Rep. Huffman, Senator Schiff, Bay Area Members Introduce Bill to Designate National Scenic Trail

“This legislation kicks off a quest to add the Bay Area Ridge Trail to an elite group of National Scenic Trails, like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. The Ridge Trail traces the ridgelines around San Francisco Bay, offering hikers, equestrians, and cyclists access to stunning views and diverse scenic, historic and cultural landscapes, for both close-to-home jaunts and epic adventures,” said Janet McBride, Executive Director, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. “NST status would raise awareness and expedite completion of this world-class trail, which boasts over 400 completed miles, on the path to a 550-mile fully connected loop. We applaud Congressman Huffman for spearheading this legislation, and the entire Bay Area delegation for signing on as co-authors. We invite everyone to join us on this journey!”

Cyclist traverses Marin Headlands on Bay Area Ridge Trail. Photo courtesy of Maureen Gaffney.

The legislation requires the National Park Service to complete the feasibility study within one year, in consultation with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and relevant federal and state agencies. The trail meets all the required criteria established in the National Trails System Act of 1968 for National Scenic Trail designation, including:

Extended trail route of more than 100 miles

Provides maximum outdoor recreation potential

Provides for enjoyment of nationally significant scenic, historic, and cultural qualities

Represents desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, and forest

Represents landforms that exhibit significant regional geographic characteristics

Connects with side trails, which provide additional public access

Full text of this legislation can be found here.

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail lines a remarkable stretch of over 500 miles of stunning scenery around Northern California, giving millions of Californians access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Senator Padilla. “Jumpstarting the effort to designate this multi-use recreation destination as a National Scenic Trail would bring in new visitors to bolster our tourism economy and safeguard some of the region’s world-class parks and landscapes for generations to come.”

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail is an iconic landmark that connects communities to nature, to open space and to one another,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “The Bay Area Ridge Trail Act will help us understand how to best preserve accessibility for exploration of the beautiful landscape that defines and surrounds our region. By studying the Ridge Trail’s future, we take an important step toward recognizing its national significance and ensuring that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“Our National Scenic Trails provide wonderful opportunities for recreation, connection, and admiring our beautiful public lands,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to join this to bring this worldclass recreational experience to our community and promote access to and conversation of public lands across the country.”

“The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most beautiful recreational treasures in America, and our regional trails are beloved by local residents of all ages and welcome visitors from around the world. Congress has a unique power to help protect and expand access to precious outdoor spaces, and I wholeheartedly support elevating the Bay Area Ridge Trail to become a National Scenic Trail. As a lifelong Bay Area resident now raising my kids here, I want to do everything we can to help ensure they and future generations will continue to cherish our regional trails. I'm proud to cosponsor the Bay Area Ridge Trail Act, and thank my colleague Congressman Huffman for his steadfast leadership as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee,” said Congressman Mullin.

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail provides over 400 miles of public trails and counting, opening our beautiful outdoors to walkers, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. The beauty and ecological diversity of the San Francisco Bay ridge is unparalleled anywhere else in our country and I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this critical first step toward designating the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail,” said Congressman Thompson.

“California’s natural beauty is truly one of the wonders of the world,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting the Bay Area Ridge Trail Act to preserve this treasured landscape and designateit as a National Scenic Trail. One of our greatest assets as a state is our environment, and I intend to always protect it for future generations.”

“As a lifelong Californian, I am proud to join Ranking Member Huffman in introducing this critical legislation to protect the historic Bay Area Ridge Trail for generations to come,” said Rep. Garamendi. “Across the East Bay, residents come together along the Trail to hike, bike, and experience California’s breathtaking natural beauty. I will always fight to protect and expand access to America’s extraordinary outdoor spaces.”

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail is such a beautiful path, and I'm particularly excited that they're working on nearly 50 miles of new pathway through the 18th district,” Rep. Lofgren said. "Designating this as a National Scenic Trail will be a great boost to tourism for California, and I am excited by the prospect of more people experiencing the natural beauty of the Bay Area.”

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail’s beauty deserves national recognition. This first step toward national scenic trail status will help make our region’s national treasures available to more of our outdoor-loving community,” said Rep. Sam Liccardo.

“I am proud to support Congressman Huffman’s Bay Area Ridge Trail Act, and I'm grateful for his leadership on this issue,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. "The Ridge Trail protects open space, connects communities, and provides current and future generations with access to northern California's unrivaled natural beauty. This legislation is an important step in the Bay Area Ridge Trail finally getting the federal recognition it so richly deserves.”


Ranking Member Jayapal Leads Dozens in Demanding Transparency on Deaths in Immigration Detention

SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, is leading 70 Members of Congress in demanding transparency on detention centers following a record number of deaths and recent reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials claimed a homicide was a suicide.

“Being placed in immigration detention should never amount to a death sentence. The families of those in detention centers, along with the rest of the American people, deserve transparency and accountability now,” wrote the Members.

There are a record number of immigrants currently in detention, and 2025 was “ICE’s deadliest year,” with 31 deaths in custody. In the first weeks of 2026, another six detained immigrants have died. ICE staff claimed that one of those individuals, Geraldo Lunas Campos, who died on January 3, 2026, died by suicide, despite witness accounts that he had been choked to death by ICE officers. Mr. Lunas Campos’s death has since been ruled a homicide by the medical examiner. Another immigrant, Chaofeng Ge, was reported by ICE to have died by suicide, yet an autopsy revealed that he had died with his hands and feet bound.

Violent incidents and contradicting accounts regarding causes of death accompany further reports of inedible food, unsanitary living spaces, and serious delays to medical care across facilities. The Trump administration has simultaneously taken unprecedented action to block Congressional oversight at detention facilities.

“This rise in deaths in custody points to systemic failures in the immigration detention system that require immediate attention,” continued the Members. “Individuals in ICE custody are dependent on the care and safety that the federal government provides. All immigration detention facilities, regardless of whether they are operated by private companies or the federal government, are legally required to meet constitutional and statutory standards, including the provision of adequate medical care and safe living conditions.”

The full text of the letter can be read here.

The letter was also signed by Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-08), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), John Larson (CT-01), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), John Mannion (NY-22), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Scott Peters (CA-50), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-29), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

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LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “WE WILL COMMENCE IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST KRISTI NOEM IN THE ABSENCE OF HER BEING FIRED”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN News Central, where he made clear that Democrats are fighting back to protect the American people from the out-of-control, lawless behavior by ICE, DHS Secretary Noem and Donald Trump.

KATE BOLDUAN: Joining me now to talk about this is the Democratic Leader in the House, Hakeem Jeffries. Leader, thank you so much for being here. I want to ask you first about Ilhan Omar, the Congresswoman. You heard Sara has done extensive—she was in the room at the time. Capitol Police have spoken out and said this is horrendous and this man should be brought to—have the toughest charges brought against him possible. The President spoke overnight about this, admitted that he had not seen the video, but told ABC News ‘she probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.’ What’s your reaction to this?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that’s a disgusting comment and the President’s lies and misinformation continue to fan the flames of these type of violent incidents. And it’s at a moment like this where we actually need leadership from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and it is something that we never get from this President. Ilhan Omar, of course, is a strong, courageous, hardworking public servant. This should have never happened. I’m thankful that she is physically okay. She’s mentally strong, as is always the case, and we stand by her.

KATE BOLDUAN: Much more to learn about all of that still. You posted yesterday with regard to DHS, what’s happening in Minneapolis, the Secretary of Homeland Security. You put out a statement yesterday that said, ‘dramatic changes at the Department of Homeland Security are needed…Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings…We can do this the easy way or the hard way.’ Does that mean you now support the effort to try and impeach Kristi Noem?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump needs to fire Kristi Noem immediately. We know that she is a malignant, corrupt, pathological liar. She’s unqualified. She never should have been confirmed by Republicans in the United States Senate. She is creating harm to the American people. Taxpayer dollars are actually being used by the Department of Homeland Security to kill American citizens and to brutalize law-abiding immigrant families, that’s unacceptable. So she’s gotta go—

KATE BOLDUAN: Okay, short of him firing her, you support moving towards impeachment?

