Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) successfully passed H.R. 131, the “Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit” Act, through the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday evening by voice vote. The bill eliminates interest payments on construction costs endured by non-federal entities and extends the repayment period to 75 years, allowing local communities more flexibility to finish their investments in this critical project. Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03) is a cosponsor of the bill, while Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
Upon completion, the Arkansas Valley Conduit would provide access to clean water to 50,000 residents in Southeast Colorado, including Bent, Crowley, Prowers, Kiowa and Baca Counties. The project was originally started in 1962 and has been delayed by bureaucracy and, most recently, rising construction and labor costs. The “Finish the AVC” Act addresses these issues in an effort to make this long-standing vision a finished product.
“This is a major victory for Southeast Coloradans with my ‘Finish the AVC Act’ passing through the U.S. House of Representatives,”said Congresswoman Boebert.“Every Coloradan should have reliable access to clean water, which keeps families healthy and allows economic development to move forward. It’s been more than six decades since the Arkansas Valley Conduit was originally approved; Coloradans are done waiting on this project. I’m grateful to my House colleagues for their support and I will fight to make sure this bill now passes through the Senate so President Trump can sign this bill in the near future.”
“Access to reliable, clean water is fundamental to the health and prosperity of our rural communities, and the Arkansas Valley Conduit has remained an unfinished promise for far too long,”said Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03).“I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation with Congresswoman Boebert to remove financial barriers and help get this vital project across the finish line. This will strengthen agriculture, support families, and fuel economic growth across Southeast Colorado — a win for everyone who calls this region home.”
“Rural water providers in our area often struggle to secure the funding needed to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Completing the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC), which has been stalled for decades as labor and construction costs continue to rise, would help reduce the financial burden on these providers and enhance their ability to deliver a higher quality and a more reliable water supply,”said Prowers County Commissioners Ty Harmon, Roger Cook, and Roger Stagner.“In addition to supporting households and businesses, a stable water supply is essential for agriculture — the backbone of our community’s economy. Reliable water access ensures that farmers and ranchers can maintain production, adapt to drought conditions, and sustain the long-term viability of their operations. We’re grateful for Congresswoman Boebert’s work on this project and her efforts to support Southeast Colorado.”
“In the West, it is critical that we have sound water infrastructure to meet communities’ needs,”said House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04).“Rep. Boebert’s legislation will help get the Arkansas Valley Conduit project across the finish line more than 60 years after it was authorized. I thank her for her work to move this important project forward and her leadership on western water issues.”
The full text of Congresswoman Boebert’s H.R. 131 can be read HERE.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner today announced a new $274,596 federal grant for the J. Goodison Co. shipyard at the Quonset Business Park. The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration Small Shipyards Grant program.
The federal funds will be used by J. Goodison to modernize equipment and purchase 21 new welder units and a 200-ton press brake to enhance fabrication and welding capabilities. Reliable welding equipment will ensure that projects can be completed in the most efficient manner and reduce the need for outsourcing. This project will help increase the company’s capabilities, improve efficiency and productivity, and create opportunities to provide competitive service.
“This is good news for J. Goodison and Rhode Island’s maritime industry. Ensuring Rhode Island shipyard’s have the best machinery available to meet their needs increases productivity and efficiency and expands capacity at Quonset. Small shipyards like J. Goodison make big contributions to our economy by building and maintaining the vessels that drive our economy. We’ve got to keep them competitive. I will continue working to bring investment to Rhode Island’s ports, shipbuilders, and shipyards,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee. Senator Reed led efforts to restore funding for the Small Shipyard program after it lapsed for several years.
“I’m glad to join Senator Reed in helping ensure that Ocean State shipyards have everything they need to grow and create jobs,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Congratulations to J. Goodison on winning this competitive grant, which will support even more economic activity at Quonset.”
“This federal funding will help J. Goodison modernize its operations, boost productivity, and create good-paying jobs right here in Rhode Island,” said Congressman Magaziner. “I will keep fighting to bring home funds that strengthen the state’s shipyards and grow the local maritime economy.”
“We thank Senators Reed and Whitehouse and the entire Rhode Island Congressional delegation for their leadership in supporting this project,” said Jack Goodison, President and CEO of J. Goodison Co. “Our State and region succeed when we work together to modernize our shipyards with newer equipment that this grant will help fund.”
Founded in 1999, J. Goodison is a veteran-owned small business specializing in full-service marine maintenance. In 2016, the company opened a waterfront shipyard facility in the Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown. Due to its location and capabilities, the shipyard has become an important asset for marine operators along the Eastern Seaboard. The commercial fishing industry, passenger ferry operators, marine towing operators, and the United States Coast Guard all rely on J. Goodison’s vessel repair services.
MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program is a competitive grant program designed to support small shipyard projects that make capital and related improvements or provide training for workers in shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries.
In fiscal year 2024, the Small Shipyard Grant Program received 78 grant applications from shipbuilding or repair companies nationwide requesting just under $50 million. The program allocated $8.75 million in available federal funds.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – Noting that federal tax dollars belong to the American people – not the President or federal agencies – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today hailed a federal court ruling that the Trump Administration violated the law by taking down a public disclosure website that shows how taxpayer dollars are apportioned to federal agencies and ordered its reinstatement.
The Constitution clearly mandates that Congress, not the executive branch, has the ‘power of the purse.’ The President signs funding bills and is statutorily responsible for apportioning funds for executive branch agencies to spend in accordance with Congress’s directive under the law. Historically, the responsibility for apportioning funds has been delegated to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by executive order.
In an effort to boost government transparency and accountability and ensure the American people know where their tax dollars are going, Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, helped pass a bipartisan provision in the Fiscal Year 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103), made permanent in 2023, requiring OMB to publicly disclose how federal funding is disbursed to federal agencies and make the information available on a publicly accessible website. Previously, OMB’s apportionment decisions were rarely made public. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended making this information publicly available in 2021.
The apportionment database was launched in the summer of 2022. But in March of 2025, the Trump Administration took down the website and dubiously attempted to justify its removal by claiming that apportionments contain deliberative and predecisional information and citing national security risks. However, apportionments are issued only after deliberation and are legally binding decisions that govern agency expenditures. Since March 24, 2025, the public website has been down, and OMB Director Russell Vought said OMB will no longer make apportionments available.
“Americans deserve to know how their government is using their hard-earned resources, that the President is spending their tax dollars in accordance with the law, and is doing so in an effective and responsible manner. This website was like a dashboard to oversee and review executive branch stewardship of U.S. taxpayer funds. The Trump Administration sought to unlawfully conceal this information. Today’s ruling very clearly orders the Trump Administration to stop hiding data from the American people and reinstate this public website. It’s a positive step for taxpayers and the Trump Administration must comply with the law,” said Reed.
The judge’s ruling stated: “There is nothing unconstitutional about Congress requiring the Executive Branch to inform the public of how it is apportioning the public’s money. Defendants are therefore required to stop violating the law!”
The judge ordered the Trump Administration to reinstate the database. But at the Justice Department’s request, the judge paused the order until Thursday morning, so the Administration can decide if it will seek emergency relief from an appeals court.
Bipartisan members of Congress have publicly declared the Trump Administration is required by law to operate the public website and ensure accountability for stewardship of taxpayer funds.
New Zealand has joined 24 other countries in calling for an end to the war in Gaza, and criticising what they call the inhumane killing of Palestinians.
“We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”
They said it was “horrifying” that more than 800 civilians had been killed while seeking aid, the majority at food distribution sites run by a US- and Israeli-backed foundation.
“We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively,” it said.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters . . . “The tipping point was some time ago . . . it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience.” Image: RN/Mark Papalii
“Proposals to remove the Palestinian population into a ‘humanitarian city’ are completely unacceptable. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.”
The statement said the countries were “prepared to take further action” to support an immediate ceasefire.
Reuters reported Israel’s foreign ministry said the statement was “disconnected from reality” and it would send the wrong message to Hamas.
