Lawler Joins NY Congressional Delegation to Lead Effort to Secure Lifetime Funding for World Trade Center Health Program

Washington, D.C. – 1/23/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) and members of the New York delegation in announcing that the FY 2026 appropriations minibus package includes full funding for 9/11 health care through the program's lifetime, ensuring certainty of continued care for 9/11 responders and survivors.

Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. The program covers the lifespans of all exposed individuals, including first responders, survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site, children who attended schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during the clean-up, and those who have since developed, or are expected to develop, adverse health effects linked to the attacks.

The WTCHP was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. Today, the program provides medical treatment and monitoring for over 140,000 responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, PA, crash site, representing every state and nearly all Congressional Districts

“I am grateful that vital funding will be included in the final appropriations package that directly supports our 9/11 responders and survivors. I have seen firsthand the critical work being done by the World Trade Center Health Program, and I am proud to support the dedicated staff who ensure that these heroes and their families receive the care and support they deserve,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

“New Yorkers will never forget September 11th, 2001, and we have a responsibility to match our words with action,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “Responders and survivors must always receive the care they were promised without delays or disruption. Since the day I was first elected to Congress, I have worked to keep that promise. That’s why I have been focused on ensuring the World Trade Center Health Program is fully funded through its entirety. Today, the House passed an appropriations package,which includes language from my bill. This provision makes corrections to the funding formula to deliver full funding for the program through its lifetime. Funding certainty matters. It ensures the program can operate as intended and that those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses can focus on their health, not bureaucracy.”

“I had just returned from my first deployment on September 11th, and like so many Americans, that day is seared into my memory. We will never forget the lives lost, the families forever changed, or the responders and survivors who continue to carry the physical and emotional scars of that day more than two decades later. I know countless New Yorkers who are still living with the health consequences of 9/11, and ensuring they receive the care they were promised is the least we can do. I’m grateful to Congressman Garbarino for his leadership on this issue, and as the only Republican Appropriator from New York, I appreciate my Appropriations colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognizing the urgency and necessity of fully funding the World Trade Center Health Program through its lifetime. This funding provides certainty, dignity, and peace of mind to the heroes and survivors who have already sacrificed so much,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01).

“September 11 changed our country forever. The first responders, survivors, and families affected by that day continue to live with the consequences,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24). “Congress made a promise to provide long-term care, and that promise must be kept. The World Trade Center Health Program delivers essential services, but outdated funding formulas have not kept pace with rising medical costs. This legislation corrects WTCHP funding moving forward to reflect the true cost of care and ensures continued access to medical services, including mental health services, for those who continue to suffer the effects of that day.”

“Everyone remembers where they were on 9/11. For almost 25 years, we have tried to honor the survivors and first responders who rushed into danger—but it will never be enough,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “Many continue to suffer lasting health consequences, and Congress has a responsibility to deliver the care these heroes were promised. I’m grateful to the bipartisan Members of the New York delegation for putting politics aside to get this done. When it comes to 9/11, there aren’t Democrats or Republicans– only Americans.”

“Today, we are honoring our promise to never forget the darkest day in our nation’s history,” said Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10). "This legislation ensures that 9/11 survivors and first responders will have the peace of mind of knowing with certainty that they will get the health care they need and are owed for years to come. I have fought for years to get this program fully funded, and I am proud to finally be delivering for our heroes.”

“Tens of thousands of 9/11 first responders and survivors, including nearly 7,000 of my constituents in New York’s Fourth Congressional District, depend on the World Trade Center Health Program,” said Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04). “Since taking office, I promised these heroes and survivors that I would never give up the fight to preserve this program. That’s why I fought to fully fund it through its entirety, ensuring they continue to receive the care they need and deserve. FDNY, NYPD and the thousands of emergency personnel who answered the call on one of the darkest days in our nation’s history deserve nothing less than our unwavering support and commitment.”

“I am proud to stand with my New York colleagues to ensure the World Trade Center Health Program remains fully funded in this final round of appropriations, guaranteeing continued support for 9/11 responders and survivors. 25 years after this horrific terrorist attack, we are still losing first responders to 9/11 related illnesses on a regular basis. We will always stand up for these heroes and survivors to ensure they have access to the care they need and deserve,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11).

“For some Americans, September 11th may feel like a distant memory or something they’ve only read about in history books, but for our first responders and recovery workers battling 9/11-related illnesses, it’s something they live with every single day,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23). "These heroes ran toward danger after the worst attack on American soil in our nation’s history, and many are still paying the price because of toxic exposure at Ground Zero. Ensuring they receive the health care they deserve is not optional — it is the least we can do, and it is Congress’s obligation to stand by those who selflessly responded during our nation’s darkest hour.”

“It’s been almost 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and New York’s heroic first responders and survivors still carry with them the burden of that day as they develop chronic conditions and diseases related to the air around Ground Zero. We promised to Never Forget 9/11 and that means taking care of all first responders and survivors of that day. The World Trade Center Health Program is finally receiving much needed funding to do just that. As more and more survivors in New York and across the country discover they have illnesses and diseases related to the 9/11 attacks, this funding will provide a stable path to help them get treated. I am proud to have helped create this permanent program to provide for our brave survivors for generations to come. During this difficult time, I am grateful to see Congress come together to accomplish this once again,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12).

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Congressman Sam Liccardo Votes Against Funding ICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives considered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill for FY26. Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16) voted against the bill and released the following statement:

“I voted against giving another dime to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Department of Homeland Security.

“ICE has abandoned its mission of removing violent criminals in favor of detaining children, shooting Americans, and terrorizing our communities.

“Before Congress approves any additional ICE funding, we must ensure that like every other law enforcement agency in this nation, ICE is held accountable to the standards embedded in the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. That begins with a full, transparent investigation into ICE’s deplorable and oppressive conduct in Minneapolis.”


Lofgren Supports Legislation to Combat Anti-Sikh Discrimination

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), a vice chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, has added her name as a co-sponsor to H.R. 7100, the Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2025. The bill was introduced in the House on January 15th by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).

"No religious community should ever feel afraid to worship in America," Rep. Lofgren said. "Sikh Americans have faced increased discrimination and hate crimes, and it's necessary for the Department of Justice to elevate its attention to this issue. I'm proud to represent a large Sikh community in San Jose, and I will do everything in my power to ensure the federal government combats anti-Sikh discrimination."

“After listening directly to Sikh families and community leaders in North Jersey it is clear that Congress has to take decisive action,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “The bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act will turn those conversations into action — strengthening how our federal government defines, tracks, and prevents anti-Sikh hate crimes so that every American can practice their faith freely and safely.”

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act would establish a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Discrimination within the U.S. Department of Justice, tasked with creating a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate; developing an educational program on anti-Sikh discrimination for schools, law enforcement, and higher education institutions; issuing an annual report to Congress on hate crimes and discrimination targeting Sikh Americans; and engaging directly with Sikh communities and advocacy organizations to inform prevention and enforcement efforts.

The legislation is supported by national Sikh organizations, including the Sikh Coalition, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), American Sikh Caucus Committee, New Jersey Sikh Gurdwara Council, and the New Jersey Sikh Youth Alliance.

Rep. Lofgren represents a significant Sikh community in San Jose. The largest Sikh house of worship outside of India, Gurdwara Sahib of San Jose, was formerly located in the district represented by Lofgren, and following 2022 redistricting, is less than half a mile outside of California's 18th district.

The bill text can be found here.

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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Introduces Bill to Ban Wall Street from Buying Single-Family Homes

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna introduced new legislation to stop large institutional investors and corporate giants from buying up America’s single-family homes, a practice that has priced everyday families out of homeownership and fueled skyrocketing housing costs.

The bill bans corporations with more than $500 million in assets under management, as well as firms that purchase more than five single-family homes in a 30 day period, from acquiring additional single-family homes in the United States.

To unwind existing corporate dominance in the housing market, the legislation also requires covered institutional investors to fully divest their current single-family home holdings within 10 years, with a phased requirement to sell at least 10 percent of their homes each year following enactment.

“American families should be competing with other families for homes — not Wall Street hedge funds, multinational corporations, and mega-investors like BlackRock,” said Rep. Luna. “This bill restores fairness to the housing market, lowers artificial price inflation, and puts the American Dream of homeownership back within reach.”

In recent years, large financial institutions have aggressively purchased single-family homes at scale, frequently outbidding individual buyers and converting homes into long-term rental assets. This trend has driven up home prices, reduced available inventory, and weakened community stability.

By reducing institutional control of residential housing, Rep. Luna’s legislation aims to return ownership to individuals and families, strengthen neighborhoods, and protect Americans from corporate housing monopolies.

