amendment to Keep Nine Supreme Court Justices

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.J. Res. 1, legislation which proposes an amendment of the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

Rep. Harris’s remarks as delivered:

“I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 1, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution that would require the Supreme Court of the United States to be composed of nine justices.

“This action will uphold the Court’s legitimacy, protect the checks and balances that defend our fundamental freedoms, and ensure that every American’s rights remain protected—regardless of who holds political power.

“For decades, we have heard calls from those unhappy with the ideological balance of the Supreme Court to ‘pack the Court.’ The alarming rise of such calls should worry all of us because their objective is not to uphold ethical principles or protect individual rights, but rather to consolidate power and intimidate the Court.

“Our founders understood that liberty cannot survive when power goes unchecked. They therefore built a system of checks and balances, with an independent Supreme Court serving as a critical safeguard for the rights and freedoms of every American. The Court’s role is not to advance a party’s political agenda but to uphold the Constitution and protect liberty—even when doing so means standing apart from the passions of the moment.

“At a time when the Supreme Court is under ongoing and escalating attacks, Congress can and must act to defend it. I am proud to support this proposed amendment, and I urge all my colleagues to support maintaining the integrity of the Supreme Court.”

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Reps. Massie, Burlison Introduce the "Flock-Off Act" to Defund Surveillance State Cameras

For Immediate Release

Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov

Contact #: 202-225-3465

Washington, D.C.- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces the introduction of H.R. 10221, the Flock-Off Act. The legislation responds to Americans' concerns about the growing surveillance state by prohibiting the use of federal funds to purchase, install, maintain, operate, or upgrade automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) is co-leading the legislation.

"The federal government shouldn’t provide 'security' grants to cities and police departments that have gone beyond the pale and turned their communities into a version of 1984," said Rep. Thomas Massie. "The Flock-Off Act withholds federal money from municipalities and police departments that deploy Flock cameras to surveil law-abiding citizens. Federal taxpayers should not be forced to fund the surveillance state."

"Technology may change, but our constitutional rights do not,” said Congressman Eric Burlison. "The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches, and advances in surveillance technology should not come at the expense of our privacy and liberty. The federal government should not use taxpayer dollars to build a surveillance state that tracks law-abiding Americans. Our rights are unalienable, and Congress has a responsibility to protect them."

The Flock-Off Act:

Cuts off federal funding for Flock-style surveillance by prohibiting federal funds from being used to purchase, install, maintain, operate, or upgrade automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras.

Requires federal agencies to remove federally funded systems and requires state and local recipients to stop operating them within 180 days as a condition of continued funding under the relevant federal program.

Withholds federal program funds from recipients until violations of the spending prohibitions are repaid to the United States Treasury.

Prohibits federal funds from paying for contracts, subscriptions, cloud services, databases, or data-sharing arrangements connected to covered camera systems.

Covers AI-augmented automated license plate readers and biometric cameras.

Defines biometric data to include facial recognition, voiceprints, iris/retinal scans, fingerprints, and gait recognition.

Provides an exception allowing continued federal funding for cameras located within 1 mile of the Northern and Southern Border that are used for the detection and interdiction of unlawful entry, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.

Allows the continued use of federal funds for ALPRs used for the sole purpose of collecting, administering, or enforcing tolls.

Original cosponsors of the Flock-Off Act include Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN).

The text of the Flock-Off Act is available at this link.


McDowell’s Bipartisan Foreign Robocall Elimination Act Advances Through House Subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Addison McDowell's Bipartisan Foreign Robocall Elimination Act advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

McDowell introduced the House companion to Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Peter Welch’s (D-VT) legislation. The legislation brings together experts from the federal government and private sector to identify and combat illegal robocalls originating overseas.

“I continuously hear about bad actors targeting seniors through robocalls. Foreign scammers are trying to steal Social Security numbers, bank information, and any other sensitive information they can get their hands on,” said Rep. Addison McDowell. “The financial security of the American people is extremely important, and Congress cannot ignore this threat. I’m encouraged that the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act has advanced through the subcommittee, and I look forward to getting it through the full Energy and Commerce Committee.”

"USTelecom applauds the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee for advancing the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. Every day, the Industry Traceback Group, in its role as the FCC’s registered traceback consortium, traces illegal robocalls to their source. This bill would build on that work by strengthening traceback efforts against illegal robocalls entering the United States from abroad, including those used to perpetrate scams. We thank Reps. McDowell and Morrison for their leadership and urge Congress to move this legislation swiftly so it can be signed into law,” said Brandon Heiner, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at USTelecom, The Broadband Association.

Background: Millions of Americans are targeted by scam calls each month by bad actors seeking to gain access to individuals’ Social Security Numbers, banking information, or other sensitive information. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has previously estimated that eliminating illegal scam robocalls would provide a public benefit of billions of dollars annually. Legislation like the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, which was signed into law in 2019, empowered the FCC and telecommunications companies to implement call authentication technologies that could more easily identify and trace back illegal, spoofed calls. This bill builds on the TRACED Act’s success by continuing to harden our telecommunications infrastructure against foreign scammers. In the Senate, this effort is led by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

What the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act does:

Creates an interagency task force comprised of federal agency representatives and seven private sector representatives. The federal agency participants shall be determined jointly by the FCC, FTC, and the Attorney General.

