Rep. Troy E. Nehls Secures $2 Million for Sugar Land Regional Airport Runway Improvement Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) voted “YES” to pass H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which includes $2 million in federal funding for the Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR) Runway Improvement Project. Specifically, this funding will be used to rehabilitate SGR’s Runway 17-35, which in its current form, poses significant safety concerns for pilots, passengers, and the entire community of Sugar Land, Texas, and the surrounding areas that utilize SGR.

“I’m proud to announce that I voted to secure $2 million in federal funding for the Sugar Land Regional Airport’s Runway Improvement Project, one of my Community Project Funding requests for Fiscal Year 2026,” said Congressman Nehls. “Sugar Land Regional Airport plays a vital role as a primary airport reliever for both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). It’s critical SGR’s runways are in excellent condition to ensure the safety of air travel and stimulate economic growth and enhance regional connectivity. The funds I secured to resurface SGR’s runway through the appropriations process will offer long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors."


Newhouse Calls for Congressional Oversight of TikTok Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the joint venture deal to acquire TikTok's United States assets.

"Congress needs to exercise considerable oversight of this deal, and we will need to hear from the Administration about if this agreement truly protects U.S. users’ data and privacy. We are dealing with Communist China on every front and the last thing we need is uncertainty as to how much influence they may have through TikTok’s new algorithm. I will be working closely with Chairman Moolenaar and my colleagues on the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party to make sure this deal follows with the law and protects Americans from our greatest adversary."

In April 2024, Congress passed legislation forcing TikTok parent company, ByteDance, to sever ties with its U.S. operations. The legislation included a U.S. ban on the application if ByteDance did not comply.

The President signed the legislation, and the Supreme Court upheld the law after TikTok argued against it in federal court in Washington, D.C.

Today's deal outlines joint ownership by U.S.-based Oracle and Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, each owning 15 percent. 35 percent will be owned across eight other private investors. ByteDance will maintain a 19.9 percent stake in U.S. operations under the agreement.

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Norton Reminds D.C. Residents that Her Provision Allows Sledding on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of a storm that will bring D.C. a projected 5-10 inches or more of snow this weekend, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reminded D.C. residents that her provision in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill allows sledding on Capitol Hill. Capitol Police confirmed this morning that the Capitol grounds will be open to sledders of all ages.

“The West Front of the Capitol is widely known as one of the best sledding hills in D.C.’s high-density urban environment,” Norton said. “That is why I get a provision included annually in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill directing the Capitol Police to allow sledding on Capitol grounds. With a major snowfall projected this weekend, children and their parents should be able to enjoy one of the best hills in D.C.”

“Sledding is a simple childhood joy, and in the middle of winter, it is the least we can allow our children.”

Norton got her provision included in the bill after the Capitol Police began prohibiting sledding several years ago.

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Nunn Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional App Challenge

DES MOINES, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Iowa’s Third Congressional District, recognizing local students who developed innovative apps addressing real-world challenges facing Iowa communities.

WINNER: IAHeroes

IAHeroes, the first-place winner of this year’s competition, was created by Joseph Zambreno, a student at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. Joseph’s mobile app serves as a digital archive where Iowa veterans, their families, and community members can share stories and honor those who have served, ensuring future generations can learn from and remember the sacrifices of Iowa’s veterans.

“Congratulations to Theodore Roosevelt High School student Joseph Zambreno for designing the winning app of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge,” said Rep. Nunn. “Joseph, along with every student who submitted an app design, represents Iowa’s best and brightest. Their creativity and innovation show how the next generation is using technology to strengthen our communities.”

A video demonstration of the app is available here.

SECOND PLACE: CropFlow

CropFlow, this year’s runner-up, was created by Johnston High School students David Shi, Srihari Kumaresan, and Syon Aggarwal. CropFlow is an AI-powered tool designed to help Iowa farmers predict crop yields and identify the most effective crops for each field using soil and weather data. It provides clear forecasts and recommendations to support smarter, more profitable farming decisions.

A video demonstration of the app is available here.

THIRD PLACE: StudySphere

StudySphere, the third-place winner, was created by Johnston Middle School student Mayank Bhatt. The all-in-one productivity app helps high school students manage schedules, track assignments, and organize study time. Its AI-powered assistant and focus features are designed to keep students motivated, organized, and learning step-by-step.

