Larsen Releases Statement on Trump's Announcement of Greenland Framework

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after President Trump announced a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte:

"If the President’s announcement of a future deal on Greenland results in a necessary U.S. pullback of threats and, in the future, necessary Arctic security investments, then that might be some relief for allies. Without their strong response, along with bipartisan blowback in Congress, it is doubtful the White House would have backed down from its irresponsible actions that benefited only Russia and China.

"For some time, NATO country parliamentarians have called for more focus on the Arctic, or the High North as some call it. In fact, U.S. security investment in the region has often lagged behind other Arctic countries.

"I have been a long-time advocate for increasing Arctic security investments that show U.S. attention to a region that many have treated as 'out of sight, out mind.'

"I hope NATO Secretary General Rutte is able to put meat on the bones of what seems to be more of an aspirational framework than anything real. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly has already done much of the work on what is needed in the Arctic. I hope the Secretary General utilizes it."

Rep. Larsen is a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), which facilitates awareness and understanding of the key issues affecting the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and supports national parliamentary oversight over defense and security.

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Latta Takes 2,635th Consecutive Vote, Longest Current Voting Record in House

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) cast his 2,635th consecutive vote, marking the longest consecutive voting record of any sitting Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. As first reported by Roll Call, Congressman Latta has maintained a perfect voting record since 2020.

“Every vote is an opportunity to speak for the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, and it is my duty in Congress to make sure their voices are heard. Missing a vote means silencing their voice in Congress, and that is not something I take lightly. This streak isn’t about setting a record, it’s about accountability. I’m honored to hold the longest, consecutive voting record of any sitting Member of the U.S. House of Representatives," said Congressman Latta.

“Congressman Latta’s exemplary attendance record is the gold standard for every House Republican. Bob is a team player and shows up ready to work for the people of his district. That’s really what service is all about," said Majority Whip Tom Emmer.


Sánchez opposes Homeland Security bill, will vote to block ICE funding

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) today released the following statement opposing the Homeland Security appropriations bill due to its funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement:

“ICE has been terrorizing the people I represent. I will not vote to give one more dime to President Trump’s personal secret police until it’s brought under control.

“What we are seeing in our neighborhoods is not law enforcement. It’s gestapo-like provocation. ICE is deliberately escalating chaos, flooding our communities with fear, ripping parents from children, traumatizing families and operating as if they are above the law. This is not about public safety – it is federally sanctioned violence with impunity.

“Ranking Member DeLauro should be commended for forcing through the Republican-controlled Appropriations Committee some long-overdue ICE reforms and additional disaster-relief funding for LA wildfire victims. But I still believe every new dollar handed to ICE right now is a green light for more abuse, particularly when they already received billions of new funding under the Republican tax scam.

“ICE is out of control. It has shown that it cannot be trusted. If we want to stop the damage, terror and lawlessness, we must stop funding ICE and hold them accountable.”

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Rep Nancy Mace: I've Held Both Sides Accountable, Clintons Are No Exception

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 21, 2026) - Today, Representative Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced her support for contempt of Congress proceedings against former President Bill Clinton for defying a Congressional subpoena related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Rep. Mace released the following statement:

"I'm the only member of this Committee who has held people in contempt on BOTH sides. Republicans AND Democrats. If you defy a Congressional Subpoena, you get held in contempt. No one is above the law.

“Let's remember what today is actually about: the victims. Children who were trafficked, abused, and exploited by one of the most prolific predators in modern history. They deserve answers. They deserve justice. They deserve to know the FULL truth about everyone who was involved or had knowledge of what Jeffrey Epstein was doing.

“These survivors have waited years, YEARS, for accountability. And what do they get? Delay after delay.

“I don't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat. I don't care if you're a former president or cabinet secretary. If you defy a congressional subpoena, there are consequences.

“The victims of Jeffrey Epstein shouldn't have to wait any longer while powerful people play political games.

“This isn't about politics. This is about principle. And it's about finally getting justice for the women and girls whose lives were destroyed."

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Congressman Mackenzie Meets with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, attended a members-only roundtable on Tuesday night with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Congressman Mackenzie is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Western Hemisphere Subcommittee.

“As Venezuela begins to look towards a brighter future, it was a pleasure to meet with Venezuela opposition leader and Nobel Prize awardee Maria Corina Machado,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Machado has been a champion for freedom and democracy, not just in Venezuela, but throughout the world. Together, we look forward to seeing the return of democracy, liberty, and peace to Venezuela.”

In the meeting, Machado praised the work of the Trump Administration in removing Maduro, which has opened a pathway towards democratic elections.

“Machado and I agree that the action taken to remove Maduro from office marks a decisive victory for the people of Venezuela,” continued Mackenzie. “Maduro was an illegitimate, authoritarian dictator who used his position to promote drug trafficking targeting the United States. Our nation’s efforts to bring Maduro to justice have created new possibilities for Machado and other Venezuelans to promote a return to democracy in their nation. We both have expressed our gratitude to the American servicemembers whose exemplary performance has made this future possible.”

Links to event photos here

(Photo credit: House Foreign Affairs Committee staff)

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Congressman Mackenzie’s FLEX Act Advances Through Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, saw his legislation to modernize the federal Charter Schools Program advance through the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

H.R. 7082, the Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Act, updates the existing Charter Schools Program to reduce red tape and provide greater flexibility in how current federal funds are used — ensuring resources reach classrooms more efficiently and respond to the needs of students and families. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

“Throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, thousands of children and their families benefit from access to proven, high-quality charter schools,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “The FLEX Act gives these schools the freedom and flexibility they need to double down on what’s working for local students. Instead of limiting funding to new schools, we’re ensuring that federal education dollars are available to support programs that are already delivering results right here in our community.”

“The FLEX Act is about giving public charter schools the resources and support they need to focus on what matters most: our students,” said Representative Tokuda. “Increasing flexibility in the use of federal education dollars is especially important in rural places like Hawaiʻi, where public charter schools face real challenges covering transportation, maintaining facilities, paying teachers, and sustaining the programs their communities rely on. That’s why I’m proud to support the FLEX Act with Representative Mackenzie to ensure public charter schools can remain community-based, culturally grounded, and intentionally structured to meet the diverse needs of students.”

"Charter schools should be able to focus on what they do best – educating children – not bureaucratic compliance exercises. The FLEX Act cuts red tape and allows charter schools to innovate so that they can best meet the needs of their students,” said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg. “I commend Rep. Mackenzie for his leadership on this issue and for advancing our committee’s mission to empower students while curbing burdensome federal regulation.”

"We couldn’t be more excited about the Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Act,” said Robert Lysek, Founder and CEO of Executive Education Academy Charter School. “If passed, this bill will really help with getting the CSP support needed directly to charter school families and students. This has not been the case with the old outdated approach. We appreciate this new way of thinking that ensures the dollars reach the classrooms.”

“Over the past six years, charter schools have added over half a million students. As that number continues to grow, we must make sure the CSP is ready to respond to the changing needs of students and families. The FLEX Act aligns the CSP with how charter schools serve kids today, while locking in flexibilities that set schools up for long-term success,” said Starlee Coleman, President & CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “We are grateful to Representative Mackenzie for introducing this bill, and for his commitment to making sure these resources reach classrooms, where they belong.”

"Under current law, Charter Schools Program funding is largely restricted to opening new schools and limited to narrow, one-time costs. Congressman Mackenzie’s bill allows high-quality charter schools to use existing funds to expand proven programs, add new academic offerings, and serve more students. The FLEX Act also cuts duplicative reporting requirements and allows funding to be directed to the areas of greatest need each year, rather than locking funds into rigid sub-programs regardless of demand.

The federal Charter Schools Program already plays a vital role in public education, with nearly half of existing charter schools relying on the program at some point in their development. The FLEX Act builds on that foundation by ensuring existing funds are used efficiently, responsibly, and in a way that prioritizes students and families.

The legislation now awaits further consideration by the full House.

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Díaz-Balart Delivers Key Small Business and Rural Access Wins in FY26 FSGG Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) highlighted key funding priorities and policy provisions secured following House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill last week, which strengthen support for small businesses and protect rural communities.

“As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to deliver concrete results that support small businesses and protect vulnerable communities. This bill reflects a serious, responsible approach to governance, including supporting economic opportunity and improving accountability,” saidDíaz-Balart.

The FY26 FSGG bill reflects Díaz-Balart’s continued commitment to advancing fiscal responsibility, supporting local communities across Miami-Dade and Collier Counties, and defending U.S. national security interests at home and abroad.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

The bill includes significant investments to expand access to capital, technical assistance, and economic opportunity for small businesses and underserved communities, including:

$324 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund to support lending and investment in small businesses and local communities

$10 million to expand CDFI investments benefiting individuals with disabilities

$140 million for the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), providing counseling, training, and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners

Protecting Mail Delivery and Access in Rural Communities

Recognizing the impact of postal service disruptions on rural and vulnerable populations, the bill includes new report language requiring the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to improve transparency and accountability regarding temporary post office suspensions.