Of the private sector representatives:

Three must have experience in combating unlawful robocalls

One must be from the U.S. Traceback Consortium

One must be from a telemarketing business

One must be from a nonprofit that primarily uses telephone communication

One must be from a customer advocate organization that specializes in combating unlawful robocalls

Requires the task force to report to the administration and to Congress on suggested ways to improve the federal response to unlawful robocalls made by foreign scammers

Requires the task force to evaluate ways for the DOJ to improve law enforcement’s response to and prevention of unlawful robocalls

Strengthens the TRACED Act by extending the Industry Traceback Group’s (ITG) renewal period from 1 to 3 years and provides further protections for the ITG to go after illegal robocallers.

Allows for a rulemaking so the FCC can consider the introduction of a bond to increase the costs to fraudulent providers who violate the Robocall Mitigation Database.

The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act now advances to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.


Rep. Menefee Pushes for Nuclear Energy Investments in Houston

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) highlighted Houston’s role in the future of advanced energy during a House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy hearing, “Powering the Nuclear Renaissance: Accelerating U.S. Leadership in Advanced Nuclear Reactors.”

Congressman Menefee focused on bringing more nuclear research, investments, and jobs to Houston as the country works to expand its advanced reactor capacity and meet growing demand for electricity.

“Houston is the energy capital of the world. We are a city that builds things, that moves things and that powers things.” Rep. Menefee said. “When this committee says ‘nuclear renaissance,’ my district hears a job, a career, and an opportunity to research and power what comes next.”

Rep. Menefee noted that while Texas has long been a leader in traditional hydrocarbons, nuclear power makes up less than 10% of the state’s electricity generation and has remained roughly flat for decades, even as electricity demand continues to grow. He highlighted the opportunity for Texas to build on its long history of energy leadership by investing in nuclear and other emerging energy technologies.

“I want Texas to grow. I want Houston to grow. And I want this nation to grow in this space,” Rep. Menefee said. “Nuclear energy is the next frontier, and there’s a lot of opportunity ahead. But as we grow this industry, we have to make sure the communities surrounding these facilities aren’t left carrying the burden. We can create good-paying jobs, grow our economy, lead the future of energy, and make the health and safety of our communities a priority every step of the way.”

During the hearing, Congressman Menefee also pushed for Houston universities, including Texas Southern University and the University of Houston, to receive more federal funding for nuclear research.

“I want research dollars to land at schools like Texas Southern University and the University of Houston, both of which have been knee-deep in nuclear research and our state’s journey for more dependable, low-carbon power,” Rep. Menefee said. “I want a young adult from my district with a welding certificate to have a real path into these jobs.”

During his questioning, Congressman Menefee highlighted the University of Houston’s membership in the Texas Nuclear Alliance and its energy and manufacturing research, including work through the Energy Transition Institute, Advanced Manufacturing Institute, and Texas Center for Superconductivity.


House Democrats’ Midterm Message: Embrace Radical Socialism, Pack the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — This week, after funding the federal government and preventing another Democrat shutdown, House Republicans offered two commonsense measures to condemn socialism and preserve the integrity of the Supreme Court. Predictably, an overwhelming majority of House Democrats voted against both.

“House Democrats just confirmed that socialism and the communist playbook are on the ballot this November. 192 House Democrats voted against a resolution condemning socialism, communism, and the 100 million deaths those dangerous ideologies have wrought over time, while an additional 205 Democrats voted to pack the U.S. Supreme Court,” Speaker Johnson said. “For members of Congress who swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution, condemning socialism and defending the integrity of the Supreme Court shouldn’t be a controversial vote. Sadly, for today’s Democrats, they are.”

Background:

House Republicans passed H. Res 1490 from Rep. Jeff Crank to condemn socialism in all forms, the Democrat Socialists of America, and their radical, anti-American platform which calls for the abolition of police and prisons, allowing noncitizens to vote, and packing the Supreme Court.

192 House Democrats voted against this resolution.

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ICYMI: Miller Participates in Hearing to Secure U.S. Supply Chains for Critical Resources in Central Asia and Africa

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined her colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee for a hearing to secure domestic supply chains for critical resources with our partners in Central Asia and Africa.

A video and transcript of Congresswoman Miller’s questions and the provided responses can be found below.

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Congresswoman Miller began by highlighting Central Asia’s role in diversifying the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals and emphasizing the need for the United States to cement the region as a key strategic and economic partner.

"Thank you Chairman Smith for holding this hearing. The issues that we are discussing today are so crucial to securing our supply-chains and restoring American manufacturing dominance.

I just returned from my second visit to Central [Asia] with Chairman Smith. This morning I was wide awake at four, and yesterday it was one-thirty. It is going to take me a while to get used to it, but I was so glad that my Chairman and my colleagues had the opportunity to experience the beauty and the progress in Central Asia. I hope they discovered a newfound urgency in the deepening of our relationships with these nations.

