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Hawai'i Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolutions to Designate September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month

Hawai'i Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolutions to Designate September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month

The Hawai'i congressional delegation has introduced resolutions in both the Senate and House of Representatives to designate September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month. This initiative aims to recognize the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and Hawai'i, while also reaffirming the federal trust responsibility to the Native Hawaiian Community. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai'i) introduced the Senate version, with Representatives Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and Ed Case (HI-01) introducing the House version. The resolution highlights the importance of Hawaiian cultural traditions and values, and seeks to honor and celebrate the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community. It also emphasizes the need to protect Native Hawaiian rights and acknowledges efforts to revitalize 'ōlelo Hawai'i, cultural traditions, and 'āina stewardship practices. The resolution further points to key federal programs that support Native Hawaiian museums, libraries, artists, cultural practit...

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolutions for Hawaiian History Month

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolutions for Hawaiian History Month

The Hawaii congressional delegation has introduced resolutions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to designate September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month. The resolutions also aim to reaffirm the Federal trust responsibility to the Native Hawaiian Community. US Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the Senate version, while US Representatives Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and Ed Case (HI-01) introduced the House version. These resolutions recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native Hawaiians, including efforts to revitalize the Hawaiian language ('ōlelo Hawaiʻi), cultural traditions, and 'āina stewardship practices. The initiative also highlights federal programs that support Native Hawaiian museums, libraries, artists, cultural practitioners, and community organizations. Representative Tokuda emphasized the importance of this recognition, especially given current challenges to programs and institutions that sustain Hawaiian history, culture...

Congressman Tim Moore Introduces LABEL Act to Mandate Front-of-Package Seafood Origin Labels

Congressman Tim Moore Introduces LABEL Act to Mandate Front-of-Package Seafood Origin Labels

Congressman Tim Moore has introduced H.R. 10580, known as the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling Act (LABEL Act). This proposed legislation aims to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, requiring clear and prominent labeling on the front of consumer packages for fish and seafood products. The labels would need to specify both the country of origin and the method of production, indicating whether the seafood was wild-caught or farm-raised. Congressman Moore emphasized that the initiative is driven by the belief that American consumers deserve transparent information about the source and production methods of their food. The bill has garnered support from various industry associations, including the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA), Louisiana Shrimp Association, Southern Shrimp Alliance, and Organized Seafood Association of Alabama. Original cosponsors of the House bill include Randy Weber (R-TX), while a companion bill in the Senate was introduced by Senator Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and ...

Congressman Flood Introduces Karly Rain Wood Act to Establish National Violent Offender Registry

Congressman Flood Introduces Karly Rain Wood Act to Establish National Violent Offender Registry

Congressman Mike Flood, joined by Congressmen Don Bacon and Adrian Smith, has introduced the Karly Rain Wood Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation, which was previously introduced in the Senate by Senators Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer, aims to establish a national violent offender registry for individuals with repeat convictions. The bill is named in honor of Karly Rain Wood, who was tragically killed by a four-time convicted felon. Senator Ricketts expressed strong support for the initiative, stating that Nebraskans deserve to be informed when repeat violent offenders are released into their communities. The proposed registry would be a public website, searchable by ZIP code or geographic area, allowing law enforcement and the public to track repeat violent felons. Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London also endorsed the act, emphasizing its potential to provide law enforcement with crucial tools to prevent future crimes.

U.S. Representative Mfume Introduces Bill to Rejoin World Health Organization and Address Ebola Outbreak

U.S. Representative Mfume Introduces Bill to Rejoin World Health Organization and Address Ebola Outbreak

U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (Democrat-MD-7th District) has introduced H.R.10345, a new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, which mandates the United States to rejoin the World Health Organization (WHO). The legislation, introduced on September 10, 2026, during the 119th Congress's regular session, aims to bolster the U.S. response to global infectious disease threats through renewed participation in the WHO. The bill specifically addresses the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa, highlighting the rapid spread of the 2026 outbreak and the necessity for a robust public health response to prevent a crisis similar to the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. The bill requires the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to reestablish U.S. membership in the WHO within 30 days of its enactment and to cooperate with the organization to combat the current outbreak. Additionally, it authorizes appropriations for restoring U.S. contributions to the WHO and supporting internatio...

Congressmen Langworthy and Pocan Introduce COMPACT Act to End Federal Funding for Dog and Cat Research

Congressmen Langworthy and Pocan Introduce COMPACT Act to End Federal Funding for Dog and Cat Research

Congressmen Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) have introduced the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing (COMPACT) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to end all federal funding for research involving live dogs and cats in the United States. The bill is described as the most comprehensive legislation in history to modernize federally funded biomedical research and eliminate inhumane testing practices on these animals. The introduction of the COMPACT Act follows recent events, including the release of over 2,000 beagles from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin and ongoing protests against animal research facilities like Marshall BioResources in New York.