Key Provisions of the Legislation

• Prohibits large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes

• Defines covered entities as firms with over $500 million in assets under management or those acquiring more than five homes within a 30 day period

• Requires full divestment within 10 years, with a minimum 10 percent annual sell-off

• Reduces corporate competition in the housing market

• Prioritizes homeownership for American families over Wall Street investors

“This is about choosing people over powerful financial interests, communities over corporations, and American families over global investment firms,” Rep. Luna added. “Housing should not be a speculative asset class, it should be a path to stability, security, and prosperity.”

Read the full bill here.

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Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov


Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Cut Taxes For South Carolina Boaters, Boost State's Marine Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 23, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the No Tax on Boat Loan Interest Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen South Carolina's marine manufacturing industry and put money back in the pockets of our state's boating families. The bill extends the existing above-the-line loan interest deduction available for American-made motor vehicles to American-made boats, providing critical tax relief to South Carolina families and coastal communities.

In South Carolina, boating is an essential mode of transportation, a part of our way of life, and a key economic engine, with the recreational boating industry generating more than $6.5 billion in annual economic impact and supporting more than 27,100 jobs in the state. This bill is a lifeline for the thousands of workers employed in the recreational boating industry and makes boat ownership more affordable for South Carolina families.

South Carolina is home to more than 350,000 registered recreational boats, fueling steady demand for marine manufacturing, dealers, service providers, marinas, and coastal small businesses across the state. By making American-made boats more affordable, this legislation directly supports the South Carolina workers, manufacturers, and businesses who depend on our thriving boating industry.

"South Carolina's boating industry is the backbone of our coastal economy," said Congresswoman Mace. "This legislation ensures American-made recreational boats are treated fairly under the tax code, supporting the thousands of South Carolina families whose livelihoods depend on marine manufacturing and services. It's about protecting good-paying jobs in our coastal communities and providing tax relief to the hardworking South Carolina families who power our state's economy."

South Carolina's boating industry is a major economic driver, particularly in the Lowcountry and coastal regions. The state's boat owners, marine dealers, manufacturers, and marina operators will directly benefit from this legislation, which incentivizes purchases of American-made boats while providing financial relief to middle-class South Carolina families.

Key Provisions:

The legislation updates the tax code to allow interest paid on loans for qualified recreational watercraft to be deducted in the same manner as interest on motor vehicle loans. Similar to the no tax on car loan interest provision of the tax code, the maximum annual deduction is $10,000 per year, the deduction applies through 2028, and the deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers). Taxpayers must provide the hull identification number of their boat on their tax return.

To qualify, boats must:

Be first used by the purchaser

Be classified as recreational vessel under federal law

Be classified as a motorboat under federal regulation

Be assembled in the United States

The U.S. recreational boating industry generates $230 billion in annual economic impact, supporting more than 36,000 businesses and 812,000 jobs across manufacturing, sales, service, and marina operations.

The No Tax on Boat Loan Interest Act of 2026 received support from national boating industry groups:

Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA): "The No Tax on Boat Loan Interest Act recognizes the vital economic role recreational boating plays across American communities. With 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. built here at home, and the vast majority by small businesses, this bill helps strengthen American manufacturing and protect good jobs. At the same time, it makes boating more accessible to families facing rising costs and encourages time on the water for recreation. We thank Congresswoman Nancy Mace for her leadership and commitment to supporting a thriving, homegrown industry."

Matt Gruhn, President, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA): "The MRAA applauds the leadership of Representative Mace for introducing the No Tax on Boat Loan Interest Act, which will provide needed relief to American families who wish to invest in an American-made boat in order to spend time enjoying our nation's beautiful fresh and saltwater ecosystems. The provisions put forth in this bill will expand the 'No Tax on Car Loan Interest' provision included in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act to American-made recreational boats. This change will provide needed relief to hardworking Americans who support our nation's recreational boating industry by allowing them to deduct interest paid on loans used to buy American-made watercraft. With the majority of boat owners in America making less than $100,000 a year, this bill stands to significantly benefit working-class Americans and help encourage more folks to get on the water to the benefit of their health and the recreational boating industry at large."

David Kennedy, Manager of Government Affairs, Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS): "A boat is often a family's single biggest investment in outdoor recreation, bringing together multiple generations on the water. And for many, a boat is their primary means of getting to work and school. Treating boat loan interest in the same manner as cars and recreational vehicles is sound tax policy. On behalf of our over 740,000 members nationwide, including some 20,000 in South Carolina, we applaud Representative Mace for bringing this proposal forward."

See the No Tax on Boat Loan Interest Act of 2026 Bill Text HERE:

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Rep. Nancy Mace Wins Court Removal, Vindicating The First Amendment And Her Constitutional Rights

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 23, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace secured a significant legal victory with the successful removal of her civil case from state to federal court, affirming the constitutional protections afforded under the First Amendment, political speech, and Constitutional protections for federal legislators under the Speech or Debate Clause and federal supremacy, et al.

A sitting Congresswoman going pro se against the establishment and winning is unheard of.

“I stood in front of the judge, representing myself, and successfully moved this constitutional debate, where it belongs, to Federal Court," said Rep. Mace.

A South Carolina court tried to unconstitutionally silence Rep. Mace from doing her job with an unconstitutional and unenforceable gag order, among other things.

Rep. Mace added, “In fact, opposing counsel suggested to the Judge I should be jailed for tweeting about injustices. They weaponized the state court. I pushed back and won.”

“Today, the law spoke clearly, the Constitution protects members of Congress and our citizenry from exactly this kind of harassment, interference, and intimidation. I took on the establishment and won. I look forward to arguing the First Amendment and other Constitutional matters in federal court.”

The removal to federal court represents a critical turning point in litigation that Rep. Mace has characterized as coordinated lawfare designed to obstruct her legislative duties.

Federal court jurisdiction ensures that constitutional questions regarding the First Amendment, Speech or Debate Clause and Federal Supremacy protections will be adjudicated in the proper forum.

Rep. Mace has consistently maintained the evidence she uncovered and reported to SLED, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s office led to retaliatory legal actions by those she exposed. Her experience has driven her to author over a dozen pieces of federal legislation strengthening voyeurism and privacy protections nationwide.

“Someone who stands up for herself in this way will always stand up in this way for her constituents,” Rep. Mace continued. “It’s about standing up for your First Amendment rights, the Constitution, and standing against powerful people and powerful interests who think they can abuse the legal system to destroy anyone they want. South Carolinians deserve leaders who won’t back down. I didn’t, and never will.”

The case will now proceed in Federal court, where Rep. Mace will continue to pursue justice.

Rep. Mace added, "I yield to no one who seeks to silence the truth."

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Díaz-Balart Applauds House Passage of Final FY26 Appropriations Package Delivering for American Priorities While Cutting Wasteful Spending

January 23, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and member of the Defense Subcommittee, issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 7148, which funds the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; and H.R. 7147, which funds the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security:

“House Republicans have delivered on our promise to the American people by passing legislation that prioritizes America’s security, prosperity, and future, while cutting wasteful spending, rooting out inefficiencies, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. The appropriations package once again demonstrates that, under Chairman Tom Cole’s steadfast leadership, we are fulfilling our fundamental duty to serve the American people by keeping the government funded and avoiding another disastrous government shutdown.

These bills strengthen America’s deterrence by supporting the day-to-day readiness of our brave men and women in uniform, investing in proven priorities that save lives and expand opportunity, modernizing our transportation and transit systems, and protecting the homeland from terrorists, narco-traffickers, criminals, and others who wish us harm.

Importantly, these bills reflect a disciplined approach to governance, targeting funding toward proven priorities, eliminating duplicative and outdated programs, and demanding accountability from federal agencies.

I commend Chairman Tom Cole for these accomplishments and thank Subcommittee Chairmen Ken Calvert, Robert Aderholt, and Steve Womack for working directly with me to address key priorities in Florida and for my constituents in FL-26.”

Below are Funding Highlights for Florida’s 26th Congressional District:

Bolsters our Defense capabilities and provides for our servicemen and women

Directs the Secretary of Defense to maintain the current U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters and mission, recognizing its critical role in protecting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere, countering transnational threats such as drug trafficking, and promoting stability throughout Latin America and the Caribbean

$350.8M for SOUTHCOM and counternarcotics activity

Delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all service members and continues historic pay increases for junior enlisted service members

$27B increase over the FY23 enacted level, and directs that funding to critical national defense efforts, including countering the People’s Republic of China (PRC), increasing counternarcotics efforts, and investing in quality-of-life initiatives for servicemembers and their families

Maxes out production of critical munitions

Doubles security cooperation funding for Taiwan

Invests in next-generation fighter aircraft, helicopters, tactical combat vehicles, and submarines

Prohibits the President from being able to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility or transfer detainees to the United States.