We should not have a conversation about diversifying our supply chains for critical minerals without Central Asia. Mr. Herbst, you mentioned in your testimony that Kazakhstan is the world's largest uranium producer, ranks third globally in titanium production, and has the second largest manganese reserves, and has approximately 36 million tons of copper reserves. Similarly, Uzbekistan has reserves of tungsten, lithium, manganese, and other critical minerals with its mineral resource potential estimated at $5.7 trillion.

The United States is 100% import reliant on several of these minerals, and in some cases that reliance is on China. Central Asian nations are eager to forge deeper relationships and partnerships with the United States, and they’re actively seeking investments from American companies. The new leaders in these countries have worked tirelessly to make economic and social reforms to enter the global economy. They really feel that they’re on the right track, acting like democracies. President Trump has made significant efforts to renew American engagement in these regions.

It is therefore high time Congress takes affirmative steps to cement the United States as a key strategic business partner for Central Asia.

The Jackson-Vanik amendment is sending the wrong signal. It’s an outdated remnant of the Cold War, and it is forcing our investors to deal with these nations at an arm’s length and allowing China and Russia to continue their economic dominance in the region.

I have introduced legislation with my friend Congressman Panetta to lift Jackson-Vanik for all Central Asian nations, and I urge my colleagues from across the aisle to support this initiative. Every day that Congress doesn’t act on this is a day we are deepening our dependence on China and neglecting an untapped potential in Central Asia,” said Congresswoman Miller.

Congresswoman Miller then questioned Ambassador John Herbst, Senior Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, about the removal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment and how doing so could strengthen trade relations between the United States and Central Asian nations.

“Ambassador Herbst, can you speak plainly on why Jackson-Vanik needs to be lifted for Central Asian nations and what the immediate positive effects could be? Can you also speak to the progress these nations have made that will ensure security of investment in the region?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

“Thank you very much for your advocacy of this very sensible idea. We have a problem, which I think this committee recognizes, that two large nations consider us as a principal adversary, Russia and China. And China in particular, which has a world class economy and which has established its stranglehold over critical and rare Earth minerals, is using this very much to our disadvantage.

The Central Asian countries live in a very dangerous neighborhood. China on the one side, Russia on the other, Iran on a third, and they want the economic, political, and even the security advantages of a closer relationship with us. Given the dangers we face from China's control over critical and rare Earths, it’s essential for us to develop all the sources of supply of which these nations have a fair amount.

It’s true that the political and economic practices in central Asia are not wonderful. It's also true, as you've pointed out, that we've seen serious step towards reform in Uzbekistan since Mirziyoyev took over, my goodness, ten years ago. And we've seen steps forward under Tokayev in Kazakhstan, and we have something to work with.

It doesn't mean it's always going to be pretty. It doesn't mean that there aren't human rights abuses there, but those human rights problems will only improve by closer partnership with us. And again, we have to worry about our own security. I wish that our policy across the world was as clear in recognizing the dangers posed to us by an aggressive China, an aggressive Russia, as demonstrated by this committee.

But we need to work on that, and we need to address this absolutely critical, rare Earth problem that we have. I have no doubt that despite our laggard position today, if the Administration and Congress, multiple administrations and multiple congresses work together on this as a high priority, we can improve our circumstances dramatically and reduce our vulnerability. But this requires major effort,” answered Ambassador Herbst.

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Miller Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Give Disabled Americans Faster Access to Social Security Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the We Can’t Wait Act. This bill addresses an unnecessary hardship in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, giving individuals who have been determined disabled and eligible for benefits the choice to receive their earned benefits immediately, rather than waiting five months, in exchange for a modestly reduced monthly benefit.

Under current law, even after the Social Security Administration determines someone is disabled and eligible for SSDI, they must wait another five months before receiving their first payment. For someone who is unable to work, that delay can mean falling into debt, losing their home, or going without needed medical care. The We Can’t Wait Act gives newly approved beneficiaries the choice to receive their earned benefits sooner while maintaining an actuarially sound benefit structure.

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this year.

"The We Can’t Wait Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that gives Americans greater access to the benefits they have earned when they need them most. Someone who has been determined disabled and unable to work should not have to face an extensive wait for the support they depend on. This legislation provides beneficiaries with greater flexibility during an incredibly difficult time by giving them the option to receive their benefits sooner. I will continue working to ensure Congress is doing everything possible to strengthen Social Security and make sure it works for the Americans who rely on it," said Congresswoman Miller.

National and regional organizations endorsing the bill include: Alliance for Aging Research, American Association of People with Disability, Cancer Action Network, American Council of the Blind, Assure Disability, Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Bender Consulting Services, Inc., Brain Injury Association of America, Center for HIV Law and Policy, Communication First, DisABILITY Law Center of Virginia, Disability Rights Maine, Disability Rights North Carolina, Disability Rights Pennsylvania, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, HEUMANN Perspective, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Disability Representatives, National Association of the Deaf, National Disability Institute, National Disability Rights Network, National Federation of the Blind, National Industries for the Blind, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, National Organization on Disability, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Respectability, Tenderloin Housing Clinic, and the World Institute on Disability.

Read the We Can't Wait bill text here.