LEADER JEFFRIES: We will commence impeachment proceedings against Kristi Noem in the absence of her being fired.

KATE BOLDUAN: Do you want to force a vote unilaterally, or do you want to launch an investigation in the minority?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re in conversation with Bennie Thompson, Jamie Raskin, Robert Garcia about next steps in the process. We want to make the case to the American people as to why Kristi Noem’s continued leadership creates problems in terms of the health, the safety and the well-being of the American people. And we’ll do that in ways that Democrats have done in the past even though we’re in the minority because the issue is significant enough. We’ve held hearings on other issues such as the cost of living, protecting Social Security, the healthcare of the American people. We can hold hearings as it relates to how destructive Kristi Noem’s continued presence will be.

KATE BOLDUAN: Virtue signaling and a messaging operation is— can be worthwhile, especially when you’re trying to speak to the public, but is that enough, if that’s what this ends up being?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Congress has the power to impeach someone who has committed crimes against the Constitution and the American people. So it’s not virtue signaling—

KATE BOLDUAN: But, when you are in the majority. When you are in the majority.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, no. As you know, the impeachment process is one of the few areas where every single Member has the privilege to bring a resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives and, at the appropriate time, force an up-or-down vote. By the way, even though we’ve been in the minority, we’ve compelled Republicans to move legislation to release the Epstein files. We’ve compelled Republicans to move legislation to wipe away one of Trump’s most toxic executive orders, which is stripping rights away from more than a million different hardworking federal employees, collective bargaining rights. And of course, House Democrats, against all odds, were able to move a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits—in the minority—and all 213 House Democrats were joined by 17 Republicans to protect the healthcare of the American people. If we’ve done it before, we can do it again.

KATE BOLDUAN: On this issue, many Republicans are not okay with what they’re seeing in Minneapolis either. As I mentioned, this seems a break from the President on this immigration effort in a bigger way than we have seen before. I mean, John Thune yesterday called this moment after Alex Pretti’s death an inflection point. I want to play for you also what Thom Tillis said, because he is now the first, I would say, think it’s the first in his party to call for Noem’s firing. Let me play this for you.

RECORDING OF SENATOR TILLIS: I think if Noem looks at her body of work, I could not be—if I were in her position, I can’t think of any point of pride over the last year. She is taking this administration into the ground on an issue that we should own. We should own the issue of border security and immigration. But they have destroyed that for Republicans, something that got the President elected. They have destroyed it through their incompetence.

KATE BOLDUAN: Bipartisanship is not something we find on Capitol Hill very often, for sure. Do you see an ally in Thom Tillis?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Thom Tillis is correct in his observations. The administration has been a disaster for the American people. They failed on the economy, failed to lower the high cost of living, failed on healthcare. They’re ripping healthcare away from the American people. By the way, in their One Big Ugly Bill, they enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history and, in the same bill, gave the Department of Homeland Security $191 billion in taxpayer money, $75 billion of which went to ICE. That taxpayer money is now being used to kill American citizens. It’s all unacceptable. We need Department of Homeland Security agents to behave like every other law enforcement agency in the country, not like a toxic paramilitary organization.

KATE BOLDUAN: Do—you say he has his facts right, but do you commend him for speaking out where a lot of Republicans don’t? Even John Thune calling this an inflection point. Do you see allies in them in this effort?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re going to work with anyone on the other side of the aisle who actually understands that dramatic changes are needed to the manner in which the Trump administration has been conducting itself with respect to immigration policy. The American people are demanding change, and we’re going to aggressively support it.

KATE BOLDUAN: Change. Define change. I know—and don’t give me the line of I’m not going to negotiate in public. Thune said—

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s not a line that I often use, by the way—

KATE BOLDUAN: True, true, true. Thune said, ‘What do Democrats want?’ in terms of changes in order to approve the funding that is now before you. Is Noem out enough to support DHS funding?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Kristi Noem being fired or removed from office is, of course, not enough. It’s a start—

KATE BOLDUAN: What is the change?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there’s a variety of different things that have been put on the table. First of all, there’s the basic value and principle that taxpayer dollars can’t be used to kill American citizens, to brutalize American communities and to target—violently—law-abiding citizens—

KATE BOLDUAN: Currently, that’s not a policy that says you can use taxpayer dollars to kill American citizens, you see what I’m saying?—

LEADER JEFFRIES: No, that’s clearly what’s happening. We have a DHS killing machine. The American people have seen it. That’s the reality of what happened to Alex Pretti. It’s the reality of what happened to Renee Nicole Good. It’s the reality to the fact that dozens of people have actually died in ICE detention over the last year. This is an administration that promised to deport violent felons. We all support that, but that’s not what’s happening right now. We also need ICE to conduct itself like every other law enforcement agency in the country. That means judicial warrants. That means no masks. That means body cameras. That means when officers actually break the law, they should be held criminally accountable for their behavior. That’s what happens to every other law enforcement agency in the country. But you have this administration saying ICE is absolutely immune, which is part of the reason why you see these people behaving in this kind of rogue fashion.

KATE BOLDUAN: I see. Heard three suggestions at least for changes to DHS policy. Let’s see what happens. Thank you very much for coming in on a very critical day.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Interview can be watched here.

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Kean Introduces Legislation to Establish Housing Affordability Tax Credit

(January 28, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. announced the introduction of the MakeAmericanHousingAffordable (MAHA) Act, legislation that makes the dream of homeownership more attainable by creating a new tax credit for Americans purchasing their primary home.

The bill, co-led by Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), establishes a new tax credit of $5,000 for individual filers earning under $250,000 when purchasing their primary residence. Joint filers earning under $500,000 would receive up to $10,000. The tax credit phases out proportionally for incomes exceeding the thresholds, with eligibility ending at $300,000 for individual filers and $600,000 for joint filers. A homeowner may claim this credit once every five years.

“The goal of homeownership is part of the American Dream which has become increasingly difficult for middle-class families to reach,” said Congressman Kean. “Today’s buyers are facing skyrocketing prices, steep down payments, and a shortage of inventory. In New Jersey, where we have some of the nation’s highest housing prices and property taxes, working families are being locked out of the market. I believe this new tax credit will lower the barrier to entry, restore opportunity, and strengthen the path to homeownership for American families.”

Congressman Kean has led efforts to address housing affordability in the U.S. House of Representatives, including the successful fight to restore the full State and Local (SALT) Deduction for middle-class families in New Jersey. In the 2025 Reconciliation package, Congressman Kean fought to quadruple the SALT deduction to $40,000—a major victory for New Jersey homeowners.


Congressman Krishnamoorthi Advances Affordability Agenda with Housing Roundtable in Quad Cities, Food Bank Visit in Rockford

MOLINE / ROCKFORD, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today advanced his Illinois affordability agenda with events in the Quad Cities and Rockford, highlighting how rising housing costs and cuts to nutrition assistance are squeezing working families—and pushing for legislative solutions to help Illinoisans afford to buy a home and put food on the table.

In Moline, Congressman Krishnamoorthi convened a roundtable with local leaders, housing advocates, and community stakeholders to discuss the housing affordability crisis and his newly introduced First Home Affordability Act, legislation designed to help first-time buyers overcome steep upfront costs that are increasingly locking families out of homeownership.

“With housing prices surging and more than 75 percent of homes out of reach for a typical buyer, too many Illinois families are locked out of homeownership before they ever get a fair shot,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “My bill, the First Home Affordability Act, provides a refundable tax credit of up to $25,000 to help first-time buyers cover upfront costs like down payments and closing costs. At a moment when rising costs are pushing families out of the market, this legislation keeps homeownership within reach—and protects one of the clearest paths to stability and a middle-class life.”

“Illinois families can’t afford inaction on housing any longer — we need legislative solutions that deliver real relief to homebuyers being priced out of their own communities,” Bonnie Johnson, Moline Township Supervisor, said. “Raja Krishnamoorthi has a plan to tackle the housing crisis. His willingness to engage directly with Quad Cities leaders and work together to address housing challenges speaks volumes about his leadership and his commitment to our communities.”