Prohibits funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and EcoHealth Alliance in China.

Local businesses in FL-26 with proven products are allowed to compete for $35M for the Enhanced Ballistic Armor Protection Systems

Invests in 5th and 6th-generation aircraft

Continues modernizing the nuclear triad and invests in the new Golden Dome missile defense system

Accelerates funding for hypersonic weapon systems

Includes funding for 17 new ships

Supports our local community with over $30M for local projects

$9M for the Collier County VeteransCommunityCenter Project

$7.2M for the Everglades CityCommunityCenter Project

$2M for the Feasibility Analysis for Proposed Interchange at I-75 and Everglades Boulevard Project

$6M for the I-75 Project Development and Environmental Study, NW 107thStreet and NW 154th Street Project

$973,000 for the Miami Lakes Big Cypress Drainage Improvements Project

$4.9M for the City of Hialeah Southeast Hialeah Stormwater Improvements Project

Continues the investments into our nation’s infrastructure and public safety

$145M for the National Transportation Safety Board, a critical independent agency in the wake of near-misses at airports nationwide and train derailments.

$4B for facilities and equipment through the FAA

$10.34B to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce

$309.5M through the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Administration, to fully fund safety efforts with increases to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to hazardous materials incidents

Provides housing opportunities to our most vulnerable populations

Increased to $18.543B for Project-Based Rental Assistance, which provides full renewal of housing contracts serving 1.3 million households

Increased to $1.03M for Housing for the Elderly, which provides a full renewal of housing contracts serving 123,000 households

Increase to $287M for Housing for Persons with Disabilities, serving 33,000 households

Maintains housing assistance for vulnerable Americans, including the elderly disabled, and veterans by:

Providing full renewal for all currently-leased, tenant-based rental assistance vouchers, all project-based rental assistance contracts, and all housing for the elderly and persons with disabilities contracts

Rental assistance vouchers for veterans

Funding for the Melania Trump foster youth rental assistance vouchers

Increase to $4.4B for Homeless Assistance Grants

$3.3B for Community Development Block Grants

$529M for housing for persons living with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and persons with disabilities

$158M for Neighborworks, helping local communities’ partner with the public and private sector to provide housing

Supporting our seniors

Increase to $16.2M for Prostate Cancer research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

$10M for providing increased access to Advanced Cancer Screening in Underserved Communities

$180M for Polio Eradication

$2.5B for Older Americans Act programs

Ensuring the safety of our schools

$5M for the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center, to provide critical training for our nation’s schools, houses of worship, and communities

Report language regarding research and training on targeted school violence conducted by the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center

Report language reiterating grant eligibility under the Urban Areas Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grants for school hardening measures like, bullet resistant doors and glass; suing-locking mechanisms; immediate notification to emergency 911 systems; and installation of countermeasure technology administrated by law enforcement to provide real time actionable response during threats

Promoting early childhood development, school-choice and higher education

$12.4B for Head Start

Increased to $500M for Charter Schools Grants

$231M for Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program

$22.47B for Pell Grants and sets the maximum award to $6,335

$15.49B for special education

Continuing the fight against the opioid epidemic

$1.583B for State Targeted Response to Opioid Crisis Grants

Increase to $7M for Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers

Increased funding to $299M for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program

Ensuring resources to keep our nation and communities safe

Supporting security preparation and planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other major events:

$44.6M for National Special Security Events

$25M to support security efforts

$3.4M for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems

$100M for supplemental support for transit agencies in the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bolstering disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for U.S. communities through increased grant funding for firefighters and first responders

$26.4B for the Disaster Relief Fund to support response and recovery efforts following major disasters and emergencies

$398.1M for Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to strengthen training capacity and enhance public safety

$684M for Assistance to Firefighters and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants to recruit, train, and equip frontline firefighters

Securing our border by providing $513M to sustain 22,000 Border Patrol agents

Enhancing resources to detect and counter the spread of deadly drugs, like fentanyl, that poison our communities

Protect critical infrastructure, prevent cyberattacks, and strengthen cybersecurity resilience:

$2.6B for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

$20M to hire critical positions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to counter the threat from China

$13.9B for the U.S. Coast Guard for maritime security, search and rescue and law enforcement

$300M for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to support houses of worship and other eligible organizations at risk of a terrorist attack

$6.1B for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening workforce

$1.9M for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Over-the-Road Bus Security grants for transportation infrastructure security activities

$297.1M for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Program to help communities identify, assess, and mitigate their flood risk

Other district priorities included in the funding bills

Maintains $1.9B to support community health centers that provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality health care in underserved communities.

$2.57B for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

$25M for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund, an account I have long supported and fought for

$27.8M for Poison Control Centers in the Department of Health and Human Services

$19M for survivors of torture in the Department of Health and Human Services

$2.3B for the program integrity to safeguard the Social Security system for all Americans

$83.2B for the Social Security Administration to support frontline services for America’s seniors and other beneficiaries through field office visits, calls, and online services

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McBath, Warnock, Georgia Colleagues Slam Administration for Gutting Gun Safety Investments and Demand Policy Reversals to Save Lives

According to the latest available data, Georgia has the 9th highest gun homicide rate in the country

Georgia has been affected by cuts of $3 million in DOJ grant funding, nearly $1 million of which was dedicated to youth violence intervention

The Trump Administration halted $1 billion in federal funding for school districts to hire mental health professionals less than two years after the Apalachee High School shooting

Oversight push comes amid news the DOJ is considering loosening more gun regulations to appease special interest groups

Lawmakers: “By weakening programs that protect our communities from illegal firearms and stripping federal funding for violence intervention and prevention programs, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) policies risk undoing crucial progress in mitigating the root causes of gun violence”

“These actions will make Americans less safe and more vulnerable to gun violence. […] We demand you reverse these cuts and rollback these policy changes that threaten the safety of the American people that we all serve”

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) joined U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and a group of lawmakers in slamming Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Department of Justice (DOJ) for gutting investments and weakening programs meant to curb gun violence and save lives. Georgia has been affected by cuts of $3 million in DOJ grant funding, nearly $1 million of which was dedicated to youth violence intervention. The lawmakers are demanding the DOJ reverse their policy changes that are weakening gun violence prevention efforts and leaving Americans less safe.

“We write in service of our shared duty to keep all Americans safe from gun violence. By weakening programs that protect our communities from illegal firearms and stripping federal funding for violence intervention and prevention programs, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) policies risk undoing crucial progress in mitigating the root causes of gun violence. We urgently request that you reverse course and instead support proven strategies that increase public safety, curb the spread of illicit guns, and empower local governments as well as community-based organizations to tackle the scourge of gun violence,” the lawmakers said.

In the past year, the DOJ has undermined proven methods for reducing gun violence by eliminating efforts by federal agencies that tackle illicit firearms as well as defunding the very programs intended to address the root causes of gun violence. Harmful actions taken by the Administration include:

Cutting millions in federal funding local law enforcement and nonprofits supporting violence reduction, victims’ services, and other public safety functions;

Halting payments for $1 billion in federal grant funding for school districts to hire mental health professionals;

Terminating staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responsible for researching violence prevention;

Proposing defunding the federal law enforcement entity that combats the illegal proliferation of firearms and moved to dismantle their tools for doing so;

Diverting 80% of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents to take on immigration enforcement activities;

Revoking the ATF’s “Zero Tolerance” policy and allowed gun dealers who violated federal regulations to apply to reobtain their licenses;

Reportedly ending a program to identify and monitor gun dealers whose guns have been linked to crimes;

Permitting the sale of devices that enable semiautomatic firearms to operate like machine guns.

“Americans of all political beliefs agree that we have lost too many lives to mass shootings and violent crimes in our country,” the lawmakers added.

“These actions will make Americans less safe and more vulnerable to gun violence. They worsen the issues underlying gun violence and threaten our nation’s progress in curbing it. As such, we demand you reverse these cuts and rollback these policy changes that threaten the safety of the American people that we all serve,” the lawmakers said.

The oversight letter closes with a series of questions for Attorney General Bondi seeking clarity on why funding for gun violence intervention and prevention programs was removed, how weakening gun industry oversight helps improve public safety, how reassigning ATF agents to handle immigration-related duties impacts pending firearms trafficking investigations, and more.

Additional lawmakers signing onto the effort include U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), as well as Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04).

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and full text is below:

Dear Attorney General Bondi,

We write in service of our shared duty to keep all Americans safe from gun violence. By weakening programs that protect our communities from illegal firearms and stripping federal funding for violence intervention and prevention programs, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) policies risk undoing crucial progress in mitigating the root causes of gun violence. We urgently request that you reverse course and instead support proven strategies that increase public safety, curb the spread of illicit guns, and empower local governments as well as community-based organizations to tackle the scourge of gun violence.