A video demonstration of the app is available here.

NOTE: The Congressional App Challenge is a national competition hosted annually by Rep. Nunn and other Members of Congress to encourage middle and high school students’ participation in computer science and coding. First-place winners have their apps displayed in the U.S. Capitol and are invited to join other winners from across the country at the annual #HouseofCode reception in Washington, D.C. this spring.

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Olszewski Supports Bipartisan Funding Bill Delivering $4.17 Million for Second District Infrastructure Projects

(Washington, DC) — Congressman Johnny Olszewski today voted in support of a bipartisan $1.2 trillion federal funding bill that includes $4.17 million in targeted investments for projects across Maryland’s Second Congressional District.

The three-bill appropriations “minibus” covers the federal Departments of Labor; Health and Human Services; Education; Defense; Transportation; and Housing and Urban Development. The legislation passed the House in a 341-88 vote and now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The minibus continues Democrats’ rejection of extreme funding cuts proposed by the Trump Administration and makes critical investments in public health, affordable housing and child care, transportation infrastructure, and workforce development. As a vocal opponent of unilateral cuts and rescissions pursued by the Administration last year, Congressman Olszewski emphasized provisions that reassert Congress’ constitutional power of the purse. The bill includes detailed funding tables codifying precise dollar amounts for specific programs and establishes staffing requirements at key federal agencies.

“As families across Maryland work hard to make ends meet, we must ensure their tax dollars are used strategically, responsibly, and as Congress intended,” said Congressman Olszewski. “I am proud to support investments that strengthen public safety, modernize aging infrastructure, and help close workforce shortages in the skilled trades. At the same time, this legislation includes strong safeguards to prevent the reckless abuses of taxpayer dollars we have seen over the past year.”

Congressman Olszewski successfully secured funding for the following local priorities:

$850,000 to improve the runway at Martin State Airport in Middle River

$2 million to improve the interchange at I-795 and Dolfield Boulevard in Owings Mills

$250,000 to replace lampposts along the Reisterstown Main Street corridor

$850,000 to support the construction of a new Applied Technology and Trades Center at Carroll Community College

Nationally, the legislation provides significant investments in medical research, child care and Head Start programs, and initiatives to address the growing number of unhoused Americans. The bill increases funding for the Federal Aviation Administration to hire additional air traffic controllers and modernize air traffic control towers, and fully funds a 3.8 percent pay raise for members of the U.S. military.


Rep. Owens Announces January Staff Mobile Office Hours

WEST JORDAN — Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) announced the location and date for his mobile office hours in Millcreek and Murray in January. During these mobile office hours, staff members will be available in local communities to assist constituents with issues involving a federal agency, passport renewals, service academy inquiries, and more.

Staff mobile offices will be available at the following times and locations, all times in Mountain Time (MT):

Thursday, January 29

MILLCREEK

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Millcreek City Hall

1330 E Chambers Ave #104

Millcreek, UT 84106

MURRAY

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Murray City Hall

10 E 4800 S Room 299

Murray, UT 84107

In addition to official offices in West Jordan and Washington, D.C., mobile offices throughout Utah’s 4th District ensure that all constituents have convenient access to Congressman Owens’ staff. For assistance with constituent services or additional information, please visit Owens.House.Gov.

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Pallone Secures More Than $2 Million in Funding for Community and Recreational Improvements in Woodbridge and Edison

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) has secured more than $2 million in federal Community Project Funding in Fiscal Year 2026 to support recreational infrastructure improvements in Woodbridge Township and expand senior services at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center in Edison.

“These projects strengthen the kinds of public spaces that support healthier, more connected communities in Woodbridge and Edison,” said Pallone. “From playgrounds and athletic fields to senior centers, this funding helps ensure residents of all ages have access to safe, accessible spaces in their own neighborhoods.”

In Woodbridge, Pallone secured $1.2 million to support new playgrounds in Hopelawn and Fords and the construction of a youth cricket field in Iselin, expanding access to recreational space across multiple neighborhoods.