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ICYMI: Rep. Min Defends Birthright Citizenship, Calls Out GOP Attacks on 14th Amendment

Washington, D.C. — Representative Dave Min (CA-47), a member of the House Oversight Committee and its Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses slammed the task force's GOP leadership for failing to uphold its stated mission and defended birthright citizenship as a clearly defined constitutional right during a hearing titled “Protecting American Citizenship: Confronting Birth Tourism.” Reaffirming longstanding Supreme Court precedent, Rep. Min emphasized that the 14th Amendment has guaranteed citizenship to people born in the United States for more than 150 years and rejected efforts by President Trump to circumvent that constitutional protection through executive action.

During the hearing, Rep. Min also pointed to efforts by the task force's Republican leadership to revoke Rep. Ilhan Omar’s citizenship and deport her as an example of the broader attacks on constitutional protections.

“That is the opposite of supporting and defending the Constitution. Some might call it sedition,” said Rep. Min. “And that is deeply personal to me because I am myself a birthright citizen. My parents were here in America on student Visas when I was born. They had not become naturalized until after I was born. And if Donald Trump and Brandon Gill had had their way, maybe my parents would have been denied their Visas. Maybe they would have been deported. Maybe my citizenship would have been denied.”

Rep. Min called out the “doublespeak” of a task force charged with defending Constitutional rights while attacking a foundational Constitutional protection., He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting alongside his Democratic colleagues to ensure due process and equal representation guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.


STATEMENT: Rep. Dave Min Announces Passing of His Mother, Heikyung “HK” Chun Min

Irvine, CA — Representative Dave Min, his father Brian Byung Kon (BK) Min, and his brother Andrew Min released the following statement upon the passing of Rep. Min’s mother, Heikyung “HK” Chun Min:

“Heikyung “HK” Chun Min passed away the evening of Saturday, August 29, after a long and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. She died during her sleep in her longtime home in Palo Alto, with her immediate family all by her side. She was 79 years old.

HK was born in Incheon, South Korea on July 12, 1947, the 3rd of 5 children, and grew up in Busan. She later moved to Seoul for her high school studies after she was accepted to Sookmyung Girls High School. She went on to attend Seoul National University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry.

In 1972, HK was one of a handful of Koreans chosen for a scholarship program to study in the United States. One of the other people selected was Brian Byung Kon (BK) Min, who was a fellow Seoul National University graduate. They enrolled in graduate studies together at Brown University (her in chemistry, him in mechanical engineering) in Providence, Rhode Island. They were married in 1973 and had their first child, Dave, in 1976 before moving to Ithaca, New York, for their post-doctoral fellowships at Cornell University. Their second son Andrew was born there in 1979.

In 1979, the Min family moved to California. HK was one of the first engineers and executives in Silicon Valley’s semiconductor industry, advancing to senior positions at Fairchild Semiconductor and then National Semiconductor, where she worked until her retirement. She was one of the original “super-moms,” balancing a vibrant career with being a wife and mom. Her kids remember her being home by 5pm on most days to watch them and prepare dinner.

HK lit up a room when she walked in, with her incredible bubbling energy and keen sense of humor. She was whip smart and enjoyed all manners of logic puzzles, a habit that her sons have both picked up. She was incredible with a hula hoop and would sometimes hula hoop for hours for exercise. She enjoyed long hikes, typically walking twice a day even up until the weeks before her death, and she loved to travel. She was a longtime volunteer at nearby Gunn High School, where her sons both attended.

She is survived by her two brothers Woongbaik Chun and Woongjin Chun, both based in Seoul, Korea; her husband of 53 years BK, who is retired; her son Dave, a US Congressman, and his wife Jane Stoever; her son Andrew, a pediatrician, and his wife Melissa Wheeler; and her grandchildren Zachary Min, Theodore Min, Niko Min, Emerson Min, and Paxton Min.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, and Halmoni. She will be sorely missed.”

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Moolenaar, Goldman, Obernolte's LOCOMOTIVES Act Passed by Committee

Today, Congressmen John Moolenaar, Craig Goldman, (R-TX), and Jay Obernolte's (R-CA) legislation, the LOCOMOTIVES Act was passed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill prevents the State of California from placing unsustainable regulations on trains crossing into the state by revising Section 209 of the Clean Air Act. Current law allows states like California to request waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt policies stricter than federal emission standards.

"California bureaucrats should not be able to supersede federal law and prevent vital parts of Michigan's economy from accessing global markets. Our LOCOMOTIVES Act is a common sense proposal to allow industries that rely on railway transportation like Michigan agriculture and our auto industry to continue to operate under one national standard. I am grateful for Chairman Guthrie's leadership and his committee's support for my legislation, and I will continue my work to ensure our supply chains remain strong," said Congressman Moolenaar.

“A single state should not be allowed to impose unworkable mandates on our national rail system,” said Congressman Obernolte. “The LOCOMOTIVES Act protects jobs and investment in my district, including the Barstow International Gateway, while providing the consistent federal standards needed to keep goods moving across the country. I’m glad the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced this commonsense legislation.”