Americans of all political beliefs agree that we have lost too many lives to mass shootings and violent crimes in our country. In September 2025, Senator Warnock hosted a panel at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference to draw attention to the nation’s commendable decline in gun violence between 2021 and 2023 and to discuss successful violence reduction tactics employed by local governments. The panel featured Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore, Maryland; Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama; and Greg Jackson, President of the Rocket Foundation and former Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The panel discussed federal and local programs that played a critical role in decreasing gun violence in their communities, including various ways that federal policies have helped support these successes.

For example, the city of Baltimore has taken a comprehensive approach to public safety, implementing a Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) that focuses on changing the behavior of individuals involved with violent groups—those who are at the highest risk of being involved in violence—and uplifting community-based programs such as Safe Streets. Through GVRS, the city offers social services to those likely to become victims or perpetrators of gun violence and then prosecutes those who continue to repeatedly engage in criminal activity; as of January 2025, about 200 people were receiving support services from the program. Birmingham saw victories using a similar approach, including by using federal funding to support programs like its hospital-based violence intervention program. Beyond intervention programs, they also relied on regulation and litigation to address illicit gun trafficking. Just this past August, a jury awarded Baltimore $62 million in damages from a gun dealer that had facilitated the flow of illegal firearms into the city.

These programs have contributed to significant improvements in public safety. Baltimore saw a 23% drop in recorded homicides between 2023 and 2024 alone, and the first half of 2025 closed with the fewest killings recorded in the city for a 6-month period. Meanwhile, Birmingham’s Police Department reported a 52% reduction in homicides compared to 2024.

Given the success of these programs, and of similar programs across the country, we were alarmed to see that the DOJ has undermined these proven methods for reducing gun violence by working to eliminate efforts by federal agencies that tackle illicit firearms as well as defund the very programs intended to address the root causes of gun violence.

In April 2025, under your leadership, the DOJ cut millions in grants to law enforcement and nonprofit entities that support violence reduction, victims’ services, and other public safety functions at the state and local level. This included eliminating the remaining balances of grants initially worth about $145 million for community violence intervention, which support evidence-based programs that help prevent gun violence in cities and local communities. Roca, a nationally-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program for at-risk young men, saw a $2 million DOJ grant award for their Baltimore office slashed in half, with $1 million in funding pulled back in 2025. Georgia has been affected by cuts of $3 million in DOJ grant funding, nearly $1 million of which was dedicated to youth violence intervention.

Beyond the DOJ, the administration has also abruptly halted payments for $1 billion in federal grant funding for school districts to hire mental health professionals, which was part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Senators Cornyn, Collins, and Tillis noted the importance of funding for these resources in November of 2024. The administration has also terminated staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention responsible for researching violence prevention.

The DOJ has also proposed defunding the federal law enforcement entity that combats the illegal proliferation of firearms and moved to dismantle their tools for doing so. Since taking office, the DOJ has reportedly diverted 80% of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents to take on immigration enforcement activities. The DOJ’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Proposal proposed even more dramatic cuts, including reducing the ATF’s funding by nearly one-fourth, or $418 million, and dismissing two-thirds of ATF Industry Operations Investigators (IOI), who are responsible for ensuring Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) are following the law. This proposal also suggested merging the ATF with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which could threaten resources for both agencies.

Beyond these funding and personnel cuts, the DOJ has revoked the ATF’s “Zero Tolerance” policy and allowed gun dealers who had willfully violated federal regulations to apply to reobtain their licenses, reportedly ended a program to identify and monitor gun dealers whose guns have been linked to crimes, and permitted the sale of devices that enable semiautomatic firearms to operate like machine guns. The DOJ is also reportedly planning to soften ATF regulations on the private sale and shipping of firearms, modify the types of firearms that can be imported into the United States, and make federal firearms licensing fees refundable.

These actions will make Americans less safe and more vulnerable to gun violence. They worsen the issues underlying gun violence and threaten our nation’s progress in curbing it. As such, we demand you reverse these cuts and roll back these policy changes that threaten the safety of the American people that we all serve. Furthermore, we request that you provide the following information concerning these policy decisions by February 23, 2026:

1. Community violence intervention and prevention programs unexpectedly suffered over a $150 million loss in federal grants due to the DOJ program cuts. The DOJ has since released its FY2025 Notice of Funding of Opportunity for the Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI).

a. Why were grants related to community violence intervention and prevention programs initially rescinded? Has the DOJ provided any cost-benefit analysis regarding the efficacy of these programs and the implications of reducing their funding?

i. How many organizations that had their funds rescinded have applied to have their funds reinstated?

ii. How many of the rescinded grants have been reinstated?

b. Why are community-based organizations and nonprofit organizations no longer eligible to apply directly for funding from CVIPI?

c. How can potential grantees be sure their funding will not be subject to sudden cuts in the future?

2. In June 2025, the National Shooting Sports Foundation announced that ATF ended the Demand 2 Program, a program that identified and monitored FFLs who sold guns that were later traced to criminal activity. However, there has been no statement from the ATF on the matter.

a. Please provide confirmation of whether the Demand 2 Program is operational.

b. Please provide a list of all programs ATF has terminated since the beginning of your administration.

3. In its FY2026 Budget and Performance Summary, the DOJ proposed a $418 million cut to the ATF. This included a cut of $82 million for industry regulation, corresponding to a 40% decrease in the ATF’s capacity to regulate the firearms and explosives industries.

a. How does weakening the ATF’s industry oversight capabilities help to address gun violence and improve public safety in our communities?

b. What specific studies, analyses, or estimates did the DOJ rely on in making these proposals?

c. Did the DOJ consult with any state or local governments in developing this proposal? If so, which ones?

4. The DOJ’s FY2026 Budget and Performance Summary also included the DOJ’s plans to merge the ATF with the DEA. How would merging the ATF with the DEA better serve public safety?

5. According to press reports, 80% of ATF’s roughly 2,500 agents have been assigned some immigration-related duties.

a. How many ATF agents have been assigned immigration-related duties?

b. What percentage of their time, on average, is expected to be devoted to immigration-related duties?

c. When did these reassignments begin? When will they be completed?

d. How many pending investigations were these officers working on prior to their reassignment? Specifically, how many pending firearms trafficking investigations were these officers working under the following statutes: trafficking investigations under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1), 18 U.S.C. § 932, and 18 U.S.C. § 933?

e. How many ATF investigations were paused or terminated to assist with immigration enforcement?

f. What specific steps has ATF taken to ensure that current investigations are completed?

g. Has ATF revised oversight plans given the reduction in agents and potential limited oversight capacity over FFLs?

6. In its FY2026 Budget and Performance Summary, the DOJ noted it planned to dismiss around two-thirds of ATF IOIs from their duty.

a. In eliminating these roles, what criteria did the DOJ use to determine whether the investigators were no longer necessary?

b. Has the ATF developed a plan for meeting its industry regulatory responsibilities with decreased staff? Please submit this plan to Congress.

7. The DOJ has reversed the ATF’s prior “Zero Tolerance” policy, which revoked the licenses of gun dealers who willfully violated firearm regulations. The ATF has also invited individuals who have had their federal firearms licenses revoked to reapply for a new license.

a. What has the DOJ done to modify the reapplication process to ensure gun dealers who lost their licenses under the ATF’s “Zero Tolerance” policy will not violate federal law in the future? What criteria did your agency use to make such determinations?

b. Will the individuals that lost their licenses who then reapplied and received new licenses be subject to additional oversight or inspections to ensure they follow the law?

c. Is the ATF prepared to respond or does the bureau have a plan in place if former violators whose licenses have been reinstated continue to violate the law? Does this plan include coordination with local law enforcement?

d. How many FFLs that lost their licenses under the “Zero Tolerance” policy have reapplied and been approved for new licenses?


McBath, Moore, Shaheen, Baldwin, and Dingell Reintroduce Legislation to Support Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers

Washington, DC—Today, Representatives Lucy McBath (GA-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06), alongside Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), reintroduced the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable (MAMA) Act, H.R. 7227, legislation to make mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum women more affordable. The bill builds on urgent national efforts to confront the maternal health crisis by ensuring that private and public health care plans that cover mental health care and substance use treatment provide that care without a copay.

“Like so many in America, I struggled to get pregnant and with the challenges that came along with multiple miscarriages,” said Rep. McBath. “Protecting the mental health of the mother is one of the most important factors during pregnancy and postpartum. It is imperative that we help parents access the care they need to support their wellbeing so they may help their children thrive. I thank my colleagues for their continued support of this issue and for their work to keep our families healthy."

