New Dems Release Workforce & Education Agenda to Empower the Next Generation

January 9, 2026

New Dems are fighting for a world-class public education system, better non-college pathways to success, and support for workers throughout their careers

Today, the New Democrat Coalition Workforce & Education Working Group, led by Education Task Force Chair Johnny Olszewski, Working Group Chair Frank Mrvan (IN-01), and (MD-02) and Apprenticeship & Training Task Force Chair Val Hoyle (OR-04), released the Coalition’s Workforce & Education Agenda, the New Dems’ plan to empower the next generation of American workers to achieve their potential with world-class K-12 education, concrete pathways to good-paying jobs, and robust support throughout their careers to adapt to the jobs of the future.

The Workforce & Education Agenda sets a comprehensive policy roadmap with the goal of creating a world-class public education system, better non-college pathways to success, and robust worker support from a person’s first job to their last job.

While President Trump and Congressional Republicans gut the Department of Education and dismantle support for our public schools, restrict access to college, and undermine the workforce pipeline, New Dems are offering real solutions to the major challenges facing our education system. Through this Agenda, New Dems are putting forward policies that will ensure American students and workers can access high-quality training, upskilling, and good jobs throughout their careers to power the rapidly shifting economy.

“I thank all of the leaders and members of the Workforce and Education Working Group for establishing this agenda that promotes more pathways to good-paying jobs through apprenticeship, training, certification and educational opportunities,” said Working Group Chair Frank Mrvan. “I look forward to continuing the necessary work to advocate for education and job training programs that prioritize our workforce and prepare the next generation to thrive in their careers.”

“As a first-generation college graduate and former public school teacher, I understand that education and job training is the key to opportunity," said Task Force Chair Johnny Olszewski. "While Republicans and the Trump Administration undermine public education and workforce programs, New Dems are offering real solutions and will help every American reach their full potential. I’m proud to help lead this agenda to strengthen public schools and expand pathways to good-paying jobs."

"We talk a lot about workforce development, but too often that talk doesn’t turn into real results that work for students, employers or higher education institutions," said Apprenticeship & Training Task Force Chair Val Hoyle. “50% of jobs require more than a high school degree and less than a college degree, so we must think about delivering education differently. Fulfilling workforce needs for family-wage jobs means that we need to invest in and value skill certification and apprenticeship models the same way we do college degrees. This agenda is the roadmap for a stronger America built by expanding opportunities for working people.”

The Agenda is based on four fundamental principles: American students deserve world-class public K-12 education that is accessible, affordable, and designed to make every American college and career ready; our education system should be as innovative and future-ready as the technological transformations shaping our economy; our training and credentialing infrastructure should be as robust and responsive as the public university system; and educational systems and workforce development efforts should complement—not oppose—one another.

The document also lays out the Coalition’s next steps to implement these commonsense policies, including leading the fight to safeguard and expand high-quality education as Republicans seek to dismantle federal education programs. New Dems will continue to collaborate with educators, industry leaders, and workforce organizations – as well as our colleagues on both sides of the aisle – to ensure every American learner and worker has access to the world-class education and training they need to succeed.

You can read the full Workforce & Education here, and below:

Introduction

While Congressional Republicans promote policies that undermine public schools, restrict access to higher education, and weaken workforce development programs, Americans are being left without the skills and support necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving economy. The New Democrat Coalition offers a clear alternative: real investments in public schools, expanded training and credentialing pathways, and robust support for lifelong learning that creates good jobs at all skill levels. Congress must act to reject the Republicans’ dismantling of our education infrastructure, strengthen our public schools, amplify vocational career opportunities, and ensure that every American has access to the quality training and support they need to succeed in the evolving labor market.

New Dems are committed to creating policies that ensure American students and workers can access high-quality training, upskilling, and good jobs throughout their careers so they can keep pace with emerging technologies and new opportunities in today’s rapidly shifting economy without accumulating mountains of debt. By 2031, more than 70% of jobs will need some form of postsecondary training — placing steep demands on our education providers from kindergarten through graduate school. To ensure the American Dream remains open to all, federal policymakers must ensure that a strong public education system works hand in glove with robust workforce preparation strategies that creates an abundance of new, high-quality, well-paying jobs at all skill levels, including more union jobs and those that don’t require a four-year degree.

While the current administration and Congressional Republicans pursue a misguided approach to education and workforce programs that is actively dismantling support for our public schools, making post-secondary education less accessible, and undermining the workforce development system, the New Democrat Coalition is offering real solutions to these major challenges.

We believe that through targeted investment and scaling what works, we can protect and improve our public schools, strengthen our training and credentialing infrastructure, and better align our education and workforce systems. The New Dem Workforce & Education Framework presents a vision of lifelong learning that supports Americans from their first day of school to their last day on the job.

New Dem Principles for Workforce & Education Reform

American students deserve world-class public education from kindergarten onward that is accessible, affordable, and designed to make every American college and career ready:

Protect investment in public schools so every child in every zip code, including those in rural areas and at Tribal schools, has access to the high-quality education they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.

Accelerate academic recovery in math and reading to improve student achievement.

Lower the student costs of higher education to put a degree, skills certification, or apprenticeship in reach for low-income and middle-class families, while ensuring apprenticeships, colleges and universities provide quality outcomes for all their students.

Expand earn while you learn opportunities.

Expand the use of registered apprenticeship programs both inside and outside the building and construction trades in the fifty percent of jobs that need more than a high school diploma and less than a college degree.

Provide incentives to colleges and universities to offer stackable skill certifications and support registered apprenticeships to better meet workforce needs.

Remove the stigma and class distinctions tied to apprenticeships, including through promoting labor and employer programs that introduce youth to valuable apprenticeship models.

Our education system should be as innovative and future-ready as the technological transformations shaping our economy:

Integrate AI into U.S. education so American workers are at the forefront of developing and deploying these technologies, as well as prepared to create and fill the new jobs they will generate.

Deploy these technologies in ways that advance equity and fairness in public education and prevent them from widening rather than helping close the digital divide and other inequities in our schools.

Ensure the responsible use of emerging technologies like AI by protecting students’ safety and personal data and preventing unethical use by students or educators in schoolwork or instruction, all while upholding academic integrity and rigor.

Utilize these technologies to create classroom environments where students think critically, engage in real-life hands-on learning that builds the skills needed for college, careers, civic participation, and life, and where educators are empowered to make informed educational decisions.

Encourage certified professionals to decide when, whether, and how to incorporate technology in pursuit of their larger educational priorities, with technologies and vendors serving, not driving, those decisions.

Ensure AI tools in classrooms support, not replace, educators by involving teachers, parents and guardians, and researchers in AI integration design and deployment. Equip teachers to harness potential benefits of AI for their craft, such as tailoring instruction, reducing paperwork, and increasing administrative efficiency.

Communicate school AI policies with commonsense guardrails clearly to parents, guardians, and families so they can make informed decisions and understand how these tools may be used in classrooms for their student’s success, including AI literacy, ethical reasoning, and creative problem solving.

Our training and credentialing infrastructure should be as robust and responsive as the public university system:

Make earn-and-learn models, such as registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships implemented by unions and joint labor-management partnerships, viable options for those in high school and beyond.

Involve industry and labor unions in the design, development, and implementation of programs.

Invest in scaling proven programs that have strong outcomes and quality jobs for participants.

Reduce barriers to starting and finishing workforce training programs by providing access to key supports and benefits, like childcare and transportation.

Expand virtual options for rural and Tribal students who are not able to travel to the cities where the programs are located.

Educational systems and workforce development efforts should complement—not oppose—one another.

Support coordination between employers, labor unions, educational institutions, and training providers so that workers gain in-demand skills for good local jobs.

Make learning a lifelong endeavor by providing accessible reskilling and upskilling opportunities throughout workers’ careers.

Invest in making credentials portable and stackable so that workers can continue to build on their skills over time and achieve long-term success.

Support higher education as a public good that benefits all Americans, including through lifesaving research and innovation.

Goals

World-class public education, as measured by:

Higher K-12 academic achievement

Expanded career opportunities (e.g., post-secondary education, trades, military)

Improved college completion rates by supporting higher education students with professional workforce and wraparound services

Lower student loan debt while maintaining high-quality higher education

Better non-college pathways, as measured by:

Stronger return on investment from credential and training programs

Larger number of registered apprentices per year in proven, high-quality programs

Higher wages, benefits, and labor force participation rates

Robust worker supports, as measured by:

Improved workforce program completion rates with a focus on job quality

Increased employer and labor engagement in skills training

Fewer long-term workers who have been laid off or are about to be laid off

High re-employment rate for displaced workers who go through job re-training programs

Policies

Improve the public education system to better serve American families from kindergarten through college.

Sustain strong federal support for public elementary and secondary schools.

Integrate AI training, with clear guidance, into education and training to ensure American students learn the skills to succeed and safely navigate in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

Protect critical federal funding for public education, including for Title I funding for schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to safeguard resources for our most vulnerable students.