“The statement fails to focus the pressure on Hamas and fails to recognise Hamas’s role and responsibility for the situation,” the Israeli statement said.
Having NZ voice heard Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report, New Zealand had chosen to be part of the statement as a way to have its voice heard on the “dire” humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The tipping point was some time ago . . . it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience . . . ”
Peters said he wanted to see what the response to the condemnation was.
“The conflict in the Middle East goes on and on . . . It’s gone from a situation where it was excusable, due to the October 7 conflict, to inexcusable as innocent people are being swept into it,” he said.
“I do think there has to be change. It must happen now.”
The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s subsequent air and ground war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians — including at least 17,400 children, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, while displacing almost the entire population of more than 2 million and spreading a hunger crisis.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Israel has rejected a statement by 25 countries calling for an end to the war on Gaza as a move “disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.”
New Zealand has joined 24 other countries in calling for an end to the war in Gaza, and criticising what they call the inhumane killing of Palestinians.
“We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”
They said it was “horrifying” that more than 800 civilians had been killed while seeking aid, the majority at food distribution sites run by a US- and Israeli-backed foundation.
“We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively,” it said.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters . . . “The tipping point was some time ago . . . it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience.” Image: RN/Mark Papalii
“Proposals to remove the Palestinian population into a ‘humanitarian city’ are completely unacceptable. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.”
The statement said the countries were “prepared to take further action” to support an immediate ceasefire.
Reuters reported Israel’s foreign ministry said the statement was “disconnected from reality” and it would send the wrong message to Hamas.
“The statement fails to focus the pressure on Hamas and fails to recognise Hamas’s role and responsibility for the situation,” the Israeli statement said.
Having NZ voice heard Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report, New Zealand had chosen to be part of the statement as a way to have its voice heard on the “dire” humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The tipping point was some time ago . . . it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience . . . ”
Peters said he wanted to see what the response to the condemnation was.
“The conflict in the Middle East goes on and on . . . It’s gone from a situation where it was excusable, due to the October 7 conflict, to inexcusable as innocent people are being swept into it,” he said.
“I do think there has to be change. It must happen now.”
The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s subsequent air and ground war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians — including at least 17,400 children, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, while displacing almost the entire population of more than 2 million and spreading a hunger crisis.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Israel has rejected a statement by 25 countries calling for an end to the war on Gaza as a move “disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.”
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined colleagues in filing an amicus brief urging a federal appeals court to strike down Donald Trump’s illegal, cost-raising tariffs. The case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is an appeal of a decision made last month by the U.S. Court of International Trade, which ruled that the Trump Administration lacked authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a statute that no other president has ever used to levy tariffs. The senators and representatives argue in their brief that the lower court correctly ruled Trump’s actions are unlawful and that the President’s actions have caused chaos and uncertainty to businesses nationwide.
“Nevadans are being squeezed by high costs and rising prices, and President Trump’s tariffs are effectively a new tax for hardworking families,” said Senator Rosen. “The Constitution gives Congress, not the President, the authority to regulate trade, and I’m urging the courts to reaffirm Congress’s authority. I’ll keep doing everything I can to repeal Trump’s sweeping, cost-raising tariffs.”
The full amicus brief can be found HERE.
Senator Rosen has helped lead the fight opposing Trump’s reckless tariffs. She signed on to a different amicus brief challenging them in court last month. Senator Rosen also helped introduce the Tariff Transparency Act, which would require the U.S. International Trade Commission to study and publicly report on the economic effects of tariffs on Canada and Mexico– key trading partners for Nevada industries. She also helped pass a bipartisan resolution to strike down Trump’s tariffs on Canada earlier this year, which is awaiting action in the House of Representatives.
Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
WASHINGTON—Last week, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Kudlow on Fox Business live from the White House after President Donald Trump signed his GENIUS Act into law.
*Click the photo above or here to watch*Partial Transcript
Hagerty on the impact of the GENIUS Act: “What this [the GENIUS Act] does is it takes a payment system that was designed in the 1970s out of business. We go into the blockchain—much more efficient, much more effective. Trades that took five or 10 days to clear now can be done almost instantaneously. If you think about the working capital that comes out of the system, the counterparty risk that goes away, the currency risk if you’re doing a cross-border transaction—all of that is minimized because of the speed of these transactions.”
Hagerty on increased demand for U.S. Treasuries: “In terms of the impact on the dollar and on Treasuries, I think that’s going to be very significant. The demand for U.S. treasuries is going to go up significantly. In fact, every projection shows that stablecoin issuers will become the largest holders of U.S. Treasuries, because every stablecoin in America has to be backed dollar-for-dollar by a U.S. Treasury or cash. That’s going to stimulate Treasury demand. That’s going to have a great impact on rates, bringing them down. It’ll help the Treasury secretary manage much better. And as we look at the environment we’re in right now, with rates too high and the cost of our debt too high, this is going to be a definite help.”
Hagerty on global dollar dominance: “This [the GENIUS Act] will cement the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency of the world. People around the world would much rather own a decentralized, U.S. dollar-denominated currency that they know is backed up by U.S. Treasuries than a Chinese yuan or a euro, currencies that are centralized and controlled by their governments. This is going to be a far better product. And I think what this does is it takes us from being on our heels, which is where we were for the last four years, when the Biden administration waged war on the industry, and moves us into the 21st century.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Blake Moore (R-UT-01) and Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Jim Banks (R-IN) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Build More Housing Near Transit Act to encourage the construction of low- and middle-income housing in transit-served, walkable locations. Rep. Peters previously introduced a standalone House version of the legislation in 2019 and a bicameral version in 2021 and 2023.
The bill incentivizes the development of more housing near transit stops by tying the competition for federal transit funding to state and local housing plans along transit corridors. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the United States has a shortage of 7.1 million affordable rental homes. In San Diego County alone, there is a shortage of nearly 100,000 homes for extremely low-income renters and that gap is nearly one million homes statewide. It is clear California is not doing enough to keep pace with growing demand – in 2024, the state only permitted 114,069 homes, according to California’s Housing and Community Development Department. Since 2021, San Diego County has permitted only 48,765 homes, just 28.4 percent of the total needed to meet demand according to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation formula.
“The cost of housing remains the greatest barrier to prosperity in California, forcing people to move farther and farther from where they work, which means longer commutes and more air pollution,” said Rep. Peters. “Our bill will get more cars off the road by maximizing federal investments in public transportation and will increase affordable housing options for families across the country. As a Co-Chair of the YIMBY Caucus and founding member of the growth–oriented Build America Caucus in Congress, I look forward to getting this commonsense legislation across the finish line to help relieve the pressure on cost-burdened Americans.”
“Housing has consistently been one of the most pressing issues for Utahns since I joined Congress. In some ways, Utah is a victim of its own success. Our incredible quality of life, economic opportunity, and low unemployment rates have put significant strains on our housing market, which has priced out young families from starter homes and presented major challenges to servicemembers at Hill Air Force Base,” said Rep. Moore. “I’m proud to introduce legislation that will condition federal transit grants on whether states are reducing zoning barriers for housing near new bus or rapid transit lines, something that Utah has already been doing for years through the leadership of partners such as UTA along the Wasatch Front and Connect in Cache Valley. The end result will bring more of Utah’s common-sense policies to Washington and help more families find affordable and accessible homes.”
“The clearest way out of our national housing shortage is by building more housing,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bipartisan bill incentivizes cities and towns to build housing when they expand or redevelop their public transit systems. This will help put more families in homes, grow local economies, and cut carbon pollution. It’s a win for everyone.”
“This bill makes it easier for communities to build homes for working families by cutting red tape and giving them the freedom to create strong, family-friendly neighborhoods near public transit,” said Senator Banks.