“Maternal mental health conditions — including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders — are among the most common complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period affecting hundreds of thousands of families every year. Yet cost remains one of the biggest barriers to treatment, particularly for low-income individuals and people of color,” said Rep. Moore. “The Mental Health and MAMA Act will help break down those barriers, so that mothers, parents, and caregivers can get the support they need, when they need it most.”

“One of the highest risk times for a women’s health and the health of her child is during pregnancy and the year after. If a woman is experiencing issued impacting her mental and emotional well-being, she should be able to get the care she needs. This legislation removes barriers and expands access to critical mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum women,” said Rep. Dingell.

“In recent years, we’ve seen that pregnant women and new moms across the country face an escalating and deeply worrying mental health crisis. At the federal level, there’s much more we can do to make sure that expectant and new mothers have the resources and support services they need as they navigate life with a newborn,” said Senator Shaheen.“I’m proud to be introducing this bicameral bill alongside a group of my colleagues who understand the urgent need for more women to access a full range of mental health and substance use disorder services so that they—and their families—can thrive.”

“We know pregnancy and postpartum can be extremely difficult, but too many expecting and new mothers still do not have access to the mental health care and support for addiction they need during these critical months,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation which will unlock sometimes lifesaving mental health and addiction care for millions of Americans, so mothers and babies are set up for success.”

The Mental Health and MAMA Act would:

Require commercial, Federal Employee Health Benefits, and state/local government health plans that provide mental health or substance use disorder services to cover those services with no cost-sharing from the onset of regular pregnancy care through one year postpartum.

Extend continuity of care protections to ensure that individuals do not lose coverage or access to providers when plan networks change during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Endorsing organizations: National Partnership for Women & Families, MomsRising, The Association of Maternal & Child Health Program, Shades of You, Shades of Me, African American Breast Feeding Network


U.S. Rep. McCollum Statement on Domestic Provisions of Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. Upon passage of the measure, Ranking Member Betty McCollum issued the following statement:

“Due to the perseverance of my Democratic colleagues, this legislation protects funding for Democratic priorities, reasserts Congress’s power of the purse, and rejects Republicans’ poison pill riders.

“In the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS-Ed) appropriations bill Democrats secured big wins for our public health, our workforce, and our communities. This bill provides a $400 million increase to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a $1.7 billion increase to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and a $364 million increase to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), rebuking the deep cuts made to these agencies in the Republican House bill. It restores funding to several programs that were eliminated by President Trump and House Republicans, including: Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and valuable Title X Family Planning funding. This bill increases funding for Special Education, protects the Pell Grant, and saves the Institute of Museum and Library Science from closing down. It increases funding to Head Start, LIHEAP, and the Social Security Administration, ensuring that Americans have the best chance at success from preschool to post-retirement.

“The FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill provides necessary funding to house our neighbors, build more affordable housing, and keep our skies safe The agreement safeguards the Continuum of Care program from Trump administration attacks. The agreement also rejects the President’s proposal to end the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the sole federal program that helps communities build more affordable housing for rent and homeownership. Further, the bill would ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration can hire 2,500 new air traffic controller trainees to keep our skies safe.

“While these bills were not written perfectly, I am thankful that we were able to come together in a bipartisan manner to protect the American people from President Trump’s most divisive cuts and prevent a government shutdown.”

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Rep. John McGuire Introduces Home Savings Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative John McGuire (VA-05) introduced the Home Savings Act. This bill will remove penalties for withdrawing from a 401(k) account when the money is used for closing costs and down payments associated with purchasing a home.

"For many, owning a home is the American dream but it's been out of reach for far too long," said Congressman McGuire (VA-05). "Too many Americans are becoming lifelong renters. This bill will pave the way for removing financial barriers to home ownership. Family members aiding their relatives with closing costs and down payments aren't just funding a house, but a home for generations to come. This Act is ending a cycle of throwing away money in renting and helping young people invest in their future."

Background:

The Home Savings Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit penalty-free withdrawals from a 401(k) account for up to five years when the funds are used for a down payment or closing costs on a primary residence. The Act also allows an individual to make a penalty-free 401(k) withdrawal and gift those funds to a relative, exempt from gift tax, provided the relative uses the money for a down payment or closing costs on a primary residence.


House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Statement on Expanded Global Gag Rule

Washington, D.C. - Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s expansion of the global gag rule. The administration’s new policy prohibits recipients of U.S. foreign assistance from using their own private resources to engage in activities that promote comprehensive reproductive rights and fight gender inequality, racial prejudice, and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.

“Today’s sweeping expansion of the global gag rule is a massive weaponization of U.S. foreign assistance, further exposing the Trump administration’s blatant disregard for free speech, equal rights, and human dignity. In addition to being an affront to our Constitutional values, this policy actively undermines the goal of U.S. foreign assistance to protect our national security by improving lives, eradicating poverty, and promoting freedom around the globe.

“By attempting to silence partners and restrict their private activities as a condition of accepting U.S. funding, the Trump administration is offering a cruel ultimatum that could require abandoning their principles and the communities they serve. The consequences will be real and potentially deadly, as organizations capable of providing timely, critical assistance to those in need would be unable to save lives if their views do not conform with the Trump administration’s. Previous expansions of the global gag rule in the health sector resulted in service delays, gaps in the provision of critical health services, and diminished U.S. government credibility.

“Expanding the global gag rule does not put America first. It does not make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous. Nor does it result in any benefits for everyday citizens, at home or abroad. Instead, the Trump administration is setting America back, undermining the United States’ global reputation as a champion of freedom, equal opportunity, and inclusion.”


House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Warns Trump’s WHO Withdrawal Puts Americans at Risk; Cedes U.S. Leadership

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement condemning the administration’s decision to exit the U.S. from the UN World Health Organization (WHO):

“President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO will only weaken the United States’ capacity to prevent deadly diseases from reaching our shores and put American lives at risk.

"For nearly eight decades, we’ve partnered with the WHO to counter global health threats that directly affect Americans, including Ebola, malaria, and other infectious diseases. The WHO has played a critical role in disease surveillance, vaccine development including for influenza and other life-threatening diseases, and outbreak response that help stop pandemics before they spread to the United States.

“This is also the latest example of Trump forfeiting U.S. leadership and putting America last. Trump’s unilateral withdrawal will only empower malign actors who will fill the void left by our withdrawal, and grant China an unprecedented opportunity to assert greater influence. This will not make America safer, or more prosperous. It will only put Americans at risk and cede U.S. influence where it matters most.”


Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Votes for FY26 Minibus Securing Over $8.2 Million in Local Community Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) voted to advance the Defense, Labor-HHS and Transportation-HUD minibus. The three spending bills delivers on Democratic priorities and blocks the Trump Administration’s plan to gut $163 billion from critical public services that American families depend on.

The spending package invests in affordable housing, transportation, public health and childcare, while reinforcing Congress’s power of the purse, keeping a check on the Trump Administration, and giving relief to millions of Americans struggling to stay afloat amid the affordability crisis.

It boosts FAA funding to hire more air traffic controllers and modernize facilities, supports Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and safer roads and bridges, and strengthens support for servicemembers through medical research and a military pay raise. The package also includes $8.2 million to support local community projects in New York’s 5th Congressional District.

“I voted for a funding bill that rejects Trump’s cuts to essential public services and delivers real results for American families,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “Once again, Democrats negotiated aggressively for working people and families, delivering meaningful relief for Americans feeling the squeeze of rising costs. This bill funds housing, childcare, public health, mental health services, and groundbreaking scientific research, while protecting the services our communities rely on and investing in America’s future.”

In the funding package, Rep. Meeks secured $8,250,000 in Community Project Funding to directly support 10 local projects in New York’s 5th Congressional District, including:

$500,000 for the subway reconstruction and upgrades at the MTA Queens Boulevard Line -179 Street Station.

$850,000 for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to support safety and security upgrades at Conlon Lihfe Tower.

$850,000 for NYCHA to enhance safety and building security at the International Tower.

$850,000 for NYCHA to enhance safety and building security at the Shelton House.

$850,000 for NYCHA to upgrade and modernize fire safety equipment at the International Tower Fire.

$850,000 for NYCHA to replace the water tanks at Carleton Manor.

$250,000 for New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety at the Beach Channel Drive intersection at Bayswater.

$1,000,000 for NYCDOT to enhance pedestrian safety, transit access, and public amenities at Jamaica Avenue.

$2,000,000 to the New York State Housing Trust Fund (HTFC) for the replacement of the power plant at Rochdale Village.

$250,000 to the New York City DOT to improve bus service and pedestrian safety at Woodhaven Boulevard.