This provision is especially important for communities such as Everglades City and Chokoloskee, where temporary post office closures directly affected veterans and seniors who rely on the USPS for the delivery of critical medication, as well as individuals who have lost important documents such as U.S. passports and money orders.

The report language requires USPS to:

Clearly outline the criteria used to determine temporary suspensions

Provide a list of temporarily suspended post offices, including the reason for each suspension

Detail the length of each suspension

Develop an action plan to improve communication with affected communities, local leaders, state officials, and federal officials

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McCaul Highlights Importance of Cybersecurity Capabilities at Homeland Security Hearing

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security — spoke at a full committee hearing titled, “Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security: CISA, TSA, S&T.”

During his tenure as chairman, McCaul authored the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act and championed the passage of the Cyber Information Sharing Act. During today's hearing, he underscored the importance of both initatives and asked Acting CISA Director Dr. Gottumukkala about their status.

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Click to watch

Transcript of McCaul's Exchange:

MCCAUL: Let me just say first, when I was chairman of this committee in 2015, we passed the Cyber Information Sharing Act, the ranking member and I did, together. It’s been a very bipartisan issue. In 2018, we passed the Cyber Security and Information Security Agency permanent authorization. And the reason why I’m going through this legislative history [is] it’s very important to know what is still authorized today and what is not. One of the most critical pieces of CISA as we imagined in Congress was to share information with the private sector — not only to the private sector but from the private sector, which holds about 80% of the cyber threat information. Would you agree with that, sir?

GOTTUMUKKALA: Yes sir.

MCCAUL: So that was vitally important as the authors of this agency, and we had quite a battle, I’d say, with [the House Intelligence Committee] over whether this should be warehoused under the National Security Agency, which is not a civilian agency. To interact with the private sector, we thought a civilian agency would be the better fit. I like to think that we were right about that. But then the goal was to expand the capabilities so that you can meet those requirements. Do you feel that you have those capabilities today?

GOTTUMUKKALA: Sir, the CISA 2015, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act that you are referring to, it provides the legal foundation for cyber threat information sharing between the federal government and the private sector, and it remains one of the most important authorities for defending the U.S. critical infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

MCCAUL: Now let me go back to the authorizations, because this is really important for the committee members to know. Now, CISA the agency was permanently authorized, so there’s no expiration. However, there is one on the Cyber Information Sharing Act, which was brought about by a compromise with various members who would not vote for it unless we put that expiration term in there. So ... it will expire on January 30th of this year. ...

It is not in the Homeland appropriations that we’re voting on this week. My question to you is: While you still have appropriations to the majority of your agency, if not all, to not be authorized — to have a lapse in authorization — at this point in time where the cyber threat is far greater today than when Mr. Thompson and I first created the agency and the [Cyber] Information Sharing Act, in addition coupled with the World Cup FIFA events coming up, the Olympics, and our 250th anniversary of the republic... How does that harm your efforts to protect the nation?

GOTTUMUKKALA: Congressman, thank you again. Like I said, I personally support and DHS also supports the long-term reauthorization of CISA 2015, and I understand that the act expires January 30th. One of the strengths of CISA is the partnership and collaboration with the private sector, and the private sector understands that this will be extended through the continuing resolution. And we have worked with Chairman Garbarino and the committee and the widespread information-

MCCAUL: This is not your fault; this is congress’s fault. I think the [committee] has done its job, but the Senate has not done their job on this. And so it’s vitally important — and this is a message to the Senate — that when we do pass this again, that the Senate reauthorize your mission. Otherwise, your ability to collect 80% of the threat information from the private sector is gone; you’re no longer authorized to do that by law. And so that is why that is so important, sir. And this has, as Mr. Thompson knows, always been a bipartisan issue. I really hope, I don’t have any doubt in my colleagues on the other side of the aisle or in the House that we’re going to get this done, but the Senate, for the sake of the nation and our security, needs to act on this. It is highly irresponsible and quite frankly, it’s just downright dangerous what they’re doing, and they’re playing games with something that’s very serious.

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U.S. Rep. McCollum Statement on Passage of House Republicans' Legislation to Remove Boundary Waters Protections

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) issued the following statement on Wednesday following the passage of H.J. Res. 140, which would expose the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness watershed to toxic acid mine drainage:

“The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is our nation’s most-visited wilderness area, and its headwaters should be protected from toxic sulfide-ore mining. Instead of protecting this national treasure, the House Republican majority today voted to put one of the largest reserves of freshwater in the world directly in the path of inevitable acid mine drainage. One hundred percent of copper mines have failed, leading to polluted waters.

“Antofagasta/Twin Metals, a Chilean mining company, has been lobbying to remove the protections from this watershed and renew their mine plans to extract American minerals. They have contracts to ship the ore they extract to China to be smelted and sold on the global market. This resolution does nothing to help bolster our domestic supply of critical minerals.

“This bill now goes to the Senate. Should the Senate Republican majority take up and pass this resolution, it will overturn protections that are rooted in scientific evidence and strong public support.

“This fight is not over. I will continue to fight to stop this resolution and to pass the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act, my legislation to permanently protect the BWCA.”

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Thompson Issues Statement on DOGE Illegally Accessing Social Security Data

Read my statement on DOGE employees illegally accessing and sharing Social Security data:

"Members of this administration continue to break the law, and they need to be held accountable. Two DOGE employees accessed and shared Americans’ Social Security data in an effort to undermine our elections and overturn the will of voters. That is not “cost-cutting.” It is an abuse of power and a direct threat to our democracy.

"No unelected group, billionaire-backed or otherwise, has the right to weaponize Americans’ personal data for political gain. These actions are illegal, violate the public trust, and endanger millions of people’s private information.

"Those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law. I urge my Republican colleagues to join Democrats in conducting rigorous oversight to protect Americans’ data and ensure that no one is above the law."


Miller-Meeks Introduces Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01), a 24-year U.S. Army veteran and physician, introduced the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act in the House of Representatives. This critical legislation ensures veterans are clearly and consistently informed of their rights when seeking care and benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Our veterans have worn the uniform, defended our freedoms, and upheld our Constitution. They should never be left in the dark when it comes to the benefits and care they have rightfully earned,” said Representative Miller-Meeks. “Too often, I hear from Iowa veterans who are frustrated and confused by the VA’s complex bureaucracy. This bill cuts through that confusion, ensuring veterans are treated with dignity, and given clear, accurate information about their rights and available services.”

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is leading the Senate companion legislation, joined by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

“Navigating complex statutes, regulations, and internal policies can be confusing, leaving veterans unsure of what to expect or what questions to ask about the resources available to them,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA health care, benefits, and services.”

“As a combat veteran, I’m proud to help establish the Veterans’ Bill of Rights to deliver those who proudly served our country in uniform the information, support, and care they need to live a healthy, successful life,” said Senator Sheehy. “Veterans deserve to know exactly what benefits and services are available and how to access them when they return home, and this bill will empower veterans by increasing transparency, streamlining bureaucracy, and holding the VA accountable to its core mission of serving veterans.”

“Veterans shouldn’t have to wade through red tape just to understand the rights they’ve already earned through their service,” said Senator Tillis. “The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act makes those rights clear and consistent across the VA, so veterans know what to expect and can focus on getting the care and benefits they deserve.”

“Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans, and I always hear from them about how tough it is to navigate bureaucratic VA processes,” said Senator Tuberville. “As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I want to do everything I can to make it easier for our veterans. I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in introducing the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act to ensure veterans are fully aware of the benefits and services available to them by law. I’ll continue fighting to create a more transparent VA process for our veterans and keep the VA focused on its core mission of serving America’s heroes.”

Background

Veterans’ benefits and health care protections are already established throughout federal law, but many veterans report difficulty understanding what rights and options are available to them when interacting with the VA.

Information is often fragmented across statutes, regulations, and internal policies, leaving veterans unsure what to expect or what questions to ask during appointments, claims processing, or appeals.

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act directs the VA to be more explicit, consistent, and transparent in informing veterans of the rights they already have under current law.

THE VETERANS’ BILL OF RIGHTS ACT

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services, including:

Access to VA or VA-authorized providers, consistent with eligibility under existing law;

Courtesy, dignity, and respect in all interactions with VA;

Clear, complete information about treatment options and informed consent;

Information on benefits, programs, and services for which the veteran may be eligible;

Ability to apply for benefits at any time with clear eligibility explanations;

Ability to seek care or raise concerns without retaliation or adverse action;

Protection of personal information and medical records under existing law;

Complaint filing with timely investigation and resolution;

Transparent, written communication on claims, benefits, and appeals;

Access to appeals and fair hearings under existing processes.