Later in Rockford, Congressman Krishnamoorthi toured the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Northwest Center and Neighborhood Market to highlight the impact of recent SNAP cuts and expanded paperwork requirements, which are driving increased food insecurity and placing a growing strain on emergency food providers across Illinois. Northern Illinois Food Bank is now serving more neighbors than it did at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with one in four children in Winnebago County experiencing food insecurity. The new expanded requirements go into effect on Sunday, February 1.

“When my family went through a difficult period, we relied on food assistance for a time to help us get back on our feet—and that experience has stayed with me,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “For nearly two million Illinoisans, SNAP is how food gets on the table. When benefits are cut or buried under red tape, families pay the price and food banks are forced to fill the gap. That’s why I’m fighting to reverse these cuts and strengthen SNAP so no family goes hungry because of politics or paperwork.”

“SNAP plays a vital role in helping families put food on the table, and when those benefits are reduced, the charitable food system feels the impact immediately,” Julie Yurko, President and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, said. “We are grateful for Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s leadership and advocacy in the fight against hunger and his commitment to ensuring neighbors across Illinois have access to the food they need.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi is working to reverse harmful SNAP changes through his Bringing Back Benefits Act and to expand access to homeownership through the First Home Affordability Act, reinforcing a broader affordability agenda focused on lowering everyday costs and strengthening economic security for Illinois families.


Larsen Supports Impeaching Secretary Kristi Noem

Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement:

“On Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s watch, federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Led by Secretary Noem, President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda has brutalized families and children here in Northwest Washington and across our country.

“As the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have fought back against Secretary Noem’s efforts to hobble the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), her retaliation against whistleblowers and her stonewalling of funding to help communities across the country rebuild after disasters. Secretary Noem’s actions have put politics over the public and hurt countless families and businesses.

“I support impeaching Secretary Noem, along with 175 of my colleagues in the House. I continue to demand full, independent investigations into the killings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti and other DHS-related shootings, and full accountability for those responsible.”

Last week, Rep. Larsen voted no on a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and demanded more accountability and oversight of DHS operations. Rep. Larsen is fighting for fair treatment, legal due process and justice in the immigration system.

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Larson Urges Speaker Johnson to Call House Back into Session to Act on ICE and Prevent Government Shutdown

East Hartford, CT – Today Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the House back into session to address ICE’s lawlessness and work to prevent a government shutdown. If the Senate fails to pass the funding package they are voting on this week, and the House remains out of session, many government agencies will shut down on January 31st. Larson is sending a letter to the Speaker of the House tonight, urging him to convene the House to rein in Donald Trump and Kristi Noem’s rogue immigration enforcement, and avert a government shutdown that will hurt the American people.

“It is clear that Republicans' half-baked Homeland Security funding bill does not have support in the Senate. Whether it is families being separated by armed, masked agents here in Connecticut, or residents being killed in Minneapolis, we cannot allow these authoritarian abuses of power to go on for one minute longer in the United States of America," said Larson. "Speaker Johnson needs to immediately call the House back into session to prevent a devastating government shutdown and take real action to hold Donald Trump and Kristi Noem’s secret police force accountable. This moment demands nothing less. If he keeps the House on recess, public servants, including our troops and air traffic controllers, will miss paychecks – while politicians keep getting paid and ICE continues to terrorize our communities, with no accountability or oversight. The time to act is now.”

Last week, Larson voted against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that provides new funding for ICE but does not include reforms to hold the agency accountable for their abuses of power. He has called for tearing down and replacing ICE - and redirecting their $75 billion ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ slush fund to lowering health care premiums and investing in affordable housing.

During the October 2025 government shutdown, Larson introduced the Make America Govern Again ‘MAGA’ Act to ensure all federal workers – both military and civilian – are paid during the government shutdown. The people whose pay would be withheld are Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, White House political appointees, and heads of cabinet agencies.


Lawler Secures Critical Transition Period For New York’s MCO Tax, Protecting Hospitals And Nursing Homes

Washington, D.C. - 1/28/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement on announcement that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a grace and transition period through the end of the calendar year for New York’s new Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax.

“For months, I have advocated for CMS to utilize the transition period provided in the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation for New York’s new MCO tax. This additional time would allow hospitals, nursing homes, and state administrators the necessary opportunity to adapt to the new policy without facing significant financial disruption.

I wrote letters to CMS Administrator Oz on this issue, called him every chance I got, and even had him visit the district to speak directly about it. I advocated on behalf of my constituents and our health care services at every opportunity.

Today, I am pleased to announce that CMS has issued a grace and transition period through the end of the calendar year, providing New Yorkers with this critical time to adjust. In simple terms, New York will get an additional 9 months and nearly $1 Billion to support our healthcare system. Thank you, Dr. Oz, for your thoughtfulness and dedication in implementing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and for working with me and alongside New Yorkers to make this happen,” said Congressman Lawler.

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

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Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Free and Reduced-Price School Meals for Military

Nearly 20% of Service Members Face Food Insecurity; Bill Would Expand Access to Free School Meals & Nutrition Assistance

Washington, D.C.—Today, Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) reintroduced the bipartisan Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act, H.R. 7259, to remove the basic allowance for housing (BAH) from the calculation of income for eligibility in free and reduced-price school meal programs.

Many military families are denied federal food assistance because, under current law, a service member’s housing allowance is counted as income. BAH can put military families over the eligibility threshold for free and reduced-price meal assistance.

In high cost of living areas, such as San Diego, families of junior officers and enlisted service members often struggle with food insecurity. The San Diego Food Bank serves nearly 40,000 veterans and active-duty military personnel and their dependents every month. One in five active-duty service members indicated they had trouble getting enough food for themselves and their families in 2023. By removing BAH from the calculation of military income, more military families would have access to free- and reduced-price school meals.

“The men and women who risk their lives for our country should never struggle to feed their children,” said Rep. Levin. “Though there is much more we must do to improve the financial well-being of service members, this is an important step towards ensuring military families based at Camp Pendleton and across the country can focus on executing their mission rather than on where their families will find the next meal.”

“No children of servicemembers should lose access to school meals because of how housing benefits are counted,” said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. “Military families already sacrifice for their country, and while Congress has passed a nearly 4% pay increase for servicemembers, factors like family size, geographic location, and housing costs mean some families still need additional support. That’s why I’m proud to work with Congressman Levin to support bipartisan, commonsense changes that better serve military dependents and ensure kids can focus on learning, not hunger.”

The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act would also require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide a report to Congress on the feasibility and cost of establishing a program to directly certify military dependents for free and reduced-price school meal programs.

“The health and wellbeing of America’s service members and their families are matters of mission readiness, troop retention, and future recruitment,” said Liza Lieberman, Vice President of Public Affairs at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “We must do more — not less — to help military families access food assistance and remove the persistent policy barriers that have been in place for far too long. We are grateful for leaders like Reps. Levin and Mackenzie, who recognize the power of free and reduced-price school meals, and who understand their critical role as policymakers in protecting access to basic needs programs for every American in need.”

“Children can’t be expected to learn if they’re hungry,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “The National School Lunch Program exists to ensure that children receive the balanced meals they need to succeed in school, even when families face financial strain. Military families should not be penalized by counting housing allowances as income. We thank Mike Levin and Ryan Mackenzie for reintroducing the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act, which would remove unnecessary barriers and help ensure military-connected children have access to school meals.”

“America has a responsibility to ensure that military dependents have access to the many benefits of nutritious school meals and don’t fall through the cracks in the complex free and reduced-price meal application process,” said School Nutrition Association President Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS. “The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act will help combat food insecurity and provide the children of our active duty service members with meals that support their health and academic achievement.”

This bill is endorsed by the Military Family Advisory Network, TREA: The Enlisted Association, National Military Family Association, Service Women’s Action Network, Gold Star Spouses of America, AMVETS, Military Officers Association of America, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Food Research Action Center, San Diego Hunger Coalition, National Education Association, and Alliance to End Hunger.

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Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Department of Energy’s Announcement on Nuclear Waste and Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement in response to the Department of Energy’s Request for Information inviting states to weigh in on hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses:

“The Department of Energy is taking a meaningful and long-overdue step forward on spent nuclear fuel by inviting states to weigh in on hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. For interested states, these campuses could deliver significant economic and job-creation benefits. The proposed campuses would support key functions across the nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and waste disposal.