The Build More Housing Near Transit Act would direct the Department of Transportation to incentivize local governments to promote housing development and regional growth in and around the transit corridors of future New Starts projects. Specifically, this bill will amend U.S. Code Section 5309, which governs the application process for capital investment grants to:
Direct the Secretary of Transportation to boost a transit project’s rating if the project includes pro-housing policies for areas along the project route;
Define pro-housing policies as a state or local action to remove regulatory barriers to constructing or preserving housing, reduce or eliminate parking minimums or minimum lot sizes, establish by-right approval processes for multi-family housing, commit substantial public property to affordable housing development or preservation, and eliminate or raise residential property height limits; and
Engage the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a methodology to evaluate the merits of the pro-housing policies documented in a CIG application.
A letter of support from more than 100 national, state, and local groups, including Circulate San Diego, is available here. A full list of supporting organizations is available here.
“In San Diego we have made a conscious effort to spur housing development along our growing public transit system,” said City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “The Build More Housing Near Transit Act will provide additional incentives to create affordable housing near transit, helping our region address both our housing affordability and climate crises.”
“America is experiencing a severe housing shortage that affects every aspect of American lives and the economy,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth Action. “The Build More Housing Near Transit Act addresses the critical link between transportation and housing and would create greater access to affordable commutes and abundant housing. We applaud the lead sponsors for introducing this bill, serving as an example of how the federal government can use its leverage to ensure the right types of housing are available in the places people want to live.
“The United States needs to build millions of new homes and rental units for low- and middle-income Americans,” said David Dworkin, President and CEO, National Housing Conference (NHC). “The Build More Housing Near Transit Act would help unlock supply and smarter, more efficient development by linking housing and transit planning and development. Transit-oriented development can help reduce costs, grow local economies, increase affordable housing supply, and increase access to opportunities for families. The National Housing Conference is proud to endorse this legislation, and we are grateful to the leadership of Representatives Scott Peters and Blake Moore, and Senators Brian Schatz and Jim Banks.”
“For decades, the federal government has funded mass transit projects in cities whose growth control laws do not allow people to live near and ride on transit,” said Alex Armlovich, Senior Housing Policy Analyst, Niskanen Center. “The Build More Housing Near Transit Act finally corrects this. It protects transit riders and the federal taxpayer from spending scarce transit capital on projects doomed by rigid zoning regulations to low housing growth and low future ridership, while uplifting projects in localities that welcome housing & transit ridership growth. This bill is the essential first step in restoring bipartisan confidence in America’s mass transit investments for taxpayers and transit riders alike.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act (H.R. 3351), a bipartisan bill led by U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), to streamline federal regulations and better support small businesses.
This bill specifies that certain actions of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation (Advocate) —such as conducting field surveys—are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This allows the Advocate to prioritize facilitating access to capital without bureaucratic delays.
Watch Rep. Kim speak on the floor in support of the bill HERE.
“California is home to over 4.2 million small businesses. Burdensome regulations are getting in the way of the federal government collecting basic data on small business challenges, hurting our government’s ability to support entrepreneurs,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The Improving Access to Small Business Information Act cuts through unnecessary red tape so the Office of the Advocate can ask the right questions, collect timely feedback, and do its job — help small businesses access capital and grow.”
The Improving Access to Small Business Information Act passed the House with strong bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3095, a bipartisan bill to direct the United States Postal Service (USPS) to designate single, unique zip codes for certain communities, including North Tustin in California’s 40th District.
U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined a bipartisan delegation led by Rep. Lauren Boebert (CO-04) to introduce the bill in May. She also cosponsored the bill in the 118th Congress, which passed the House.
Watch Rep. Kim speak in support of the bill on the House floor here.
“Our North Tustin community has been a pillar of Orange County, but its status as an unincorporated area causes confusion for taxes and USPS. A unique zip code would provide certainty for residents who have called North Tustin home for decades,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I thank Rep. Boebert for working with my office to include North Tustin in this important initiative and am hopeful we can get this through the finish line for our community.”
“I am pleased to see this zip code change moving ahead and thank Congresswoman Kim for working with my office to prioritize this issue facing our shared constituency,” said Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner (Third District). “For far too long, our constituents in North Tustin have been subjected to excess local taxes solely because of their zip code. They never voted for the taxes, raising a constitutional concern of taxation without representation. I appreciate Congresswoman Kim’s persistent work to solve this problem through legislation.”
“The residents of North Tustin, CA are very grateful to Congresswoman Young Kim for co-sponsoring a bill that will create a unique ZIP code for North Tustin. Until 1996, North Tustin had a unique ZIP code. Expanding the area of the ZIP code into neighboring communities created many problems and confusion. We really applaud our Congresswoman for supporting our community,” said Richard Nelson, President, Foothill Communities Association.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–The One Big Beautiful Bill Act invests in workers, delivering on President Trump’s promises to end tax on tips and overtime for millions of hardworking Americans. It also lessens the administrative burden on gig workers and small businesses.
“This legislation enables the tipped and hourly workers who keep our economy running to keep more of each hard-earned paycheck,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
Key wins:
No tax on tips for millions of tipped workers.
No tax on overtime for millions of America’s hourly workers.
Repeals the Democrats’ onerous IRS reporting requirements on gig workers.
Increases the 1099-MISC threshold, reducing the paperwork burden for small businesses and workers.
What they are saying:
“We greatly appreciate the Senate’s inclusion of other AICPA priorities in its bill, particularly: repealing the American Rescue Plan Act’s lowered threshold for Form 1099-K to $600 for an unlimited number of transactions; and increasing the filing threshold for Forms 1099-NEC and Forms 1099-MISC from $600 to $2,000, adjusted for inflation.” – AICPA
“The Coalition for 1099-K Fairness strongly supports the Senate Finance package’s inclusion of language to raise the 1099-K reporting threshold. This commonsense provision would increase the threshold to over $20,000 in total payments and more than 200 transactions per calendar year—effectively stopping the implementation of a burdensome $600 threshold, regardless of transaction count, scheduled to take effect in 2026 under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).” – Coalition for 1099K Fairness
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) have reintroduced the Judicial Reorganization Act that would split the current Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and create a new Twelfth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
“The nation’s largest and busiest circuit court of appeals has been overburdened for years–covering more than 11,000 cases annually from nine Western states and two U.S. territories,” Crapo said. “The Ninth Circuit’s significant backlog and inefficiency impedes the administration of justice throughout the region. The time is now to divide the court to reflect the West’s massive population growth and provide greater access to justice for all.”
“The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has long reflected the values of California, which dominates its justices and judicial cases,” said Risch. “The Judicial Reorganization Act would split and modernize the Ninth Circuit, allowing for more manageable caseloads and justice that aligns with the values of Idaho.”
Currently, western states are subjected to an overly encumbered, inconsistent and slow judiciary. This stems from having the largest circuit court in the nation in terms of geography, population and workload. The Ninth Circuit has jurisdiction over 40 percent of the landmass of the United States and one-in-five Americans. One fifth of all pending federal appeals and 56 percent of all immigration cases in the nation are filed within the Ninth Circuit. With 29 appellate judges, the court also has more than double the average number of authorized judgeships among the 13 circuits.
Additionally, the population and geographic expanse the Ninth Circuit covers have experienced explosive growth since the court’s creation in 1891. Creating a new circuit would solve the inefficiencies associated with the size of the Ninth Circuit and expand many Americans’ access to justice.
The Judicial Reorganization Act would divide the current Ninth Circuit into two new circuits:
A new Ninth Circuit covering California, Guam and Hawai’i;
A Twelfth Circuit with jurisdiction over Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
The legislation would also increase the total number of judges in the two circuits to 31–adding one appellate judge to each court, as requested by the United States Judicial Conference. Eighteen appellate judges would serve in the Ninth Circuit and 13 appellate judges in the Twelfth Circuit.
The legislation would authorize the appropriation of funds needed to provide additional court facilities and implement the change.