This legislation would also require the VA to integrate this information into patient-facing materials, employee training, and to prominently display it at VA facilities and online.

Click here for bill text.

Endorsements

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act is endorsed by Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Veteran Action, and Concerned Veterans for America (CVA):

“Our veterans fulfilled their duty to America. Now America must fulfill its duty to them. Rep. Miller-Meeks is a true champion for America's veterans. The Veterans' Bill of Rights ensures that every veteran receives the respect, dignity, and care they have earned,” said Mark Lucas, Founder & President, Veteran Action.

“Veterans have served our nation, and they deserve the same timely access to health care, mental health support, housing, education, and job opportunities as any other American. The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act ensures these essential services are delivered transparently, efficiently, and without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. By codifying these rights and modernizing VA services, we empower veterans to continue serving their communities long after their military service ends. CVA strongly supports this legislation,” said John Vick, Executive Director, Concerned Veterans for America.

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Moolenaar: Gotion Reaches New Low

Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement in reaction to the report that Gotion intends to seek additional monetary damages from Green Charter Township over Gotion's failed project:

"Gotion has reached a new low as it seeks to bankrupt Green Charter Township. The people of Mecosta County, and the State of Michigan have thoroughly rejected it, but it is still trying to hold the town hostage. The CCP-affiliated company will stop at nothing to build a plant that no one wants."

Late last year, the State of Michigan placed Gotion, a CCP-affiliated company, in default on its agreement to build a battery component factory in Mecosta County.

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U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Calls on Colleagues to Oppose Resolution that Overturns Protections for the Boundary Waters

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ahead of the U.S. House vote on House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.) 140, which would strip the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of protections from copper sulfide mining, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) spoke on the House floor in strong opposition to the bill and urged her colleagues to reject this resolution.

H.J.Res. 140 would remove protections from mining near the headwaters of the Boundary Waters and expose the Boundary Waters watershed to pollution from toxic copper sulfide mining, which has never been done in Minnesota. In her speech, Representative Morrison highlighted the 22,000 outdoor recreation jobs that Minnesota will lose if this resolution passes and Minnesota’s $13.5 billion outdoor recreation economy that will be jeopardized due to toxic mining.

Watch Representative Morrison’s full speech HERE.

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Read a transcript of Rep. Morrison’s speech below:

Mr. Speaker,

Today I rise in strong opposition to House Joint Resolution 140.

This resolution would permanently allow copper sulfide mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Copper sulfide mining is the most toxic industry in America and is particularly ill suited to water rich environments because it acidifies the water and leaches heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury into that water, which is part of the reason it has never been done in Minnesota before. Remember, we are the land of 10,000 lakes.

Minnesotans do not want a toxic mine on the watershed of the Boundary Waters.

In fact, 70% of Minnesotans want permanent protection for the Boundary Waters, our state's crown jewel.

Antofagasta, owned by a Chilean billionaire who is a crony of President Trump’s, is the foreign mining company that wants to extract minerals from this watery wilderness.

They have contracts set up to send the copper they extract to China for processing, and from there, it will be sold on the open market.

Allowing a Chilean mining company to extract copper from our public lands, destroy the Boundary Waters, and send minerals to benefit billionaire owners and China will not protect our national security.

Some sacred places should be off limits from this kind of mining, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is clearly one of those places.

Remember too that 22,000 outdoor recreation jobs and the $13.5 billion outdoor recreation economy in Minnesota will all be in serious jeopardy if this resolution passes.

The Boundary Waters is a national treasure, the most visited wilderness area in the United States.

There is no place like it on Earth, and once it is destroyed it will be gone forever.

Like many Minnesotans, and people around the country and the world, my husband and I have paddled and camped with our kids in the Boundary Waters every year since they were small.

We share magical and life changing memories from our adventures there that we all cherish.

Preserving this wilderness for future generations should be our goal, not its destruction.

This resolution is an existential threat to our beloved Boundary Waters.

I implore my colleagues to reject this resolution.

You have the opportunity to stand up for public lands and the Boundary Waters and prevent the inevitable water, air, noise, light, and land pollution that will destroy this unique wilderness.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

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Moulton on Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for FY26: "No more blank checks for an agency that murdered a mother of three and laughed about it."

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) issued the following statement regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security appropriations bill that will be brought up for a vote on Thursday.

"American taxpayers choose healthcare for their families over getting gunned down by ICE on our streets. That’s why I refuse to fund ICE and am voting No on the Homeland Security appropriations bill. No more blank checks for an agency that murdered a mother of three and laughed about it. ICE’s thugs are an embarrassment to America and to the members of our law enforcement who follow the law and actually do the hard work of keeping Americans safe every day, rather than murder us like ICE did in Minneapolis."

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Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Broaden AI Research and Workforce Pipeline

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) introduced the Expanding AI Voices Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure rural communities, students at under-resourced schools, and first-generation college students have a fair shot to contribute to America’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) economy.

“Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how Iowans work, learn, and live,” said Rep. Nunn. “To make sure this technology strengthens our workforce, AI policy must focus on opening doors—not replacing workers or concentrating opportunities at elite universities. This bipartisan bill expands access to AI training, research, and good-paying jobs so workers, students, and communities in Iowa and across the country can compete and succeed.”

Despite rapid advances in AI, research funding and workforce development remain heavily concentrated in a small number of elite institutions. Many colleges and universities—particularly those serving rural communities or first-generation students—lack the resources, infrastructure, and partnerships to fully participate meaningfully in AI research and workforce development. These gaps limit innovation and exclude talented students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields.

“As Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforms our economy and society, Congress must ensure that working Americans and communities across the country can participate in, and benefit from the jobs and opportunities that AI creates,” said Rep. Foushee. “The Expanding AI Voices Act builds on bipartisan work I was proud to undertake alongside Congressman Nunn on the House AI Task Force by expanding access to AI education, research, and workforce pathways. This legislation will help unlock the tremendous STEM talent found at MSIs, HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and rural-serving institutions, including those in my home state of North Carolina—to foster a skilled workforce ready to take on the risks and benefits to society spurred by AI. I thank Congressman Nunn for joining me in introducing this bill, and I look forward to moving it through the House Science Committee and beyond.”

The Expanding AI Voices Act would strengthen U.S. capacity and workforce development in AI fields by expanding training and research resources across a wider range of institutions—prioritizing those in rural communities.

Specifically, the bill would:

Codify and expand the National Science Foundation’s ExpandAI program to support AI capacity-building projects at under-resourced institutions.

Prioritize participation by institutions not ranked in the top 100 for federal R&D spending, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Support workforce development through faculty recruitment, bridge programs for post-baccalaureate students, access to computing and data resources, and hands-on training workshops.

Direct targeted outreach to expand participation by first-generation students and populations historically underrepresented in STEM.

“Google is proud to support the Expanding AI Voices Act, because building truly helpful AI and maintaining America’s competitive edge will require talent from every corner of the country,” said Anne Wall, U.S. Federal Government Affairs & Public Policy, Google. “This bipartisan bill is a vital step in strengthening the NSF to train the next generation of AI researchers and workers.”

“The pace of AI innovation is transforming industries, making skilled talent more important than ever. Yet today’s skills gap presents an obstacle to innovation and economic development,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President, Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM. “The bipartisan Expanding AI Voices Act takes an important step toward closing this gap by ensuring more students across a wide range of communities and institutions can participate in this transformation. IBM commends Rep. Foushee and Rep. Nunn for their leadership in helping prepare the next generation of U.S. workers.”

Text of the bill can be found here.

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Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Ilhan Omar and Ranking Member Castro Call on House to Pass Bipartisan Resolution to End Trump’s Illegal War on Venezuela

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and CPC Member and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement ahead of a vote on the bipartisan War Powers Resolution H.Con.Res. 68, led by Reps. McGovern (MA-02), Massie (R-KY-o4), and Castro, directing the President to end unauthorized hostilities against Venezuela:

“Trump began the year by flagrantly violating international law and the Constitution, invading and bombing Venezuela, kidnapping its head of state, killing dozens in the process, seizing control of the country’s oil, and inviting U.S. fossil fuel executives to take the spoils.

“The administration has since sequestered hundreds of millions of dollars from Venezuela’s oil revenue in Qatari banks, far from Congressional oversight. The United States continues to maintain a naval blockade of the country—an act of war—seizing its seventh oil tanker yesterday and routinely putting U.S. servicemembers in harm’s way for a military offensive explicitly justified to take over a sovereign country’s natural resources and coerce its government into doing Trump’s bidding.