“I’m encouraged to see the Trump Administration taking community collaboration seriously by engaging states early, which follows expert analysis and international best practices — an approach I’ve advocated for years.

“While experts have conveyed skepticism that reprocessing is the right answer for shutdown plants storing waste in canisters like SONGS, I am glad that these Innovation Campuses also include waste storage and disposal and recognize state interest in reprocessing and other aspects of the fuel cycle. But any credible proposal that comes out of this process must prioritize removing spent fuel from shutdown plants first and must account for fuel that isn’t commercially preferred for reprocessing.

“This announcement lays important groundwork, but success will depend on reliable funding and long-term, independent management that extends beyond any single administration. I will continue pushing Congress to fund and modernize this program and amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act so this effort can actually deliver results.”

Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has secured over $248 million for the safe removal and management of the nation’s spent nuclear fuel. Earlier this month, he wrote to DOE Secretary Chris Wright urging the Department to establish a safe, effective, and long-term management program for spent nuclear fuel. Rep. Levin has also introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024, which would modernize our country’s nuclear waste management program by establishing an independent Nuclear Waste Administration to manage the country’s nuclear waste.

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Rep. Lofgren, Rep. Huffman, Sen. Schiff, Bay Area Members Introduce Bill to Designate National Scenic Trail

“This legislation kicks off a quest to add the Bay Area Ridge Trail to an elite group of National Scenic Trails, like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. The Ridge Trail traces the ridgelines around San Francisco Bay, offering hikers, equestrians, and cyclists access to stunning views and diverse scenic, historic and cultural landscapes, for both close-to-home jaunts and epic adventures,” said Janet McBride, Executive Director, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. “NST status would raise awareness and expedite completion of this world-class trail, which boasts over 400 completed miles, on the path to a 550-mile fully connected loop. We applaud Congressman Huffman for spearheading this legislation, and the entire Bay Area delegation for signing on as co-authors. We invite everyone to join us on this journey!”

The legislation requires the National Park Service to complete the feasibility study within one year, in consultation with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and relevant federal and state agencies. The trail meets all the required criteria established in the National Trails System Act of 1968 for National Scenic Trail designation, including:

Extended trail route of more than 100 miles

Provides maximum outdoor recreation potential

Provides for enjoyment of nationally significant scenic, historic, and cultural qualities

Represents desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, and forest

Represents landforms that exhibit significant regional geographic characteristics

Connects with side trails, which provide additional public access

Full text of this legislation can be found here.

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail lines a remarkable stretch of over 500 miles of stunning scenery around Northern California, giving millions of Californians access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Senator Padilla. “Jumpstarting the effort to designate this multi-use recreation destination as a National Scenic Trail would bring in new visitors to bolster our tourism economy and safeguard some of the region’s world-class parks and landscapes for generations to come.”

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail is an iconic landmark that connects communities to nature, to open space and to one another,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “The Bay Area Ridge Trail Act will help us understand how to best preserve accessibility for exploration of the beautiful landscape that defines and surrounds our region. By studying the Ridge Trail’s future, we take an important step toward recognizing its national significance and ensuring that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“Our National Scenic Trails provide wonderful opportunities for recreation, connection, and admiring our beautiful public lands,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to join this to bring this world class recreational experience to our community and promote access to and conversation of public lands across the country.”

“The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most beautiful recreational treasures in America, and our regional trails are beloved by local residents of all ages and welcome visitors from around the world. Congress has a unique power to help protect and expand access to precious outdoor spaces, and I wholeheartedly support elevating the Bay Area Ridge Trail to become a National Scenic Trail. As a lifelong Bay Area resident now raising my kids here, I want to do everything we can to help ensure they and future generations will continue to cherish our regional trails. I'm proud to cosponsor the Bay Area Ridge Trail Act, and thank my colleague Congressman Huffman for his steadfast leadership as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee,” said Congressman Mullin.

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail provides over 400 miles of public trails and counting, opening our beautiful outdoors to walkers, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. The beauty and ecological diversity of the San Francisco Bay ridge is unparalleled anywhere else in our country and I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this critical first step toward designating the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail,” said Congressman Thompson.

“California’s natural beauty is truly one of the wonders of the world,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting the Bay Area Ridge Trail Act to preserve this treasured landscape and designate it as a National Scenic Trail. One of our greatest assets as a state is our environment, and I intend to always protect it for future generations.”

“As a lifelong Californian, I am proud to join Ranking Member Huffman in introducing this critical legislation to protect the historic Bay Area Ridge Trail for generations to come,” said Rep. Garamendi. “Across the East Bay, residents come together along the Trail to hike, bike, and experience California’s breathtaking natural beauty. I will always fight to protect and expand access to America’s extraordinary outdoor spaces.”

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail’s beauty deserves national recognition. This first step toward national scenic trail status will help make our region’s national treasures available to more of our outdoor-loving community,” said Rep. Sam Liccardo.

“I am proud to support Congressman Huffman’s Bay Area Ridge Trail Act, and I'm grateful for his leadership on this issue,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. "The Ridge Trail protects open space, connects communities, and provides current and future generations with access to northern California's unrivaled natural beauty. This legislation is an important step in the Bay Area Ridge Trail finally getting the federal recognition it so richly deserves.”

“The Bay Area Ridge Trail is one of the Bay Area's greatest outdoor treasures, connecting 75 parks and allowing millions of people to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the region,” said Rep. Panetta. “This bill takes an important step toward recognizing the national significance of the trail by directing a feasibility study for National Scenic Trail designation. By preserving the beauty of this remarkable trail, we can ensure future generations can enjoy the Bay Area's stunning natural beauty.”


Antifa Extremist Who Threatened To Kill Congresswoman Mace Now Charged With Attempted Murder

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 28, 2026) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) today issued the following statement after learning a transgender named “Rem Heathen” whose real name is Michael Richard Fadich, the Antifa violent extremist who posted a death threat against Rep. Mace in May 2025, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in Oregon:

In May 2025, Fadich posted a graphic on Instagram depicting a gun pointed directly at Rep. Mace’s face. The message was unmistakable: he wanted her dead.

The Office of Rep. Mace reported this threat. Prosecutors did nothing. Now, eight months later, he is charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting someone in Portland just last month. A man is in the hospital because the system failed to stop a violent extremist when it had the chance.

Now Fadich, because of Oregon law, sits in a women’s prison.

"This blood is on the hands of every prosecutor who looked at this threat and looked away,” said Rep. Mace. “I pray for the safety of the women he’s housed with.”

Fadich didn't hide who he was. His social media was filled with Antifa / Trantifa propaganda, celebrations of violence, and explicit threats. He posed with Antifa flags. He owned an AR-15 and multiple handguns. Every warning sign was there. Nothing was done.

When prosecutors ignore death threats, they don't just fail one victim, they create more.

Rep. Mace receives on average over 1,300 threats per year. Rep. Mace added:

“When prosecutors do their job, lives are saved. For example, Samuel Cain sits in a jail cell today and has been denied bond three times after threatening to kill me. But when they fail, like with Fadich, innocent people pay the price.

“I am asking the Department of Justice and FBI to immediately investigate why federal prosecutors failed to act on one more death threat against me and to determine whether Fadich should face federal charges for threatening a Member of Congress.

"To every prosecutor who declined to act: you had the chance to stop this man, and you didn't. And someone took a bullet for it.

“To the violent extremists: your threats won't silence us."

BACKGROUND

The Threat Against Congresswoman Mace:

In May 2025, Fadich posted an image on his Instagram account (“that.heathen”) depicting Congresswoman Mace’s official portrait with a first-person graphic of a gun pointed at her face. The threat was reported to law enforcement, but prosecutors declined to prosecute.

See the post below:

The Attempted Murder:

On December 21, 2025, Fadich and an accomplice allegedly shot a man in Portland, Oregon. The victim was found with gunshot wounds in a parking lot and transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Police seized an AR-15-style rifle and two semi-automatic pistols at the scene.