Support our nation’s hard-working educators through investment in teacher workforce development programs that strengthen recruitment, preparation, and retention of effective classroom teachers.

Incentivize high-dosage tutoring, instruction grounded in the Science of Reading, and other evidence-based practices to enhance academic recovery and improve student achievement in reading and math.

Scale rigorous, evidence-backed Career and Technical Education (CTE) models, such as high-quality technical high schools, career academies in public high schools, pre-apprenticeships, and registered apprenticeship programs, with priority given to programs operated by unions and joint labor-management partnerships, so students can explore multiple pathways to good jobs.

Expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to rural areas and Tribal schools so that every student, irrespective of zip code, can access high-quality CTE opportunities.

Ensure federal dollars are made available to support domestically sourced capital investment in maintenance and technological upgrades to school buildings that satisfy safety, security, and critical infrastructure needs.

Make post-secondary education, whether at a university, college, or community college, more affordable and get more students across the finish line to a degree.

Restore the purchasing power of the federal Pell Grant by increasing awards and indexing to inflation to help low-income families pay for college and reduce student debt.

Promote universal affordable access and options for public two-year and four-year colleges for low-income and middle-income students.

Ensure students and families have the information they need to make the best decisions about which postsecondary program to attend through passage of the College Transparency Act (CTA), which would create a secure, public postsecondary student data system on student enrollment and outcomes.

Scale effective reforms to boost college retention and graduation rates by expanding the Postsecondary Student Success Grant program (PSSG), which funds student-success initiatives that help more learners stay in school and earn credentials.

Ensure sustained access to affordable student loan repayment plan options tied to a borrower’s income.

Increase access to high quality graduate programs by aligning annual federal student loan limits with the postsecondary program’s ability to provide positive outcomes for its graduates.

Grow non-college pathways to good jobs.

Scale earn-and-learn models and better integrate them into our workforce training infrastructure.

Expand the use of registered apprenticeships across key sectors of the economy by making registered apprenticeship programs easier to start and scale for employers while ensuring quality, rigor, as well as strong and enforceable labor standards and worker protections.

Better integrate pathways to registered apprenticeships into high school curriculum through vehicles like pre-apprenticeships and career and technical education programs, while maintaining strong and enforceable guardrails to prohibit youth on high-risk jobsites.

Invest in growing and replicating innovative, proven workforce models and pilot programs on a larger scale, focusing on bringing those models to rural and Tribal schools.

Ensure sustained funding to scale high-quality registered apprenticeships and other union-led training programs.

Ensure credentialing programs are leading to in-demand careers in high-quality, good-paying jobs.

Coordinate among employers, workers, labor unions, joint labor-management partnerships, training providers, and educational institutions to define what it means to receive high-quality credentials that lead to a strong return on investment – and focus resources on those pathways.

Reauthorize and fully-fund the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), through provisions that ensure full and equal labor participation in governing structures including state and local workforce boards and industry-sector partnerships as well as Rapid Response programs, expanded labor consultation and concurrence requirements, strong and enforceable labor standards and worker protections including child labor protections, robust performance standards that ensure quality training leads to family sustaining employment.

Raise the bar on performance outcomes from training and credential providers, make it easier for workers to find high-quality opportunities, incentivize providers to expand into rural areas, and maintain strong guardrails to prevent low-quality or predatory programs.

Support and foster local efforts between employers, labor unions, joint labor-management partnerships, and educational institutions to provide credentials that directly correspond to in-demand positions.

Support workers from their first job to their last.

Provide workers with the wraparound support they need to afford training programs and continue to develop critical skills.

Ensure workers have the support they need to start and finish training programs by providing income support, making childcare and other early learning programs more affordable and accessible, increasing workers’ access to paid leave, and investing in reliable transportation options.

Better integrate public benefits offerings with workforce training options for displaced workers to streamline service delivery.

Eliminate benefits cliffs, such as by disregarding income from “earn and learn” training programs for purposes of public assistance eligibility.

Make everyday costs like health care, groceries, and housing more affordable for Americans.

Focus on building a resilient workforce development system that prepares workers for a changing job market.

Create incentives for businesses to upskill their current employees and make sure workers benefit from those incentives (i.e. increase employee pay and benefits), while also bolstering reskilling programs for displaced workers that lead to quality, family sustaining jobs.

Make lifelong learning a priority by providing workers with opportunities to develop the skills they need to thrive in the face of an evolving economy.

Fully consult with labor organizations in the design, development, and implementation of worker training programs, including the identification of growth areas and “in-demand” training programs that lead to quality jobs.

Utilize AI in partnership with government and labor organizations to both better understand the types of jobs and skills that will be in-demand in the future and prepare workers to use new technologies. Expand the role of Wagner-Peyser Employment Service staff, merit-hired state employees responsible for delivering job placement and related employment services, in these initiatives.

Deploy milestone-based funding to invest in new talent pipelines for new and developing industries with good jobs.

Hold employers accountable for creating good jobs and supporting their workers

Ensure companies benefiting from federal funding and tax incentives comply with all applicable federal laws including all federal labor laws administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) through representation of compliance requirements.

Ensure companies benefiting from federal funding and tax incentives provide quality training, family-sustaining wages and benefits, safe working conditions, and maintain union neutrality.

Strengthen federal labor enforcement to ensure businesses meet basic obligations around fair pay, workplace safety, and respect for workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain.

Next Steps

Following the President’s Executive Order 14242 on March 20th to dismantle the Department of Education, the Administration has moved quickly to unwind and reassign the Department’s core functions, undermining decades of progress for American students. Congressional Republicans continue to promote policies that strip students of resources, protections, and pathways needed to succeed in the 21st century. New Dems are leading the fight to safeguard and expand high-quality education and training for American students and workers of all backgrounds and abilities.

To move this agenda forward, New Dems will not only work to investigate and demand transparency on the Administration’s plans to break apart the Department of Education, but will also continue to collaborate with educators, industry partners, and workforce organizations to support student and worker transitions to today's technological advancements.

New Dems remain committed to work across the aisle to build bipartisan reforms that strengthen America’s public education, improve non-college pathways, and expand worker support. Congress must act to preserve and restore the Department of Education’s core mission, and ensure every American learner and worker has access to the world-class education and training needed to succeed.

Issues: Education


Omar, Jayapal, Raskin, Thompson Lead 156 Lawmakers in Demanding Accountability Following the Death of Minneapolis Woman by ICE Agents

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) led a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons seeking transparency and accountability following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Earlier this week, ICE agents shot into the vehicle of a legal observer in South Minneapolis, killing the woman in the driver's seat. Immediately following the deadly shooting, DHS released a false statement that simply did not reflect the evidence of the video recordings that exist and contradicted the factual information that local governments and law enforcement, elected officials, media, and the public had gathered from witnesses about what had transpired.

In the letter, the lawmakers demand an immediate suspension of the current surge of federal officers and agents to Minneapolis and an investigation into this reprehensible event by an independent agency.

“This week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed Renee Good, an U.S. citizen in Minneapolis. We write to express our horror and outrage at the actions that have taken place under your command. This is not the first time your agents have used unnecessary force on civilians without provocation. You have lost the faith and confidence of the American people. We demand that you immediately suspend the current surge of federal officers and agents to Minneapolis and that you work with an independent agency to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the course of the investigation into this reprehensible event,” the Members wrote.

“What is clear is that DHS must take immediate steps to preserve evidence, bring in unbiased investigative partners like the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and ensure the officers involved comply fully with investigators. The American public deserves the guarantee of a professional, unbiased and thorough investigation.”

The letter was signed by 160 Members of Congress. You can see the full list of co-signers in the letter below.

The full letter is available here.

###


Pallone Secures $1 Million to Modernize Carteret’s Emergency Communications

Washington, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) has secured $1 million in federal funding for public safety improvements in Carteret as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill.

“These upgrades will give Carteret’s police officers and first responders better tools to communicate quickly and effectively in emergency situations,” Pallone said. “Reliable, modern communications equipment is essential to public safety, especially in a community with major transportation corridors and industrial activity. This funding will help local officials respond faster and work more seamlessly with neighboring agencies when it matters most.”

The funding will support upgrades to Carteret’s law enforcement communications infrastructure, including improvements to closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, mobile data laptops for patrol vehicles, and emergency call boxes. The investment will enhance situational awareness for officers in the field and improve the Borough’s ability to share information during emergencies, supporting both routine policing and large-scale incident response.

“We look forward to this congressional appropriations bill becoming law and are grateful to Congressman Pallone for securing this necessary funding to update critical infrastructure and equipment within our police department. This much needed support will work toward enhancing our ability to keep Carteret residents safe,” said Mayor Dan Reiman.

Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to direct federal resources to critical local priorities. Pallone requested this funding to address Carteret’s need for modernized public safety technology and to ensure local first responders have the tools necessary to protect residents and visitors alike.