“At this dire moment, Congress must reclaim its sole Constitutional authority over war and peace. We call on Democrats and Republicans to vote yes on the bipartisan McGovern-Massie-Castro War Powers Resolution to send a message to this out-of-control Administration that it cannot bomb, invade, and overthrow governments across the globe and seize their resources.

“Today, both the longstanding targets of U.S. aggression and historic allies alike agree that Trump’s foreign policy—based on open conquest and imperial violence—is a threat to the entire world. Congress has the power to rein in this erratic and unhinged president and force him to comply with the rule of law. The CPC has consistently led the effort to reassert Congress’s war powers under Democratic and Republican administrations alike. Tomorrow, the people’s elected representatives must vote in a bipartisan way to approve this resolution and say no to destabilizing and illegal wars for oil.”

In September 2025, the Progressive Caucus introduced the first War Powers Resolution in Congress related to ending Trump’s illegal actions in the hemisphere, led by CPC Members Reps. Omar, Chuy García (IL-04), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jim McGovern, and Joaquin Castro.

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The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is made up of nearly 100 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests. The CPC champions policies including comprehensive immigration reform, good-paying jobs, fair trade, universal health care, debt-free college, climate action, and a just foreign policy. The caucus is the leading voice calling for bold and sweeping solutions to the urgent crises facing this nation, including ending America’s broken for-profit health care system, raising American wages, eliminating political corruption, supporting the labor movement, and taking action to protect the planet for generations to come.

La vicepresidenta del Caucus Progresista, Omar, y el miembro de mayor rango, Castro, piden a la Cámara de Representantes que apruebe una resolución bipartidista para poner fin a la guerra ilegal de Trump contra Venezuela.

WASHINGTON — La vicepresidenta del Caucus Progresista del Congreso (CPC), la representante Ilhan Omar (MN-05), y el miembro del CPC y miembro de mayor rango del Subcomité de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cámara de Representantes para el Hemisferio Occidental, el congresista Joaquín Castro (TX-20), difundieron la siguiente declaración antes de la votación de una Resolución de Poderes de Guerra bipartidista que ordena al presidente poner fin a las hostilidades no autorizadas contra Venezuela:

“Trump comenzó el año violando de forma flagrante el derecho internacional y la Constitución, invadiendo y bombardeando Venezuela, secuestrando a su jefe de Estado, matando a decenas de personas en el proceso, tomando el control del petróleo del país e invitando a ejecutivos estadounidenses de combustibles fósiles a quedarse con el botín”.

“Desde entonces, la administración ha inmovilizado cientos de millones de dólares de los ingresos petroleros de Venezuela en bancos de Qatar, lejos de la supervisión del Congreso. Estados Unidos sigue manteniendo un bloqueo naval contra el país —un acto de guerra—, incautando ayer su séptimo buque petrolero y poniendo rutinariamente a integrantes de las Fuerzas Armadas estadounidenses en riesgo por una ofensiva militar justificada explícitamente para apoderarse de los recursos naturales de un país soberano y obligar a su gobierno a cumplir los deseos de Trump”.

“En este momento tan grave, el Congreso debe recuperar su única autoridad constitucional sobre la guerra y la paz. Hacemos un llamado a demócratas y republicanos a votar sí a la Resolución de Poderes de Guerra McGovern–Massie–Castro, para enviar un mensaje a esta administración fuera de control: no puede bombardear, invadir y derrocar gobiernos en todo el mundo y apropiarse de sus recursos”.

“Hoy, tanto los objetivos históricos de la agresión estadounidense como aliados tradicionales coinciden en que la política exterior de Trump —basada en la conquista abierta y la violencia imperial— representa una amenaza para el mundo entero. El Congreso tiene el poder de frenar a este presidente errático y desquiciado y obligarlo a cumplir con el Estado de derecho. El CPC ha liderado de manera consistente el esfuerzo por reafirmar los poderes de guerra del Congreso bajo administraciones demócratas y republicanas por igual. Mañana, los representantes electos del pueblo deben votar de manera bipartidista para aprobar esta resolución y decir no a guerras desestabilizadoras e ilegales por petróleo.”

En septiembre de 2025, el Caucus Progresista presentó la primera Resolución de Poderes de Guerra en el Congreso relacionada con poner fin a las acciones ilegales de Trump en el hemisferio, encabezada por miembros del CPC: las y los representantes Omar, García, Greg Casar (TX-35), Jim McGovern (MA-02) y Joaquin Castro (TX-20).

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El Caucus Progresista del Congreso (CPC) está integrado por casi 100 miembros que defienden ideales progresistas en Washington y en todo el país. Desde 1991, el CPC ha promovido políticas progresistas que priorizan a las y los trabajadores estadounidenses por encima de los intereses corporativos. El CPC impulsa políticas como una reforma migratoria integral, empleos con buenos salarios, comercio justo, salud universal, el acceso a la educación superior sin endeudamiento, la acción climática y una política exterior justa. El caucus es la principal voz que reclama soluciones firmes y de amplio alcance ante las crisis urgentes que enfrenta el país, entre ellas poner fin al fallido sistema de salud con fines de lucro, aumentar los salarios, eliminar la corrupción política, apoyar al movimiento sindical y actuar para proteger el planeta para las generaciones futuras.


Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Ilhan Omar Urges Lawmakers to Oppose ICE Funding Bill

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) released the following statement opposing this week’s House Appropriations bill, which contains $28 billion in annual funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

“I will be joining my progressive House colleagues to vote no on this week’s appropriations bill, which provides tens of billions of dollars to Donald Trump’s ICE with no meaningful checks on its lawless and violent behavior. I call on all members of Congress to join us in opposing this legislation.

“Kristi Noem’s ICE is completely out of control. In my community of Minneapolis, a masked ICE officer fired three times at point blank range on Renee Good, a mother of three, killing her in her own vehicle as she attempted to turn away. Senior Trump Administration officials then smeared the victim as a domestic terrorist, lied about what happened, and deployed the Vice President of the United States to say her killer ‘deserves a debt of gratitude.’

“ICE is shooting people in broad daylight, beating up teenagers, spraying tear gas on peaceful protesters, ripping people out of their cars and homes without warrants, racially profiling people based on their accents, taking kids from schools, and abducting people and shipping them to faraway detention camps with brutal conditions and no due process.

“We say no to Congressional Republicans pushing legislation that provides $400 million more in ICE detention and $370 million more in ICE enforcement, on top of the unprecedented $75 billion that the agency received in Trump’s Big Ugly Bill as ICE terrorizes our communities—all paid for by cutting Americans’ health care and nutrition support.

“The Progressive Caucus is unified. I applaud our members for voting to adopt an official position to deny all funding to ICE’s enforcement actions until serious oversight, accountability and reforms are imposed, including an end to the violent occupation of American cities like Minneapolis. No more blank checks for a rogue agency that operates above the law, escalates violence, and erodes our most basic freedoms.”

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The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is made up of nearly 100 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests. The CPC champions policies including comprehensive immigration reform, good-paying jobs, fair trade, universal health care, debt-free college, climate action, and a just foreign policy. The caucus is the leading voice calling for bold and sweeping solutions to the urgent crises facing this nation, including ending America’s broken for-profit health care system, raising American wages, eliminating political corruption, supporting the labor movement, and taking action to protect the planet for generations to come.


Pappas Introduces Legislation to Redirect Excessive ICE Funding to Local Law Enforcement

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the PUBLIC SAFETY Act to redirect almost $75 billion in funding passed in the Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which Congressman Pappas opposed, from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and send it instead to local law enforcement programs to help hire and train 200,000 local cops nationwide. Pappas’s bill would not affect ICE’s regular appropriations, leaving the agency with historically normal funding levels to conduct traditional immigration enforcement operations. The bill is the House companion to legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (NV) in the Senate.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. While local law enforcement are repeatedly asked to do more with less, this administration is funneling billions in unnecessary funding to ICE to conduct operations that local law enforcement agree are actually making our country less safe,” said Congressman Pappas. “I trust our local departments to make the investments our communities need, and I know from my conversations with these departments that they need more resources for recruitment, retention, training, and victim assistance. We can truly make this country safer by redirecting these funds to invest in the kind of tested law enforcement we have here in the state of New Hampshire.”

Pappas’s bill would prioritize effective law enforcement by investing in local police officers who undergo thorough training and have real ties to the communities they serve. Specifically, the Providing Useful Budgets for Localities to Invest in Cops by Substituting Appropriations from Federal Enforcement To Yield Results (PUBLIC SAFETY) Act would:

Reallocate $29.85 billion in OBBBA funds for ICE’s enforcement and operations to the COPS Hiring Program for the hiring of over 200,000 local police officers nationwide;

Waive the COPS Hiring Program’s matching contribution requirements for small jurisdictions; and

Reallocate $45 billion in OBBBA funds designated for unnecessary and harmful additions to ICE’s detention capacity to the Byrne JAG program, which provides funding to support training, crime victim assistance, and crime prevention.

