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Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Erect Roberto Clemente Statue at U.S. Capitol

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Erect Roberto Clemente Statue at U.S. Capitol

A bipartisan bill, HR10121, has been introduced in the U.S. Congress to honor Puerto Rican baseball legend Roberto Clemente with a statue at the U.S. Capitol. The bill, supported by Democrats Pablo Jose Hernandez (PR), Darren Soto (FL), and Nydia Velazquez (NY), and Republicans Gus Bilirakis (FL), Reschenthaler (PA), and Kelly (PA), calls for placing a statue on the Capitol Grounds to recognize Clemente as an American humanitarian and star athlete. Roberto Clemente, born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, had an exemplary Major League Baseball career with the Pittsburg Pirates, winning two World Series and 12 Golden Glove titles. Beyond his athletic achievements, Clemente was renowned for his humanitarian work, supporting youth baseball, hospitals, schools, and orphanages, and ultimately losing his life while delivering earthquake aid to Nicaragua.

Representative LaMonica McIver Appointed Co-Chair of Caucus on Black Women and Girls

Representative LaMonica McIver Appointed Co-Chair of Caucus on Black Women and Girls

Representative LaMonica McIver has been named a new Co-Chair of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls. This appointment signifies her continued involvement and leadership in advocating for the rights and voices of Black women. The announcement was made as part of a broader update on congressional activities, highlighting her commitment to this specific demographic. Her role as Co-Chair will involve championing issues pertinent to Black women and girls, building on her established record as a long-time advocate. This development comes amidst various legislative actions and discussions within the U.S. Congress, including debates on economic policies, social issues, and legislative introductions by other members. McIver's new position places her at the forefront of efforts to address challenges and promote opportunities for Black women and girls within the political landscape.

Congress Grapples with AI Policy Amidst Divergent Party Stances and Public Skepticism

Congress Grapples with AI Policy Amidst Divergent Party Stances and Public Skepticism

U.S. politicians are actively working to establish positions on artificial intelligence (AI) as the technology rapidly advances and public concern grows. Representative Jake Auchincloss, who notably delivered the first AI-written floor speech three years ago, highlights the fluidity of public opinion on AI. Both Democratic and Republican parties are beginning to form their stances, though traditional party lines are not as clear-cut as usual. Democrats are generally advocating for stricter government regulation and raising concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, while some Republicans favor a free-market approach and express worries about the U.S. falling behind China in the technological race. Despite various proposals, including a bill co-authored by Representative Lori Trahan for AI safety requirements, there is currently little momentum for federal action this year. President Trump has expressed a pro-AI stance, supporting development with few restrictions and dismissing fears as a 'ho...

Senator Tina Smith's Bipartisan Bill to Combat Tick-Borne Diseases Heads to President's Desk

Senator Tina Smith's Bipartisan Bill to Combat Tick-Borne Diseases Heads to President's Desk

U.S. Senator Tina Smith's (D-MN) bipartisan bill, The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, has successfully passed both chambers of Congress and is now awaiting the President's signature to become law. The bill, co-led by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), aims to expand research, testing, and treatment for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Named in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away from complications of the Powassan virus, the legislation addresses a growing public health concern. Minnesota, Senator Smith's home state, has seen a significant increase in tick-borne diseases over the past two decades, with 3,551 probable cases of Lyme disease reported in 2024, alongside hundreds of cases of anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease.

Congressman Jamie Raskin Introduces Bipartisan Bill for Tax Relief for Scam and Disaster Victims

Congressman Jamie Raskin Introduces Bipartisan Bill for Tax Relief for Scam and Disaster Victims

Congressman Jamie Raskin, alongside several bipartisan colleagues, has introduced the "Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act." This proposed legislation aims to reinstate a tax deduction for specific losses incurred between 2018 and 2025. The bill is designed to assist individuals who have lost money due to scams or natural disasters, preventing them from being taxed on funds they no longer possess. According to a press release, the initiative was spurred by a constituent of Raskin's who faced a tax bill after losing retirement savings. The measure has garnered support from various advocacy and professional organizations. It also references FBI data highlighting substantial reported losses from elder fraud in 2024 and is intended to cover certain non-federally declared disasters. The bill seeks to provide financial relief to those who have suffered significant monetary losses through no fault of their own, ensuring they are not further penalized by the tax system.

Trump Administration Seeks Congressional Approval for $24.3 Billion F-35 Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia

Trump Administration Seeks Congressional Approval for $24.3 Billion F-35 Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia

The Trump administration has formally requested that U.S. lawmakers approve the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal estimated to be worth $24.3 billion. According to a statement from the State Department, this proposed sale aims to support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a major non-NATO ally, which is considered a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region. The administration has asserted that the sale of these advanced fighter aircraft would not alter the military balance in the region, aligning with the longstanding U.S. policy that Israel must maintain a military edge over potential regional adversaries.