The full text of the bill is available here.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.– Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) efforts to protect taxpayer dollars after the Agency announced it has found 2.8 million Americans enrolled in multiple Medicaid or Affordable Care Act Exchange plans, the removal of which is projected to save taxpayers $14 billion annually.
“This effort builds on our work in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, guarding the integrity of our health care programs and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent on the populations they were designed to serve. These are the commonsense steps all agencies should be taking, and I applaud Administrator Oz for his commitment to cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse,” Crapo said.
Background:
CMS announced that an analysis of 2024 enrollment data identified 2.8 million Americans either enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in multiple states or simultaneously enrolled in both Medicaid/CHIP and a subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange plan.
As a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, CMS now has new tools it needs to prevent the federal government from paying twice for the same person’s care.
CMS will continue to partner with states by providing the necessary resources and guidance to reduce duplicate enrollment.
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta will host a virtual community briefing to share information from the newly released Environmental Justice guidance, which reinforces the continued importance and legality of efforts to advance environmental justice.
WHO:
California Attorney General Rob Bonta
WHEN:
TOMORROW, July 22, 2025, 10:00-11:00 a.m PT.
WHERE:
Individuals interested in joining the community briefing can register here.
RSVP:
Media interested in attending are encouraged to send their RSVP to agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed two bills to support U.S. veterans:
“Our veterans are heroes who answered the call to serve our country and defend our freedoms. It is our responsibility to ensure that they receive the high-quality healthcare and benefits that they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I backed two bills to support cancer research for veterans and ensure that the VA is fully and appropriately funded. I will always stand with our veterans and military families.”
The two pieces of legislation are:
ThePRO Veterans Act, which requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide in-person budget reports to Congress every three months over the next three years.
TheACES Act, which requires the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the prevalence of cancer in veterans who served as active-duty aircrew members in our nation’s Armed Forces.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul M. Collins Jr., Professor of Legal Studies and Political Science, UMass Amherst
Emil Bove, Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as a federal appeals judge for the 3rd Circuit, is sworn in during a confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on June 25, 2025. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images
On June 24, 2025, Erez Reuveni, a former Department of Justice attorney who worked with Bove, released an extensive, 27-page whistleblower report. Reuveni claimed that Bove, as the Trump administration’s acting deputy attorney general, said “that it might become necessary to tell a court ‘fuck you’” and ignore court orders related to the administration’s immigration policies. Bove’s acting role ended on March 6 when he resumed his current position of principal associate deputy attorney general.
When asked about this statement at his June 25 Senate confirmation hearing, Bove said, “I don’t recall.”
And on July 15, 80 former federal and state judges signed a letter opposing Bove’s nomination. The letter argued that “Mr. Bove’s egregious record of mistreating law enforcement officers, abusing power, and disregarding the law itself disqualifies him for this position.”
A day later, more than 900 former Department of Justice attorneys submitted their own letter opposing Bove’s confirmation. The attorneys argued that “Few actions could undermine the rule of law more than a senior executive branch official flouting another branch’s authority. But that is exactly what Mr. Bove allegedly did through his involvement in DOJ’s defiance of court orders.”
On July 17, Democrats walked out of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote, in protest of the refusal by Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, to allow further investigation and debate on the nomination. Republicans on the committee then unanimously voted to move the nomination forward for a full Senate vote.
As a scholar of the courts, I know that most federal court appointments are not as controversial as Bove’s nomination. But highly contentious nominations do arise from time to time.
Here’s how three controversial nominations turned out – and how Bove’s nomination is different in a crucial way.
Robert Bork testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation as associate justice of the Supreme Court in September 1987. Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images
Robert Bork
Bork is the only federal court nominee whose name became a verb.
“Borking” is “to attack or defeat (a nominee or candidate for public office) unfairly through an organized campaign of harsh public criticism or vilification,” according to Merriam-Webster.
In opposing the Bork nomination, Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts took the Senate floor and gave a fiery speech: “Robert Bork’s America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens’ doors in midnight raids, schoolchildren could not be taught about evolution, writers and artists could be censored at the whim of government, and the doors of the federal courts would be shut on the fingers of millions of citizens for whom the judiciary is often the only protector of the individual rights that are the heart of our democracy.”
Ultimately, Bork’s nomination failed by a 58-42 vote in the Senate, with 52 Democrats and six Republicans rejecting the nomination.
Republican Sen. John Ashcroft, from White’s home state of Missouri, led the fight against the nomination. Ashcroft alleged that White’s confirmation would “push the law in a pro-criminal direction.” Ashcroft based this claim on White’s comparatively liberal record in death penalty cases as a judge on the Missouri Supreme Court.
However, there was limited evidence to support this assertion. This led someto believe that Ashcroft’s attack on the nomination was motivated by stereotypes that African Americans, like White, are soft on crime.
Even Clinton implied that race may be a factor in the attacks on White: “By voting down the first African-American judge to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court, the Republicans have deprived both the judiciary and the people of Missouri of an excellent, fair, and impartial Federal judge.”
White’s nomination was defeated in the Senate by a 54-45 party-line vote. In 2014, White was renominated to the same judgeship by President Barack Obama and confirmed by largely party-line 53-44 vote, garnering the support of a single Republican, Susan Collins of Maine.
Ronnie White, a former justice for the Missouri Supreme Court, testifies during an attorney general confirmation hearing in Washington in January 2001. Alex Wong/Newsmakers
Estrada, who had earned a unanimous “well-qualified” rating from the American Bar Association, faced deep opposition from Senate Democrats, who believed he was a conservative ideologue. They also worried that, if confirmed, he would later be appointed to the Supreme Court.
Miguel Estrada, President George Bush’s nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, is sworn in during his hearing before Senate Judiciary on Sept. 26, 2002. Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images
However, unlike Bork – who had an extensive paper trail as an academic and judge – Estrada’s written record was very thin.
Democrats sought to use his confirmation hearing to probe his beliefs. But they didn’t get very far, as Estrada dodged many of the senators’ questions, including ones about Supreme Court cases he disagreed with and judges he admired.
Democrats were particularly troubled by allegations that Estrada, when he was screening candidates for Justice Anthony Kennedy, disqualified applicants for Supreme Court clerkships based on their ideology.
According to one attorney: “Miguel told me his job was to prevent liberal clerks from being hired. He told me he was screening out liberals because a liberal clerk had influenced Justice Kennedy to side with the majority and write a pro-gay-rights decision in a case known as Romer v. Evans, which struck down a Colorado statute that discriminated against gays and lesbians.”
When asked about this at his confirmation hearing, Estrada initially denied it but later backpedaled. Estrada said, “There is a set of circumstances in which I would consider ideology if I think that the person has some extreme view that he would not be willing to set aside in service to Justice Kennedy.”
Unlike the Bork nomination, Democrats didn’t have the numbers to vote Estrada’s nomination down. Instead, they successfully filibustered the nomination, knowing that Republicans couldn’t muster the required 60 votes to end the filibuster. This marked the first time in Senate history that a court of appeals nomination was filibustered. Estrada would never serve as a judge.
Bove stands out
As the examples of Bork, Estrada and White make clear, contentious nominations to the federal courts often involve ideological concerns.
This is also true for Bove, who is opposed in part because of the perception that he is a conservativeideologue.
This makes Bove stand out among contentious federal court nominations.
Paul M. Collins Jr. does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
Transparency for medical services will lower cost of health care and help Coloradans compare prices
WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Roger Marshall recently introduced the bipartisan Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, which would make health care costs more transparent. The bill requires providers to publish the costs of services so Americans understand what a specific visit or procedure will cost, and have the opportunity to compare prices and get the best deal.
“You wouldn’t book a flight if you couldn’t find out the ticket price until you land — or check into a hotel without knowing if you’re paying for the Ritz or a dump. But that’s the absurd guessing game Americans play every time they need medical care,” said Hickenlooper, who sits on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “We deserve to know exactly what we are paying for whether it’s a lab test, a colonoscopy, or an MRI. Our bill gives Americans that peace of mind.”