While federal law enforcement has an important role to play in targeting undocumented violent criminals and securing the border, the Trump administration’s immigration policies are not keeping Americans safe. Instead, the reckless Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Kristi Noem, is putting thousands of unprepared and undertrained agents in our communities with unacceptable results. In the past year, ProPublica estimates that ICE has detained over 170 U.S. citizens. As of late November 2025, 73% of individuals held in ICE detention did not have a criminal conviction, and less than 5% had a violent criminal conviction. At the same time, ICE has lowered its training and hiring standards, putting undertrained and unvetted agents on the streets, straining already under-staffed police departments.

New Hampshire has faced a police staffing shortage in recent years, including documented vacancies for 62 state troopers and dozens of positions across local departments. Pappas’s bill would help address that shortage by dramatically increasing funding for two key programs that help police departments hire and train officers, support victims, and invest in crime prevention, raising funding levels more than 200-fold compared to current levels.


Pappas Reintroduces Bipartisan Stop Crimes Against Children Act

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) introduced the Stop Crimes Against Children Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen efforts to identify, prevent, and respond to crimes against children.

The legislation would amend the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, a Department of Justice (DOJ) effort to put in place best practices in the prevention and interdiction of heinous and destructive acts of child exploitation. Specifically, the legislation would include a broader array of stakeholders and partners in the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, including the nonprofit sector and institutions of higher education, and direct the strategy to include information on victim support. This will ensure that communities can leverage the full spectrum of expertise and resources alongside government and law enforcement agencies to keep children safe.

“The fight against child exploitation and abuse requires an all hands-on-deck-effort, and that means bringing together stakeholders with a broad array of expertise to put in place strategies that will keep our kids safe,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bipartisan legislation ensures that leaders from the nonprofit sector and institutions of higher education, who are doing vital work to protect children from abuse, will be part of our national strategy to identify, prevent, and respond to crimes against children right alongside law enforcement and government agencies. I remain committed to doing all I can to stop crimes against children, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide every resource available to keep children safe in New Hampshire and across the country.”

“There is a rapidly growing foundation of research and best practices that have been shown to protect children from violence and crime. The Stop Crimes Against Children Act will help disseminate those programs and practices more rapidly and effectively. We are making progress but we could do a lot more with this Act as support,” said Dr. David Finkelhor, Director of UNH Crimes Against Children Research Center.

“Crimes against children are among the most horrific and devastating offenses imaginable, and too often they are enabled by rapidly evolving technology,” said Congressman Buchanan. “Law enforcement cannot fight this crisis alone, and I’m proud to join Congressman Pappas in advancing this bipartisan legislation. By bringing together nonprofits, researchers and institutions of higher education, we strengthen prevention efforts, improve victim support and ensure our communities are using every available tool to protect children.”

This legislation is also supported by the Zero Abuse Project.

Background:

At the start of last year, following the Trump Administration’s attempt to execute a broad freeze of all federal grant programs, Pappas and the New Hampshire delegation joined representatives from local schools, police departments, fire departments, and CAP agencies to highlight the wide-ranging impacts of any freeze on a variety of programs, including significantly impacting investigations into internet-based sexual crimes against children and services for victims of crime.


Pappas, Schneider Bipartisan Bill to Anchor Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. Foreign Policy Advanced

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, led by Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Dina Titus (NV-1), passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee by a 45-2 vote. The bipartisan legislation aims to bolster the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as a strategic link between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

“We must continue to make progress deepening the relationship between the United States and our allies in the East Mediterranean and beyond,” said Congressman Pappas, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our coordination with Greece, Cyprus, and other allies in regional security, energy, and infrastructure. I’ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen international cooperation to protect America's security interests.”

“The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a central hub for energy and infrastructure connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India,” said Congressman Schneider. “This bipartisan bill ensures U.S. diplomacy keeps pace with that transformation, strengthening our partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt and supporting efforts like the U.S.-India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) that deepen regional integration. Thank you to Foreign Affairs Chair Mast and Ranking Member Meeks for allowing consideration of this legislation and to my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee for their broad support. I’m hopeful the full House will soon have an opportunity to advance this bill that will shore up global energy supply chains and bolster defense cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting a U.S.–India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is vital to enhancing energy security, economic integration, and regional cooperation,” said Congressman Bilirakis, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. “I am pleased this legislation has passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, advancing a strategic initiative that will diversify energy routes, strengthen global supply chains, and promote efficient trade and investment. IMEC also provides a transparent and sustainable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing U.S. partnerships and regional stability.”

“I am pleased to see our bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act advance out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "This legislation reinforces America’s partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, strengthening cooperation on energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is crucial to securing American interests abroad," said Congresswoman Titus. “By investing in the Eastern Mediterranean and recognizing it as a critical part of IMEC, we will be strengthening our energy security and defense cooperation in the region.”

The bill reinforces U.S. support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and regional initiatives including the 3+1 dialogue with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum. It calls for:

Elevating the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy;

Institutionalizing strategic dialogues with IMEC and regional partners;

Supporting cross-border infrastructure projects and energy interconnectors;

Studying the expansion of U.S.–Israel innovation programs to the broader region;

Evaluating multilateral models like Cyprus’s CYCLOPS center for regional coordination.

The legislation builds on bipartisan support for deeper regional integration, grounded in shared interests in energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination.


CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN SUBMITS PETITION WITH OVER 10,000 SIGNATURES TO DHS, COMMUNITY BACKLASH TO ICE FACILITY CONTINUES TO GROW

After the Washington Post reported that a warehouse in Chester, NY would be part of a larger ICE plan to house 80,000 immigrants in warehouses across the country, Congressman Pat Ryan immediately sounded the alarm and released a petition opposing the proposal

With DHS opening public comment period on the proposed facility, Ryan submitted the anonymous, strong backlash of the 10,000+ Hudson Valley community members who oppose ICE moving in to Chester

Ryan is continuing to encourage the Hudson Valley community to show up in force and sign on to the effort to stop the proposed Chester facility

CHESTER, NY – Congressman Pat Ryan is escalating his push and rallying the Hudson Valley community to stop the opening of a proposed ICE facility in Orange County. Ryan is encouraging the Hudson Valley community to show up in force and sign on to the effort to stop the proposed Chester facility.

The proposed facility would use a vacant warehouse in Chester, NY as part of a larger Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plan to house 80,000 migrants in warehouses nationwide. Ryan, receiving no warning or information from the Administration, immediately sounded the alarm and released a petition in opposition to the DHS proposal. In just one week, Ryan’s petition has amassed the signatures of more than 10,000 concerned community members, which Ryan anonymously submitted to DHS as evidence of widespread backlash to the proposal across the Hudson Valley.

“In just one week, more than ten thousand members of our community have come together with a clear message for this Administration – we will not stand by and let ICE move into Chester. I’m incredibly proud of how our entire community has rallied, and the momentum only continues to grow, ” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The responses I’m receiving here from our community are among the strongest and most unified I’ve seen during my time in office. And it's for very good reason– we’re seeing law-abiding members of our community snatched off the streets with no due process, and whether that’s at facilities in NY or across the country, we will not accept it. The power to keep ICE from moving in, terrorizing our neighbors, and making us all less safe is in our hands. So the Hudson Valley will keep showing ICE, DHS, and Kristi Noem exactly what we’re made of as we stand together on the side of justice, accountability, and humanity.”

Community members are still encouraged to sign this petition in opposition to the proposed facility as Hudson Valley-wide backlash to DHS’s plan to move ICE into Chester continues to grow.

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Congresswoman Pou Seeks Federal Probe of Trump Admin Cuts to New Jersey Schools

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) today called on the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to open a probe of the Trump Education Department’s abrupt decision to slash $170 million in critical funding to public schools, including roughly $8 million to eight schools in New Jersey’s Ninth District.

“I write to request that the Government Accountability Office conduct an investigation into the actions taken by the Department of Education that discontinued roughly $170 million in Full-Service Community School grant awards. This independent investigation into the processes and decision-making of the Department is critical to determine whether the officials there or at other various offices across the Trump administration may have engaged in misconduct or acted illegally in this process,” wrote Congresswoman Pou to the Acting Comptroller General of the United States.

Congresswoman Pou has been vocally critical of these cuts. On December 18, Pou sent an urgent letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighting the “catastrophic harm” these cuts would cause and demanded the funding be restored “before it is too late.” During Christmas week, Pou’s office had been in touch with administration officials to make clear the district’s willingness to work with the Department to address their priorities. On December 30, Congresswoman Pou sent a follow-up letter to the Department of Education, demanding answers regarding its decision denying Paterson School District’s appeal to retain this federal funding.