Fadich fled to California but was arrested on January 8, 2026, at a gas station in Mt. Shasta. He has been charged with:

- Attempted Murder

- First-Degree Assault

- Second-Degree Assault

- Unlawful Use of a Weapon (2 counts)

- Coercion

Fadich’s Extremist Background:

According to reports, Fadich is a member of an Antifa cell in Portland with a years-long history of militant involvement. His social media accounts contain Antifa propaganda, celebrations of political violence, and threats against elected officials and journalists. He has been photographed posing in front of Antifa flags and has connections to the terrorist group Antifa International.

READ MORE HERE.

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Rep. Nancy Mace Helps Deliver $1.8 Million Win For Berkeley County First Responders

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 28, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced Berkeley County has been awarded $1.8 million through the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA) Military Enhancement Fund for two new firefighting vessels and a heavy duty tow vehicle, a major investment in the Lowcountry's emergency response capabilities and public safety.

Rep. Mace worked with Berkeley County, providing a letter of support for the grant application which highlighted why the County is a strong candidate and how enhanced maritime emergency response capabilities serve both military and civilian needs across the Lowcountry.

"Our first responders put their lives on the line every single day to protect South Carolinians, and they deserve every resource we can give them," said Congresswoman Mace. "This investment ensures our brave first responders have the tools they need while protecting our families, neighborhoods, and the military installations our entire region depends on."

Berkeley County serves as a cornerstone for defense operations in South Carolina, especially with its proximity to Joint Base Charleston. The addition of these firefighting vessels and tow vehicle will expand Marine Incident Response Team coverage, cut response times, and improve coordination when emergencies strike the Cooper River and Lake Moultrie.

"When emergencies hit our waterways, seconds matter. Our firefighters and rescue teams run toward danger while others run away, they shouldn't have to do it without the right equipment," Mace added. "Whether it's a fire, chemical spill, or another crisis, this equipment could mean the difference between our first responders saving lives or losing them. They risk everything for us. This is the least we can do for them, and it's a win for residents, service members, and the heroes who protect our streets every day."

Rep. Mace’s Letter of Support:

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Rep. Mackenzie Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Free and Reduced-Price School Meals for Military

Washington, D.C.—Today, Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) reintroduced the bipartisan Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act, H.R. 7259, to remove the basic allowance for housing (BAH) from the calculation of income for eligibility in free and reduced-price school meal programs.

Many military families are denied federal food assistance because, under current law, a service member’s housing allowance is counted as income. BAH can put military families over the eligibility threshold for free and reduced-price meal assistance.

In high cost of living areas, such as San Diego, families of junior officers and enlisted service members often struggle with food insecurity. The San Diego Food Bank serves nearly 40,000 veterans and active-duty military personnel and their dependents every month. One in five active-duty service members indicated they had trouble getting enough food for themselves and their families in 2023. By removing BAH from the calculation of military income, more military families would have access to free- and reduced-price school meals.

“No children of servicemembers should lose access to school meals because of how housing benefits are counted,” said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. “Military families already sacrifice for their country, and while Congress has passed a nearly 4% pay increase for servicemembers, factors like family size, geographic location, and housing costs mean some families still need additional support. That’s why I’m proud to work with Congressman Levin to support bipartisan, commonsense changes that better serve military dependents and ensure kids can focus on learning, not hunger.”

“The men and women who risk their lives for our country should never struggle to feed their children,” said Rep. Levin. “Though there is much more we must do to improve the financial well-being of service members, this is an important step towards ensuring military families based at Camp Pendleton and across the country can focus on executing their mission rather than on where their families will find the next meal.”

The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act would also require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide a report to Congress on the feasibility and cost of establishing a program to directly certify military dependents for free and reduced-price school meal programs.

“The health and wellbeing of America’s service members and their families are matters of mission readiness, troop retention, and future recruitment,” said Liza Lieberman, Vice President of Public Affairs at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “We must do more — not less — to help military families access food assistance and remove the persistent policy barriers that have been in place for far too long. We are grateful for leaders like Reps. Levin and Mackenzie, who recognize the power of free and reduced-price school meals, and who understand their critical role as policymakers in protecting access to basic needs programs for every American in need.”

“Children can’t be expected to learn if they’re hungry,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “The National School Lunch Program exists to ensure that children receive the balanced meals they need to succeed in school, even when families face financial strain. Military families should not be penalized by counting housing allowances as income. We thank Mike Levin and Ryan Mackenzie for reintroducing the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act, which would remove unnecessary barriers and help ensure military-connected children have access to school meals.”

“America has a responsibility to ensure that military dependents have access to the many benefits of nutritious school meals and don’t fall through the cracks in the complex free and reduced-price meal application process,” said School Nutrition Association President Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS. “The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act will help combat food insecurity and provide the children of our active duty service members with meals that support their health and academic achievement.”

This bill is endorsed by the Military Family Advisory Network, TREA: The Enlisted Association, National Military Family Association, Service Women’s Action Network, Gold Star Spouses of America, AMVETS, Military Officers Association of America, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Food Research Action Center, San Diego Hunger Coalition, National Education Association, and Alliance to End Hunger.

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ICYMI: Díaz-Balart Joins Rep. Mark Alford’s “Capitol Recap” on FY26 NSRP Legislation Delivering Stronger National Security, Less Waste

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee (NSRP), joined Capitol Recap hosted by Representative Mark Alford (MO-04) to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills, including the NSRP legislation which delivers a historic 16% spending reduction - the largest of any appropriations bill this year.

Even with the cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC), Iran, Cuba, and drug cartels – including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill removes woke Biden-era poison pills and supports President Trump’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. For key highlights of the legislation, click here.

Watch the full interview hereor below.


Rep. Diaz-Balart Celebrates Completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project Following Years of Leadership on Everglades Restoration

Collier County, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus and Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, joined federal, state, and local leaders today to celebrate the completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, the first Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) to begin construction and one of the largest wetland restoration efforts.

The Picayune Strand Restoration Project will restore natural water flows over an 85-square-mile area (~55,000 acres) in western Collier County, improving the area’s hydrology, allowing for the return of more balanced plant communities, increasing aquifer recharge, and sending fresh water to the coastal estuaries in a more natural manner.

“Today’s completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project marks a major milestone in my years-long efforts to restore America’s Everglades, which I’m proud to play a huge part in.

This project returns more than 55,000 acres of land to its natural splendor and improves over 70,000 acres of uplands and wetlands being improved as habitat for Florida’s native wildlife. It is a powerful example of what consistent federal leadership and collaboration with state and local partners can achieve, demonstrating that large-scale ecosystem restoration is possible.

I would like to thank Colonel Brandon Bowman, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Drew Bartlett, Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Rob Moher, Executive Director of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Eric Eikenberg, President and CEO, The Everglades Foundation, for their partnership in advancing this project.

As founder and co-chair of the Everglades Caucus and Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue my work in Congress to deliver critical funding and support needed to restore and protect this vital ecosystem.”

Background

Picayune Strand – 2011

Congress authorized the Picayune Strand Restoration Project in 2007 as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

The South Florida Water Management District expedited construction by filling in and plugging seven miles of the Prairie Canal and completing approximately 25 percent of the road removal.

The Picayune Strand Restoration Project will restore natural water flows over an 85-square-mile area (~55,000 acres).

The project will improve the area’s hydrology, allow for the return of more balanced plant communities, increase aquifer recharge, and send fresh water in a more natural manner to the coastal estuaries.

Díaz-Balart has consistently supported Everglades restoration efforts through his work on federal appropriations, helping advance key projects that strengthen Florida’s ecosystems and protect vital natural resources.

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Reps. Díaz-Balart and Giménez to Hold Press Conference on Actions Against Dictatorship in Cuba

MIAMI, FL - Tomorrow, Thursday, January 29, 2026, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28), and The Assembly of the Cuban Resistance will be holding a press conference with Cuban-American exile organizations, local elected officials, and community leaders regarding actions being taken against the brutal dictatorship in Cuba.

Event Details:

WHO:

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations; Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee; and member of the Defense Subcommittee

Congressman Carlos A. Giménez, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee and member of the House Armed Services Committee

Cuban-American exile organizations

Local elected officials

Cuban-American community leaders, influencers, and dissidents

WHERE:

Directorio Democrático Cubano

730 NW 107th Ave, Floor 4,

Miami, Florida, 33172

WHEN:

Thursday, January 29, 2026

MEDIA ARRIVAL TIME: 9:30 AM

All interested credentialed media must RSVP to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov


House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Issues Statement on ICE Attempt to Enter Ecuadorian Consulate

Washington, D.C. - Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to an apparent attempt by ICE agents to enter the Ecuadorian Consulate in Minneapolis without permission and in violation of international agreements.