“Customers don’t walk into a restaurant only to find out how much the food costs when they get the bill. Patients should know the price of the service they need before they make any decisions,” said Marshall. “Making America Healthy Again requires empowering Americans with the best information possible to inform their life and healthcare choices: the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act will ensure prices are available to patients to support a more competitive, innovative, affordable, and high-quality healthcare system.”
“We applaud Senators Roger Marshall and John Hickenlooper for their strong, bipartisan leadership on the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act. With actual, upfront, and accountable prices, patients will be able to shop for the best care with protection from rampant overcharges hiding in the shadows. We urge all senators to support this bill and pass it without delay to protect America’s patients,” said Cynthia Fisher, Founder and Chairman of Patient Rights Advocate.
When Americans go to the hospital, they often don’t know what services will cost beforehand. This forces patients to rely on their insurance to pay as much as possible and negotiate rates with providers, and robs patients of the ability to shop around for a better deal. There’s also a lack of transparency in agreements between insurance and providers.
The Patients Deserve Price Tags Actwould create true transparency for health care pricing by requiring all negotiated rates and cash prices between plans and providers to be accessible.
Specifically, the bill would:
Require machine-readable files of all negotiated rates and cash prices between plans and providers, not estimates.
Require hospitals to post actual prices for 300 shoppable services (and for all services starting in 2026).
Create a requirement for each patient to receive an Explanation of Benefits statement
Require providers or facilities to include a detailed itemized bill of each distinct item or service, or an all-in total price for bundled items if offered to the patient as an option.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
MHRA announces proposals to improve access to world’s best medical devices for patients and to boost economic growth in Britain’s med tech sector
The MHRA has now published the government’s response to its public consultation on future routes to market for medical devices – designed to modernise regulation
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today announced important new steps to secure access for patients to the latest medical technologies available in Europe and other advanced countries.
As well as improving patient access to technologies, the proposals will boost med tech industrial growth by reducing duplicative regulatory costs faced by manufacturers and instead focuses the domestic approvals route (UKCA) on first-in-market innovative technologies, including AI as a medical device.
The MHRA has now published the government’s response to its public consultation on future routes to market for medical devices in Great Britain (GB), designed to modernise regulation and improve patient access to the latest innovative technologies.
In direct response to stakeholder feedback, the MHRA is also announcing its intention to consult later this year on the indefinite recognition of CE-marked medical devices.
In parallel, new international reliance routes will be introduced to allow swifter access to medical devices from trusted regulators in Australia, Canada, and the United States. This will allow eligible products to follow a streamlined pathway to market, helping bring the latest technologies to patients more quickly.
The MHRA will support removing the requirement for physical UKCA markings on products and packaging once unique device identification (UDI) requirements are in place. This will reduce barriers to entry to the market while strengthening traceability and safety monitoring.
These measures reflect the government’s commitments in the UK’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and Industrial Strategy, and the 10 Year Health Plan for England, to reduce unwarranted barriers to market entry and to deliver transformative technologies to patients faster.
Today’s announcement forms part of our broader regulatory reform programme for medical devices that will see improvements in patient safety through our new post-market surveillance requirements, the creation of streamlined and risk-proportionate routes for faster market entry for products that have already undergone assessment in comparator regions, and a refocusing of the UKCA domestic pathway on innovative technologies including AI.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, said:
Our 10-Year Health Plan will seize the opportunities provided by new technology, medicines and innovation to deliver better care for patients, whether these originate at home or abroad.
It makes perfect sense that medical devices approved for use on patients in a country whose safety regulations we trust can also be used here – without red tape or bureaucracy delaying devices which can benefit NHS patients now.
We will look around the world to bring the best life-saving devices to Britain quickly and safely and build a modern health service that is fit for the future.
Minister of State for Science, Lord Patrick Vallance MP, said:
The MHRA’s new international reliance routes are excellent news for patients, who will now gain rapid access to new medical devices which have been approved as safe by our trusted regulatory partners. This is precisely the sort of streamlining of red tape that the Life Sciences Sector Plan calls for.
By making quick, informed, sensible decisions enabled by international reliance, the MHRA will be able to better target its resources, focusing on regulatory activity and scientific advice that will advance the development of innovative new medical products – ultimately helping patients, and supporting med tech businesses to grow.
Lawrence Tallon, MHRA CEO, said:
Our focus is on ensuring that patients benefit from the earliest possible access to safe and effective medical technologies that meet their needs and deliver significant clinical benefit.
By reducing regulatory duplication, improving traceability and aligning with international best practice, we are delivering on the Government’s promise to make this the best place in the world to market medical devices and a global leader in life sciences.
Professor Tom Clutton-Brock, Professor of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Birmingham and Chair of the Interim Devices Working Group (an expert advisory committee to the MHRA), said:
The proposed changes to the regulations represent the most significant advances since their original introduction. When enacted, we will lead the world in streamlining medical device approvals.
The rapid advances in medical and healthcare technology make balancing the need for innovation against both short-term and long-term safety a real challenge. After the EU exit there was a clear need to update our regulations to keep pace with other countries. After extensive consultation, the MHRA has listened carefully and published its response.
Simplification for low-risk devices and the carefully controlled reliance and recognition of regulatory approval from other countries will support safe innovation. This will benefit patients, clinicians and our MedTech and HealthTech industries.
The MHRA intends to notify the World Trade Organization of these changes later this year and will continue engaging with international partners and industry to implement the reforms.
Summary of the consultation response:
The MHRA’s 2024 public consultation on medical device regulation focused on the following areas: international reliance, UKCA marking, and the regulation of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices.
Measures being taken forward include:
International reliance routes will allow certain devices that have approvals or certifications from trusted regulators in Australia (TGA), Canada (Health Canada), and the United States (FDA) to follow a streamlined pathway to the GB market. This includes specific software and implantable devices that meet GB equivalence criteria.
The government will consult later this year on proposals to indefinitely recognise CE marked medical devices, which continue to be recognised in GB under existing transitional arrangements until 30 June 2028 or 2030 (depending on the device classification and legislation complied with).
Physical UKCA marking requirements will be removed once Unique Device Identification (UDI) is in place. This aims to reduce burdens on manufacturers while improving traceability and post-market surveillance.
Class B IVD devices will be subject to a more risk proportionate approach, requiring manufacturers to self-declare conformity with the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 and hold ISO 13485 quality management system certification before placing products on the GB market.
The response to a fourth proposal, to extend four pieces of assimilated EU law, was published in February 2025 and has subsequently been actioned.
The consultation, “Future regulation of medical devices and IVDs – routes to market”, ran from 30 November 2024 to 29 January 2025. It sought views on four legislative proposals to update the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (as amended).
These reforms are part of a broader programme to modernise medical device regulation in Great Britain following the UK’s departure from the European Union. They align with the ambitions of the Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10-Year Plan for the NHS in England.
ISO 13485 is an internationally recognised standard that sets out requirements for a quality management system (QMS) specific to the medical device industry. It ensures that manufacturers demonstrate consistent design, development, production, and post-market support for medical devices.
The MHRA will publish further information in due course about the next steps, including updates on the planned Pre-Market Statutory Instrument and a future consultation on the indefinite recognition of CE-marked devices.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
This week, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside Representative Keith Self (TX-03), introduced a resolution establishing July 20 as “National Moon Landing Day” to mark the anniversary of the first-ever lunar landing in 1969.
Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside Representative Keith Self (TX-03), introduced a resolution establishing July 20 as “National Moon Landing Day” to mark the anniversary of the first-ever lunar landing in 1969.
“In celebration of one of our country’s greatest scientific achievements, we honor the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who made it possible,” said Rep. Salinas. “As a proud member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I introduced the resolution to establish National Moon Landing Day because this anniversary deserves recognition. National Moon Landing Day isn’t just about looking back—it’s about inspiring the next generation to dream big, explore boldly, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in science and innovation.”