###


Pappas Helps Pass Appropriations Package Containing Funds for NH Police, Water Infrastructure

January 9, 2026

Partial government funding package announced this week includes nearly $6 million to support water and sewer infrastructure and public safety in New Hampshire’s First District

Yesterday Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped pass three of twelve appropriations bills to fund the government through fiscal year 2026 through the House. The package includes funding he secured for seven community projects across New Hampshire’s First District. The projects will invest in New Hampshire’s water and sewer infrastructure and provide direct funding to local police departments for essential public safety operations.

“The passage of this bipartisan funding package is good news for New Hampshire,” said Congressman Pappas. “I have fought hard to return federal dollars to New Hampshire, and I’m glad that community project funding included in this legislation will directly support our law enforcement and first responders and improve water quality in communities with aging infrastructure.”

The funding secured by Pappas includes:

$1,092,000 for the City of Manchester for MS4 Drainage Improvements, which will address failing and undersized water infrastructure, reducing city resources spent on temporary fixes and improving water quality in the Merrimack River.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Newmarket to replace an aging sewer forcemain and upgrade essential wastewater pumping facilities. These upgrades will ensure the continuation of reliable wastewater conveyance and will mitigate potential negative environmental outcomes, such as untreated wastewater discharges into the Lamprey River.

$1,039,000 for the Town of Derry Police Department for the towns of Derry, Londonderry, and Windham to acquire regionalized records management software and computer aided dispatch (RMS/CAD) police information systems and replace outdated technologies. This project will increase interoperability, communications, and information sharing with agency partners and community stakeholders.

$400,000 for the Newmarket Police Department to acquire improved dispatch and land mobile radio consoles, along with modern document management software for the Newmarket Police Department. Replacing these control stations and base/repeaters will allow the Department to increase its capacity and assist the Department in becoming an accredited agency.

$130,000 for the Somersworth Police Department to purchase new portable radios to replace equipment that is near or beyond the manufacturer's recommended equipment life.

$1,092,000 for City of Rochester to execute phase two of their Wastewater Lagoon Desludge project. The second proposed phase of this project will restore equalization capacity at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Facility in order to maintain safe and adequate operations and allow for future growth and development in the community.

$1,031,000 for the Portsmouth Police Department to upgrade, expand, and improve information technology (IT), communications, and facility security equipment at the headquarters of the Portsmouth Police Department.

More information about Community Project Funding and the projects submitted for consideration by Congressman Pappas for FY 2026 can be found at pappas.house.gov/cpf.


Congressman Patronis Secures Commitment from Coast Guard to Restore Navigational Capabilities in East Pass

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Patronis expresses his appreciation to the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard for committing to the replacement of critical Aids to Navigation (ATONs) in Destin’s gateway to the Gulf of America. East Pass, which sees extensive vessel traffic and serves as a crucial economic engine for the region.

The waters surrounding Destin are among the most trafficked in the area, supporting commercial fishing, tourism, recreational boating, and maritime commerce. Reliable navigation aids are vital to avoiding accidents, protecting lives, and supporting the economy.

“These ATONs are essential to the safety of our mariners, first responders, and the residents and visitors who rely on our waterways every day,” said Congressman Patronis. “I am grateful to the Commandant for recognizing the importance of this issue and the men and women of the Coast Guard who protect our borders. This decision reflects strong leadership and a clear understanding of the needs of Northwest Florida’s coastal communities.”

“I was proud to work with Congressman Patronis to ensure our safety and security are always protected,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer. “These ATONs are an essential component of our visitors, servicemembers, and community. We also thank the leadership of the U.S. Coast Guard for their continued commitment to maritime safety.”

Following this commitment, the Coast Guard plans to award a contract to replace the infrastructure in 2026. Congressman Patronis will continue to follow the development and to keep his constituents informed of the timeline for replacement.

On December 2, 2025, Congressman Patronis requested the commitment to restore the ATONs. Read the full letter HERE.

###


Patronis Protects the Blue Angels from Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Patronis introduces the Special Operating Authority for Rehearsal (SOAR) Act, which protects the United States Navy Blue Angels during a federal government shutdown to ensure safety and readiness. This legislation will ensure Blue Angels airshows continue in the Pensacola region despite any Democratic shutdowns.

“This is home for the Blue Angels. Federal government shutdowns hurt our economy and undermine the men and women who serve our nation,” said Congressman Patronis. “The Blue Angels represent excellence, service, and unity, and they deserve stability and leadership that puts our nation and those who serve it first.”

During past shutdowns, the Blue Angels were unable to perform their Homecoming Airshow due to a lack of funding for basic needs, such as fuel, aircraft maintenance, repairs, and required updates, which led to the cancellation of their Homecoming air show and halted essential training.

The Blue Angels are handpicked from the Navy and Marine Corps and serve on multi-year rotations. Continued training is critical to the safety transition and graduation of servicemembers. Disruptions delay training and pose a threat to the team’s safety.

Read the full bill text HERE.

###


CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN RELEASES INITIAL SURVEY RESULTS SHOWING IMMENSE FINANCIAL PRESSURE ON HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES FOLLOWING TRUMP’S TARIFFS, ESCALATES FIGHT TO PASS “LOWER GROCERY PRICES ACT”

As cost-raising tariffs continue to hurt American consumers and small business owners, and as families face uncertainty regarding the future of their SNAP benefits following the largest cut to the program in history, Congressman Ryan released a survey seeking constituent input on how high grocery costs are impacting Hudson Valley families

According to new polling, 87% of Americans now say they’ve noticed higher grocery prices since Trump took office; more than 99% of respondents to Ryan’s survey said they were feeling the burden of higher grocery prices, with 75% citing Trump’s tariffs as the main driver

Ryan is taking the results back to Washington to escalate his fight to pass his bipartisan “Lower Grocery Prices Act,” landmark legislation introduced as part of his Affordability Agenda – Ryan’s first legislation of the 119th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – As Hudson Valley families continue to face increasing food costs Congressman Pat Ryan is escalating his push to pass his bipartisan “Lower Grocery Prices Act.” Today, Ryan is releasing initial results of his survey asking Hudson Valley families: “How are you being impacted by the rising cost of groceries?”

According to CBS polling ahead of Thanksgiving, 65% of Americans now say Trump’s policies are driving up grocery prices. Ryan’s survey yielded similar results, with more than 99% of respondents noting a rise in their grocery costs. Trump’s tariffs were the number one reported cause of the price increases, with more than 75% of respondents citing them, and corporate price gouging was number two. Many respondents said they’re cutting out meat and other costly proteins, with several saying they can no longer afford to maintain dietary restrictions that help manage chronic health conditions. Respondents also reported they’re worried about the potential health impacts of only consuming cheaper, less nutritious foods.

Especially as cost-raising tariffs continue to hurt American consumers and small business owners, and as families face uncertainty regarding the future of their SNAP benefits following the largest cut to the program in history, Ryan will be taking every community response back to Washington to bolster his ongoing fight to bring down costs and ease financial pressure on Hudson Valley families.

Community members can still take Congressman Ryan’s survey on grocery costs here.

“Hudson Valley families have to spend way too much of their income just to put food on the table. This is wrong on every level, and totally unacceptable. That’s why I’m fighting back,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The entire Hudson Valley is feeling this – from parents worried their next paycheck won’t be enough to feed their family to seniors on a fixed income forgoing vital nutrients, our community cannot survive like this. Your input has always been the main driver behind everything I do – from cutting through red tape to lower egg prices, to fighting for small businesses in Washington against Trump’s tariff-induced trade war, to introducing the bipartisan “Lower Grocery Prices Act,” I take your concerns to heart and put them into action. The President promised to lower costs on Day 1 – but as he continues to slash food assistance, blow taxpayer dollars on foreign bailouts, and impose tariff wars that are crushing our local economies, our community deserves the relief we were promised. I’ll keep pushing relentlessly to ease the burden on hardworking Americans, and build the more affordable Hudson Valley all our families deserve.”

More than 99% of respondents to Congressman Ryan’s survey reported they’re feeling the burden of increased grocery prices. Especially following the largest cut to SNAP in history, hardworking people are simply unable to afford to feed their families. The most common responses included people not buying fresh produce or meat, forgoing essential nutrients and protein.

“Our grocery bills have doubled, causing us to eat less protein, pick cheaper ingredients, and be careful about what produce we can afford. We have good jobs, too - I don’t know how others are managing,” said Kait Hoehne of Pine Bush. “I grew up without much and worked hard to avoid having to ever penny pinch over groceries again – I never thought I’d be back in the same situation.”

“My SNAP allowance covers fewer and fewer items as prices rise, so I end up buying and eating less,” said Erin Schick of Chester. “I have gone from relying on the monthly food bank for a few items to considering it a key source of nutrition.”

