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Bipartisan REACH Our Tribes Act Introduced to Streamline Tribal Access to Federal Economic Development Programs

Bipartisan REACH Our Tribes Act Introduced to Streamline Tribal Access to Federal Economic Development Programs

U.S. Representatives Sharice Davids, D-Kan., and Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., have introduced the bipartisan REACH Our Tribes Act. This proposed legislation aims to simplify and improve tribal governments' access to federal economic development programs. The bill mandates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a formal process for annual consultation with tribal governments regarding the department's budget requests and reauthorization of USDA programs, including farm bills. It also requires the USDA to develop a plan to analyze and publicly report the funding tribal entities receive through its programs. Furthermore, the act would create an interagency task force, comprising officials from the USDA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration, to identify ways to streamline application processes and reduce administrative burdens for tribal entities.

Representative Veronica Escobar Votes Against H.R. 1501: Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

Representative Veronica Escobar Votes Against H.R. 1501: Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

Representative Veronica Escobar, a Democratic representative for Texas's 16th congressional district, recently cast a 'Nay' vote on H.R. 1501: Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025. This vote aligns with a broader trend among several Democratic representatives who also voted against the bill. The specific details of the bill's content and the reasons behind the 'Nay' votes are not fully detailed in the provided information, beyond the fact that it pertains to domestic mining. Congressional votes often involve complex considerations, including the procedures for debating a bill, potential amendments, and whether to proceed to a final passage vote. The outcome of such votes can reflect various legislative strategies and policy positions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Cap Supreme Court at Nine Justices

House Speaker Mike Johnson Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Cap Supreme Court at Nine Justices

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced his intention to bring a constitutional amendment to the House floor that would permanently cap the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. This proposal is a direct response to recent calls from some Democratic lawmakers to expand the size of the Supreme Court. Speaker Johnson stated that the measure aims to prevent efforts to 'pack the U.S. Supreme Court,' a concept that has gained traction among certain Democrats. The announcement follows public comments from figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who have suggested expanding the court to 13 justices. Passing a constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states. Democratic leadership in the House has dismissed Johnson's proposal as a 'show vote,' with House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., indicating that constituents are more focused on economic con...

Congressman Harris Advocates for Constitutional Amendment to Maintain Nine Supreme Court Justices

Congressman Harris Advocates for Constitutional Amendment to Maintain Nine Supreme Court Justices

Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.J. Res. 1, a legislative proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to mandate that the Supreme Court be composed of nine justices. Congressman Harris emphasized that this action is crucial for upholding the Court's legitimacy, protecting the system of checks and balances, and safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of all Americans, irrespective of political power shifts. He expressed concern over the increasing calls to 'pack the Court,' which he views as an attempt to consolidate power and intimidate the judiciary rather than uphold ethical principles or protect individual rights. Harris asserted that the founders designed a system with an independent Supreme Court to serve as a critical safeguard for liberty, ensuring the Court's role is to uphold the Constitution and protect freedom, even when it means diverging from popular sentiment.

Reps. Debbie Dingell and Bob Latta Introduce Bipartisan Biomanufacturing Bill to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chains

Reps. Debbie Dingell and Bob Latta Introduce Bipartisan Biomanufacturing Bill to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chains

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell and Bob Latta have introduced the bipartisan Biomanufacturing Excellence, Domestic Resilience, Output, and Competitive Know-how Act, or BEDROCK Act. This legislation aims to bolster U.S. biomanufacturing capabilities, bring manufacturing jobs back to America, and decrease the nation's reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly from China. The BEDROCK Act proposes several key provisions, including assigning a lead within the Commerce Department for biomanufacturing initiatives, conducting reviews of supply-chain risks and domestic production capacity, and developing a strategic plan to assist companies in scaling up their production. The overarching goal is to transform products 'invented in America' into products 'made in America,' thereby supporting domestic manufacturing and enhancing economic resilience.

Senator Welch and Representative Schneider Introduce BAD DEAL Act to Repeal Tariffs on Canadian Goods

Senator Welch and Representative Schneider Introduce BAD DEAL Act to Repeal Tariffs on Canadian Goods

U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, have partnered to introduce the Banning Antiquated Duties and Delivering Equitable American Levies (BAD DEAL) Act. This bicameral bill aims to repeal Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and refund all duties paid under this authority. The legislation directly targets the 50% tariffs that President Trump has implemented on Canada under Section 338. Senator Welch recently convened an event near the U.S.-Canada border in Jay, Vermont, bringing together small businesses, agricultural producers, and community leaders to voice their opposition to President Trump’s trade policies, which they argue are harming the economies of Vermont and other northern border states. Senator Welch emphasized that "Nobody wins a trade war" and that President Trump's policies are destructive to both American and Canadian interests. The event included various industry leaders, such as manufacturers...