"I’m proud to have joined Rep. Moolenaar and Rep. Obernolte in leading the LOCOMOTIVES ACT, preventing California’s extreme green energy regulations from dictating how states like Texas handle their freight rail industry. Only Texas should set the rules for Texas—and I’ll keep fighting to make sure it stays that way," said Congressman Goldman.

The legislation's passage through committee was applauded by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Brett Guthrie.

“A strong freight rail system is the backbone of America's supply chain and interstate commerce, and no individual state should be allowed to mandate rules for the entire country. California's push to impose emissions mandates on locomotives would drive up costs on nearly everything that families buy from groceries to building materials. The LOCOMOTIVES Act ensures clear standards are in place to keep prices low for communities across the country. Thank you to Congressmen Moolenaar, Goldman, and Obernolte for their work on this important issue,” said Chairman Guthrie.

In 2023 the California Air Resources Board requested a waiver from the EPA to prohibit trains older than 23 years old from operating in the state, unless they are zero-emission, which would prevent two-thirds of currently operating trains from entering the state. Although California's waiver request was withdrawn, the state may resubmit a similar request at any time.

The LOCOMOTIVES Act is endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the North American Millers Association, the Supply Chain Federation, and the National Grain and Feed Association.


Griffith Statement on Action to Protect Ninth District Cattle Farmers and Ranchers

As a response to renewed federal attention on issues that impact American beef, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is helping lead a Congressional letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump. In the letter, lawmakers express their concerns about recent federal actions, highlight policy recommendations and reaffirm Republicans’ support for working with the Trump Administration to help America’s cattle producers.

Commenting on the letter, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Ranchers and farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District who work to feed their families and communities must put in long hours, compete in a volatile marketplace and battle with weather-related challenges.

“As a result, these dedicated agricultural and livestock leaders need voices in Congress to protect their interests. Accordingly, I am proud to outline my support in this letter for finding ways to support cattle producers in the Ninth District, which is the biggest cattle-producing Congressional district east of the Mississippi River.

“I believe good action can come from working together with our cattle producers and federal partners. Now is a time to bring together all sides, coordinate on policy options and outline an agenda that continues to deliver safe, affordable and high-quality beef.”

BACKGROUND

A draft copy of the letter can be found here.

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Griffith, Guthrie, Veasey Praise E&C Committee Action on Nuclear Licensing Reform Bill

U.S. Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, celebrated action taken by the Committee on their bill H.R. 5549, the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act. The Committee favorably reported the bill for full House consideration. This measure seeks to reform federal nuclear licensing processes and improve the overall effectiveness of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

“Reforms to the costly and cumbersome nuclear licensing process are long overdue,” said Congressman Griffith. “Sending the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act to the House floor reflects growing bipartisan momentum to support nuclear energy plants as a reliable, stable and safe source of power generation. I am proud to lead the charge to repeal this duplicative 1950s requirement.”

“Safe and reliable access to nuclear energy is vital to meeting electricity demand while lowering prices for hardworking families,” said Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie. “The Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act works to achieve both goals by cutting through unnecessary red tape and helping to bring new nuclear reactors online. Under current law, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is forced to hold a hearing on a license application even when there are no objections. This bipartisan legislation ends that mandatory requirement while continuing to ensure the licensing process works for our communities. Thank you to Congressman Griffith for his work to help make electricity more affordable.”

“I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisles in supporting this bipartisan legislation to cut unnecessary red tape and bring nuclear power to the grid more efficiently and affordably,” said Congressman Veasey. “Nuclear power is one of the keys to meeting rising energy demand without more carbon emissions, and the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act sets us in the right direction. This commonsense measure cuts delays in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing of new nuclear power plants, without sacrificing safety or public input. It will save taxpayers millions of dollars, speed up approval, and help bring down energy bills for families across the country.”

BACKGROUND

In the 118th Congress, Congressman Griffith introduced H.R. 6464, the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act

The bill amends the Atomic Energy Act by dropping the requirement for the NRC to hold a public hearing at the end of the licensing process if the license is not contested by an affected party.

Uncontested licensing hearings result in hours of preparation for the NRC staff, greatly inflate the application fees for the NRC staff’s preparation time and unnecessarily delay the approval of applications.

Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) carry the Senate companion, S. 1757.

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Congresswoman Nikema Williams Reintroduces the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led 12 members of the House in introducing the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, which will reestablish the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force.

According to the National Women’s Law Center, women stand to lose $542,800 over the course of a 40-year career. For Black women, Latinas, Indigenous women, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander women, the losses are over $1 million over a lifetime.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:

“Pay discrimination has been illegal for more than 60 years, yet too many women, especially Black women, are still fighting to be paid equally for the work they do. Black women working full-time, year-round earn just 65 cents for every dollar paid to their white male counterparts. That gap means less money for families, less opportunity to build generational wealth, and less economic security for working people across our state.

The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is about making sure the laws already on the books actually work — and that workers have a government willing to enforce them. Equal pay for equal work should not be a promise we keep pushing into the future. It should be the standard today.”

The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-08), Rep. James McGovern (MA-02), Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Rep. André Carson (IN-07), Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11), Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)

Click here to read the text of the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.