“This funding is essential for improving transportation, infrastructure and community safety in Queens,” Congressman Meeks said. “It supports MTA station upgrades, NYCHA safety projects, street and pedestrian improvements, and critical infrastructure enhancements. These investments protect residents and strengthen neighborhoods making Queens safer and modernizing the borough.”

This funding legislation will enact significant investments that:

Increases funding for NIH by $400 million, including research to develop treatments and cures for cancer, Alzheimer's, ALS, Diabetes, and other diseases.

Increases funding for the Office of Research on Women’s Health by $30 million – a 40% increase.

Rejects proposed cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), increases funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by $15 million and State Opioid Response Grants by $20 million.

Helps tackle the cost-of-living crisis by increasing funding for Child Care and Head Start by $170 million, helping provide hard-working families access to early childhood education and childcare.

Reinforces efforts to combat homelessness by increasing Homeless Assistance Grant funding by $366 million and rejecting President Trump’s efforts to eliminate Continuum of Care funding entirely.

Provides $18.6 billion for the FAA, an increase of $1.6 billion, including funding to expand the air traffic controller workforce by 2,500 personnel, improve facilities and equipment, and modernize the nation’s air traffic control towers.

Increases funding for medical research by $1.7 billion, including $1.3 billion for Congressionally Directed Medical Research Projects (CDMRP) that support efforts to develop treatments for cancer, disease, and service-related injuries.

Fully funds the 3.8 % pay raise for military personnel.

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Menendez Joins Senator Booker to Announce Legislation Cracking Down on ICE
Detention Facilities and Practices

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - Today, Congressman Rob Menendez joined Senator Cory Booker as he announced the reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act alongside U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver and New Jersey immigrant rights advocates. The bill, which Rep. Menendez cosponsors in the House, would end the use of private, for-profit detention facilities, prohibit the practice of detaining families, and ensure due process. It would also repeal mandatory detention and increase federal oversight, accountability, and transparency of the immigration detention system. Ahead of the bill’s announcement, the Members of Congress toured Delaney Hall.

“What we continue to see at Delaney Hall and in immigration detention centers across the country is a betrayal of the American Dream,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “I was proud to be an original cosponsor for the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act in the House, and I’m proud to stand with Senator Booker today as he reintroduces this critical legislation. This legislation will phase out the use of private detention centers and hold currently open facilities accountable for unsafe conditions. I will continue to fight for dignity, accountability, and the ultimate closure of these detention centers.”

“Delaney Hall, and every detention center like it, are a moral stain on our country. The conditions are an abdication of the federal government’s responsibility to care for those in its custody. GEO Group was awarded a 15-year, one billion dollar contract by the Department of Homeland Security to warehouse our immigrant neighbors,” said Senator Booker. “As taxpayers, we’re footing the bill for a system that is brutalizing those detained within it. Enough is enough. With the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, we can move away from this system of neglect and cruelty. We can strike a blow against the corrupt for-profit prison model of incarceration. We can guarantee due process for our immigrant neighbors and ban mandatory detentions. Doing this will safeguard our communities and it will bring us steps closer to achieving an immigration system built on dignity and justice that we know is possible.”

“We keep coming back to Delaney because what we are seeing from ICE is unjust,” said Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. “Last month, a man detained at Delaney Hall died in ICE custody. Nationwide, our neighbors are being targeted by Trump’s inhumane DHS, detained without any process, denied their basic rights, even killed—all under a system designed to avoid accountability. As an original cosponsor of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act in the House, I’m proud Senator Booker is reintroducing the Senate companion today. Trump brought this fight into our backyard and he wants to intimidate us, but we will never back down in our communities or in the halls of Congress. With all we have, we will continue standing up to protect people.”


Menendez Secures More Than $19 Million in Federal Funding for Community Projects Across Hudson, Essex, and Union Counties in Passed House Legislation

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Today, Congressman Rob Menendez announced that he voted to advance $19.1 million in federal funding for all community funding project requests that he secured in annual appropriations legislation, supporting critical projects that respond directly to some of the most pressing needs of the communities he represents.

“I came to Congress with a mission to work alongside local leaders to deliver federal resources directly to our communities,” said Congressman Rob Menendez.“Our team worked relentlessly to secure this funding, and I am proud to have secured funding for each of our community project requests in House legislation. This is a huge win for our communities, and I look forward to continuing to work to get these projects across the finish line.”

This announcement comes after the U.S. House of Representatives passed Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills, including $19,142,000 in Congressman Rob Menendez’s requests, which are now awaiting consideration by the Senate and the president before the funding is finalized.

The funding for these 15 projects address some of the most pressing needs of our communities, including upgrading water and sewer infrastructure, supporting public safety and first responders, replacing lead pipes, improving roads and pedestrian safety, and revitalizing parks and green spaces.

Projects requested by Congressman Rob Menendez for Fiscal Year 2026 include:

Guttenberg Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) Pipe Improvement Project

Pending Award Amount: $1,092,000

The funding would be used to address CSO pipe overflows in the Galaxy Towers residential development, which would help reduce health and environmental hazards caused by overflows.

City of Elizabeth Lead Service Line Replacement

Pending Award Amount: $1,000,000

The funding would be used to improve water infrastructure by replacing lead service lines, safeguarding public health and improving water quality within the community.

East Newark Public Safety Equipment and Infrastructure Enhancement Project

Pending Award Amount: $1,031,000

This funding would be used to replace aging public safety equipment, technology, and vehicles, and support infrastructure upgrades.

North Hudson Wastewater Treatment Plant Administrative Building Reconstruction in Hoboken

Pending Award Amount: $1,092,000

The funding would be used to reconstruct the North Hudson Sewerage Authority’s Administrative Building, which is integral to regional wastewater infrastructure and is currently located in a flood zone with an unstable foundation. This project would improve the resiliency of regional water infrastructure and mitigate system-wide risks.

Weehawken Police Department Public Safety Communications

Pending Award Amount: $775,000

The funding would be used to enhance the Weehawken Police Department’s public safety communications capacity to improve response times, deter criminal activity, and manage large-scale events.

Woodcliff Drainage Improvements and Sewer Rehabilitation in North Bergen

Pending Award Amount: $1,092,000

The funding would be used to improve stormwater management by introducing critical inlets and stormwater lines to mitigate Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) surcharging, as well as improve the resilience of the sanitary system.

West New York Recreation Center

Pending Award Amount: $1,200,000

This funding would be used to construct multi-use recreation center that will reduce reliance on overburdened school facilities and provide access to recreational activities for residents.

Essex County Riverfront Parks Improvement

Pending Award Amount: $250,000

The funding would be used for rehabilitation of existing facilities, ballfields, tennis, and basketball courts at Riverfront Park to make the park safe for players and parkgoers.

Manhattan Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Union City

Pending Award Amount: $2,000,000

The funding would be used to construct a fully ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge with elevators at 100 Manhattan Avenue in Union City, enhancing accessibility, public safety, and pedestrian connectivity across a major urban roadway.

Passaic Avenue Safety Improvements

Pending Award Amount: $3,000,000

The funding would be used for widening Passaic Avenue in East Newark and Harrison to create physically separated bike lanes, new pedestrian hybrid beacon traffic control devices, high-visibility crosswalks and intersection signalization, and other physical and operational measures.

800 Monroe Resiliency Park Project in Hoboken

Pending Award Amount: $850,000

The funding would be used to create a resilient urban park with recreational amenities, green spaces, and flood management features for Hoboken's community.

Fire Control Center Modernization & Dispatch System Upgrade in West New York

Pending Award Amount: $1,410,000

The funding would be used for the construction and technology upgrades necessary to modernize North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue’s emergency dispatch center serving municipalities in northern Hudson County.

Route 440 Pedestrian Bridge in Bayonne

Pending Award Amount: $2,000,000

The funding would be used for the construction of a pedestrian bridge on Route 440, which is an urban principal arterial roadway that runs the length of Bayonne.

Newark Safe Gateway Pedestrianization and Traffic Safety Improvements

Pending Award Amount: $1,500,000

The funding would be used to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, increase accessibility for people with disabilities, and promote healthy and environmentally friendly transportation options in a key corridor in Newark.

Harrison Public Safety Building Construction Project

Pending Award Amount: $850,000

This funding would be used for constructing a public safety facility to house police, fire, and EMS personnel, improving public safety and emergency response times.

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Messmer Celebrates the 2026 March for Life with Remarks in the House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) delivered words of support from the House of Representatives to all Americans participating in the annual Washington, D.C. “March for Life” activities.

As a devout Catholic, Congressman Messmer is a proud member of the Pro-Life community and has supported legislation that protects the dignity of life from conception to natural death, including his most recent bill, the Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act.