“Yesterday’s attempt by ICE agents to force their way into the Ecuadorian Consulate represents yet another outrageous and unacceptable disregard for the rule of law by the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security.

“Diplomatic facilities are protected for a reason. Any effort by U.S. law enforcement officials to enter another country’s diplomatic facility without permission is not only unlawful, it risks setting a profoundly dangerous precedent that could put American diplomats, servicemembers, and their families abroad at risk.

“It remains clear that ICE is completely out of control, operating without rules, restraint, or accountability—not to mention any agency coordination with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on matters related to our foreign relations. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem must resign immediately or face impeachment. Congressional Republicans must join Democrats in setting guardrails on ICE to provide accountability for the American people and stop ICE agents from acting with impunity before they trigger another international incident.”


Menendez, Watson Coleman, and McIver Host Legal Observer Information Session for Constituents

As the Trump Administration Escalates Violent Attacks on Our Communities, Menendez, Watson Coleman and McIver Partner with New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice to Help Document ICE/DHS Conduct

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Tomorrow at 4:30PM, Congressmembers Rob Menendez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver will host a virtual legal observer information session with the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice in the face of escalating violence and threats against our communities by the Trump Administration. In the wake of the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE and Border Patrol agents, constituents will be informed on how to safely document the threats that ICE agents and other immigration enforcement agents have posed to our communities while understanding their legal protections and rights as Americans.

“In the last few weeks, we have seen ICE and Border Patrol personnel kill two legal observers who posed no threat to them,” said Congressman Menendez. “We are not going to let the Trump Administration intimidate and scare community members from legally monitoring immigration enforcement agents who are being sent onto our streets to terrorize our neighbors. This session will inform residents of the legal rights they have to document ICE conduct, and the steps they can take to protect themselves from the illegal and reckless tactics of this Administration.”

“I join Governor Walz and leaders around the country in calling for Americans who value their neighbors and their safety to protest the illegal actions of DHS, peacefully but loudly,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “Their crimes must be recorded for the day when those who have violated our rights face justice. It's up to us to serve as witnesses now.”

“We have seen people killed by ICE agents for simply documenting their conduct and exposing what ICE wants to keep hidden. One of the ways we hold ICE accountable and protect our communities is by using our right to legally monitor immigration enforcement,” said Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. “Observers need to know their legal rights to document ICE operations so that these horrific abuses do not hide in the dark. This training will bring us a step closer to the oversight and accountability our communities deserve.”

“We can't reform public executions. There is no amount of training or redirection that will fix ICE and CBP. These agencies have had a broken mission from their start. America is ready to turn the page on ICE,” said Amy Torres, Executive Director with New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. “To get there, we need legal observers who are documenting federal agents' presence and their actions as they attempt to take over our communities and trample our rights. Let us never forget that Renee Good and Alex Pretti were not outsiders nor bystanders -- they were activist volunteers in the movement who had the training and the bravery to be documenters and watchdogs of federal agents and their actions. The people who are committed to justice far outnumber those who seek to destroy it. With tonight's training, we are only adding to those numbers.”

Congressmembers Menendez, Watson Coleman, and McIver are hosting the information session, which will be instructed by the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. The virtual session will be held tomorrow at 4:30 PM over Zoom. Constituents who would like to join the session can do so here.


Rep. Mike Thompson Presents $375,000 Check to Yolo Food Bank for Mobile Food Pantry Project

Woodland, CA– Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) presented a $375,000 Community Project Funding (CPF) check to the Yolo Food Bank in support of its Mobile Food Pantry Project, expanding access to fresh, nutritious food for families and communities across Yolo County.

“I’m proud to deliver this funding to the Yolo Food Bank to support their Mobile Food Pantry Project and the critical work they do every day to fight hunger in our communities,” said Thompson. “No family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and this investment will help ensure that more Yolo County residents have access to healthy, nutritious food, no matter where they live.”

“As affordability challenges continue to impact families across Yolo County, this generous gift of a Mobile Food Pantry Truck from Congressman Thompson arrives at a vital moment,” said Karen Baker, Executive Director of the Yolo Food Bank. “This vehicle will ensure our rural neighbors have reliable access to fresh, nutritious food through a seamless distribution process.”

The Mobile Food Pantry Project funding will support the purchase of a mobile pantry truck for the Yolo Food Bank, enabling the launch of a mobile pantry program to serve residents across Yolo County.

According to the Yolo Food Bank’s 2023 Yolo County Food Access Survey, nearly one-third of Yolo County residents experience food insecurity, and almost 20 percent of individuals in need do not currently access available food assistance resources.

This funding was secured through Congress’ FY2024 Community Project Funding (CPF) process and reflects Rep. Thompson’s continued commitment to improving food access and supporting vulnerable families across California’s 4th Congressional District.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)

Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House Member may submit up to 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District, so long as the projects meet established criteria. Projects are competitively evaluated and subject to strict transparency and accountability requirements before inclusion in appropriations legislation.

Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s Community Project Funding requests here.


CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CALLS FOR IMPEACHMENT OF DHS SECRETARY NOEM

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle released the following statement after signing on to a Congressional resolution calling for the impeachment of United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem:

“The U.S. House of Representatives should move immediately to the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem—before more innocent lives are destroyed by her cruelty.

“The Trump Administration’s aggressive deployment of ICE and Border Patrol agents has led to the needless deaths of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis and underscores the urgent need for accountability, oversight, and a fundamental shift in priorities. No one—not ICE agents and certainly not Secretary Noem—should be above the law, and the Secretary must be held responsible for the atrocities committed by her department.

“Taxpayer dollars should be used to protect our communities, not be used to fuel violence and fear in our streets. I voted ‘NO’ on a funding measure for DHS, and I will continue to do so until meaningful change and respect for the rule of law are restored. We can never give up on the fight to ensure safety, freedom, and justice for all.”

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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Congressmen Neal Announces Federal Funding for Chicopee Wastewater Project

Funds to advance ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the Connecticut River

CHICOPEE, MA – On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – Chicopee City Hall Auditorium – Congressman Richard Neal will visit Chicopee to announce funding he helped secure in support of Phase Two of the City’s nitrogen removal project at the wastewater treatment plant. The funding is made available through the Massachusetts Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and will be administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

“I am pleased to join with Mayor Vieau to announce this critical investment in Chicopee’s wastewater infrastructure. As a former mayor, I know just how important these projects are and what they mean to a community. This announcement will represent a significant step in protecting public health and the local environment,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “At a time when Congress’s constitutional authority over the public purse is too often challenged, this event will serve as a reminder of the critical role Congress plays in directing federal resources where they are needed most. America’s infrastructure is aging, but thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, coupled with congressionally directed investments like the one we will highlight in Chicopee, we are making terrific strides in modernizing essential systems across the country, including right here in western and central Massachusetts.”

The funding is supported by the FY26 Interior and Environment appropriations process and will help advance ongoing efforts to reduce nitrogen discharges, improve water quality in the Connecticut River, and provide downstream environmental benefits to communities throughout Western Massachusetts and beyond.

The Chicopee Wastewater Pollution Control Facility was not originally designed to meet modern nitrogen removal standards and is now subject to federally required discharge limits issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and MassDEP. Compliance with these limits is necessary to maintain the City’s discharge permit and protect water quality in the Connecticut River and downstream waters. Federal and state investment through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund allows Chicopee to meet these requirements while minimizing the financial burden on local ratepayers.

Each summer, elevated levels of nitrogen enter the Connecticut River, which flows downstream to Long Island Sound. Excess nitrogen, which originates from wastewater, contributes to a process known as eutrophication. Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients stimulate excessive algae growth. As algae break down, bacteria consume oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxia, a condition that can displace or kill essential aquatic species such as fish and crustaceans.