Workforce Protections Ranking Member Omar Remarks at Hearing on President Trump’s Deregulatory Agenda at the Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at today’s Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Less Red Tape, More Opportunity: Unleashing American Workers and Job Creators.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today.

“My Republican colleagues love to talk about getting rid of red tape, but let’s look at what they actually want to get rid of: it is the light at a construction site; it is the respirator a worker wears to protect themselves from asbestos exposure; it is an inspector looking at a mine and simply asking a coal operator whether the roof is going to hold.

“Every one of these commonsense rules is on the books because a worker was hurt or killed on the job. And this country decided it would not let it happen again.

“But now the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are trying to repeal them.

“They have also fired staff across the Department of Labor and weakened important safety agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“The attacks on workplace protections have made it harder to hold bad employ[ers] accountable, and harder for workers to trust that someone has their back.

“Now, 2025 was a very good year for President Trump personally.

“According to his own federal disclosure forms, Trump received 2.2 billion dollars in income after returning to the White House.

“Let me put that in perspective: the median American worker would have to work over forty-three thousand years to earn what President Trump made in a single year in office. Forty-three thousand years.

“While working families were falling further behind on their bills, the man in the Oval Office is cashing in. And Congressional Republicans are just looking the other way.

“Worse, they actually added red tape of their own to the very programs all of these families need to survive.

“In the year since this Republican Congress passed the ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ more than eight million Americans have lost their health coverage and more than four million lost food assistance.

“Republicans know they don’t have a good economic record to run on. But let’s be clear about the plan they are offering to the American people: it is more red tape [and] hardship for you, and less of it for their corporate beneficiaries.

“Instead of crafting an agenda that helps working people with the cost of living, Committee Republicans have consistently chosen to take the wrong priorities.

“They have chosen to make labor cheap.

“That is what their bills would do: making it easier for an employer to treat a worker like an independent contractor instead of a full-time employee; letting employers off the hook for wage theft; and making overtime cheaper and worth less for the workers putting in the time.

“And they have chosen to make jobs more dangerous.

“Just last month, Committee Republicans voted to block OSHA from ever issuing any standard [protecting] workers from extreme heat – in one of the hottest summers in our country’s history.

“Just as troubling is what they have chosen not to do. This Committee has held zero hearings on issues that working people in my district and across the country care about most: not one hearing on raising the minimum wage; not one hearing on addressing the violence in the workplace; and not one hearing on our child labor laws, even as this Administration announced a plan to weaken them for 14-year-olds.

“Mr. Chair, every worker in America deserves to come home safe at the end of the day. That should be one of the most basic obligations we have to our constituents.

“Working families are not asking for much. They are asking for a fair shot, an honest wage, and a safe workplace.

“But this Congress, and this Administration, are failing to meet the moment.

“Stripping away labor protections will not unleash anything good.

“It will just move the cost of doing business onto the bodies and livelihoods of working-class people who do the real work that powers this economy.

“Working Americans deserve a government that works for them, not corporate interests.

“Thank you, and I yield back.”

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Pallone: Trump Stiffs New Jersey Again on Disaster Aid

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today blasted President Trump for denying New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s appeal for $84.4 million in federal disaster aid following February’s deadly blizzard.

“Donald Trump is stiffing New Jersey taxpayers out of $84 million in disaster aid that his own government determined we qualified for. Twelve people died. New Jersey communities were buried under record snowfall. But apparently if you live in a state Trump doesn’t like, you’re on your own,” said Pallone.

“And where are the Republicans in Congress? I asked the committee chairs responsible for overseeing FEMA to investigate this weeks ago. Not one of them even bothered to respond. Trump is treating federal disaster aid like his personal political slush fund, and Republicans in Congress are too afraid to lift a finger to stop him,” Pallone continued.

In August, Pallone called on the Republican chairs of the congressional committees with jurisdiction over FEMA to investigate Trump’s initial denial of New Jersey’s disaster declaration after reports that regional FEMA and NOAA officials determined New Jersey and other affected states met federal thresholds for assistance. The Republican chairs have not responded. Governor Sherrill appealed the denial on July 20, seeking Public Assistance, including snow assistance for 19 counties, and statewide Hazard Mitigation assistance. Today the Trump Administration denied that appeal.

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Rep. Panetta Authors and Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Counter Growing Terrorist Threat in Mali

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the bipartisan Mali Security Partnership and Counterterrorism Act to address the growing threat posed by al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organizations in Mali and strengthen U.S. efforts to counter terrorism and instability across the Sahel. Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) is co-leading the legislation.

The bill comes as security conditions continue to deteriorate across the region. Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso face persistent attacks from al-Qaeda- and Islamic State-affiliated terrorist organizations, while military governments in all three countries have increasingly turned away from traditional Western security partnerships and toward Russia. The attempted coup in Niger in August 2026 further underscored the growing security risks posed by political instability, weak governance, and persistent terrorist violence across the interconnected Sahel.

The Mali Security Partnership and Counterterrorism Act would establish a clear U.S. strategy for supporting a more secure and stable Mali while examining how developments in Mali affect the broader Sahel and U.S. national security interests.