“Fifty-six years ago, America did what the world thought was impossible and sent mankind to the Moon, proving that America doesn’t follow—we lead,” Congressman Self said. “Our dedication to space exploration reflects who we are as Americans—pioneers, problem-solvers, and patriots. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am proud to introduce this resolution with Congresswoman Salinas, honoring the bravery of our astronauts, the ingenuity of our engineers, and the enduring spirit of American exploration.”
In addition to commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Rep. Salinas’ resolution honors all those who paved the way for human spaceflight and continue to make it possible today. The resolution goes on to highlight the importance of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis program. This campaign aims to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon and establish a sustainable human presence there by the end of the decade, with the ultimate goal of leading the first human expedition to Mars.
To read the full text of this resolution, clickhere.
In recognition of National Drowning Prevention Week, the BC Coroners Service, together with the Lifesaving Society and B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), is sharing helpful reminders and promoting water safety awareness.
In 2024, there were 98 accidental drowning deaths in British Columbia, with 52 of these deaths recorded from June to September, according to a new report from the BC Coroners Service. That’s an 18% decrease from the 119 deaths reported in 2023.
“This report, which covers a 10-year period, highlights that accidental drowning deaths continue to see an unfortunate upward trend during our warm summer months,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner, BC Coroners Service. “It is our hope that by providing regular information and details about how these deaths occur, we can help British Columbians make safer choices while enjoying water-related activities.”
The data collected found most deaths occurred in rivers and creeks (33%) and lakes and ponds (24%), with the most common circumstances involving an unintentional fall into water (22%), swimming (18%) and bathing (14%). As in previous years, the data collected for 2024 shows the majority of accidental drowning deaths were residents of B.C. (95 of 98).
“It is crucial that parents and caregivers properly supervise children at the lake, beach, pool or in the bathtub at home, keep young children within arm’s reach, wear a lifejacket or PFD while boating no matter your age or ability, and stay sober on the water,” said Lenea Grace, executive director, Lifesaving Society – B.C. & Yukon Branch. “Many drowning victims never intend to go into the water at all. For this reason, we urge the public to be WaterSmart this summer and to take swim lessons and lifesaving training to help prevent future tragedies.”
From 2014-23, alcohol and/or drugs were determined to be a contributing factor in 40% of accidental drowning deaths.
“Anyone can drown, even people who know how to swim. Remember, alcohol and other recreational substances don’t mix with any water activities and intoxication puts you at a significant risk of drowning,” said Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer, BCEHS. “When on or in the water, stay sober and stay safe.”
While the data in the report is considered preliminary and subject to change, additional notable findings from the report include:
77% of the 2024 deaths were male;
20% of those who died were 50-59, followed by those age 60-69 (15%) and 70+ (15%); and
34% of all accidental drowning deaths occurred in the Interior Health region.
Learn More:
To read the BC Coroners Service Accidental Drowning Deaths Report 2014-2024, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/250703_accidentaldrowningwebreportposting_2014-2024.pdf
To learn how to be water smart, visit: https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/watersmart
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that Donald Trump and House Republicans One Big Ugly Law will drive up costs and rip healthcare and nutritional assistance from millions of Americans to reward their billionaire donors.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everyone. Donald Trump is deeply unpopular. The American people clearly recognize that the Trump administration is in free fall and are actively hurting everyday Americans in order to reward their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks. The One Big Ugly Law is deeply unpopular. The American people clearly recognize that Donald Trump and House Republicans have not done a thing to make life better for them and meaningfully lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. Instead, what Donald Trump and Republicans have done is to rip away healthcare from more than 17 million people and steal food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans while skyrocketing the nation’s debt by more than $3 trillion and setting the country on a course toward possible bankruptcy. The One Big Ugly Bill is a complete and total failure, substantively and in the minds of the American people.
House Democrats will continue to focus on the issues that matter, like driving down the high cost of living in the United States of America, because we recognize that for far too long, the cost of living in this country has been too high. Housing costs are too high. Grocery costs are too high. Utility costs are too high. Childcare costs are too high. Insurance costs are too high. America is too expensive. There are far too many people in this country struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. That should not be the case in the wealthiest country in the history of the world. Imagine an America where when you work hard and play by the rules, everyone can afford to live the good life. That’s the America that House Democrats are working hard to bring about. Good-paying jobs, good housing, good healthcare, good education for your children and a good retirement. When you work hard in this country and play by the rules, you should be able to afford to live the good life, but our system is broken and Republicans are making it worse.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)
On Friday, the International Trade Commission (ITC) made an affirmative final determination in the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations on low-speed personal transportation vehicles (LSPTVs) from China. Upon the announcement, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:
“I applaud this ruling from the ITC to impose strict antidumping duties and enforce our trade remedy laws. China’s adversarial and unfair trade practices have harmed domestic manufacturers like Club Car and E-Z-GO for far too long. Alarmingly, it has taken China less than four years to completely upend the American LSPTV market.
“However, with this ruling, domestic LSPTV producers can now rely on a level playing field—where they can out-innovate and out-compete anyone in the world. Over the last year, I have proudly led a bipartisan and bicameral effort to bring more attention to this issue, and I thank the ITC for delivering this win and standing with American manufacturers,”said Congressman Rick Allen.
“This final determination from the U.S. International Trade Commission is a clear win for fair competition and the thousands of American jobs that power our industry,” said Craig Scanlon, President and CEO of Club Car.“It allows us to stay focused on what matters most — our customers — and continue delivering the high-quality, reliable vehicles and exceptional experience that have defined Club Car for decades. We are proud to engineer, build, and support our products right here in the U.S., and we appreciate the Commission and its staff for their thorough work in reaching this important decision. We are also especially grateful to Congressman Rick Allen for his leadership and advocacy throughout this process.”
“We are thankful for Congressman Allen’s support of our industry, and his testimony before the International Trade Commission about the impacts of the unfair trade practices of Chinese importers on our employees and our community,”said Rob Scholl, President and CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles.“This determination will help to protect the health of a uniquely American industry that employs thousands of hardworking residents of the 12th Congressional District, who build products that represent Augusta and Georgia around the world.”
TIMELINE
June 28, 2024: Congressman Allen sends letter to then-Ambassador Katherine Tai with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) – urging Ambassador Tai to include vehicles such as golf carts, Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs), and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) in the definition of “electric vehicle” as it relates to forthcoming tariffs on Chinese subsidized imports.
November 21, 2024: Congressman Allen sends a bipartisan, bicameral letter to then-Secretary Gina Raimondo – urging Secretary Raimondo to side with U.S. producers in the antidumping and countervailing duty cases filed by the U.S. LSPTV industry.
January 27, 2025: The U.S. Department of Commerce announces its preliminary finding that Chinese producers have sold low-speed personal transportation vehicles (LSPTVs) into the United States at less than fair value, violating U.S. international trade laws. In response, Commerce calculated affirmative antidumping duties ranging from 127.35% to 478.09%.
June 3, 2025: Congressman Allen sends a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick notifying his office of efforts by Chinese LSPTV producers to avoid paying duties and to circumvent and evade U.S. trade measures, urging his department to take all steps necessary to ensure that Chinese producers do not continue to erode U.S. trade measures.
June 6, 2025: Congressman Allen sends a bipartisan, bicameral letter to International Trade Commission (ITC) Chair Amy Karpel expressing support for the American low speed personal transportation vehicle (LSPTV) producers who have faced a surge of unfairly traded imports from China, and urging the ITC to carefully and fully consider the arguments raised by the U.S. industry throughout the ITC investigation.
June 13, 2025: Congressman Allen testifies before the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to urge the Commissioners to take immediate action and hold China accountable for unfair trade practices that are harming U.S. producers in the Low Speed Personal Transportation Vehicles (LSPTV) industry.