Full-Service Community School grants support a myriad of resources in New Jersey including social, health, nutrition, and mental health services, early childhood education programs, juvenile crime prevention and rehabilitation programs, and educational programs to support the next generation of workers.

The cuts impact eight Passaic County schools in the Ninth District: Passaic MLK School No. 6, Passaic High School, Joseph A. Taub Middle School, Paterson International High School, Paterson Eastside High School, Paterson School No. 16, Paterson School No. 6, and Alonzo T. Moody Academy High School.

The text of Congresswoman Pou’s letter is below.

Dear Acting Comptroller Brown:

I write to request that the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) conduct an investigation into the actions taken by the Department of Education (“Department”) that discontinued roughly $170 million in Full-Service Community School (“FSCS”) grant awards. This independent investigation into the processes and decision-making of the Department is critical to determine whether the officials there or at other various offices across the Trump administration may have engaged in misconduct or acted illegally in this process.

Congress established the FSCS grant program in 2008 to improve coordination of educational, developmental, family, health, and other services through partnerships between (1) public elementary and secondary schools and (2) community-based organizations and public or private to provide comprehensive educational, social, and health services for students, families, and communities. These grants help “provide support for the planning, implementation, and operation of full-service community schools that improve the coordination, integration, accessibility, and effectiveness of services for children and families, particularly for children attending high-poverty schools.” The program has consistently been supported by Congress, increasing its initial $5 million funding in Fiscal Year 2008 to $150 million in Fiscal Year 2025.

When grantees are awarded FSCS support, the Department will award funds on an initial one-year budget period and then subsequently fund continuation awards thereafter. Grantees are not required to reapply for continuation of these awards each year—rather, grantees seeking a continuation must submit a report that includes their most current performance and financial expenditure information. The decision to continue funding these awards is based on the grantee’s performance, which is determined by reports, performance measurement data, and financial reporting and compliance. It is important to note that terminating FSCS awards by the Department is extremely rare. As the Department recently stated, “[the Department] do[es] not deny a large number of non-competing continuation awards and, if that does happen, grantees are often aware of the likelihood of the decision well in advance and often cite no concerns if they do not receive a continuation award.” It is because of these requirements and positions that I am deeply concerned that the Department engaged in misconduct or acted illegally.

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Department issued non-continuation notices for 19 FSCS grants, resulting in roughly $170 million lost across multiple years for primary and secondary schools. Grantees were informed that they had just one week to file an appeal in response to the Department’s non-continuation decision—placing the appeal deadline the Friday before Christmas. In justifying its decisions, the Department provided grantees vague, template explanations, stating it

“determined that the grant specified above provides funding for programs that reflect the prior Administration’s priorities and policy preferences and conflict with those of the current Administration, in that the programs: violate the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law; conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education; undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help; or constitute an inappropriate use of federal funds. The grant is therefore inconsistent with, and no longer effectuates, the best interest of the Federal Government”

In the case of Paterson School District, for example, the Department never cited any deficiencies in any key performance metrics such as student attendance, trends in student reading and literacy scores, or trends in student math scores. Rather, the Department cited specific words in its initial grant application—words such as “diversity” or “equity”—that simply appear to have triggered staff at the Department. Other FSCS grantees who also received these notices similarly received no individualized reasoning for why they would not receive continued funding. After grantees submitted their appeals by December 19, the Department issued reply notices one week later, on December 29, denying these appeals.

At no point before December 12 did the Department attempt to contact grantees to inform them that their awards were at risk of terminations due to non-compliance. In fact, the Department wrongly suggested it did not need to notify grantees of this change because the Department merely shifted priorities. However, any shift of this nature necessarily requires the Department to go through the proper notice and comment period for this program as required under the Administrative Procedure Act. Unsurprisingly, no such notice and comment was provided. This lack of timely notice, paired with the Department’s absent justifications for its decisions, has stripped grantees of the due process they are entitled to under federal law.

Given the severe consequences arising from the Department’s actions, an independent body is needed to assist Congress with its role to conduct proper oversight of the Department’s actions leading up to, and resulting in, non-continuation notices of these FSCS grants. Accordingly, I am requesting GAO investigate the Department’s recent actions regarding FSCS grant funding that include the specific inquiry requests below and provide my office with findings. If applicable, I am also requesting GAO issue a legal opinion that is separate from any responses requiring an audit. The investigation should include, at minimum:

A detailed review of all actions taken by the Department of Education in identifying, reviewing, and determining what FSCS grantees would receive non-continuation notices. Such review should include:

A timeline of decisions and actions taken by the Department to issue non-continuation notices, including actions taken prior to, or after, non-continuation notices were sent to FSCS grantees;

An accounting of the names, titles, and offices of individuals that decided which entities would receive non-continuation notices for FSCS grants;

An accounting of the process and criteria, if any, used by the Department or officials located in other agencies, to determine which FSCS grantees would receive non-continuation notices; and

An accounting of the justifications conveyed internally and externally by the Department or officials located in other agencies for issuing non-continuation notices to specific FSCS grantees.

2. A detailed review of all communications between the Department of Education and other officials within the Administration outside of the Department regarding its decision to issue non-continuation notices to specific FSCS grantees. Such review should include:

An accounting of the names, titles, and offices of individuals engaged in discussions and decisions to issue non-continuation notices to FSCS grantees;

A list, if any, of FSCS grantees that were initially identified to receive non-continuation notices but ultimately maintained FSCS grants funding;

i. All records detailing the justifications conveyed internally and externally for maintaining grant awards for grantees initially identified for non-continuation notices but who ultimately maintained funding, if any.

3. A detailed review of all actions taken by the Department of Education beginning on January 20, 2025 in transferring funds specifically appropriated for FSCS grants. Such review should include:

A timeline of decisions and actions taken by the Department to redirect FSCS grant funds that received non-continuation notices, including actions taken prior to, or after, non-continuation notices were sent to FSCS grantees;

An accounting of the names, titles, and offices of individuals that decided to redirect funding from FSCS grants that were sent non-continuation notices;

All communications regarding redirecting FSCS grant funding prior to, or after, non-continuation notices were sent to FSCS grantees;

An accounting of the process and criteria used by the Department, if any, to determine which entities would receive redirected FSCS grant funds;

An accounting of where the Department redirected the non-continued FSCS grant funds, and what amounts were allocated to each entity; and

An accounting of the justifications and basis provided by the Department, if any, in awarding redirected FSCS grant funds to entities.

4. An evaluation of any illegal acts or misconduct by the Department regarding its decision to discontinue FSCS grant awards.

Sincerely,

Nellie Pou

Member of Congress

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Quigley Secures $4 Million for Safety, Public Health, and Flood Mitigation in FY26 Community Project Funding

Today, Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) announced that he secured over $4 million for his constituents and the greater city of Chicago in Community Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2026, following the passage of the Commerce, Justice and Science and Interior appropriations bills. These two appropriations bills contained four of Quigley’s 15 Community Project Funding requests for FY2026.

“At a time when the federal government continues to fail Americans, I am proud to have secured over $4 million in Community Project Funding to improve public safety, public health, and flood mitigation in Chicagoland,” said Quigley. “Over $1 million in funds will replace bulletproof vests for the Chicago Police Department. Other public health funding will upgrade Barrington’s wastewater treatment plant and replace lead pipes in Arlington Heights. I also secured over $1 million to build green alleys in Graceland West to mitigate the extreme flooding this neighborhood has seen in recent years.”

Previously called earmarks, Community Project Funding allows lawmakers to set aside funds in federal appropriations bills to address specific needs in their districts. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Quigley helps craft these bills and advocates for infrastructure and social services funding at home. Since 2021, Congressman Quigley has secured over $40 million dollars in Community Project Funding for Chicagoland.

To learn more about Community Project Funding, go to quigley.house.gov/community-project-funding. A summary of the FY26 projects that have been passed by Congress, and their funding level, is available below:

CPD Get Behind the Vest - $1,031,000

Ballistic vests have saved the lives of 48 Chicago Police Officers since 1980; however, they have an expiration approximately 5 years after production. This project enables the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation to purchase new ballistic vests to replace expired vests.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade in Barrington - $1,092,000

The Village of Barrington wastewater treatment plant’s equipment and structures are between 45 and 88 years old. This project will replace and rehab the plant’s equipment and processes to ensure the water discharging meets all limits set by the EPA.

Lead Service Line Replacement in Arlington Heights - $1,092,000

Current estimates for the replacement of all lead water service lines within the Village of Arlington Heights are far outside the village’s budget. This project will help the Village shoulder the cost burden and enable it to effectively eliminate the risk of lead exposure from lead water service lines.