His speech before his colleagues in the House of Representatives can be found here. The text of his speech can be found below.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about something very important to me and my family, and to a majority of Hoosiers in Indiana’s 8th District – the protection of the unborn and the 2026 March for Life.

“As a devout Catholic, I am grateful that from my position in Congress, I can support legislation that protects the defenseless unborn and I can stand up for their God-given-right to survive – a gift that – truly – should only be endowed upon any of us by the grace of our Creator.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the multitudes of Americans who journey from far distances across this great country.

“In my role in the House of Representatives, I am a reliable vote for the Pro-Life community and have been a sponsor of many pieces of legislation that provide for the needs of pregnant mothers, and the life they are carrying in the womb.

“I am honored to celebrate each person participating in this year’s March and I am grateful to be in a position to support the hopes of every Hoosier and American devoted to the sanctity of life.

“It is my great privilege to fervently promise that I will never give up fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.

“Mr. Speaker, I yield back.”

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is fighting to protect a culture of life in the U.S. House of Representatives, click here.

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Reps. Mfume & Watson Coleman Reintroduce Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the reintroduction of the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act, legislation that would place limits and safeguards on the online market for ammunition.

“Since we last introduced this bill, the crisis of mass shootings has continued unabated. We’ve been living with this scourge of violence for so many years as assault weapons and enormous amounts of ammunition continue to fall into the hands of diabolical people,” said Representative Kweisi Mfume. “Mass shootings are not going to stop on their own, and we cannot keep waiting for the next one to occur. I cannot thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman enough for her leadership and am proud to co-lead this effort to protect innocent lives and keep deadly ammunition away from those who would do us harm.”

“For years, we've watched the toll of gun violence grow while Congress fails to act. The numbers tell a devastating story, but behind every statistic is a family and a community grieving their loss,” said Representative Watson Coleman. “Regulating online ammunition sales is a commonsense step to countering the number of mass shootings we see every year. This legislation closes the loophole that makes tragedies like these so unfortunately common. Public safety must come before convenience for an unregulated market: Americans send us to Washington because it is our job to protect them, not mourn them.”

Recent events include a December 2025 shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island that killed two people and injured nine, and a November 2025 attack at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California that left four people dead - 3 of them children - and 17 wounded. These tragedies underscore that gun violence continues to strike college campuses, family gatherings, and communities across the country.

The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act would require federally licensed ammunition dealers to confirm the identity of individuals who arrange to purchase ammunition over the internet by verifying a photo I.D. in person. The bill would also require ammunition vendors to report any sales of more than 1,000 rounds within five consecutive days to the U.S. Attorney General, if the person purchasing ammunition is not a licensed dealer.

The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act is cosponsored by Reps. Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Don Beyer (VA-8), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24).

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Rep. Rogers Supports Pro-Life Legislation During March for Life

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), this week supported the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, two pieces of pro-life legislation, on the House Floor in honor of the annual March for Life. This follows SBA Pro-Life awarding Rep. Rogers an A+ Rating for 2025.

“As many Alabamians gather on the National Mall today in support of the lives of the unborn, I am proud to re-affirm my commitment to pro-life policies,” said Rep. Rogers. “In the past year, this movement has become especially precious to me as my family welcomed our first grandchild. I remain firmly on the side of life and Alabama remains firmly on the side of life. I will always defend the lives of the most innocent among us, and I look forward to continuing this work in Congress in 2026.”

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Miller-Meeks Secures $500,000 For SAFECITY Initiative In Oskaloosa

IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) announced that she has secured $500,000 for Oskaloosa’s SAFECity Initiative in the recently passed appropriations package.

“This investment strengthens the Oskaloosa Police Department’s ability to protect the community by giving officers the modern tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, without placing additional burden on local taxpayers,” said Miller-Meeks. “From license plate recognition and upgraded cameras to panic buttons in our schools, the SAFECity Initiative is a forward-thinking investment in public safety, accountability, and the men and women in uniform who serve Oskaloosa every day.”

“The SAFECity Initiative represents a major step forward in how we protect and serve our community. These resources will strengthen school safety, improve our response to emergencies, and give officers better tools to prevent crime before it happens. We appreciate Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ leadership in securing this investment for Oskaloosa and for recognizing the importance of proactive, technology-driven policing.” - Benjamin Boeke, Oskaloosa Chief of Police

Project Details

$500,000 for the SAFECity Initiative in Oskaloosa: Funding would be used for advanced law enforcement technology and public safety upgrades, including pole-mounted license plate recognition cameras, upgraded in-car and body-worn cameras that integrate with LPR systems, and modernized interview and interrogation rooms with high-quality audio and video recording to support investigations and prosecutions. The funding could also support upgrades to the department’s intoxication investigation room, Common Operating Picture software that integrates data from multiple sources into a single shared display, and a Distributed Antenna System with school panic buttons to directly connect schools to law enforcement under Alyssa’s Law. Additional eligible uses include the purchase of a drone with thermal imaging capabilities and a low-speed electric vehicle for community policing, special events, and recreation trail safety.

Background:

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks included the funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations package, which has now passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.

This investment is part of the more than $8 million in Community Project Funding Miller-Meeks has secured for Southeast Iowa in the 119th Congress, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources back to the district.

The President’s signature is anticipated in the coming days.

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Miller-Meeks Votes to Pass Appropriations Bills that Deliver $19 MILLION to Southeast Iowa

January 23, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) voted to pass the next round of full-year appropriations bills, delivering targeted investments across Southeast Iowa. The legislation also continues House Republicans’ work to cut wasteful spending, rein in federal overreach, and govern responsibly. The bills now heads to the Senate.

“We’ve now passed twelve of twelve appropriations bills needed to fully fund the government through regular order. I’m proud to support legislation that cuts spending, cracks down on waste and fraud, and delivers real results for the people of Iowa,” said Miller-Meeks. “These bills include a whopping $19 MILLION in direct support that I have secured for 9 crucial projects across Southeast Iowa. This is exactly how Congress should work, local priorities, not Washington pet projects.”

The funding package includes the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) and the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7147). Together, they fund key national priorities while rolling back the bloated spending levels that drove inflation and exploded the national debt.

Background:

As part of the legislation, Miller-Meeks secured $19 million for nine major Community Project Funding (CPF) initiatives in Iowa’s First Congressional District:

$6 Million for the City of Burlington Cascade Bridge Project: The funding would be used to replace the deteriorated Cascade Bridge with a modern, safe, and functional structure while preserving its historical essence. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it not only preserves our town's historical legacy but also enhances infrastructure safety and accessibility.

$3 Million for the 110th Street FDR and Asphalt Paving Project in Jefferson County: The funding would be used to pave 110th Avenue, the county road leading to Pekin Community School District. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because paving this rural local road is critical to mitigate extreme safety risks—especially during Iowa winters. Additionally, Packwood, Iowa is also a grain transfer hub, and this route is used to deliver grain from the rural area to Packwood. For the economic prosperity of the Packwood community and ability to recruit a talented workforce for the Pekin Community School District, this infrastructure is essential.

$2,996,000 for the City of Davenport Water Pollution Control Plant Flood Mitigation Project: The Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) is located on the Mississippi River and currently has no flood protection system in place to ensure efficient operations and access during major flood events. This funding would be used for the construction of an earthen levee for the northern perimeter of this wastewater treatment plant, which serves the cities of Davenport, Bettendorf, Riverdale, and Panorama Park. As Davenport has experienced in the past few decades, flooding on the Mississippi River is becoming both more frequent and intense, hitting a record crest and longest duration in 2019. This would be a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because not preventing flood risk would result in a public health and safety issue for the community. A plant shutdown would cause sewer backups and sump pump failures in resident’s homes, local businesses, industrial plants and factories, state occupied buildings, and critical facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. It would also result in the discharge of untreated water to the Mississippi River.

$2 Million for the Iowa County, Route W21 Pavement Improvement in Iowa County: Funding for this project will be used to upgrade and extend route W21 two miles from the Iowa County/Washington County border to north of F67. This would be a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because improving Route W21 is imperative for a variety of interests, including school bus routes, emergency medical response, fire response, law enforcement, and the movement of agricultural commodities.

$1 Million for the Keokuk County, Iowa Route G13 Pavement Improvement Project: Funding for this project will be used to for the resurfacing of route G13 connecting the communities of Keswick and North English in Keokuk County. This would be a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because resurfacing the route between Keswick and North English is imperative for a variety of interests including but not limited to emergency medical response, fire response, law enforcement, school bus routes, and the movement of agricultural commodities and other industrial commerce.