“The increases in grocery prices have left us scrambling to afford food after paying our other bills,” said Alyssa, a constituent in Newburgh. “I’m pregnant and expecting a little one in three months, but we’re still told we make too much for food assistance. I didn’t get a raise last year and am not expecting one this year, either. How are we supposed to live if our paychecks aren’t keeping up with the price of groceries, rent, and other bills? How can I stretch my paycheck any more? The working class is hurting to the point that there might not be a working class anymore.”

“I am 81 and receive Social Security and Medicare and need an additional health insurance policy, as I am handicapped. With the increase in grocery prices, I’ve had to cut back to only staple foods,” said Eunice Crudele of Mountainview. “Good coffee is now maybe an extra “treat” every once in a while.”

“My husband is disabled, so my family relies on my income alone. It’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet,” said a constituent in Poughkeepsie. “As grocery prices continue to rise, I have to decide between keeping our house, paying the electric bill, or feeding my family. With the increasing costs for groceries, utilities, health care, housing, and more, families are drowning.”

“I’m a senior citizen on a limited income. I’m now paying over $125 per week on groceries that used to cost between $90 to $100,” said Sue, a constituent in Beacon. “I also help my granddaughter and her family who just lost their SNAP benefits.”

“I’m a senior citizen who needs to eat healthy foods to manage my diabetes, but many of these foods that are essential for me are now priced like luxury items,” said Carmen, a constituent in Dutchess County. “This Administration is cutting off access to the food people need. I can only afford to buy the essentials at this point, I’m worried about how I’m going to buy Christmas gifts for my great-nieces and nephews.”

“We are very, very frustrated with what the purchasing power of our hard-earned money has become with the increasing cost of groceries – and this is just to purchase necessities,” said the Galaviz Family of New Windsor. “The price of coffee has increased and that’s just the beginning of the day. Milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables all are increasing in price. We can’t keep up with skyrocketing prices – one income just isn’t enough anymore. All this is happening while corporate CEOs get millions of dollars in bonuses. As consumers, we have no other choices because these are needs, not wants. Food is essential and should be protected from corporate greed.”

“Luckily we can afford to buy sufficient food, but I am shocked by the increase in cost. I keep track of our food expenses and with very little difference in our eating habits from last November the cost of our food in November increased by 40%,” said Rachel Kitzinger of Poughkeepsie.

“Prices have risen dramatically and we are limiting our grocery shopping,” said Carol, a constituent in Warwick. “I get a $211 food subsidy from my United Healthcare Part C plan (reducing to $149 in Jan.), and I used to be able to shop 3 times a month on that, and now it lasts only 1 1/2 trips. We are restricting our choices, and eating less. I'm a senior, and work a sporadic part time job, and don't have the money to buy groceries the way we used to.”

“I am the Interim Executive Director of the Food of Life/Comida de Vida Pantry in Amenia Union. Visits to the pantry are up 48% over the same point in 2024. The contrast is stark: only five years ago, we fed about 150 people a week. This year, we’ve fed as many as 982,” said Jim Wright of Amenia. “Personally, the rise in grocery prices isn’t something that a weekly, senior shopper can ignore. Even the Christmas tree we bought today was $20 to $25 more than it cost us a year ago.”

“I am a disabled senior and mostly live alone, but due to the increasing cost of groceries, I have to travel to several different grocery stores to buy items that are on sale. I can no longer buy anything extra – no treats or snacks. The Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment absolutely does not cover the increase in food and energy costs,” said Linda, a constituent in Poughkeepsie. “In many cases, prices have doubled from tariffs and corporations price gouging and taking advantage of tariffs to raise their prices and profits even more.”

“With the rising cost of groceries, we cannot put our health first and buy what is healthy for us each and every week – we have to choose between financial health or physical health,” said Patrick, a constituent in Port Jervis. “Everything is more expensive now and I’ve considered not having children of my own if this continues.”

“Grocery prices have increased higher and faster than my salary has, so much so that it feels like I’ve actually taken a pay cut,” said Karen, a constituent in Wappingers Falls.

The community inquiry comes amidst a myriad of potential food-cost-raising policy moves by the President. Trump recently signed into law the largest cut to SNAP in history – slashing $187 billion from the program that helps feed 42 million Americans. Ryan was an early critic of Trump’s USDA’s slashing of funds for food banks as well. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) – which partners local farms with food banks to serve food insecure populations – has suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in funding cuts, forcing the Hudson Valley branch of the Regional Food Bank to provide 2 million fewer meals than last year. Additionally, sweeping tariffs are jacking up prices across the board, and putting immense pressure on small business owners who have no choice but to pass the cost onto consumers.

Based on community feedback, Ryan is already leading efforts to hold price gougers accountable, repeal Trump’s tariffs, and lower grocery costs. He introduced his Affordability Agenda as his first legislation of the 119th Congress, which, along with the “Lower Grocery Prices Act” includes bills to bring down drug costs, housing costs, and protect Social Security benefits. The full agenda can be found here.

Congressman Ryan’s “Lower Grocery Prices Act” would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to analyze the price of groceries over the last 20 years, provide effective solutions on how to lower costs, and develop a national plan to combat the high prices and ease the affordability crisis. Ryan originally introduced the legislation after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report in March 2024 which detailed how large grocery companies exploited the high-price environment caused by the pandemic to jack up their prices and pad their profit margins, unfairly raising prices for consumers as well as snubbing smaller competitors’ profits.

Additionally, after a diner owner from Fishkill told Ryan that he went from paying $45 for a single crate of eggs to $260 in only months, immediately took action. Ryan teamed up with Congressman Josh Riley to address concerns regarding the soaring egg prices, introducing “Lowering Egg Prices Act” to cut through bureaucratic red tape to lower costs for consumers and farmers alike.

Most recently, throughout the summer months, Congressman Ryan held community meetings with Chambers of Commerce across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties to discuss how Trump’s tariffs are harming local business owners and forcing them to raise prices. One small business owner told Ryan that small businesses are “at an enormous disadvantage when pricing of their premium products rises to meet the cost of the tariffs; a cost which will pass through to the American consumer and put small businesses on the line.” Ryan took action in Washington to limit the harmful impacts of the unprecedented tariffs, including joining an effort to terminate the national emergency that the president declared to institute the tariffs. Additionally, Ryan voted against an effort by House GOP leadership and Speaker Mike Johnson to cede their ability to regulate and challenge tariffs to the President – kneecapping Congress’s ability to stand up for their constituents being crushed by high prices.

Ryan constantly seeks community input and personal stories to strengthen his fight for the Hudson Valley in Washington. If you are worried about grocery prices, please take Congressman Ryan’s survey.

###


Pelosi Demands an End to Child Care Funding Freeze in California

Washington D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) in taking action to hold the Trump Administration accountable for their illegal, targeted freezing of federal child care and family assistance funding designated for California, New York, Illinois, Minnesota and Colorado. Pelosi and her colleagues authored a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding the release of nearly $10 billion in frozen federal funding for child care and family support initiatives.

In addition to being unlawful, “this action is reckless, unjustified, and profoundly harmful, placing millions of children, working parents, and financially stressed families at immediate risk,” wrote the Representatives in their letter. “Congress appropriated these funds to support children and families, not to be withheld as political retribution. This decision undermines federal-state partnerships, destabilizes childcare systems, and erodes confidence in HHS’s stewardship of programs fundamental to the economic stability and well-being of children and families.”

This letter comes as a direct response to a January 6, 2026, decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to freeze more than $10 billion in federal child care and family assistance funding for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, citing “serious concerns about widespread fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars in state-administered programs.”

Under this action, access to major funding streams, including the Child Care and Development Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and the Social Services Block Grant, was restricted pending additional documentation and review, with HHS asserting that some benefits may have been provided to individuals not eligible under federal law. The department did not accompany the announcement with evidence of systemic fraud, prompting sharp criticism from state officials and stakeholders who warn the freeze jeopardizes services for low-income families, working parents, and child care providers who rely on these programs to stay afloat.


Reps Pettersen, Morelle and Speaker Emerita Pelosi Demand an End to Child Care Funding Freeze

Today, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25), and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), led a call on the Trump administration, demanding accountability for their illegal, targeted freezing of federal childcare and family assistance funding designated for Colorado, New York, California, Illinois, and Minnesota.

This letter comes as a direct response to a January 6, 2026, decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to freeze more than $10 billion in federal childcare and family assistance funding for Colorado and other Democrat-led states. Colorado has been subject to a string of attacks from Donald Trump after Governor Polis refused to release Tina Peters who remains in state prison after being convicted of criminal charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 Election. In Colorado, there has been no public evidence to validate Trump’s claims of widespread fraud.

“Trump continues his Colorado retribution campaign by going after the childcare funding thousands of families rely on — all because Governor Polis refuses to bend the knee,” said Rep Pettersen. “I’m outraged that our kids are being used as political pawns and families already struggling with rising costs are going to have the rug ripped right out from under them. It’s a new low, even for him, and we’re fighting for this administration to immediately reverse course.”

In the letter, the Members wrote, “This action is reckless, unjustified, and profoundly harmful, placing millions of children, working parents, and financially stressed families at immediate risk.”