The environmental impact extends beyond Chicopee, affecting downstream communities including West Springfield, Agawam, Springfield, and Longmeadow. Addressing nitrogen pollution at its source will help reduce downstream impacts and provide long term regional environmental benefits throughout Western Massachusetts.

The project is being implemented in three phases. Phase One, completed in 2022, focused on upgrading biological reactors, improving liquid treatment systems, and enhancing solids processing. Phase Two, supported by this newly awarded funding, represents the primary nitrogen reduction component of the project. Phase Three will include comprehensive upgrades and repairs to the water pollution control plant.

“We are extremely grateful for the continued partnership and advocacy brought forth by Congressman Neal,” said Mayor John Vieau. “Without his support and the assistance of MassDEP, and the EPA, these improvements would not be financially feasible for the city. As a fisherman and avid nature lover, I am especially excited about Phase Two and its role in reducing nitrogen levels, helping protect our wildlife and ensuring the Connecticut River remains enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.”

______________________________________________________________________________

About the Long Island Sound Study:

LISS is a long standing federal-state partnership established in 1985 to protect and restore Long Island Sound. It focuses on reducing nitrogen pollution and supporting watershed projects, including wastewater treatment upgrades that improve water quality from inland rivers to coastal ecosystems.


Rep. Panetta Joins Congressional Veterans  to Demand ICE and CBP Interior Operations Stand Down

Washington, DC – 15 Democratic Members of Congress who served in the U.S. Armed Forces called for a stand down of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) interior operations. This announcement follows the second killing by federal ICE and CPB agents of an American citizen in Minnesota.

Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Rep. Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Rep. Chris DeLuzio (PA-17), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18), Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45) and Rep. Eugene Vindman (VA-07) issued the following statement:

“As veterans, we are outraged and horrified by the killing of a second civilian in Minneapolis by federal agents in less than three weeks. Border Patrol agents shot and killed 37-year-old American citizen Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA hospital. Video footage and eyewitness accounts of this incident are deeply disturbing and raise serious questions about the use of force.

“This tragic killing comes on the heels of the fatal shooting of Renée Good earlier this month, and multiple other documented incidents of civil-rights abuses and excessive enforcement by ICE and CBP in Minnesota - demonstrating a pattern of misconduct that has fractured trust and terrified communities.

“In the military, when preventable deaths occur, leaders stand down operations to review/change policies, reassess missions, retrain personnel, and implement stronger safety protocols. The Department of Homeland Security must do no less. Our communities are less safe, and tensions have reached a boiling point.

“For these reasons, we call for an immediate stand down of ICE and CBP interior enforcement operations and demand the resignation of the Secretary of Homeland Security. Current leadership has failed to protect civil liberties, ensure accountability, or maintain the public trust.

“We also demand full, transparent, independent investigations into these deaths and abuses, and decisive steps to prevent further civilian killings at the hands of federal agents.”


NH Delegation Calls on Noem, DHS to Respond to Concerns of Merrimack Residents, Town Council Over Proposed ICE Processing Center

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding that Secretary Noem swiftly acknowledge and respond to concerns expressed by the Merrimack Town Council regarding reports Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to establish a new processing center in the town.

“As the state’s congressional delegation, we urge the Department to confirm its receipt of the Town Council’s letter as soon as possible and to give full and fair consideration to the Council’s budgetary and operational concerns,” the delegation wrote.

The delegation also pushed the Department to communicate clearly with the town regarding the proposed Merrimack processing center, writing, “We request that the Department acknowledge the Council’s letter and establish clear lines of communication with local officials as soon as possible to ensure the Council’s perspective is considered.”

Despite repeated outreach from the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation and the Town of Merrimack, DHS has yet to confirm or deny whether reports of ICE plans to establish a processing center in the town are true, or answer questions posed by the town, delegation, and residents of Merrimack.

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Noem:

We write to transmit a letter from the Merrimack Town Council expressing concerns and its formal opposition to the Department of Homeland Security proposal to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

As the state’s congressional delegation, we urge the Department to confirm its receipt of the Town Council’s letter as soon as possible and to give full and fair consideration to the Council’s budgetary and operational concerns.

We request that the Department acknowledge the Council’s letter and establish clear lines of communication with local officials as soon as possible to ensure the Council’s perspective is considered.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response and to meaningful engagement between the Department and the Merrimack Town Council.


For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

January 28, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF ICE RAIDS ON ST. JOHN; URGES COMMUNITY VIGILANCE AS HAITI TPS EXPIRATION APPROACHES

ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today issued the following statement regarding reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on St. John:

"My office received reports from community members concerning ICE raids occurring on St. John. My team and I have investigated the matter with the appropriate authorities and can confirm that these reports were false. There were no ICE raids on St. John.

"Nonetheless, this incident underscores the climate of fear and uncertainty facing many in our community as Temporary Protected Status for Haitians is set to expire on February 3, 2026. I am deeply concerned that this expiration will be used as an excuse to begin more aggressive enforcement actions against the most vulnerable members of our community—not only Haitians, but anyone who may be profiled. The safety and wellbeing of all Virgin Islands residents remain a priority, and I am committed to ensuring that any federal enforcement activities are conducted lawfully and with full respect for the dignity and rights of our residents.

"I urge all Virgin Islands residents to know their rights when interacting with immigration enforcement. My office has 'Know Your Rights' information that we have distributed in the community and social media available in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish to help community members understand their legal protections during encounters with federal agents. Regardless of your immigration status, you have constitutional protections.

"My team and I will continue to closely monitor the situation for any significant or increased presence of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in St. John. We will keep the public apprised of any developments. If you experience concerning interactions with federal enforcement or need assistance understanding your rights as an immigrant, please do not hesitate to contact my office. We are here to serve you."

My offices are located at 60 King Street on St. Croix and at 9100 Port of Sale Mall, Havensight Mall on St. Thomas and can be contacted at 340-778-5900 (STX) and 340-774-4408 (STT/STJ).

To access the Know Your Rights flyers, please visit plaskett.house.gov or visit any of the congressional offices on St. Thomas or St. Croix.

Know Your Immigration Rights

Conozca Sus Derechos de Inmigracion

Konnen Dwa Imigrasyon W Yo

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Congresswoman Pou Demands Noem Be Fired or Impeached

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, today called on Donald Trump to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and joined calls to impeach the disgraced cabinet secretary.

“I call on President Trump to fire Secretary Noem immediately. If he does not act, the House must begin impeachment proceedings without delay.”

Pou continued: “As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I have supported DHS’s intended mission to protect our nation. But under Secretary Kristi Noem, the department has prioritized political interests over public safety while retaliating against states like New Jersey and terrorizing American cities – a betrayal of its founding purpose. The nation has borne witness to the senseless killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, and the cruel detention of children like Liam Conejo Ramos, all while federal agents escape accountability. DHS’s abuses are visible. Noem’s failures and betrayal of American values are undeniable.”

As a member of the Homeland Security panel, Congresswoman Pou has been a long-running critic of Noem’s leadership. On October 14, 2025, Pou led 11 members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation calling on Noem to restore federal security grant funding that is being slashed by the Trump administration by nearly 50 percent. Last week, Congresswoman Pou signed on to a letter demanding that Secretary Noem answer questions about deaths under CBP and ICE custody.

At an oversight hearing on May 14, 2025, Pou confronted Noem, telling her, “You are actually breaking the law.”

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Amata-Requested Port Funds in Major House-Passed Appropriations

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming House passage of major appropriations bills including transportation infrastructure funds she requested, working in communication with American Samoa Government, to include $1 million for the Port of Pago Pago reconstruction project.

Amata in a walking briefing of Ronald Reagan Shipyard with Coast Guard in 2024 - file photo

“The Port of Pago Pago is critical to our entire supply process, and long-term upkeep and reconstruction efforts are essential to our future and local economy. The maintenance of our port would be part of Coast Guard considerations as they manage their home port decisions throughout U.S. coastlines. I’m delighted our request made it through this bill’s lengthy negotiations, and we’ll continue our efforts on funding priorities in the next appropriations round,” said Congresswoman Amata.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, with a bipartisan vote of 341 to 88. This major bill includes Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD funding, effectively three appropriations bills in one. American Samoa’s port funding is part of the Transportation-HUD section.

