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APTA Urges Congress to Restore Advance Appropriations for Public Transit and Passenger Rail Funding

APTA Urges Congress to Restore Advance Appropriations for Public Transit and Passenger Rail Funding

Public transportation leaders from across the U.S., organized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), convened on Capitol Hill for a Congressional Fly-In on September 16. Their primary objective was to urge Congress to restore advance appropriations for public transit and passenger rail in the December 2026 Appropriations Act. While Congress approved legislation extending federal funding and Surface Transportation programs through December 11, 2026, it did not continue the advance appropriations previously provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). APTA members, including transit agency CEOs and staff, met with over 100 Members of Congress and their staff, emphasizing the critical need for stable, multi-year funding to prevent significant cuts to public transit and passenger rail services nationwide.

US House votes to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress

US House votes to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress

By Isla Binnie NEW YORK, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to find billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress and refer the case to the Justice Department, after he declined to comply with subpoenas as part of a probe into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Representative Lauren Boebert Questions Democrats' Conduct During Late House Session

Representative Lauren Boebert Questions Democrats' Conduct During Late House Session

U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert has made headlines for suggesting that Democrats might have had 'liquid courage' during a late-night House session. According to TMZ, Boebert spoke outside the Capitol on Tuesday night, implying that Democrats were unusually rowdy. She noted that while her Freedom Caucus group is typically the most boisterous, the opposition party was noticeably louder than usual during the recent late-night votes. Boebert, known for her hard-right political style and controversial remarks, did not explicitly claim that Democrats were under the influence of alcohol, but her comments and expressions conveyed the suggestion. This incident follows a pattern of Boebert making pointed statements without direct accusations, similar to a November 2021 elevator incident involving Representative Ilhan Omar.

Georgia senator speaks out after AI photos of him circulate online

Georgia senator speaks out after AI photos of him circulate online

AI images of Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock depicting him with health issues circulated online, leading to a call to action from the senator.

Trump administration can proceed with homelessness program overhaul, US court rules

Trump administration can proceed with homelessness program overhaul, US court rules

By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court cleared the way on Wednesday for President Donald Trump's administration to reshape a $4 billion homelessness program by shifting funding away from permanent housing assistance toward temporary housing and supportive services.

House Committee Chair Brett Guthrie Addresses Uncertainty Over Puerto Rico Medicaid Funding Reauthorization

House Committee Chair Brett Guthrie Addresses Uncertainty Over Puerto Rico Medicaid Funding Reauthorization

Congressman Brett Guthrie, who chairs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has indicated that the Republican majority has not yet identified a solution for reauthorizing Medicaid funds for Puerto Rico. These funds are scheduled to expire on October 1, 2027. The potential lapse in funding could lead to a significant fiscal crisis within Puerto Rico's healthcare industry. Guthrie's statement highlights the ongoing challenge faced by lawmakers in securing continued financial support for the island's medical services. The issue underscores the complex nature of federal funding for U.S. territories and the potential for substantial disruption if a resolution is not reached before the deadline. The discussions are part of broader legislative efforts concerning healthcare funding and economic stability in U.S. territories.

Temporary Funding Hinders 10% of US Space Force Programs

Temporary Funding Hinders 10% of US Space Force Programs

Temporary federal government funding, set to last through mid-December, is preventing approximately 10% of planned US Space Force programs from moving forward. This was announced by US Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess at the Air & Space Forces Association conference. While about 90% of Space Force programs are linked to previous year's projects and can continue under the temporary funding, the remaining 10% require new appropriations laws or special exceptions approved by the US Congress. The absence of a full budget is slowing the service's work, despite what General Schiess describes as unceasing threats. Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna emphasized that new areas like space control and space superiority, which did not exist previously, require advancements in procurement procedures and the acquisition of necessary systems.

Representative Mike Turner's Bill to Rename Xenia Post Office Passes House

Representative Mike Turner's Bill to Rename Xenia Post Office Passes House

Congressman Mike Turner, a Republican representative from Ohio, announced that the House of Representatives has passed his bill to rename the Xenia post office as the 'Gil Whitney Post Office Building.' The renaming honors Gil Whitney, a long-time WHIO broadcaster, for his heroic actions during a tornado in Xenia on April 3, 1974. During the 'Super Outbreak,' Whitney interrupted programming to warn residents, specifically identifying Xenia as being in the tornado's path, an action credited with saving lives. Whitney's career at WHIO Television and Radio included roles as a reporter, anchor, sportscaster, and weather specialist. Beyond his broadcasting career, he was also a volunteer firefighter and a co-founder of the Dayton Air Show. Representative Turner emphasized that the renaming ensures the community will remember Whitney's heroism.

Rep. Brad Knott Co-Sponsors Bipartisan 'Right to Worship Act' to Protect Religious Institutions

Rep. Brad Knott Co-Sponsors Bipartisan 'Right to Worship Act' to Protect Religious Institutions

Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC) has co-sponsored the 'Right to Worship Act' (H.R. 10052 and S.5289), a bipartisan and bicameral bill introduced in Congress. This legislation aims to establish a 100-foot protest-free buffer zone around houses of worship during religious services. The act makes it unlawful to knowingly disrupt or impede individuals from attending religious services, prohibiting conduct that 'hinders,' 'deters,' 'threatens,' or 'intimidates' worshippers. Violations would incur civil fines, and individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and state attorneys general would be authorized to sue violators. Peaceful expression protected by the First Amendment is explicitly excluded from the bill's prohibited activities. Rep. Knott emphasized that the Constitution protects the individual's right to worship and that this right is currently under threat across the country. He commended Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) for his efforts in building bipartisan support for the legislation, which also has Senate sponsors includin...

Early voting begins in US midterm elections that could flip control of Congress

Early voting begins in US midterm elections that could flip control of Congress

In-person voting for this year’s midterm elections is beginning, ushering in the final six weeks for Americans to decide who they trust to lead Congress through a cost-of-living crisis, a prolonged war in Iran and other pressing issues

Senator Maggie Hassan Introduces Bill to Streamline Federal Addiction Grant Funding

Senator Maggie Hassan Introduces Bill to Streamline Federal Addiction Grant Funding

U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, in collaboration with Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, has introduced the Addiction Grants Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to create a centralized website and application process for substance abuse recovery organizations seeking federal grants. The goal is to simplify and streamline the current system, which involves numerous applications across various federal government departments. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the bill intends to allow these organizations to dedicate more time and resources to their primary mission of combating drug addiction and supporting individuals in recovery. Senator Hassan emphasized that this initiative is crucial for New Hampshire, which has seen a decrease in overdose deaths, and for ensuring that local leaders and advocates have easier access to necessary funding.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Calls for Balanced Federal AI Regulation

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Calls for Balanced Federal AI Regulation

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has emphasized the need for a balanced approach to federal regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). In discussions with NewsNation's Leland Vittert, Schultz stated that Congress must prioritize preventing harm to American citizens while simultaneously fostering innovation in the AI sector. Her remarks highlight a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the rapid advancement of AI technologies and the potential societal impacts, both positive and negative. The call for 'common-sense discussions' suggests a desire for a pragmatic and well-considered legislative framework rather than hasty or overly restrictive measures. This stance reflects a broader debate within the U.S. government on how to effectively govern emerging technologies without stifling economic growth or technological progress. The focus is on creating a regulatory environment that protects consumers and national interests while allowing the U.S. to remain a le...