The Members continued, “Congress appropriated these funds to support children and families, not to be withheld as political retribution. This decision undermines federal-state partnerships, destabilizes childcare systems, and erodes confidence in HHS’s stewardship of programs fundamental to the economic stability and well-being of children and families.”

Background:

The letter is signed by 83 total members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including members from all five affected states. A full copy of the letter is attached and can be found here.

In Congress, Rep. Pettersen has fought to expand access to childcare by supporting legislation that grows the childcare workforce and strengthens childcare infrastructure, while also securing millions of dollars to build new childcare facilities across her district.


For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

January 9, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT STATEMENT ON SHARK ATTACK AT DORSCH BEACH

St. Croix, USVI - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following upon learning about the horrific shark attack at Dorsch beach:

“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the tragic death of Arlene Lillis, 56, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, who lost her life Thursday following a shark attack at Dorsch Beach on St. Croix.

“Our hearts go out to her husband, Richard Lillis, and to all of her family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. The loss of a loved one under such devastating circumstances is beyond words, and our entire community shares in their grief.

“We are deeply grateful to the emergency responders who acted swiftly in their efforts to provide assistance, along with the brave bystanders who stepped in; we extend our sympathies to all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.

“Ms. Lillis’ family remains in our thoughts and prayers.”

###


For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

January 9, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES CRITICAL FUNDING FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Commerce, Justice Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. This legislation provides critical funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands, rejects the Trump Administration's proposed $163 billion in cuts from domestic programs, and protects funding for clean energy, environmental protection, scientific research and public safety grants. The legislation will now be taken up and considered by the U.S. Senate before moving to the President’s desk for signature.

"This funding package delivers meaningful results for the Virgin Islands while standing firm against reckless cuts that would have devastated our communities," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "I am pleased to announce the bill includes $1,172,000 in Community Project Funding specifically for critical Virgin Islands programs: $1,031,000 for the Family Resource Center Emergency Shelter and Victim Services Expansion Project and $141,000 for Project Cultiv8te, which provides after-school programming as a gun violence intervention strategy for at-risk youth.

“These funds are in addition to eight Community Project Funding requests secured in November of 2025, which included two significant mental health projects, $857,000 to the St. Clair Institute to renovate the St. Clair House of mental health and substance abuse recovery services and $788,000 to the Bush Tea and Therapy Foundation to expand the Frederiksted Center for Community Wellness. Just as importantly, Democrats eliminated every single extreme policy provision Republicans attempted to attach to this bill."

"This is what effective representation looks like," Congresswoman Plaskett stated. "We delivered direct resources for our community while protecting the programs Virgin Islanders depend on. We rejected Trump's slash-and-burn approach and eliminated every poison pill Republicans tried to attach."

This funding package provides $117,217,000 to the Office of Insular Affairs, which administers federal assistance to the U.S. territories and freely associated states, for general technical assistance, maintenance, disaster assistance, coral reef initiatives, and natural resources activities.

This bill provides $10.4 billion in water infrastructure through the Army Corps of Engineers ($3.8 billion above the request), $3.1 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs ($2.2 billion above the request), and $8.8 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (nearly double the requested funding). It preserves programs President Trump tried to eliminate, including funding the Weatherization Assistance Program at $329 million, the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities at $207 million respectively, and increasing Violence Against Women Act grant funding to $720 million.

Beyond funding allocations, the bill includes strong guardrails against executive overreach and strengthens congressional oversight. It mandates minimum staffing levels for key agencies including the EPA, Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management—preventing the Trump administration from undermining their core missions. The Administration would be required to notify Congress before moving funds and the bill secures appropriations levels through detailed funding tables, preventing unilateral shifts of hundreds of millions of dollars. The package secures resources for the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and National Museum of the American Latino.

"The Virgin Islands and communities across America are better off because Democrats held the line on our values and priorities," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "We reasserted Congress's power of the purse, addressed rising energy costs, invested in community safety and water infrastructure, and protected the environment---all while eliminating every extreme policy provision that would have harmed our communities."

Background: This appropriations package builds on P.L. 119-37, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, which provided continuing appropriations through January 30, 2026, and full-year appropriations for Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs. The current package does not provide funding for other departments or agencies, including Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-HUD, which have temporary funding expiring at the end of this month. Congresswoman Plaskett will continue to advocate for full-year appropriations for these remaining departments to ensure stable funding for critical services affecting the Virgin Islands.

###


Congresswoman Pou Wins Over $9.7 Million for North Jersey Community Projects

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) announced the 2026 government spending bill package that passed the House of Representatives today included $9,711,000 for 11 separate community projects in the Ninth Congressional District sponsored and championed by Pou. Rep. Pou voted to approve the underlying legislation and the funding must now be ratified by the U.S. Senate.

“I am excited that the House has approved these direct federal investments to support communities across our district,” said Congresswoman Pou. “The very purpose of good government is to better the daily lives of our residents. These projects will help replace lead pipes, provide clean water, equip our first responders, help law enforcement secure the World Cup games, and contribute immeasurably to public safety. I thank our Senators for their partnership and I am committed to working with them to get this funding passed through that chamber and enacted into law so we can deliver this funding directly to our cities and towns.”

List of projects for the Ninth Congressional District included in the FY2026 appropriations bills:

Security Upgrades for FIFA World Cup

Recipient: Bergen County Sheriff’s Office

Amount: $1,031,000

Purpose: To provide cameras, vehicle ramming prevention barriers, a bomb detection robot, and vehicles to ensure public safety for the FIFA World Cup tournament at MetLife Stadium and major watch parties.

Public Safety Equipment and Security Upgrades for FIFA World Cup

Recipient: Bergen County Sheriff’s Office

Amount: $1,200,000

Purpose: Funding equipment to enhance public safety and security leading up to the FIFA World Cup tournament.

First Responder Equipment

Recipient: Borough of Lodi

Amount: $1,031,000

Purpose: To purchase new emergency services radios to replace outdated equipment to better equip first responders to conduct operations without risk of loss of communication or equipment failure.

Public Safety Equipment

Recipient: Borough of East Rutherford

Amount: $350,000

Purpose: To purchase new computer and radio consoles, new computer monitors, and the conversion of a space into a server room to strengthen communications infrastructure.

Stormwater System Improvement

Recipient: Borough of Cliffside Park

Amount: $1,092,000

Purpose: To replace broken sanitary pipes and install storm pipes to remove cross connections within the stormwater system, helping reduce threats to public health and the environment.

Stormwater Infrastructure

Recipient: Borough of Edgewater

Amount: $1,092,000

Purpose: To enhance the current culvert conveyance systems of the borough by helping construct an open channel culvert with additional volume to address additional flow from neighboring towns.

Wastewater Management

Recipient: Borough of Hawthorne

Amount: $1,092,000

Purpose: To upgrade the borough’s aging sewer pump system to maximize the performance of the main pumping station and guard against failures in the borough’s wastewater treatment system.

Lead Remediation

Recipient: Borough of Garfield

Amount: $944,000

Purpose: To remove and replace lead service lines to minimize contaminants in the water system.

Lead Remediation

Recipient: Borough of Kearny

Amount: $379,000

Purpose: To replace lead service lines to enhance drinking water quality, safeguard public health and ensure compliance with drinking water regulations.

Stormwater Improvements

Recipient: County of Passaic

Amount: $1,000,000

Purpose: To fund River Street stormwater management improvements.

Waterway Improvement

Recipient: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Amount: $500,000


Amata’s Awareness PSA Reminding U.S. Nationals Not to Vote in Other Jurisdictions

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is reminding U.S. nationals from American Samoa that under current U.S. and state laws they absolutely cannot vote in elections outside of American Samoa unless they personally become U.S. citizens before voting.

“It’s incredibly important to not become confused over this: U.S. nationals cannot vote outside our elections in American Samoa. Even if the poll workers do not stop you from voting, and you have a state driver’s license, it’s still not allowed, and can lead to huge legal problems,” said Congresswoman Amata. “If you want to vote in the United States, you must become a citizen first, even if you’ve lived in a U.S. community for many years.”

“Until we are certain that we have widespread 100 percent awareness of this fact, it’s helpful to have a reminder to be sure the word is out, and protect friends and family from a legal nightmare. It’s very important to make sure your graduating high schoolers who are still U.S. nationals know this clearly when they turn 18 and potentially go away to jobs and college,” Aumua Amata continued. “For those choosing citizenship, I have a bill to help that process for U.S. nationals, but nationals risk prosecution by voting in any state that requires U.S. citizenship to be eligible to vote, unless state law were to expressly provide that U.S. nationals also may vote in that state’s elections.”

Amata has introduced the American Samoa Statutory Nationality and Citizenship Act (H.R. 6158) to help individual U.S. nationals more readily transfer into U.S. citizenship as a personal choice, while not affecting American Samoa’s current status, which for over 125 years has protected the family land and chiefly (matai) systems within the traditional fa’a Samoa (Samoan way).