“Mali cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader security challenges facing the Sahel,” said Rep. Panetta. “The recent instability in Niger increases the risks of terrorism and political turmoil that can undermine security and destabilize this interconnected region. The United States must have a comprehensive diplomatic strategy based on a clear understanding of how al-Qaeda-affiliated organizations expand their influence, move resources across borders, and exploit instability so that we can effectively counter their growth and support greater security across the region.”

“This bill is a necessary step to address the growing threat posed by al-Qaeda-affiliated groups in Mali and the broader Sahel. Extremist organizations continue to expand their influence and destabilize this region, supported by war criminal Putin and the regime in Tehran. By requiring a comprehensive assessment of terrorist financing, regional security dynamics, and a coordinated U.S. diplomatic strategy, this legislation will strengthen America’s ability to support regional partners and protect U.S. national security interests to secure Peace Through Strength,” said Rep. Wilson.

The legislation would direct the Department of State to develop a comprehensive diplomatic strategy to counter the expansion of al-Qaeda and affiliated terrorist organizations in Mali. The strategy would provide Congress with a detailed assessment of the terrorist threat, terrorist financing networks, existing U.S. policy tools, and opportunities to strengthen regional security partnerships.

The Mali Security Partnership and Counterterrorism Act would:

Assess the terrorist threat: Examine Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin’s (JNIM) territorial reach and operational capabilities, the expansion of extremist groups across Mali, and their connections to terrorist networks in Burkina Faso and Niger. The assessment would also examine how terrorist organizations exploit poverty, displacement, ethnic tensions, and governance failures to recruit and expand.

Examine terrorist financing: Investigate how terrorist organizations exploit Mali’s gold sector and illicit trade networks to generate revenue, including through extortion, coercive taxation, protection payments, smuggling, and informal taxation. The legislation would also map key transit routes, facilitators, and financial intermediaries supporting extremist organizations.

Review existing U.S. policy tools: Evaluate the effectiveness of current sanctions and other U.S. policy tools, identify gaps in U.S. diplomatic engagement and regional coordination, and assess opportunities to strengthen international efforts to disrupt terrorist financing.

Develop a comprehensive U.S. diplomatic strategy: Direct the Department of State to identify opportunities to strengthen bilateral and multilateral efforts to counter al-Qaeda’s influence, improve cross-border cooperation among regional partners, address the governance, economic, and security conditions that fuel extremism, and establish measurable benchmarks for evaluating U.S. diplomatic engagement.

The legislation would also examine the broader regional security environment, including the expansion of Russian influence in Mali and its impact on Western engagement, governance, transparency, and regional stability.


Pelosi Calls for Joshua Wong's Freedom on House Floor: “We Want to Be Sure That They Know We Remember Them”

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the House Floor calling attention to the ongoing persecution of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong, including Joshua Wong and Jimmy Lai, and urging Congress and the international community to demand their freedom.

In her remarks, Pelosi condemned Beijing’s repressive national security law, warned that Wong could face life in prison for peacefully advocating for democracy and reaffirmed Congress’ longstanding bipartisan commitment to defending human rights in China.

Watch Pelosi’s Floor remarks here.

Read Speaker Emerita Pelosi's remarks below:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to call attention to what is happening in Hong Kong, especially to Joshua Wong.

As a teenager, he led millions of people to the streets of Hong Kong to speak out for democracy and for freedom in Hong Kong—and for the Chinese government to honor its commitment to the Basic Law, which was the foundation of the 1997 transition from Great Britain to Chinese control over Hong Kong.

Speaking out for freedom should not be against the law.

Since the Basic Law, the Chinese government has passed a national security law that is anything but security. It is a repression law.

Under this law, Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to speaking out for freedom. He said: 'Yes, I have done that.'

He can be sentenced to life—for speaking out for freedom.

This House and this Congress have always joined together in a bipartisan way for freedom—whether in Hong Kong, Tibet or elsewhere in China—for human rights in China.

Let us not forget Joshua Wong at this time, and let us not forget Jimmy Lai, who is at the other end of life.

[Joshua Wong] was a young teenager who was doing this, now in his early twenties. Jimmy Lai, meanwhile, could spend the rest of his life in prison.

We must speak out for freedom. We must not let this be ignored.

The most horrible form of torture that the Chinese government inflicts on these prisoners is to tell them: 'Nobody remembers you or why you are here.'

We want to be sure that they know we remember them.

I yield back.


Pressley in Hearing: Trump Accounts Fail at Closing Wealth Gap and Addressing Affordability Crisis

Transcript: Rep. Pressley Questions Experts on Baby Bonds and Trump Accounts

House Financial Services Committee

September 2, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I represent the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, beautiful, diverse district, also deeply unequal.

In fact, in a three-mile radius from Cambridge, home to Harvard and MIT, to Roxbury’s Nubian Square, the Blackest part of my district, life expectancy drops by 23 years, and median household income by $50,000.

A new report by the Boston Federal Reserve finds that Black families have $7,800 in net wealth, and on average, compared to white families who have an average $549,000 in median net wealth. Over a third of the people in my state cannot cover a $400 emergency, and over a third of the people in Boston, my district, have zero retirement savings.