BACKGROUND: Last month, the U.S. Department of Commerce concluded that low-speed personal transportation vehicles (LSPTVs) imported from China were being sold at unfairly low prices and subsidized, leading to the issuance of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders. Following the U.S. International Trade Commission’s recent ruling, these imports will face antidumping duties ranging from 119% to 478% and countervailing duties between 31% and 679%. The Commission also identified critical circumstances in its AD and CVD investigations, meaning importers will face retroactive duties based on Commerce’s preliminary rates, applicable to entries up to 90 days prior to those determinations.
These AD/CVD orders will remain in place for at least five years, with the possibility of future increases in duty rates through annual administrative reviews. Moving forward, Congressman Allen plans to focus on ensuring compliance by monitoring for illegal practices such as tariff avoidance, absorption, indirect shipping, or circumvention by foreign producers and U.S. importers.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
July 21, 2025
Ontario, CA — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres responded to alarming reports that ICE agents detained multiple individuals at a Stater Bros supermarket in her district, following an alleged assault on an ICE agent.
Congresswoman Torres’s staff was on site as the incident unfolded. When they attempted to speak with store management to gather information, they were dismissed and told to “take it up with corporate.” Her office has also received credible information that ICE agents were given access to an employee-only warehouse in the back of the store, but no explanation has been provided for why that occurred.
“My team was present when ICE detained individuals inside the Stater Bros store in Ontario. When we sought answers from Stater Bros, we were dismissed and told to contact their corporate office. We have also received reports that ICE accessed employee-only areas of the store, which should never be allowed without a warrant,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “Let me be clear: ICE cannot continue operating in our communities without transparency and due process. I will get to the bottom of what happened and I won’t stop until the public has answers and accountability. Since January, ten people have died in ICE custody, a sobering reminder of the agency’s lack of oversight and accountability, and why we continue to fight.”
The media fell for another hoax designed to demonize ICE law enforcement
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) set the record straight on misleading and false reporting that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “secretly deported” a so-called “Allentown grandfather” to Guatemala. Additionally, reporting claimed he “died” in ICE custody.
The Morning Call, an Allentown, Pennsylvania, newspaper published the following headline on July 20, 2025, without any facts from DHS about major allegations made against law enforcement:
The family of the individual allegedly told reporters he was handcuffed and taken by federal officers at a green card appointment in Philadelphia. This claim is completely false. There is no record of the man appearing at any green card appointment in or around the area of Philadelphia on June 20, 2025.
Furthermore, ICE has not deported Luis Leon—a Chilean national—to Guatemala, as his family members have said. ICE’sonly record of this individual entering the U.S. is in 2015 from Chile under the visa waiver program.
According toreportingby the Associated Press, the Guatemalan Institute of Migration—which coordinates with ICE on all deportations from the U.S. to Guatemala—claims they have not received anyone matching the name, age or nationality of Luis Leon back into Guatemala.
According to the report, the family alleges a woman claiming to be an immigration lawyer called and offered to help them but did not disclose how she knew about the case. The family claims this individual also told them Leon died in ICE custody.
“ICE never arrested or deported Luis Leon to Guatemala. Nor does ICE ‘disappear’ people—this is a categorical lie being peddled to demonize ICE agents who are already facing an 830% increase in assaults against them. This was a hoax peddled by the media who rushed to press without pausing to corroborate the facts with DHS. This was journalistic malpractice,” said Assistant Secretary McLaughlin.
Headline: Battleship North Carolina Hosts Announcement: North Carolina Named CNBC’s ‘Top State for Business’
Battleship North Carolina Hosts Announcement: North Carolina Named CNBC’s ‘Top State for Business’ jejohnson6
WILMINGTON
Governor Josh Stein’s announcement Thursday that the state was named CNBC’s “Top State for Business” — its third time earning the title in the last four years — was revealed from the deck of one of the state’s most iconic landmarks, the BattleshipNorth Carolina.The BattleshipNorth Carolina, a State Historic Site and part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, symbolizes North Carolina’s continued forward momentum and attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually.
“North Carolina’s recognition as the ‘Top State for Business’ echoes the legacy of excellence embodied by the BattleshipNorth Carolina,” said Executive Director Jay Martin. “We’re proud that this historic site could serve as the backdrop for such a meaningful moment in our state’s story.”
Gov. Stein celebrated the ranking as a testament to North Carolina’s skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, world-class education system, and high quality of life.
“This confirms what we have known for a long time — that North Carolina is the best state in the country for business,” said Gov. Stein. “I am proud of the progress our state has made, and we are just getting started.”
North Carolina earned top scores in Economy, Workforce, and Business Friendliness, scoring 1,614 out of a possible 2,500 points in CNBC’s nationwide analysis.
Since taking office in January, Gov. Stein has announced nearly $17 billion in new capital investment and more than 20,000 new jobs. His administration has launched initiatives to expand workforce training, reduce degree barriers to state jobs, and invest in small business recovery, particularly in western North Carolina.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
North Carolina Zoo Grieves Giraffe Leia jejohnson6
The North Carolina Zoo is grieving the loss of Leia, a 15-year-old giraffe, who has been a beloved part of the Zoo family since 2010. Grief counselors have been on site to support staff members during the grieving process. Leia’s death is especially raw as she passed away Tuesday, only a day after the Zoo’s long-time Director and CEO Pat Simmons.
On the morning of her death, Leia underwent a planned medical procedure to address a foot injury. Medical staff expected Leia to make a full recovery before she experienced acute aspiration following the procedure. Aspiration is a recognized complication that can sometimes occur with the use of anesthesia in both humans and animals, and is generally considered the most common complication with giraffe surgical procedures. A necropsy, or animal autopsy, was performed on Leia and results confirmed aspiration as the official cause of death.
Zoo team members, particularly the caretakers, the Zoo’s medical staff, entertainment staff and volunteers who formed a special bond with Leia over the years are heartbroken. The Zoo respectfully requests privacy and compassion for affected staff as they continue to mourn.
“We are so grateful to the community and our loyal supporters for the outpouring of love during this incredibly challenging time,” says Deputy Director Diane Villa. “Your warmth and kind words are a comfort to us all as we navigate loss and begin our journey toward healing.”
About the North Carolina Zoo At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals in the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Headline: Mountain Gateway Museum to Host Historical Book Club Meeting July 30
Mountain Gateway Museum to Host Historical Book Club Meeting July 30 jejohnson6
Mountain Gateway Museum, in partnership with the McDowell County Public Library, has launched a new monthly book club exploring regional history through literature.
The second gathering of the Mountain Stories Book Club will be held Wednesday, July 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the museum’s new location (78-C Catawba Ave., Old Fort). The featured book is “My Old True Love” by Sheila Kay Adams, a historical novel set in Madison County during the 1860s.
This free event is open to the public and will highlight a different book each month that connects to western North Carolina’s rich and complex history.
Copies of “My Old True Love” are available through McDowell County Public Library in multiple formats. The Old Fort Library reopened at the beginning of July. For more information, call 828-619-5100 or visitmgmnc.org.
About Mountain Gateway Museum A regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, the Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center (MGM) is the westernmost facility in the N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources’ Division of State History Museums.
Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of historic Mill Creek in downtown Old Fort (McDowell County), the museum uses artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, living history demonstrations, and special events to teach people about the rich history and cultural heritage of the state’s mountain region, from its original inhabitants through early settlement and into the 20th century.
As part of its education outreach mission, MGM also assists non-profit museums and historic sites in 38 western NC counties with exhibit development and fabrication, genealogical research, photography archives, traveling exhibitions, and consultations.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Headline: Rehabilitation of Sea Turtle Captures Hearts and Exemplifies N.C. Aquarium Mission
Rehabilitation of Sea Turtle Captures Hearts and Exemplifies N.C. Aquarium Mission jejohnson6
The newest sea turtle patient at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island is quickly capturing hearts across the Outer Banks. In late June a small juvenile green sea turtle, nicknamed “Lucky Duck,” arrived at the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (S.T.A.R.) Center at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island with visible injuries from an apparent shark bite. The mission of the Aquarium, to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments, is lately exemplified by Lucky’s Duck’s survival and rehabilitation. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
On June 25 a radiograph revealed a fractured carapace and additional health complications for Lucky Duck. Upon closer inspection, Aquarium veterinarians and sea turtle aquarists at the S.T.A.R. Center discovered Lucky Duck’s intestinal tract was flooded with ingested micro-plastics. To demonstrate the severity and amount of plastic Lucky Duck ingested, the striking variety of defecated debris was placed on display at the Aquarium to raise public awareness about the damage single-use plastic can cause for wildlife.
