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Trump Administration Seeks to Weaken Historic Preservation Rules, Raising Concerns Nationwide

Trump Administration Seeks to Weaken Historic Preservation Rules, Raising Concerns Nationwide

The Trump administration is proposing changes to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, specifically targeting Section 106, which mandates federal agencies to assess the impact of construction projects on historic sites. The proposed changes aim to reduce federal oversight, potentially clearing the way for President Trump's projects in Washington, D.C., and affecting historic sites across the U.S. Critics argue that this move could endanger numerous culturally significant locations. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, largely composed of Trump appointees, is pushing for these revisions, which include redefining what qualifies as historic, making public comments optional, and removing the requirement to consult with Native American tribes. The changes are seen as a way to expedite federal projects but have sparked significant opposition from preservation groups and legal experts.
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New Bill Seeks to Enhance Congressional Oversight of Federal Buildings

New Bill Seeks to Enhance Congressional Oversight of Federal Buildings

House Democrats have introduced the Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act, aimed at improving congressional access to federal buildings for oversight purposes. Sponsored by Rep. Don Beyer, the bill mandates that agencies provide access to public buildings during regular business hours and, under certain conditions, to secure areas within 24 hours of a request. This legislation responds to past instances where congressional oversight was obstructed, particularly during the Trump administration. The bill is co-sponsored by eight other House Democrats and supported by the Project on Government Oversight.
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Rep. Smucker Reintroduces Bill to Include COVID-19 Vaccine in Compensation Program

Rep. Smucker Reintroduces Bill to Include COVID-19 Vaccine in Compensation Program

Rep. Lloyd Smucker, a Republican congressman from Lancaster County, has reintroduced legislation aimed at adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This program, established in the 1980s, was designed to compensate individuals who suffer adverse reactions to vaccines. The bill, co-sponsored by Texas Democrat Lloyd Doggett, seeks to allow individuals like Chris Dreisbach, who claims to have been injured by the COVID-19 vaccine, to seek compensation for medical expenses and legal fees. Dreisbach, who has been advocating for this change through the organization React19, views the bill as a significant step forward. The proposed legislation also aims to increase the compensation cap for vaccine-related injuries or deaths and improve the program's funding and staffing.
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Netanyahu to Visit Washington for White House Meeting with President Trump

Netanyahu to Visit Washington for White House Meeting with President Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., on July 27 for an official meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The visit will also include Netanyahu's attendance at the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of Israel. This meeting comes amid ongoing strategic coordination between the US and Israel, particularly in light of recent tensions with Iran. The discussions are expected to cover broader regional issues and reinforce the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
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Bruce Springsteen and Colin Kaepernick Honored by ACLU for Civil Rights Advocacy

Bruce Springsteen and Colin Kaepernick Honored by ACLU for Civil Rights Advocacy

Bruce Springsteen and Colin Kaepernick Honored by ACLU for Civil Rights Advocacy
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Congressman Biggs Leads Bipartisan Effort for Emergency Funding in Colorado River Basin

Congressman Biggs Leads Bipartisan Effort for Emergency Funding in Colorado River Basin

Congressman Andy Biggs, representing Arizona's 5th district, is spearheading a bipartisan initiative to secure emergency funding for the Colorado River Basin. This effort is in response to the critical water shortages affecting the region due to prolonged drought conditions. Biggs, along with Congresswoman Dina Titus and other representatives, has urged U.S. House leadership to allocate funds for water infrastructure improvements and long-term planning. The Colorado River is a crucial water source for approximately one in ten Americans and supports significant agricultural and energy needs. The initiative highlights the importance of federal support, referencing past successful drought mitigation efforts for Lakes Powell and Mead.
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National Guard Secures $292M Housing Contract for D.C. Troops

National Guard Secures $292M Housing Contract for D.C. Troops

The National Guard Bureau has signed a $292 million contract to provide housing for troops deployed in Washington, D.C. This contract, facilitated through the rental platform Placemakr, will secure 2,000 apartment-style lodging units for service members. The move aims to provide a stable and cost-effective housing solution for the troops, who were initially deployed following a crime emergency declaration by President Trump. The contract covers housing fees through June 2027, marking a shift from temporary hotel accommodations to a more permanent arrangement.
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President Trump Delivers Controversial Speech at Rescheduled Correspondents' Dinner

President Trump Delivers Controversial Speech at Rescheduled Correspondents' Dinner

President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, which was initially disrupted by gunfire three months ago. The event, held at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., saw Trump oscillating between calls for unity and sharp criticisms of his political opponents and the press. The speech, lasting over an hour, included Trump joking about running for another term, despite constitutional limits. The dinner also honored Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales for his bravery during the April incident.
Detroit Free Press Detroit Free Press
A new bridge at last: How the Gordie Howe got done

A new bridge at last: How the Gordie Howe got done

It took a quarter-century of legislating, litigating and more to bring the Gordie Howe Bridge to fruition. Here's the timeline.
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Federal Push to Rename Penn Station as 'Trump Station' Amid Major Rebuild

Federal Push to Rename Penn Station as 'Trump Station' Amid Major Rebuild

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has requested Congress to authorize Amtrak to rename New York's Penn Station, potentially after President Trump. This request is part of a broader $8 billion renovation effort led by the federal government, which took control from the MTA last year. The proposal includes a $1 billion funding request from a federal grant program to initiate major redesign work. The renaming suggestion aligns with President Trump's history of branding properties with his name. However, the proposal has faced criticism from figures like U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, who views it as a 'hostile takeover' and a 'vanity project' that lacks transparency on funding sources. The administration is also seeking to increase the financing cap for a railroad loan program and to use property taxes around the station for project financing.
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Poll Reveals Public Skepticism Over President Trump's Washington D.C. Projects

Poll Reveals Public Skepticism Over President Trump's Washington D.C. Projects

A recent poll conducted by The Washington Post and Ipsos reveals that over 60% of Americans are critical of President Trump's construction projects in Washington, D.C. The poll indicates that nearly half of the respondents believe these projects are primarily driven by Trump's desire to feed his ego. The projects include renovations to the White House, changes to the Reflecting Pool, and the proposed National Garden of American Heroes. The poll surveyed 2,600 American adults, with responses showing a significant partisan divide. Democrats largely disapprove of the projects, while Republicans tend to support them. The projects have also led to disruptions in the city, affecting foot traffic and visitor experiences.
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Congressman John Larson Votes to End President Trump's Military Actions in Iran

Congressman John Larson Votes to End President Trump's Military Actions in Iran

Congressman John B. Larson has voted for a war powers resolution aimed at ending President Trump's military actions in Iran. This marks the second time the House of Representatives has passed legislation opposing the conflict. Larson has been a vocal critic of the unauthorized war, citing constitutional violations and the loss of American servicemembers' lives. He has filed articles of impeachment against President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing them of waging war without congressional approval. Larson is also preparing legal action and legislation to cut off funding for the conflict.