Congress Delays OMB's Controversial Federal Grant Rule Changes Until December

Congress Delays OMB's Controversial Federal Grant Rule Changes Until December

Congress has approved a continuing resolution that extends federal funding levels and, for now, halts the implementation of proposed changes by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to federal grant rules. These proposed changes would grant executive branch political appointees significant power over the awarding and cancellation of billions of dollars in federal funds, including competitive education grants. The resolution, passed by the House with a 370-48 vote and previously approved by the Senate, carries over fiscal year 2026 funding into the first two months of fiscal year 2027. President Trump has indicated his support for the measure. The delay means that the OMB is barred from finalizing the controversial rule until at least December 11. Education advocates, elected Democrats, and some Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, have fiercely opposed these changes. Nearly half a million public comments were submitted regarding OMB’s proposed regulations, which the Trump ...

Congressman Tony Wied Faces Scrutiny Over Taxpayer-Funded Ads Supporting President Trump's Tax Plan

Congressman Tony Wied Faces Scrutiny Over Taxpayer-Funded Ads Supporting President Trump's Tax Plan

Congressman Tony Wied is facing questions regarding his use of taxpayer funds for TV and digital advertisements, which have reportedly cost over $100,000. These ads, which support President Trump’s working-class tax plan, are permissible under the franking privilege. This privilege allows members of the U.S. House and Senate to use a portion of their budget for communicating with constituents. Wied's opponent, Democrat Rick Crosson, criticized the spending, noting that Wied has substantial campaign funds available but chose to use taxpayer money. Aidan Strongreen, a spokesperson for Rep. Tony Wied, defended the practice, stating that franked communications are a vital method for Members of Congress to directly inform constituents about their work in Washington, such as achievements in tax cuts, without media bias. The ads are subject to restrictions and require approval from a bipartisan congressional committee. Lawrence University Professor of Government Arnold Shober explained that these ads can discuss ...

Representative Kelly Urges Speaker Johnson to Advance 'Restore Trust in Government Act' for Congressional Stock Trading Ban

Representative Kelly Urges Speaker Johnson to Advance 'Restore Trust in Government Act' for Congressional Stock Trading Ban

Representative Robin Kelly, along with her colleagues, is urging Speaker Johnson to immediately bring the 'Restore Trust in Government Act' to the floor for a vote. The core of this legislative push is to implement a genuine ban on stock trading for Washington politicians. Representative Kelly's statement emphasizes the need for a "REAL stock trading ban" for members of Congress, distinguishing it from any legislation that might be perceived as a "voter suppression bill." This call comes as Congress returns from recess, indicating a renewed effort to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from lawmakers' financial activities.

Reps. Sara Jacobs and Don Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Restore Pentagon Press Access

Reps. Sara Jacobs and Don Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Restore Pentagon Press Access

Representatives Sara Jacobs and Don Bacon have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at restoring and protecting press access at the Pentagon. This bill seeks to reverse recent restrictions placed on journalists, emphasizing the importance of transparency, oversight, and credentialing safeguards. The proposed measure would specifically address press areas, credentialing processes, and any future modifications to access rules. It aims to reinstate access to previously open Pentagon areas and renew unescorted access to certain spaces. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that credential reviews be conducted by career officials and prohibits changes to press access without prior consultation with Congress. Representative Jacobs highlighted that independent reporting is crucial for transparency, accountability, and oversight, while Representative Bacon stated that the restrictions were 'not wise' and that credentialed reporters historically had access to common areas, not classified spaces or offices.

Rep. Don Beyer and Democratic Leaders Urge White House to Reimpose Russia Sanctions Without New Tariff Powers

Rep. Don Beyer and Democratic Leaders Urge White House to Reimpose Russia Sanctions Without New Tariff Powers

Representative Don Beyer, alongside other Democratic leaders from both the House and Senate, is pressing the White House to immediately reimpose sanctions on Russia. These lawmakers contend that the administration already possesses ample authority to sanction entities supporting Russia's war efforts, negating the need for Congress to approve new tariff powers. They argue that delaying action to await new tariff legislation would diminish the effectiveness of sanctions, as Russia continues to seek foreign technology and funding. The Democrats are calling on the president to utilize existing sanctions against targets across various sectors of the Russian economy, emphasizing the urgent need for support for Ukrainians. This stance highlights a division within Congress regarding the approach to sanctioning Russia, with some advocating for immediate action using current presidential powers rather than waiting for new legislative measures.

Commerce Department Informs Congress of Unreliable Microstamping Technology for Firearms

Commerce Department Informs Congress of Unreliable Microstamping Technology for Firearms

The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has communicated to U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Chairman Brian Babin (R-Texas) that there is no reliable evidence supporting the effectiveness of microstamping technology for firearms. This technology, often proposed as a gun control measure, theoretically involves laser-engraved alphanumeric or gear codes on a firearm's firing pin that would imprint a unique, traceable code onto the primer of a spent cartridge. The idea is that these codes could then be collected and examined by criminal investigators to link spent casings to specific firearms and their owners, aiding in criminal investigations. However, NIST's review of existing studies indicates that microstamping cannot consistently produce repeatable and legible codes. The agency noted that it has not conducted independent research on the topic but synthesized results from available studies, concluding that significant disagreement exists reg...