The bill protects both collective self-determination for American Samoa and the individual rights of U.S. nationals, by enabling elective United States citizenship for individuals, and she will be posting more information about the bill in the months ahead.

“I am saddened by the voting case in Alaska, and I hope the wonderful people of Alaska, where I’ve visited many times, will be forgiving of this mistake by the local U.S. nationals in their community,” Amata concluded. “Rather, I hope that this can become an educational moment, that the Lord can ‘work together for good’ by preventing future problems through public awareness while restoring our people in Alaska with compassion.”

###


Randall Applauds House Passage of ACA Tax Credit Extension, Calls on Senate to Vote Immediately

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted (230-196) to pass a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium Tax Credits (ACA). The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. The ACA tax credits officially expired on December 31st, 2025, forcing 24 million Americans who previously relied on ACA coverage to decide between paying huge increases for their 2026 premiums or forgo coverage entirely due to skyrocketing costs.

Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06), spoke on the House floor immediately following the vote: “I want to make this clear --- Republican leadership let tax credits expire in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. They didn't make an abstract budget decision. They decided that their wealthy and well-connected donors deserve the very best this country has to offer, while condemning everyday Americans to lose health insurance and have to wait until they're sick enough to end up in the emergency room,” said Rep. Randall.

Video of Congresswoman Randall’s full remarks is available HERE, and a transcript is available HERE.

Rep. Randall continued: “And I'll say what we all know, we don't have a genuine health care system in this country. We have a sick care system, a system where people are forced to delay care until a problem becomes a crisis. A system where chronic conditions go unmanaged or managed with unprescribed medication. A system where cancers are caught later when treatment is more expensive and outcomes are worse. A system where more people die. One thing drove me to public service and has continued to drive me. Everyone deserves access to health care.”


Congressman Riley M. Moore Delivers Major Wins for West Virginians in FY26 Appropriations Package

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) today applauded the passage of the second package of Fiscal Year 2026 spending bills with a vote of 397 to 28. This package includes the FY 26 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations bills, which advance regular order and deliver targeted investments to strengthen national security, energy dominance, public safety, responsible land management, and important resources for water development projects.

This bicameral funding agreement delivers several victories for West Virginia, including fully funding the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) at $200 million. The ARC is a critical partner for West Virginia, supporting job creation, workforce training, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, broadband expansion, and efforts to combat substance abuse. These programs help communities attract investment, modernize critical infrastructure, and ensure workers have the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy—particularly in rural and economically distressed areas of the Mountain State.

In addition to strengthening economic development efforts, Congressman Moore secured key investments to protect public health and improve water quality for West Virginia families. This includes funding for water infrastructure projects that remove harmful contaminants such as lead and arsenic from drinking water, ensuring safer and more reliable access for local communities. Congressman Moore also successfully advanced an amendment that was included in the final package to help combat toxic water runoff impacting Wyoming and McDowell Counties—addressing long-standing environmental and public health concerns while protecting local waterways. Together, these investments reflect a comprehensive approach to strengthening communities, protecting families, and delivering real results for West Virginia.

The FY26 appropriations package keeps total spending below projected levels under the current continuing resolution, delivers savings for taxpayers, maintains important protections for the right to life and the Second Amendment, and provides full-year funding to prevent disruptions to essential government services. The House Appropriations Committee has now passed six out of 12 funding bills and seeks to complete consideration of all 12 appropriations bills for the first time in decades through a transparent, member-driven process.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“I’m proud that the House passed this important package that funds critical programs that impact West Virginians everyday. I am especially grateful to Chairman Tom Cole for his work to reach this agreement. Notably this package includes $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, which I fought for during committee markup. ARC funding is a proven investment that creates jobs in West Virginia, combats addiction, trains our workforce, and improves critical infrastructure in communities that are often overlooked. The passage of these bills delivers real results for all West Virginians—especially my constituents in the Second District.”

Major Investments Secured for West Virginia:

The passage of the appropriations package advances regular order, while also including major local investments in West Virginia, championed by Congressman Riley M. Moore:

$1,500,000 for a new Sewer Extension and Improvement in the city of Weston. This will extend sewer service along Corridor H with sufficient capacity to encourage homebuilding and industrial site readiness. With faster access to markets via Corridor H, industrial-grade utilities will position Lewis County and the surrounding region to compete for manufacturing jobs and investments.

$1,500,000 for a new Tucker County Regional Sewer System. This will support the construction of a new, integrated wastewater treatment plant to serve the mountain communities of Tucker County. This will encourage business development, protect the local environment, and generate opportunities for homebuilding in Tucker County.

$1,000,000 for a new Waterline Extension in the city of Pennsboro. West Virginians along Bonds Creek have faced water shortages and water contamination – including positive tests for lead and arsenic in the drinking water. The will help extend safe, reliable drinking water to residents along Bonds Creek as part of a much larger effort by local leaders to expand public water service.

$2,250,000 for a new Clarksburg Water Board for Lead Line Replacement and Water Distribution System Improvements. The Clarksburg Water Board is a large utility in Harrison County. They directly serve more than ten thousand West Virginians. They also sell water to rural public service districts in the surrounding area. This will replace lead pipes – guaranteeing safe, clean, and reliable water service to the people of Clarksburg and the surrounding area.

Congressman Riley M. Moore’s statement on how these projects are crucial to West Virginia’s infrastructure and constituents:

“These are the kinds of investments that truly matter—projects that save lives, protect our most vulnerable, and strengthen communities across West Virginia. The passage of these bills helps deliver real results for the people of the Second District, including critical investments in water and sewer infrastructure that are essential for health, economic growth, and quality of life.

From expanding sewer systems to replacing aging and dangerous water lines, these projects ensure West Virginians have reliable, modern infrastructure they can depend on. West Virginians work hard and expect their government to do the same. I will continue fighting for commonsense solutions that strengthen our economy and deliver for the great people of the Mountain State.”

###


SCHNEIDER CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF KRISTI NOEM AS HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means Committees, released the following statement calling for removal of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security:

“The tragic, horrific fatal shooting of an American citizen by an ICE officer in Minneapolis yesterday points to a profound failure of leadership at the highest levels of the Department of Homeland Security.

“The killing of Renee Good is not simply the result of one officer’s actions. It is the product of an enforcement culture that has grown increasingly aggressive, unaccountable, violent, and chaotic. ICE’s actions in Minnesota and across the country, including in Illinois, are not making us safer. Instead, they are bringing fear and violence to our streets under the direction of Secretary Noem.

“As Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem is responsible for setting the standards and oversight that govern ICE operations. She has abjectly failed in that responsibility. When federal law enforcement wantonly takes the life of an American, leadership must answer for it.

“Secretary Noem must resign or be removed from office. If President Trump refuses to act to protect the lives, rights, and safety of innocent Americans, Congress cannot look away.

“I am prepared to support congressional action, up to and including impeachment, to ensure accountability and reaffirm that no one is above the law.”

###


Congresswoman Scholten Introduces Justice for Exploited Children Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten reintroduced her bipartisan Justice for Exploited Children Act alongside Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07). This legislation would increase both civil and criminal penalties for companies that violate child labor standards established in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Under current law, penalties for child labor violations are as low as $10,000 in some cases – and the maximum prison sentence is 6 months, even if violations result in the death or serious injury of a child. The Justice for Exploited Children Act would update these penalties, incentivizing companies to monitor the quality of their supply chains. By instituting a wider range of penalties and doubling certain fines upon repeated or willful violation, this bill allows for nuance in each instance of violation, acknowledging that many businesses are initially unaware of the presence of child laborers in their workforce and supply chains.

Child labor violations are on the rise at a staggering rate. Across the United States, the Department of Labor noted a 31% increase in child labor violations from 2019-2024, resulting in the illegal employment of over 4,000 children in 2024. In 2023, the New York Times published a story documenting illegal child labor practices taking place across the country, including in West Michigan. Congresswoman Scholten introduced the Justice for Exploited Children Act in the 118th Congress in response to these disturbing revelations. The bill now includes additional penalties for child labor violations, creating stronger protections for children.

“As a mom and a lawmaker, protecting children is my top priority,” said Rep. Scholten. “With child labor exploitation on a staggering rise, this legislation would bring accountability to an ever-changing business landscape while protecting our most vulnerable children. For too many employers, paying a petty fine for exploiting children is the cost of doing business. This won’t stand. This is a commonsense piece of legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to join me to get it passed.”

“As a father of two and as Chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, I know that children’s safety depends on strong, modern legal protections against exploitation by businesses,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Scholten on this bipartisan legislation to update outdated and insufficient penalties—ensuring that exploiters are deterred and held accountable. No child should ever be put in harm’s way because our laws are outdated or ineffective, which is why this legislation will give children the robust legal protections that they deserve.”