U.S. Representatives Lead Bipartisan Letter Opposing ACHP's Section 106 Proposal to Revise Historic Preservation Regulations

U.S. Representatives Lead Bipartisan Letter Opposing ACHP's Section 106 Proposal to Revise Historic Preservation Regulations

U.S. Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Mike Turner (R-OH), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Jared Huffman (D-CA) are leading a bipartisan letter in the House of Representatives. This letter, along with a similar one circulated by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) in the Senate, expresses strong opposition to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's (ACHP) proposed rewrite of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act's implementing regulations. The proposed rulemaking by the ACHP is criticized for potentially dismantling the framework that has protected historic places for six decades. Concerns include shifting authority from collaborative consultation to unilateral agency control, making public comment optional, limiting consideration of adverse effects, and redefining what constitutes a historic property. The letter also questions the rushed and non-transparent process behind the proposal.

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to End Taxpayer-Funded Dog and Cat Lab Experiments and Ban Breeding for Research

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to End Taxpayer-Funded Dog and Cat Lab Experiments and Ban Breeding for Research

U.S. Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) have introduced the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing (COMPACT) Act, H.R. 10522. This bill aims to prohibit the use of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) research funds for experiments on live dogs and cats, enhance oversight of animal testing, and facilitate the rehoming of animals currently in laboratories. Concurrently, Representative Nancy Mace has introduced the Prohibiting Unethical Procedures on Pets in Science (PUPPS) Act, which seeks to make it a federal offense to breed, sell, transfer, or knowingly acquire dogs specifically for research purposes. The PUPPS Act also mandates that dogs already designated for research be offered for adoption rather than euthanized. These legislative efforts align with a broader push by HHS to reduce the reliance on animals in biomedical evaluations. The introduction of the COMPACT Act was accompanied by rescued beagles from Ridglan Farms, a facility previously involved ...

Representatives Mike Levin and Ryan Mackenzie Introduce Federal Bill to Expand Free School Meal Access for Military Families

Representatives Mike Levin and Ryan Mackenzie Introduce Federal Bill to Expand Free School Meal Access for Military Families

Representatives Mike Levin and Ryan Mackenzie have introduced a federal bill in the House of Representatives aimed at expanding free school meal access for children of military families. This legislative effort mirrors a similar bill introduced in the Senate by Senators Kim and Heinrich. The proposed legislation, known as the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act, seeks to remove the basic allowance for housing (BAH) from income calculations when determining a family's eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals. Additionally, the bill mandates that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense submit a report to Congress. This report would outline the feasibility and cost associated with establishing a program to directly certify military children for free and reduced-price school meal programs, streamlining the process for eligible families.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Prioritizes Implementation of Transit Plans

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Prioritizes Implementation of Transit Plans

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is focusing on the implementation of transit plans, moving beyond decades of planning. The Atlanta City Council recently voted unanimously to implement light rail along the 22-mile Beltline corridor. Mayor Dickens, who also chairs the Atlanta Regional Commission, emphasized the need to actively build these projects. He highlighted a strengthened relationship between the City of Atlanta and MARTA, particularly with the new general manager, Jonathan Hunt. This improved collaboration has already led to a $52 million settlement regarding More MARTA funds, resolving a dispute that had lasted over two years. The city is now pushing forward with projects like the Campbellton Road BRT and working to finalize the Summerhill BRT. Mayor Dickens expressed optimism about the partnership with MARTA, stating it is poised to produce results. However, the city is also seeking clarity on how to fund the construction, maintenance, and operations of the Beltline rail, with a detailed plan expected ...

U.S. House Delegation Visits Taiwan to Discuss Security and Regional Stability

U.S. House Delegation Visits Taiwan to Discuss Security and Regional Stability

A bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives, including Jimmy Panetta and Donald Norcross, arrived in Taiwan for a three-day visit on March 27. The delegation is led by Jack Bergman, chair of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations under the House Armed Services Committee. Their itinerary includes meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te, and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim. The purpose of these meetings is to exchange views on Taiwan-U.S. relations, cross-strait security, and regional stability. This visit follows a previous trip by Stephanie Murphy in 2022 and underscores the U.S. commitment to security cooperation and peace in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) noted that the U.S. Congress has consistently shown strong bipartisan support for Taiwan through regular delegation visits and the inclusion of measures to enhance Taiwan-U.S. security collaboration in the National Defe...

Representatives Grothman and Garcia Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Predatory Lending

Representatives Grothman and Garcia Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Predatory Lending

Congressman Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin's Sixth District and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois have co-introduced the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting consumers from predatory lending practices. The proposed legislation seeks to extend the safeguards currently provided by the Military Lending Act to consumers nationwide. Additionally, the bill is designed to allow individual states to maintain and enforce stronger consumer protections where they already exist. Rep. Grothman emphasized that the bill would also preserve existing exceptions for mortgages, certain vehicle loans, and qualified federal credit union loans. He highlighted the detrimental impact of predatory lending, which can trap borrowers in cycles of debt, questioning why practices deemed too harmful for service members should be acceptable for the general public. The Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act has been referred to the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services for further consideration.