$1 Million for the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road Intersection Project in Coralville: Funding for this project will improve the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road intersection. The project will add lanes, a median, traffic signals, lighting, railroad safety enhancements, and turn lanes, and will provide the needed improvements to improve traffic safety and accommodate the growth in traffic in that area. This would be a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because improving this route is a matter of public safety to relieve congestion and provide infrastructure critical to the growth of nearby businesses. The City of Coralville has acquired funding through state grant programs, but this community project funding is essential to cover the remaining costs for this critical infrastructure investment.

$1 Million for the North River Drive Connector Project in Clinton: The funding would be used to build a 1.5-mile north/south roadway link between downtown Clinton, IA, and the Lyons Business District. The new roadway will run along the land side of the existing Mississippi River levee between Riverview Drive to the south and 25th Avenue North to the north. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because when the Main Avenue bridge was moved 50 years ago, access to the City of Clinton’s northern neighborhood and retail areas was negatively impacted. This project will reconnect the vibrant downtown area with direct access to the Riverfront and businesses adjacent to the Mississippi River.

$1 Million for the Montgomery Drive Improvement Project in Tipton: The funding would be used to convert an existing one lane, gravel Access Road, into a concrete, curb and gutter, residential street with an accompanying parallel 10-foot-wide concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail. The new street will be called “Montgomery Drive.” The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because Montgomery Drive will pass through a 20-acre area of undeveloped land and open it up to single-family residential development. This project will help solve the housing crisis in Tipton by opening a large area for development allowing more residents to move to the city and contribute to the economic development of this community.

$1 Million for the Lee County Career Center Project: Funding for this project will be used to build out and equip the Lee County Career Center for the mutual benefit of Lee County and southeast Iowa industries, Lee County high school students, and Lee County adult learners. This would be a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because the completed center will train over 150 students annually with state-of the-art equipment for manufacturing and healthcare in partnership with Lee County industries. Around 80 Career Center students are expected to be placed with Lee County industry and businesses annually, counting adult and student participants.

These investments would come in addition to the more than $8 million in Community Project Funding Miller‑Meeks has already secured for Southeast Iowa in the 119th Congress, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources back to the district.

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Issues:Delivering Results


STATEMENT: Reps. Dave Min and Yassamin Ansari Condemn New Plans for Deportations to Iran

Washington, D.C. — Representatives Dave Min (CA-47) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-3) released the following statement on the new plans for the deportation of at least 40 Iranian nationals back to Iran:

"We are deeply disturbed by reports that the Trump administration plans to carry out a third deportation flight of Iranian nationals to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including LGBTQ Iranians who face a death sentence by the regime. We previously sent a letter to Secretaries Rubio and Noem in October seeking answers about these deportations, given Iran’s brutal authoritarian regime and its well-documented record of human rights abuses. To date, we have received no substantive response from DHS or DoS.

Amid the recent nationwide protests in Iran, where thousands have been killed or brutally detained while calling for basic freedoms, this silence is unacceptable. Despite President Trump’s claim that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump has refused to support Iran’s brave protesters through foreign aid or expanded internet access, which are desperately needed. Sending more people into harm’s way now defies both common sense and the president’s own statements that he stands with the Iranian people. The United States cannot be complicit in putting innocent lives at risk."


Nadler Celebrates World Trade Center Health Program Funding

“It’s been almost 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and New York’s heroic first responders and survivors still carry with them the burden of that day as they develop chronic conditions and diseases related to the air around Ground Zero,” said Congressman Nadler. “We promised to Never Forget 9/11 and that means taking care of all first responders and survivors of that day. The World Trade Center Health Program is finally receiving much needed funding to do just that. As more and more survivors in New York and across the country discover they have illnesses and diseases related to the 9/11 attacks, this funding will provide a stable path to help them get treated. I am proud to have helped create this permanent program to provide for our brave survivors for generations to come. During this difficult time, I am grateful to see Congress come together to accomplish this once again.”

Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. The program covers the lifespans of all exposed individuals, including first responders, survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site, children who attended schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during the clean-up, and those who have since developed, or are expected to develop, adverse health effects linked to the attacks.


Rep. Neguse: “President Trump has engaged in a five-year effort to rewrite the history of January 6th”

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, yesterday, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, joined Morning Joe on MS NOW to discuss former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s public testimony.

Neguse served as an impeachment manager during Donald Trump’s 2nd trial in front of the United States Senate on the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. He underscored the importance of holding Trump accountable for his efforts to subvert the results of the 2020 election and pushing for the preservation of the peaceful transfer of power.

The interview can be watched HERE. A full transcript is available below.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Joining us now, Assistant Democratic Leader Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado. He's a member of the House Judiciary Committee and was an impeachment manager during Senate trials pertaining to the January 6th insurrection. Well, let's — What are you hoping to hear from Jack Smith? What will you be most interested in asking?

NEGUSE: Well, good morning, Mika. Good to be with you. First, let me just say I find it completely puzzling why Jim Jordan and Republicans have decided to proceed with this hearing in the first instance. I participated in the deposition of the Special Counsel last month. He's an exceptional prosecutor. I found his answers to be compelling and persuasive. Every answer to questions that were made in bad faith by the Republicans was were cogent answers. And I can't understand why Republicans want to now give him an opportunity to remind the American public of the body of evidence that exists that shows that President Trump engaged in unlawful and nefarious conduct in the days and weeks after the 2020 election, and, of course, culminating in January 6th. Which, as you mentioned, he was impeached for on a bipartisan basis, and ultimately, 57 votes in the United States Senate on a bipartisan basis for conviction.

So the American public are going to have an opportunity to hear from Mr. Smith, as we did behind closed doors last month, and I believe that they will find his arguments very compelling. I suppose Republicans have decided that this is a way to obfuscate away from their lack of governing, and the fact that they have just over the course of the last 12 months, made life for everyday Americans a lot more expensive. And, perhaps this is a way for them to kind of engage — change the conversation rather, from what they would like to otherwise be talking about.

ARI MELBER: Congressman, Ari Melber here. Curious what you think is important to come out of this? We, of course, lived through it. We had the January 6th Committee, which did a lot of important work putting this before the public, and these cases were public until they were stopped, as you know. So how much of this is about adding to that record? And how much is about on your side of the aisle, making sure the public understands that what they've done before when they lost elections, they could try again, and sort of Trump-proofing the future elections if they don't go their way.

NEGUSE: That's a great question, Ari. I think you'll hear, or you’ll see, the Democratic members give the Special Counsel an opportunity to talk at greater length about the investigations that he conducted. The reality is, President Trump has engaged in a five-year effort now to rewrite history. And that was, of course, born from, in my view, the sort of original sin of the, you know, United States Senate abdicating its constitutional duty to hold President Trump accountable in the wake of January 6th.

And now, of course, five years later, a year ago today, when President Trump issued pardons to those who had violently assaulted our nation's Capitol. So, unfortunately, the reality is President Trump has never been held accountable for his conduct. And I think that today's hearing will provide an opportunity for Mr. Smith to remind the country of what Mr. Trump and his sycophants engaged in and the risk that, ultimately, I think, still exists for future elections and the peaceful transfer of power, which was once considered sacrosanct. But of course, we now know we can no longer take for granted in the United States.

JOHN HEILEMANN: Hey, Congressman, John Heilemann here. Let me ask you about a different topic. Everybody right now, very focused, rightly so, on what's going on in Minneapolis, with ICE and with ICE more broadly across the country and its enforcement practices. You've been focused on something that kind of that's kind of been out of the public view, but is really important, which is, the king of “Detention Industrial Complex,” the private prisons that the administration have kind of created this network that they're funding hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money going into those, you know, in a way where there's not really been much oversight. I don't think many people in the public are even aware of that kind of infrastructure that's being built to support the ICE effort. Talk to us a little bit about what is happening on that front and what you'd like to see your colleagues in Congress do about it.

NEGUSE: John, you articulated it well. I think it has been lost in some respects during the course of the debate around the terrible abuses that have been committed and the violation of constitutional rights by ICE officials. The reality is, it is part and parcel to the wholesale corruption that's happened at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. You are talking about hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars that are being used to fund what you described and what others have described as a Detention and Deportation Industrial Complex. Some of the wealthiest private contractors of ICE are making money hand over fist by virtue of the slush fund that House Republicans created last year for ICE, and, of course, today we're debating yet another bill — $10.3 billion that House Republicans would like to allocate towards ICE. We're fighting against that.

I think it is shameful. It's reprehensible. There are a lot of wealthy corporations and wealthy individuals making a lot of money ultimately on these abuses and these, the misconduct that you know the press has so, in my view, comprehensively uncovered over the course of the last few months. So more is needed — needs to be done. I think we should end for-profit detention, and I'm leading a bill in the Congress to try to stop it.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse of Colorado. Thank you.

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