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Codify NOAA’s Cooperative Institutes

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Codify NOAA’s Cooperative Institutes

U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) have introduced the bipartisan Cooperative Institute Act of 2026. This legislation aims to codify the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) long-standing Cooperative Institute (CI) program into statute. The goal is to ensure NOAA maintains its nationwide network of academic research partnerships, which conduct research directly supporting NOAA’s operational mission. These institutes contribute to improving hurricane forecasts, storm surge prediction, fisheries science, coastal resilience, drought and wildfire monitoring, and atmospheric river and flood forecasting. Senator Hyde-Smith emphasized that the act would provide greater certainty for NOAA and universities like Mississippi State and Southern Miss in understanding, protecting, and harnessing natural resources. She specifically mentioned the Northern Gulf Institute and the Cooperative Institute for Fostering A...

Representative Deborah Ross Co-Sponsors Bill for Federal Land Transfer to Rebuild Fayetteville Veterans Home

Representative Deborah Ross Co-Sponsors Bill for Federal Land Transfer to Rebuild Fayetteville Veterans Home

A bill co-sponsored by Representative Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, proposing the transfer of federal land in Harnett County, North Carolina, to the state. This land is intended for the construction of a replacement facility for the Fayetteville State Veterans Home, which closed in December 2023 due to structural issues and mold. The closure displaced 85 veterans, who were subsequently moved to other facilities across North Carolina. The bill, primarily sponsored by Republican Rep. Richard Hudson, has garnered bipartisan support from North Carolina's congressional delegation. The state has already committed $10 million for the rebuild in fiscal year 2026-27 and an additional $30 million in 2027-28. The proposed new location on Fort Bragg training land is seen as beneficial due to its community feel and potential for federal funding from the national Veterans Administration.

Congresswoman Houchin Introduces Bipartisan '16 Up Social Media Act' to Establish National Age Standard

Congresswoman Houchin Introduces Bipartisan '16 Up Social Media Act' to Establish National Age Standard

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) have jointly introduced the '16 & Up Social Media Act.' This bipartisan legislation aims to set a national age standard of 16 for social media platforms, prohibiting individuals under this age from creating or maintaining accounts. The bill specifically targets platforms that utilize engagement-driven design features, such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push alerts, and personalized feeds, which are engineered to capture and retain user attention. According to Rep. Houchin, the legislation is a response to the addictive nature of these platforms, particularly for children, and seeks to provide a clear guideline for both platforms and parents. The act also mandates the deletion of children's data upon account termination and requires platforms to establish a five-day appeals process for account closures, focusing on design features rather than content regulation.

Representative Sanford Bishop Co-Sponsors Resolution to Close 13th Amendment Slavery Loophole

Representative Sanford Bishop Co-Sponsors Resolution to Close 13th Amendment Slavery Loophole

U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop Jr. (GA-02) is a co-sponsor of the bicameral 'End the Exception Amendment,' a resolution aimed at striking the 'Slavery Clause' from the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This clause currently permits slavery 'as a punishment for crime.' The resolution was reintroduced by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05), and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). Proponents argue that this loophole has historically allowed for forced labor, particularly impacting Black Americans, through practices like 'Black Codes' enacted after 1865. These codes led to mass arrests for minor offenses, with imprisoned individuals then leased out for labor, sometimes on the same plantations where they had been enslaved. By 1898, 73% of Alabama's state revenue reportedly came from such forced labor. The resolution seeks to eliminate this exception, ensuring a complete ban on slavery without any qualifications.

Nevada Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Aid Human Trafficking Survivors with Air Travel

Nevada Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Aid Human Trafficking Survivors with Air Travel

U.S. Representatives Susie Lee (D-Nev.) and Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) have reintroduced the Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to help survivors of human trafficking access air travel to escape their traffickers and receive care. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). The bill is named after James 'Jimmy' Deal, a late Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer who worked to raise awareness of human trafficking at Reno-Tahoe International Airport and assisted victims. Many survivors lack the necessary identification documents for air travel, as traffickers often control these documents. The proposed act seeks to facilitate air travel for these individuals, enabling them to return to their families and communities. This legislation was initially proposed in 2023 but did not pass during that congressional term.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Do clocks fall back this weekend? When daylight saving time ends in 2026

Do clocks fall back this weekend? When daylight saving time ends in 2026

Most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour when daylight saving time ends. Here's when the time change happens and what to know.