Graceland West Flooding - $1,092,000


Ramirez, Clarke Unveil Legislation to Defund ICE, the Melt ICE Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), joined by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), introduced the Melt ICE Act to end the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) funding to detain or monitor immigrants, disrupt DHS’s immigration enforcement. At a time when working families are facing a crushing affordability crisis, the legislation would also redirect funding toward wrap-around services, including housing and healthcare, for communities affected by immigration enforcement.

The legislation comes amid a national call to rein in ICE funding and as Congress announced an appropriations bill to fund DHS that includes $3.84 billion for ICE custody operations and boosts Enforcement and Removal Operations funding to $5.45 billion.

“After handing more than $150B to DHS immigration enforcement, there are those in Congress who would further expand DHS’s budget and ICE’s capacity to enact Trump’s mass deportation agenda. But we have seen what DHS can do with its unlimited resources and unchecked power. And we are saying enough,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Our tax dollars must not be used to terrorize our communities and violate our rights. The Melt ICE Act is a line in the sand and a declaration that we will not fuel human suffering. I am proud to join Congresswoman Clarke and advocates to send a message that we do not consent, nor will we enable DHS and ICE’s lawlessness.”

“Any realistic effort to rein in ICE and DHS’s lawlessness should start with the blank check they have enjoyed since Donald Trump retook power. For one painful year now, these rogue entities have engaged in an unrestrained crusade of cruelty against our migrant neighbors and the places they call home. This unacceptable status quo cannot continue,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke. “The Melt ICE Act is a bold solution that will inhibit this administration’s ability to conduct its sadistic immigration enforcement strategy, while also giving back to our most vulnerable communities using the very funds once used to brutalize them. Congress has a moral and ethical responsibility to stop the taxpayer-funded chaos running rampant through our districts, and that why I am privileged to stand with Congresswoman Ramirez against the unlimited terror of DHS and ICE, and for the rights, freedom, and futures of immigrant Americans.”

The Melt ICE Act has been drafted with United We Dream and Detention Watch Network, and is endorsed by Jewish Voices for Peace Action (JVPA), Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), and Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) Policy Project.

“Now more than ever, we need real leaders to act courageously for the rights and dignity of everyone. We applaud Congresswoman Ramirez for her introduction of the Melt ICE Act, a critical piece of legislation to rein in ICE terror by restricting the agency’s authorities and fully ending the ICE detention once and for all. Make no mistake, as a nation, we are at a critical inflection point. ICE is now the largest police force in the country, operating with never-before-seen funding to maintain and expand the largest immigration detention system in the world. People are dying in detention, ICE agents are tearing families apart and shooting people on the streets, deteriorating community safety, and causing chaos wherever they go. Decades of evidence illustrate that no one is safe in ICE custody. We welcome Congresswoman Ramirez’s leadership in introducing the Melt ICE Act to say no more. No more endless funding for ICE, no more abuse and death at the hands of ICE, no more cruel detention when people can and should be able to navigate their immigration case from their home, and no more chaos,” said Setareh Ghandehari, Advocacy Director at Detention Watch Network.

“The American people are overwhelmingly against using their tax dollars to fund continued death, destruction and terror in our cities, all while the actual dire needs of our communities are neglected. Millions of working families are struggling to afford groceries. Health care premiums are skyrocketing. People are working two, sometimes three, jobs just to keep a roof over their heads. Our communities are fed up! We demand policies that meet our needs, not those who seek to profit off the mass detention of our immigrant neighbors, the separation of families, and the deaths of allies like Renee. That work starts with the Melt ICE Act. We urge Members of Congress to follow the leadership of their colleagues, Congresswomen Ramirez and Clarke, and pass the Melt ICE Act now!” said United We Dream.

The key provisions of the Melt ICE Act would

Strikes all references to/authority for immigration detention in the INA: Sections 236(a), 236(c), 235(b), 241(a)

Terminates all existing contracts for immigration detention within 2 years of enactment, including but not limited to contracts with public entities, private entities, and any other entities that own or operate a program or facility that provides for non-residential detention-related activities for immigrants who are subject to monitoring by DHS.

Prevents DHS from entering into any new contracts with any entity for facilities to detain immigrants.

Requires DHS to submit a plan to get immigrants off ankle monitors within 6 months of enactment.

Redirects ICE funding to community-based organizations to provide wrap-around services to communities around the country.

For the full legislative text, CLICK HERE.

For a video of Ramirez introducing the legislation at the Homeland Security Committee hearing, CLICK HERE.

BACKGROUND:

Given the Trump Administration's expanded mass deportation agenda, DHS’s immigration enforcement, including ICE, has received broad criticism for its violent tactics, lack of transparency, and disruption of Congressional oversight. The last year became the agency’s deadliest year in more than two decades, with 32 people dying in ICE custody, especially in for-profit private detention centers with limited oversight. And on Jan 7, 2026, a “surge” in “immigration enforcement” in Minneapolis led to the murder of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good. Her murder follows a pattern of ICE-related violence, including the murder of Silverio Villegas Gonzales and the shooting of Marimar Martinez in Illinois in 2025.

Congresswoman Ramirez has led the calls for accountability of DHS and its leadership.

In April 2025, Ramirez became the first member to call for Secretary Kristi Noem to resign

In May 2025, Congresswoman Ramirez hand-delivered a letter to Secretary Noem requesting her resignation after confronting her with the unconstitutional, illegal weaponization of DHS.

In December 2025, she took the first step toward Noem’s impeachment and requested that the House Judiciary Committee conduct a complete investigation into the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's unlawful and potentially impeachable actions.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Ramirez and Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced the DHS Use of Force Oversight Act to statutorily require a DHS policy on the use of force and de-escalation by agents.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Ramirez led 71 members of Congress to demand the House Committee on Judiciary immediately start investigation hearings on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s unlawful and potentially impeachable actions.

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Congresswoman Luz Rivas to Vote “Hell No” on Funding DHS, ICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Luz Rivas, the first Latina to represent California’s 29th Congressional District, released the following statement announcing her intention to vote against the fiscal year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that provides over $64 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

“I will be a ‘hell no’ on continuing funding for DHS and ICE. I refuse to vote for a funding bill that will further empower an agency to openly and violently carry out Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, torment my constituents in the San Fernando Valley, and violate the Constitutional rights of our most vulnerable.

“The nation continues to watch in horror as DHS and ICE agents descend into Los Angeles to conduct violent raids that separate families and inflict unspeakable harm and trauma on our most vulnerable. ICE has continued – and even escalated – this pattern in cities across the country without any accountability or oversight that resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good.”

“DHS and ICE are a threat to our safety. More innocent people are in danger of being harmed if DHS and ICE are allowed to continue operating as-is. I plan to proudly cast my NO vote to stand up for my community and immigrants.”

Background:

The fiscal year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill provides the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with $64.2 billion. This includes:

$10 billion for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE);

$3.8 billion for custody operations to bolster the Trump Administration’s efforts to detain and deport individuals;

$743.9 million for the transportation and removal of individuals; and

$513 million to sustain 22,000 Border Patrol agents.

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Rep. Kelly introduces amendment to prevent Trump from purchasing Greenland

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced an amendment to the defense funding bill preventing President Donald Trump from purchasing or attacking Greenland and Denmark. President Trump has long threatened to purchase Greenland, most recently stating “you’ll find out” on how far he’s willing to go to takeover the territory.

“I’m not waiting to find out how far President Trump will go to acquire Greenland—I’m stopping him now. It’s ridiculous that we have to prevent the Commander in Chief from risking global stability and threatening our closest allies, but here we are,” said Rep. Kelly. “After President Trump’s attack against Venezuela, it’s clear that he wants global dominance. President Trump is not dictator, and he’s not a conqueror. Our allies have to know that Democrats in Congress are trying to keep him in check, and I urge my Republican colleagues to quit bending the knee to this wannabe dictator.”


Rep. Kelly’s bill to prevent preterm births included in health funding bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly’s (IL-02) bill to prevent preterm births has been included as a provision in the Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill. The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2025 will improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health. The legislation funds federal research, education, and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality.

“I am proud to lead the effort to reauthorize the PREEMIE Act and ensure it successfully becomes law. Every mother should have the necessary support before, during, and after labor, and every baby should have a healthy start to life,” said Rep. Kelly, chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus. “Illinois was one of 22 states to experience a higher preterm birth rate than the national average, disproportionately impacting Black and Indigenous moms. That’s unacceptable. I’m improving health outcomes for moms and babies in Illinois and across the country.”

A baby born preterm, or before 37 weeks of gestation, is at higher risk of death and physical or intellectual disabilities. In the U.S. from 2013 to 2023, preterm birth rates increased from 9.8% to 10.4%.