My constituents sent me to Congress, and I ran to confront these disparities head-on and to close the racial wealth gap. That’s why I was happy to partner with our witness today, Dr. Hamilton, and Senator Booker, to introduce the American Opportunity Accounts Act to create a federal baby bonds program.

Now, Trump took this idea, entitled it after himself—he likes to name everything after himself—Trump accounts, and unfortunately watered it down so that the benefits are no longer targeted to the communities who need it most.

What was once a bold proposal to ensure that every child, regardless of geography, race, and family income, could prosper is ostensibly now just a tax haven for Trump and his cronies, but we can fix this.

Dr. Hamilton, currently, parents of newborns and young kids have to apply to set up a Trump Account, but our bill for Baby Bonds would allow for automatic enrollment. Which approach is better for actually helping working families and investing in all of our children?

DR. DARRICK HAMILTON: Without a doubt, having access more universal should be the point.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay, Dr. Hamilton, what about the fact that Trump Accounts gives a one-time payment of $1,000 to rich and poor children equally, rather than our ongoing approach of investments to our most vulnerable babies, does that make economic sense for addressing intergenerational poverty?

DR. HAMILTON: It does not. It becomes inflationary, and then here’s the bigger point: the main mechanism to grow the Trump Accounts is a tax-preferred savings mechanism for those people with resources to save in the first place. It ignores the fact that we have an affordability crisis, and the reasons that parents don’t offer resources to their children isn’t a lack of love—it’s a lack of resource.

REP. PRESSLEY: Would it be fair to say that the very gaps that we aim to close could be deepened?

DR. HAMILTON: They will grow. They will grow. That’s right. And unfortunately, it’s part of a pattern in the ways in which we use our tax code in general. We subsidize the savings of people that have savings to begin with. One quick statistic is that 80% of Americans don’t engage in active savings, again, not because they’re financially illiterate. They don’t have resources to save. The ways in which they grow their wealth is passively, which is why you have that great bill to promote an authentic Baby Bonds program.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Dr. Hamilton. Trump Accounts also punish low-income households by actually kicking them off of public benefits, but our Baby Bonds bill would ensure these assets don’t count against eligibility. I’m losing my time here, but why should the Trump Administration adopt our approach?

DR. HAMILTON: Well, it is correct because it is progressively seeding resources so that we can offer everybody the access to wealth to grow their account. The real quick good news is that we have a new interest in now seeding intergenerational mobility for all our people, so we can get it right.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Doctor. Every child deserves an opportunity to grow and thrive and prosper, but our economy is stacked in favor of the ultra-rich.

Trump Accounts, as currently implemented, actually makes the problem worse, and that’s what we would expect from an Administration that is getting richer while working families by the hour are getting poorer.

So I am pushing for the adoption of our Baby Bonds bill, the American Opportunity Accounts Act. We need real investments to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, close the racial wealth gap, and create an economy that works for everyone.


WATCH: Pressley Honors Celtics Great Jaylen Brown on House Floor

Transcript: Pressley Honors Celtics Legend Jaylen Brown on House Floor

U.S. House of Representatives

September 2, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the contributions of NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the City of Boston, on and off the court.

Born in Marietta, Georgia and drafted number 3 overall by the Celtics from the University of California Berkeley, Jaylen embraced our community and the City of Boston from the day he arrived in 2016.

Fiercely competitive on the basketball court, never missing the playoffs in his ten seasons with the Celtics, he has been equally driven to uplift those around him through mentorship and his non-profit, Boston Xchange, which seeks to build wealth in communities of color, as well as his 7uice Foundation, connecting young people in and around Boston with opportunities.

In 2022, just before the Celtics turned their season around and made it all the way to the NBA finals, Jaylen stated simply, “The energy is about to shift.”

Well, Mr. Speaker, thanks to the example, impact, and influence of this brilliant and proud Black man, the energy has shifted in Boston.

Jaylen delivered Banner 18—the most in NBA history. His legacy as an advocate, truth-teller, community builder, justice-seeker, and champion will endure.

Job well done, Jaylen. We thank you. Your faith, consistency, and hard work has certainly paid off.

I yield.


Amata Welcomes Final Passage of Government Funding Extension That Prevents Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming Tuesday’s final passage by a bipartisan vote of 370-48 of the government funding extension, which was necessary to keep the federal government open after September 30. The House passed the bill that the Senate had passed in August, sending it to President Trump to be signed into law. Upon signing, the government will be funded through December 11.

“This is good news because it prevents a shutdown at the end of September, and preserves our current funding,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “American Samoa relies on federal funding for essential services, and I’m very pleased we won’t have a shutdown at the end of the fiscal year. Instead, this provides more time to work on full year appropriations.”

Congresswoman Amata supports passage of the full appropriations bills for planning and stability, and especially because they include two of Amata’s requests for American Samoa: $1 million additional for American Samoa operations through OIA, and $1 million for port infrastructure requested cooperatively as a community project by Congresswoman Amata with Governor Pulaali’i and Director Barney Sene.

The House has completed committee work on all 12 appropriations bills, including Amata’s requested funding projects, but bicameral passage of all 12 is required to fully fund the government for 2027. Under the extension, American Samoa’s current 2026 funding levels continue an additional two and a half months.

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