The House also passed H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 220 to 207.

Together, these bills support all federal services in these respective areas, notably highways, health programs, and law enforcement.

These bills require Senate passage to become law but have already been through bicameral and bipartisan negotiations ahead of these votes. The House has now completed the 12 appropriations bills that fund the U.S. government for the fiscal year, and they are ready for the necessary Senate votes.

This package of appropriations bills lock in FY26 investments authorized by Congress in America’s military, emergency preparedness, education and health systems, transportation safety, border protections, and infrastructure nationwide.

Passage of all 12 bills highlights the House leadership goal of restoring regular order and fiscal accountability, by reducing reliance when possible on the short term extensions that have been increasingly common in recent years.

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Amata Welcomes Incoming Congressional Western Caucus Leadership

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who serves on the Caucus’s Executive Committee as a Vice Chairman, is welcoming the new Congressional Western Caucus Chairwoman, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (Utah-02), who was already in a senior leadership position, and Executive Vice Chairman Congressman Nick Begich (Alaska), who is taking over Chairwoman Maloy’s former role as Executive Vice Chairman, in leading the Caucus for the remainder of the 119th Congress.

Pictured this Christmas season with Congressman Nick Begich and his lovely wife Dharna Begich

The Congressional Western Caucus held its election on January 22 to fill the vacancy of its chair, and Chairwoman Maloy was unanimously elected.

On Saturday, Congresswoman Amata traveled with Speaker Mike Johnson, incoming Chairwoman Celeste Maloy and fifteen Members of Congress to attend the late Chairman Doug LaMalfa’s celebration of life in Chico, California.

Vice Chairman Amata said, “Congratulations to Chairwoman Maloy and Executive Vice Chairman Begich. Both are excellent choices to lead our Caucus, and they will honor the legacy of our friend, the late Chairman Doug LaMalfa. Their districts provide deep familiarity of the issues we work on to champion rural and remote communities. Thank you to both of them for taking on these added leadership responsibilities.”

Congresswoman Amata continued, “The Congressional Western Caucus is one of the largest issue-based caucuses in Congress, including influential committee chairmen and senior Members of Congress within its membership, who often lead major legislation. The Caucus places a focus on the rural and remote parts of our great country, including distant places with technological, infrastructure, or health care access needs, so I’m happy to serve American Samoa as part of the Western Caucus, where issues often reflect some of our work in the Natural Resources Committee.”

Chairwoman Maloy said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to have been elected Chair of the Western Caucus. The trust my colleagues have placed in me especially as I step into the figuratively and literally large shoes of the late Chairman Doug LaMalfa is not lost on me. Doug was a relentless champion for rural America, and filling his shoes, along with those of

the leaders who came before him, is a tall order but it’s one I am ready to attack with everything I have. The Western Caucus name may suggest the West, but our mission is national. Rural America and natural resources live in every state, and I will lead this Caucus with urgency, strength, and grit to ensure those communities are heard, defended, and never ignored.”

Executive Vice Chairman Begich said, “I am honored to be elected Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus and grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me. I want to congratulate my colleague, Congresswoman Maloy from the great state of Utah who will serve as Chairwoman of the Caucus. The Western Caucus plays an important role in advancing policies that strengthen America’s rural communities and promote responsible resource development. These issues are especially important to Alaska, and I look forward to working with Chairman Maloy and my colleagues in the Caucus to ensure rural America has a strong voice in Congress.” Amata’s prior statement is HERE honoring the life and memory of her friend, the late Congressman LaMalfa, who was serving as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus at the time of his passing.

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Raskin Kicks Off 2026 High School Congressional Art Competition

Rockville, MD — Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced the kickoff of his annual Congressional Art Competition for Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District. This contest is a chance for MD-08’s high school students to submit an original piece of artwork to be exhibited at a showcase in Montgomery County. One winning submission will be displayed in the United States Capitol.

“I am always delighted by the outpouring of artistic talent from high school students in our district each year.” said Rep. Raskin. “As this new generation of artists emerges, I encourage all high schoolers enthusiastic about the visual arts to participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.”

All high school students living in Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District are eligible and encouraged to participate. Entries must be submitted digitally via the online portal here no later than 11:59 PM on Monday, March 30, 2026. Each student is limited to one entry, which must be submitted with a completed Student Information & Release Form. The full list of submission guidelines can be found on Representative Raskin’s website here.

A panel of independent judges from the Eighth District will evaluate each entry and choose one first-place winner, whose work will hang in the U.S. Capitol the following year alongside winning pieces from other districts across America.

The winning piece, as well as a larger pool of honorees, will be displayed at VisArts (155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850) from May 7 through May 11, 2026. Select runner-up pieces from the exhibition will be displayed in Representative Raskin’s District Office in Rockville. All pieces will be featured in Representative Raskin’s virtual art gallery to recognize every artist. You can view the 2025 virtual gallery here.

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DIGNITY Act Secures 35 Cosponsors as Bipartisan Support Accelerates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With immigration back at the center of the national conversation, the DIGNITY Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393), introduced by Reps. María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, continues to build momentum in Congress and gain support nationwide. The legislation has recently added four new bipartisan cosponsors, strengthening support for the only serious immigration reform proposal currently before Congress.

The newest cosponsors Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY-1), Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL-2), and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6), join a growing bipartisan group of Members of Congress supporting the DIGNITY Act. That support is reinforced by a broad national coalition of employers, faith leaders, and community organizations.

Today, 60 national organizations back the legislation, making it the most widely endorsed immigration reform proposal in decades.

The Dignity Act continues to be the only viable, bipartisan immigration reform bill proposed in Congress that will fully fix our immigration system and directly address the chaos we are seeing today.

"This moment demands action, and I’m encouraged to see growing support from my colleagues in Congress,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “The DIGNITY Act modernizes our immigration system so enforcement is effective, targeted, and consistent with our values. It fixes what isn’t working, refocuses ICE on real threats, and establishes a tough, earned process for hard-working people who have lived here and contributed. It is not citizenship. It is not amnesty. It is dignity."

The DIGNITY Act is a serious, bipartisan solution that:

Codifies and strengthens border security by increasing personnel, enforcing mandatory E-Verify, and restoring real operational control.

Protects American workers by ending illegal labor practices and establishing the American Worker Fund to retrain and upskill U.S. workers for higher-paying jobs.

Modernizes enforcement and accountability through the Dignity Program, a strict, earned process requiring long-term undocumented individuals with clean records to pass background checks, pay restitution, and earn legal status without citizenship or amnesty.

Supports American businesses by addressing labor shortages, boosting productivity, and providing a lawful, reliable workforce.

Dignity Act Endorsements:

The Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393) now has support from 35 Members of Congress and 60 national stakeholder groups. These groups represent employers, veterans, faith leaders, farmers, small businesses, construction industries, higher education organizations, community leaders, and immigrant-serving organizations.

The groups and organizations include:

A-1 Global Holdings, American Bakers Association, American Business Immigration Council (ABIC), American Families United, American Legion, Americans for Prosperity, American Seniors Housing Association, Anti-Defamation League, Asian American Christian Collaborative, Associated Equipment Distributors, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, Bethel Consulting Group LLC, Brick Industry Association, Center for American Progress, Christian Family Coalition of Florida, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Critical Labor Coalition, Essential Workers Immigration Coalition (EWIC), Evangelical Immigration Table, FWD.us, Greater Houston Partnership, IEEE-USA (Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers), Improve the Dream, Jewish Federation of North America, Latin Chamber of Commerce Nevada, LeadingAge, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), MIRA USA, National Association of Evangelicals, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Retail Federation, National Roofing Contractors Association, Nisei Farmers League, Niskanen Center, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA), Power Design, President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Puerto Rico Builders Association (PRBA), Repatriate our Patriots, Secure Growth Initiative, Small Business Majority, State Business Executives, Texas Business Leadership Council, Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), Third Way, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. for Success Coalition, United States Hispanic Business Council, WERC, World Relief.

Resources:

One-pager on the Dignity Act - click here.

Detailed summary of the Dignity Act - click here.

Section-by-section breakdown of the Dignity Act - click here.

For the media kit - click here.

Full text of the bill - click here.