House Foreign Affairs Committee Passes Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Bipartisan Conflict Prevention Act

Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed Rep. Sara Jacobs’ and Chairman Emeritus Michael Caul’s bipartisan Conflict Prevention Act, which would institutionalize and center conflict prevention as a key part of U.S. foreign policy. The bipartisan legislation would create a permanent and dedicated staff and a Center for Conflict Analysis, Planning, and Prevention within the State Department.

Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “It’s important for U.S. foreign policy to be nimble and responsive to emerging and escalating conflicts – but we should also work to prevent and anticipate conflicts before they even happen. That’s why I’m so glad the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed my bipartisan bill to create a dedicated hub of personnel and capabilities focused on forecasting, trend analysis, and early warning tools as well as mitigating and solving ongoing conflicts diplomatically. From the DRC to Sudan to Ukraine, this Center would be instrumental in saving U.S. tax dollars and lives by prioritizing prevention and mitigation responses over costly military or humanitarian responses.”

Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul said: “America’s adversaries seek to shift the global balance of power in their favor by destabilizing nations and igniting conflict in fragile regions. This bipartisan bill combats those malign efforts by establishing a dedicated office at the State Department to analyze early warning signs and help prevent escalation. I was glad to see the committee pass the bill overwhelmingly and urge the full House to pass it without delay — ensuring our nation has the tools it needs to help prevent global crises before they occur.”


Scalise on President Trump Delivering on Promises: American People Appreciate It

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to tout the first 365 days of President Trump's presidency, highlighting his wins in energy production, peace around the world, lower costs, and economic growth. After four years of Joe Biden’s failures, Leader Scalise emphasized that, together, President Trump and this Republican Congress are getting our country back on track.

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Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full remarks.


Scalise Touts One Year of President Trump’s Wins

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Newsmax’s Wake Up America to discuss President Trump’s historic successes after his first year back at the White House and House Republicans’ efforts to return to regular order for government funding. Additionally, Leader Scalise emphasized the importance of securing American elections and highlighted how House Republicans are working to protect legal votes.

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Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full interview.


SCHNEIDER BILL TO ANCHOR EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY ADVANCES

Rep. Brad Schneider’s bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act passes House Foreign Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON -- The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, led by Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), and joined by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Dina Titus (NV-1), and Chris Pappas (NH-1), passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee by a 45-2 vote. The bipartisan legislation aims to bolster the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as a strategic link between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

“The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a central hub for energy and infrastructure connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India,” said Rep. Schneider. “This bipartisan bill ensures U.S. diplomacy keeps pace with that transformation, strengthening our partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt and supporting efforts like the U.S.-India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) that deepen regional integration. Thank you to Foreign Affairs Chair Mast and Ranking Member Meeks for allowing consideration of this legislation and to my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee for their broad support. I’m hopeful the full House will soon have an opportunity to advance this bill that will shore up global energy supply chains and bolster defense cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting a U.S.–India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is vital to enhancing energy security, economic integration, and regional cooperation,” said Rep. Bilirakis, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. “I am pleased this legislation has passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, advancing a strategic initiative that will diversify energy routes, strengthen global supply chains, and promote efficient trade and investment. IMEC also provides a transparent and sustainable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing U.S. partnerships and regional stability.”

“We must continue to make progress deepening the relationship between the United States and our allies in the East Mediterranean and beyond,” said Rep. Pappas, co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus.“This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our coordination with Greece, Cyprus, and other allies in regional security, energy, and infrastructure. I’ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen international cooperation to protect America's security interests.”

“I am pleased to see our bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act advance out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” said Rep. Malliotakis. "This legislation reinforces America’s partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, strengthening cooperation on energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Supporting the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is crucial to securing American interests abroad," said Rep. Titus. “By investing in the Eastern Mediterranean and recognizing it as a critical part of IMEC, we will be strengthening our energy security and defense cooperation in the region.”

The bill reinforces U.S. support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and regional initiatives including the 3+1 dialogue with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum. It calls for:

Elevating the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy;

Institutionalizing strategic dialogues with IMEC and regional partners;

Supporting cross-border infrastructure projects and energy interconnectors;

Studying the expansion of U.S.–Israel innovation programs to the broader region;

Evaluating multilateral models like Cyprus’s CYCLOPS center for regional coordination.

The legislation builds on bipartisan support for deeper regional integration, grounded in shared interests in energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination.

Bill text is available here.

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Representatives Schrier and Budzinski Introduce Legislation to Lower Co-Pays and Deductibles

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced the Capping Costs for Consumers Act, legislation aimed at lowering out-of-pocket costs amid continued Republican inaction on extending critical tax credits that lower healthcare costs.

"As a doctor, I’ve seen patients delay or completely forgo doctor’s visits because of the cost—whether that's a high deductible before coverage kicks in or an expensive co-pay for an office visit,” said Representative Schrier, M.D. “This can have devastating consequences and cause small medical issues to become much more serious and costly. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to afford skyrocketing healthcare costs, it’s vital that we do all we can to make healthcare more affordable. The Capping Costs for Consumers Act will bring down the cost of care for millions of Americans to make sure they can access the care they need, when they need it."

Studies show that deductibles and out-of-pocket costs deter people from seeing their primary care provider or sometimes even enrolling in a health plan. The Capping Costs for Consumers Act will reduce costs for people enrolled in federal marketplace plans by increasing the value of cost-sharing reduction (CSR) assistance and expanding eligibility. Specifically, this legislation will lower deductibles and co-pays on a sliding scale, based on income, so patients won't avoid going to the doctor because of out-of-pocket costs.

This legislation comes as provisions passed in the American Rescue Plan that cap premiums at no more than 8.5% of family income have recently expired. The loss of these tax credits has caused premiums to skyrocket for millions of Americans by hundreds and even thousands of dollars per month. Congresswoman Schrier voted earlier this month to extend these critical tax credits for three years. However, the legislation has been stalled by Republicans in the United States Senate.

"Families shouldn’t have to make impossible choices between paying for a doctor’s visit or covering their rent. With Republicans' refusal to extend critical ACA tax credits, Democrats are stepping up with real solutions to slash out-of-pocket expenses,” said Representative Budzinski. “I am proud to lead this effort alongside Rep. Schrier to protect patient access and bring down costs. It is time to deliver on our promise to the millions of Americans who are counting on us to make healthcare affordable."

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Reps. Brown and Barragán Introduce Bill to Open Door for Faith-Based Organizations and Nonprofit Universities to Build Affordable Housing

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (MI-11) announced the Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) Act, legislation designed to address the nation’s housing crisis by empowering faith-based institutions and institutions of higher-education to build affordable housing on underused land they already own. The bill will unlock new housing opportunities in communities facing severe housing shortages and rising homelessness.

The legislation was filed by Congresswoman Barragan with Brown as a co-lead. Bill text available here.

As Americans are reeling from skyrocketing rent, Ohioans are facing an affordable housing crisis. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Ohio needs 264,000 more affordable housing units to meet the needs of the general public.

The growing Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) movement offers a solution rooted in local leadership. By empowering trusted community institutions to use their land for affordable housing, YIGBY helps meet urgent needs while strengthening neighborhoods.

"We need to use every tool we have and work with every partner we have to lower housing costs. Because the last thing any working family should have to worry about is finding a safe and affordable place for their children to lay their heads at night. The YIGBY Act helps religious institutions address the housing crisis and cut through the red tape so that we can remove the barriers, lower the cost of housing, and expand the options Americans have. I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Barragan on this legislation to lower housing costs and help religious institutions serve their communities,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.

“Across the country, communities are facing unprecedented housing shortages and growing homelessness,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Faith-based organizations and institutions of higher learning want to step up and help address the housing crisis, but too often they’re held back by outdated rules and unnecessary red tape. We need every possible tool to expand affordable housing—that’s why this bill puts trusted community partners at the center of the solution and gives local governments the tools they need to remove unnecessary barriers and build homes people can afford.”

States and cities are already showing what can happen when these barriers are removed. In California, SB 4 allows qualifying faith institutions and higher education institutions to build 100 percent affordable housing by right. As a result, at least 80 congregations in Los Angeles alone are now exploring housing development on their property. Similar efforts are underway or being considered in New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, and New Jersey, signaling growing national momentum behind this approach.

The Yes in God’s Backyard Act would extend this progress nationwide by:

Offering technical assistance to faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education seeking to use existing land to expand or preserve affordable rental housing;

Providing technical support to local governments to share best practices and streamline the development of affordable housing on faith and university property; and

Establishing challenge grants to reward communities that adopt policies removing barriers to affordable housing on these sites.

The legislation is supported by a broad coalition of national organizations, including NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), United Church of Christ, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) Los Angeles, LeadingAge, Enterprise Community Partners, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, National Housing Conference, and True Ground Housing Partners.

Original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Danny Davis (IL-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03).

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