“The Child Labor Coalition and the National Consumers League both welcome—and endorse—Rep. Scholten’s and Rep. Mackenzie’s Justice for Exploited Children Act with its significantly increased child labor fines,” said Reid Maki, director of child labor advocacy for the National Consumers League and coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition. “Just three years ago, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division cited low fine levels as an obstacle to its efforts to root out hazardous child labor out in meatpacking factories. It has been clear that current child labor fine levels are not sufficient to elicit the compliance of large corporations, with annual revenues of hundreds of millions of dollars or more. Fines must be significantly higher if we are to protect our children from dangerous workplaces.”

"Our laws should protect children. It’s that simple. For far too long, the fines corporations pay for exploiting child labor have been way too low to meaningfully protect kids and serve as a real deterrent for the worst employers. The Justice for Exploited Children Act is an important first step in changing this, and AFT urges Congress to pass it right away," said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.

Rep. Scholten is a founding member and co-chair of the Child Labor Prevention Task Force, which is focused on uplifting the issue of child labor in Congress. Rep. Mackenzie is the Chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee within the Committee on Education and Workforce.

Endorsing organizations include the Child Labor Coalition, Campaign to End US Child Labor, Human Rights Watch, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Economic Policy Institute, First Focus Campaign for Children, Global March Against Child Labor, Green America, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Consumers League, and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

Original cosponsors of this legislation include: Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Dina Titus (NV-01)

###


Vice Ranking Member Brown, Ranking Member Craig Urge Robust Examination and Oversight in Letter to Ag Chairman

WASHINGTON D.C. — House Agriculture Committee Vice Ranking Member Shontel Brown (OH-11) and House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) sent a letter urging House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson to conduct rigorous examination of the most pressing issues facing farm country and hardworking Americans and calling for oversight of Trump administration actions affecting American agriculture as the 119th Congress begins its second session.

Read the full letter here.

Administration actions and Republican legislative priorities have had broad, negative impacts on issues ranging from the farm economy to rural health care access. Yet, the Republican majority has avoided asking tough questions and holding the Trump administration accountable.

“[T]he legislative actions and inactions of the Republican majority in Congress have led to real world consequences for rural America that the majority appear unwilling to examine. Whether it’s cutting food assistance to hungry children, seniors and veterans, making health care either inaccessible or unaffordable or cutting off new markets for farmers by imposing hemp restrictions, the majority has turned a blind eye to the challenges facing rural Americans resulting from Republican legislative priorities,” wrote the lawmakers.

In the letter, Vice Ranking Member Brown and Ranking Member Craig and lay out a series of hearing topics relating to important issues for the American people and our nation’s farmers, including an evaluation of the impact of tariffs on American agriculture, the affordability crisis in America’s food system and the threat of PFAS “forever chemicals” to food safety.

“We believe these topics are of great interest to the American agricultural community, which would welcome the Committee exercising its oversight responsibilities in these areas. We appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to working with you and your staff on bringing these hearings to fruition,” Agriculture Democrats concluded.

###


Stanton, Meeks, Castro, 72 House Democrats To Rubio: “Military Action Against Mexico Would Be Disastrous”

Today, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton, together with House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Ranking Member Joaquin Castro, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly opposing unilateral military action in Mexico without Mexico’s consent and congressional authorization. 72 House Democrats joined the effort.

“Any unilateral U.S. military action inside Mexico without Mexico’s consent would destroy trust, eviscerate cooperation with Mexican authorities, and make it harder to keep drugs out of the communities we represent,” the lawmakers write.

The letter comes one day after President Donald Trump told Sean Hannity on Fox News, “We are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels.”

The full letter is HERE and below.

—

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write to strongly oppose the unauthorized use of military force in Venezuela and threats from the President and administration officials alluding to U.S. military action inside Mexico without Mexico’s consent and without congressional authorization.

President Trump has falsely claimed he could legally order military action against Mexico without congressional authorization. In a January 3, 2026, interview with Fox News after the illegal strikes against Venezuela, President Trump asserted that “the cartels are running Mexico…we have to do something.” When asked in a December 9, 2025, interview with Politico whether he would consider taking action in Mexico, he replied “Sure. I would.”

Unilateral military action against Mexico would be disastrous.

Mexico is America’s number one trading partner and critically important security partner with whom we share longstanding familial and border connections. Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico has dramatically increased its cooperation with the United States. Any unilateral military action would violate Mexico’s sovereignty, and tarnish the new era of cooperation that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ushered in.

The impacts of military action on American business interests would be far-reaching. U.S. foreign direct investment into Mexico surpassed $14.5 billion last year. More than one million American jobs are tied to cross-border commerce, and over five million U.S. jobs depend on commerce with Mexico.

Military action would also undermine our decades-long effort to address shared security interests, particularly those posed by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) that traffic guns, illicit drugs, people, and more across the U.S. border. Over the past 20 years, the United States has launched programs to support progress in areas that have a high impact in fighting the fentanyl supply chain: strengthening the rule of law, limiting precursor chemicals, combatting corruption, limiting financial flows, and strengthening port-of-entry enforcement. Last February, Mexico extradited 29 individuals sought by the United States for alleged cartel ties—one of the largest extraditions in the country’s history. In August, Mexico again transferred 26 inmates suspected of holding senior roles in some of the nation’s most powerful drug cartels, marking the second major extradition of the year.

No doubt Mexico still faces political and rule-of-law challenges that threaten its progress. Yet, with renewed efforts of President Sheinbaum’s government, Mexico has bolstered intelligence for fighting organized crime; significantly reduced homicide levels; overseen the largest seizure of fentanyl in Mexico’s history; and worked with the legislature to ban the production, distribution, and acquisition of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals.

U.S. policy should recognize this renewed progress and that our bilateral cooperation with Mexico is increasing enforcement capacity and getting results.

Any unilateral U.S. military action inside Mexico without Mexico’s consent would destroy trust, eviscerate cooperation with Mexican authorities, and make it harder to keep drugs out of the communities we represent.


Stanton Secures Over $17 Million in Federal Funding for Arizona Water, Energy, and Community Projects

Today, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton secured over $17 million in Energy & Water, Interior, and Commerce-Justice-Science Community Project Funds in the House passed appropriations bill. He had more funds in these accounts than any other Arizona House member.

The funding is a part of a series of appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly this week. These dollars will strengthen Arizona’s water infrastructure and energy resilience as the state faces emerging threats of extreme heat. It will also support economic development and public safety initiatives. These bills now need to pass the Senate prior to being signed into law by the President.

“Investing in Arizona’s water resources and energy grid is critical to protecting and securing our state’s future,” said Congressman Stanton. “This funding is also a major win for public safety and for the development of next-generation technologies that will promote economic growth and strengthen Arizona.”

A full list of projects Stanton secured funding for is below:

City of Tempe

$2,850,000 for Tempe’s Kyrene Reclamation Facility Improvement Project, and an additional $1,092,000 for Kyrene Recharge Well Pipelines. The funding builds on over $6 million Rep. Stanton previously secured to expand and improve the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility and ground water recharge facilities. Once complete, the project will allow the city to store its reclaimed water for future recovery and improve its drought resiliency.

“As a sustainable urban community, it is imperative that we build and maintain the infrastructure to ensure Tempe’s water supplies are sufficient in the long-term,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “Bringing the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility back online and developing our recharge wells will further strengthen Tempe’s water security and economic growth prospects. I appreciate Congressman Stanton’s continuous work to ensure our city’s vital needs are met now and into the future.”

City of Mesa

$1,092,000 for the Sewer Pipe Inspection and Replacement Program. These funds will be used to construct utility improvements in lower-income areas of Mesa, where aging infrastructure is most vulnerable to breaks, leaks, overflows, and equipment and pipe failures.

$431,000 for Gunshot Detection Technology. These funds will be used to purchase gunshot-detection technology, outdoor acoustic networked sensors to be placed throughout the focus areas on buildings and telephone poles, to accurately detect and locate the origin of gunshots. This will allow law enforcement to reach crime scenes quickly and save lives.

$592,000 for the City of Mesa’s Vault Meter Rehabilitation Project. These funds would be used to replace failing large-diameter water meters in a lower-income area of central Mesa and relocate those facilities above ground. It will allow the City to detect unusual consumption and identify leaks, resulting in significant reductions in water waste, cost savings, and improved system reliability for commercial/industrial customers.

“I want to thank Congressman Stanton for his strong support of these important Mesa projects,” said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. “These investments will enhance public safety, modernize aging infrastructure, and help ensure reliable services for our residents and businesses. We’re grateful for his continued partnership on priorities that strengthen our community.”

City of Chandler

$1,000,000 to construct new wells in the City of Chandler. These new wells will work to alleviate reliance on the Colorado River and further diversify the city’s water sources, mitigating drought impacts for constituents across the city.

“On behalf of the City of Chandler, I thank Representative Stanton for his leadership in securing $1 million to support a new drinking water well. This critical investment will strengthen our water security and enhance community infrastructure resilience. We are grateful for the Congressman’s advocacy and commitment to securing this important funding for our community,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke.