Contending with difficulties caused by both natural and man-made encounters, Lucky Duck came by its nickname naturally having survived these difficulties and being rescued oceanside by a visitor to the Outer Banks by notifying Aquarium partner, N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles).
Since arriving at the Aquarium, Lucky Duck has been on a steady diet of protein and lettuce—roughage—to help it defecate the ingested plastic. When plastics enter a sea turtle’s environment, it presumes the plastics to be part of the environment. Plastic grocery bags in water, for example, appear as jellyfish to a sea turtle. A sea turtle with a belly full of micro-plastics will expend energy trying to digest the plastic, which wastes valuable nutrients and weakens the sea turtle. At the Aquarium, Lucky Duck is receiving quality food and nutrients to restore its health, which is especially important as it recovers from trauma wounds due to the apparent shark bite. Lucky Duck is healing nicely, swimming, and navigating excellently. The Aquarium is pleased to share this progress report with the public.
Responding to the impact of Lucky Duck’s story, Leslie Vegas, husbandry curator at the Aquarium said, “Working with the team that cares for the animals is so rewarding, whether the animals are rehab patients or permanent residents at our facility. Lucky Duck’s story is one of many that can inspire folks to appreciate all the animals we are lucky enough to care for at the Aquarium. They each have unique stories that teach us the importance of conservation work.”
The S.T.A.R. Center, founded at the Aquarium in 2014, rehabilitates rescued sea turtles year-round. In recent years, sea turtle patients have been treated at the Aquarium for assorted problems, including cold-stunning, eye injuries, kidney failure, pneumonia, frostbite, infections, and injuries from boat strikes and ingested fishing hooks. When sea turtle patients are cleared by Aquarium veterinarians, the Aquarium releases recovered sea turtles back into their natural environment. Sea turtles have been released by the Aquarium oceanside, offshore into the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, and into the Croatan Sound—the Aquarium’s aquatic backyard. Dedicated in 1976, the Aquarium is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
About the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island Located on the Outer Banks in Manteo, N.C., the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island is part of N.C. Aquariums, which includes four attractions along North Carolina’s coast and is a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The 63,000 square-foot facility on 16 acres overlooks the Croatan Sound and houses over 2,200 animals. Over 319,000 guests visit the Aquarium each year to see the 285,000-gallon “Graveyard of the Atlantic” shark and ocean habitat, visit the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (S.T.A.R.) Center, and learn why North Carolina’s waterways are so special. As an educational attraction, the mission of N.C. Aquariums is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, please visitwww.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Portsmouth, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, visited the Pease Air National Guard Base with the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), General Randall Reed. The visit is General Reed’s first to the Pease Air National Guard Base and comes after Shaheen extended an invitation during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in March. During the visit, Shaheen and Reed received an outbrief of the 157th’s successful deployment to the Middle East – the first-ever KC-46 overseas deployment – and met with Base leadership, including Major General David Mikolaities, to discuss the157th Air Refueling Wing’s essential role in global TRANSCOM operations. You can view photos from the visithere.
“I was glad to welcome General Reed to the Granite State to see first-hand the essential role that New Hampshire’s 157th Air Refueling Wing plays in maintaining our national security, especially after their return from the first-ever overseas KC-46 deployment,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll continue working to support the service members at Pease Air National Guard Base, including by ensuring they have the personnel and resources required to maintain and support their exceptional record of service. I look forward to working with General Reed to do just that.”
In response to strong advocacy by Shaheen, Pease was selected as the Air Force’s first Air National Guard KC-46 main operating base. The KC-46 replaces the Air Force’s 1950’s-era aerial refueling fleet of KC-135s and will serve as the backbone of American air operations for decades to come. The last KC-135 departed Pease in March 2019 to make way for the KC-46. Shaheen participated in the arrival event for the first KC-46 to Pease in August that same year. In 2021, Shaheen attended the ceremony for the delivery of the 12th and final KC-46 refueling tanker to be stationed at the Pease. In September 2024, Shaheen attended the sendoff ceremony for the first-ever deployment of the KC-46 squadron to U.S. Central Command.
Shaheen has continued to support the members of the New Hampshire National Guard, including by pressing the National Guard Bureau to exempt New Hampshire from any changes to its personnel who operate and maintain the KC-46. Due to Shaheen’s advocacy, the Guard Bureau granted New Hampshire an extension to implement the policy. The FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included a provision from Shaheen that would require the Guard Bureau to grant a similar extension to any state who requests one, and report to Congress on any operational impact of future force re-leveling.
Shaheen has also been a fierce advocate for ensuring the KC-46’s Remote Vision System (RVS) stays on schedule and keeps the KC-46 fully operational. This has ensured that the New Hampshire National Guard’s full fleet of tankers can fly real-world missions.
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in State Affairs outlining the ways President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill supports the American Dream for Louisianans by boosting take-home pay, expanding school choice, and creating high-paying jobs throughout the state.
“Republicans promised to create jobs, lower costs, and build a better future for Americans. We wasted no time doing it. I voted to pass President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill to give Louisianans a better chance at a good education, high-paying jobs, and a chance at the American Dream,” wrote Dr. Cassidy.
Read the full op-ed here or below.
Here’s How the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ Supports the American Dream
I voted to pass President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill to preserve the American Dream for Louisianans. Low taxes, more of your paycheck, a safe community, high-paying jobs and a good education. That’s the American Dream.
How are we accomplishing this? First, by ensuring Louisianans keep more of their paychecks and have a better chance at financial stability. We cut taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security. We extend the Child Tax Credit, making it easier for moms and dads to start and sustain a family.
Our agenda supports our military and makes President Trump’s quick work to secure the southern border permanent.
As for jobs, the bill boosts U.S. manufacturing, strengthening Louisiana businesses and creating permanent, better-paying jobs throughout our state. One way it accomplishes this is by cracking down on China and other countries abusing our trade loopholes and stealing our jobs. I introduced legislation last Congress to correct that. President Trump and I worked together to achieve that goal.
I promised to deliver higher paychecks and lower costs for people in my state, and that’s what we delivered. We cut taxes on tips for beauty industry small businesses.
Along with better jobs, I fought for a historic school choice expansion in President Trump’s agenda—now law. I also secured a provision to eliminate inflationary loan programs that have resulted in higher tuition costs. Thanks to increased access to Pell Grants, more low-income Americans will now be able to attend college, and the 87 percent of Americans who choose not to attend college will no longer have to worry about shouldering the cost of others’ loans.
Louisianans pursuing a career or technical-based education will also benefit from this legislation through Workforce Pell Grants. President Trump and I agree—it’s time to bring skilled jobs back to America from China and Mexico.
We eliminate the $200 tax stamp for short-barreled firearms.
We raise the annual cap on offshore energy revenue sharing with Gulf states from $500 million to $650 million through 2034.
We hold more lease sales in the Gulf of America—something the Biden administration refused to do.
We invest $389 million in America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to bolster U.S. energy security.
We unleash American energy by allowing energy companies to deduct costs, including labor and safety, associated with oil and gas exploration.
We expand access to direct primary care arrangements by allowing the use of Health Savings Account—or HSA—dollars to pay for such services.
Republicans promised to create jobs, lower costs, and build a better future for Americans. We wasted no time doing it. I voted to pass President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill to give Louisianans a better chance at a good education, high-paying jobs, and a chance at the American Dream.