City of Phoenix

$1,031,000 for technology investments for the City of Phoenix’s Real Time Crime Center. These funds will allow for training and communications to make better officers and a more efficient police force.

"On behalf of the City of Phoenix, I want to express my gratitude to Congressman Stanton for this critical investment in our Real Time Crime Center," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "The state of the art Real Time Crime Center at our new police headquarters will strengthen our ability to protect our residents, support our officers with modern tools, and help officers respond to crime with greater speed and precision. It represents a meaningful step toward a safer, more resilient Phoenix. Our city is built on innovation, and I am grateful for this partnership with the federal government to help us utilize technology to reduce crime citywide. I urge the Senate to pass this critical funding."

Arizona State University

$2,062,000 to establish a Center for Heat Preparedness at Arizona State University. The Center will work to develop scientific standards, policy frameworks, and practical solutions to mitigate the growing risks of extreme heat, including threats to public health, power grids, transportation systems, and economic stability. Stanton co-founded and co-chairs the Congressional Extreme Heat Caucus.

$2,062,000 for Arizona State University’s CHIPs and Domestic Manufacturing Project. These funds will be used to develop and evaluate novel technologies that bolster domestic CHIP production. Specifically, this research will demonstrate innovative water reuse technologies and infrastructure tailored to microelectronics manufacturing.

“These congressional investments highlight Arizona State University’s ability to meet urgent challenges with practical solutions that serve Arizona and the nation,” said Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise. “From strengthening heat preparedness to advancing water-efficient technologies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, these projects protect public health, reinforce critical infrastructure, and support economic competitiveness in water- and heat-stressed regions. Congressman Stanton and Congresswoman Ansari understand Arizona’s unique position regarding both issues, and the university appreciates their support. We are eager to be of service to ensure this research delivers measurable benefits and solutions.”

Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority

$2,550,000 for Stanton’s signature Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority, which he created in his first term. These funds help cities, counties, and tribal governments in Arizona meet their water and wastewater infrastructure demands through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Since authorization of the authority in 2020, $47 million in federal funds have been delivered to more than 25 projects across Arizona.

Town of Sahuarita

$2,550,000 for the remediation of Sahuarita Lake. These funds would be used to reline Sahuarita Lake to prevent soil liquefaction caused by water leaks. This action prevents damage caused by leaks, increases safety for the community’s water resources, protects public health by reducing water quality issues, prevents groundwater from entering the wastewater system, and bolsters the lake’s water storage capacity to meet the city’s water needs.


MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens Secures Federal Funding for Critical Oakland County Projects; Votes to Pass Bipartisan Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) announced federal funding she secured for critical Oakland County projects in the House-passed bipartisan funding bill, H.R. 6938. Stevens voted in favor of the bill, which overwhelmingly passed 397-28. The bill now heads to the Senate for passage and must be signed into law by the President.

“My job in Congress is to put Michigan first. This funding package reflects that work,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “I’m proud to have secured federal dollars for critical projects here at home that will improve our infrastructure, support good-paying jobs, strengthen our public safety, and invest in our manufacturing economy.”

Stevens, who was recently recognized as the most effective Michigan Democrat in Congress, secured funding for six projects ranging from repairing and replacing critical water infrastructure to promoting manufacturing to providing technology upgrades for Oakland County’s courts and law enforcement.

Specifically, the funding she secured provides:

$1,039,000 for Oakland University’s Digital Twin Center for Smart Adaptable Manufacturing. Digital Twins are highly advanced virtual models of physical manufacturing systems that provide data in real-time to monitor, diagnose, predict, and optimize the performance of a manufacturing system. This center will develop and deploy Digital Twins to boost Michigan manufacturing resilience and adaptability.

$1,031,000 to Oakland County for the Safer Michigan with Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS) Modernization and Transformation Project. CLEMIS is a statewide information system used by over 250 agencies that allows police, fire, EMS, prosecutors and courts to securely share critical data and coordinate emergency response.

$1,092,000 to the City of Berkley for Lead Water Service Line Replacements. Funding will be used to replace roughly 250 known lead water service lines throughout the City of Berkley to provide clean and safe drinking water to Michigan families.

$1,092,000 to the City of Farmington for Community Sanitary System Improvements. Funding will replace outdated generators and pumps and modernize an existing pump station, increasing reliability and energy efficiency for the community.

$723,200 to the City of Auburn Hills for Stormwater Infrastructure. Funding will repair and replace failing storm sewer pipes, an undersized storm sewer, and deteriorated manholes and catch basins.

$400,000 to the City of Ferndale for Lead Water Service Line Verifications. Funding will help identify the materials of unknown water service lines which will allow the City to more effectively plan for the replacement of potentially dangerous lead service lines.

Here’s what Michiganders are saying about Stevens delivering for Oakland County:

“This investment in Oakland University’s Digital Twin for Adaptable Manufacturing Project represents a significant step forward for our region’s manufacturing ecosystem. By combining advanced digital technologies with workforce development and industry collaboration, this project will help prepare students for high-demand careers, support innovation among local manufacturers, and strengthen the economic vitality of our community. We are deeply grateful for the continued support that makes this transformative work possible.” – Louay M. Chamra, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Oakland University

"We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Haley Stevens' office for supporting our efforts to eliminate lead service lines, which is a top priority in the City of Berkley. This funding will help us make a greater investment in our community's infrastructure needs." – Berkley Mayor Bridget Dean

"This grant award is a vital step in our commitment to environmental stewardship and service reliability. Not only would this project help protect the Rouge River and the surrounding environment in multiple communities, but it will help reduce maintenance costs, protect our public Service staff and make this a safer and more reliable facility.” – David M. Murphy, Farmington City Manager

“The City of Auburn Hills is optimistic that legislation that includes granting the city the funding to complete critically needed storm sewer replacement, manhole repair, rehab, and reconstruction, as well as catch basin repair, rehab, and reconstruction, will be approved by the senate and signed into law so that we may continue to provide well-functioning stormwater infrastructure that benefits the many residents and businesses of our community. We are grateful to Congresswoman Stevens and her staff for recognizing the importance of this work and for championing our stormwater needs at the federal level.” – Auburn Hills City Manager Tom Tanghe

“Lead in drinking water is a serious risk to community health. Over 100 years ago, lead was commonly used in water supply lines. Many of Ferndale's homes were developed during this time. By verifying these materials, we can properly plan the necessary replacements. We have made significant efforts to upgrade the system, but these improvements are expensive and mostly funded by residents. We are grateful for our collaboration with our legislators to help us identify funding opportunities to address local issues. This funding will help us determine the material of about 600 service lines so our team can focus on replacing known lead lines and making our community safer, healthier, and happier.” – Ferndale Mayor Raylon Leaks-May

###


House Advances Strong’s $12 Million for North Alabama Public Safety and Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON — Congressman Dale Strong, member of the Appropriations Committee and Vice Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, secured over $12 million in Community Project Funding for infrastructure and public safety enhancements across North Alabama.

The funding was included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Act, 2026, which the House of Representatives passed this week.

“I’m proud to have secured over $12 million in this funding package to deliver meaningful investments for communities across North Alabama. These resources represent my commitment to strengthening public safety, supporting local law enforcement, and advancing innovation.

“From upgrading 911 radio systems and police equipment to improving water infrastructure and expanding cutting-edge research capabilities, these projects address both immediate needs and long-term growth. Working closely with our state and local partners, I’m proud to deliver targeted investments that keep our communities safe, strengthen our workforce, and ensure North Alabama remains a leader in innovation, defense, and aerospace for years to come,” said Congressman Dale Strong.

The $12,127,067 secured by Congressman Strong for community projects in Alabama’s Fifth District includes:

$1,500,000 for the Town of Rogersville to construct an elevated water storage tank to ensure the residents have reliable water capacity, pressure, and service.

$592,305 for the Priceville Police Department to purchase new patrol vehicles and upgrade equipment, allowing officers to better serve their community.

$300,000 for the Hartselle Police Department to replace aging radio systems and modernize equipment, to enhance law enforcement capabilities.

$4,135,000 for the Auburn University Applied Research Institute in Huntsville to acquire high-performance computing capabilities for key national security and defense applications.

$4,200,000 for the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s AI Research Facility for Space and Defense to support U.S. innovation, bolster national security, and enhance specialized workforce development.

$199,762 for the Somerville Police Department to purchase new vehicles and make technological upgrades, to assist local officers in protecting their community.

$1,200,000 for Lawrence County to modernize the town’s radio system, to improve communications for first responders conducting public safety operations.

Congressman Strong secured $6.2 million in FY26 Community Project Funding in H.R. 5371, which was signed into law on November 12, 2025. Altogether with the passage of H.R. 6938, the Congressman will have delivered over $18 million back to AL-05 in Community Project Funding for FY26.

H.R. 6938 now awaits consideration in the Senate before going to the President’s desk to be signed into law.