“Woodbridge Township stands in partnership with Congressman Frank Pallone’s Community Project Infrastructure initiative that supports recreational infrastructure improvements in Woodbridge Township to include funding for community and neighborhood all access playgrounds and athletic fields - major economic and community development projects that will enrich Woodbridge Township and neighboring communities,” said Mayor John E. McCormac.

In Edison, Pallone secured $850,000 to expand the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, increasing capacity for senior wellness, educational, social, and recreational programming and improving access for a growing senior population.

“I thank Congressman Pallone for securing $850,000 for Edison’s Minnie B. Veal Community Center.” said Mayor Sam Joshi. “Our cherished senior population will benefit immensely from the addition of more space, services, and engagement opportunities. With this funding, this central location can ensure the continued enrichment within our senior community.”

Both projects were requested by Pallone through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process, which allows members of the U.S. House to direct Community Project Funding toward locally identified community infrastructure and quality-of-life priorities.


Pappas Helps Launch Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is helping launch the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, a group of lawmakers dedicated to finding legislative solutions to the ongoing energy affordability crisis. The caucus will convene House Members around oversight strategies and tools to hold utility providers accountable for rate hikes.

“Families, working people, and seniors are being slammed by high utility prices, and they need relief and action. I’ve heard directly from Granite Staters who are worried about affording heat in the winter, spending as much on energy as they do on their mortgage, and juggling the cost of food and utilities,” said Rep. Chris Pappas. “Congress needs to step up, take on corporations raking in record profits, and deliver solutions that lower people’s bills and put more money back in their pockets.”

The other lawmakers in the caucus include Reps. Josh Riley (NY-19), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Mike Levin (CA-49), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Ami Bera (CA-06), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Seth Magaziner (RI-02).

Background:

Pappas is a fierce advocate for efforts that lower energy costs for Granite Staters and programs that help low-income families pay their bills. He has repeatedly called on both Democratic and Republican administrations to stop the export of oil to foreign adversaries and protect and strengthen the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including successfully pressing the Department of Health and Human Services to take all necessary steps to ensure that LIHEAP funds were distributed to the states by November 30, 2025. He has also previously introduced, cosponsored, or called for the passage of the following legislation: his bipartisan Energy Burden Tax Credit Act, his bipartisan Transmission Facilitation Program Reauthorization, his Heroes Home Energy Savings Act, his bipartisan Bolstering Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve Act, the bipartisan Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act, the Energy Independence and Affordability Act, the bipartisan Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025.


Pappas Statement on Appropriations Votes

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement on his vote to pass annual appropriations for the departments of Defense, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, and other related agencies:

“Yesterday I voted to pass several key appropriations bills that provide critical support for our national defense and security, including pay raises for our military, increased funding for counter-narcotic and anti-drug trafficking programs, and necessary investments in our shipyards and defense industrial base to bolster shipbuilding and develop next-generation platforms to keep this country safe. The legislation also delivers vital resources to New Hampshire to lower costs on everything from energy to child care, build new affordable housing, and fund Title X family planning, maternal and child health care, and Head Start. I urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation and send it to the President to be signed into law.”

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 delivers critical support and resources to New Hampshire, including provisions to:

Fully fund a 3.8% pay raise for all military personnel;

Strengthen Department of Defense counter-narcotics support, including a 14% increase to the National Guard Counter-Drug Program;

Increase funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and ensure HHS maintains sufficient staffing to successfully administer LIHEAP;

Increase funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start;

Maintain funding for building new affordable housing units, Community Development Block Grants, and key infrastructure investments.

This legislation also includes funding secured through Pappas’s Community Project Funding submissions for projects throughout the First District, including: infrastructure upgrades in Rye, Londonderry, and Hooksett; the construction of over 150 units of housing in Dover and Portsmouth; and recreation improvements in Barrington and Manchester.


Congressman Patronis Praises Military Investments in Appropriation Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Patronis praises House passage of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which delivers key investments for Northwest Florida and the nation’s military. The legislation includes $3 million in improvements to a one-mile section of roadway leading to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, a 3.8% pay increase for all military personnel, and funding to increase the Navy’s active-duty force by 12,300 sailors. Congressman Patronis voted in favor of the appropriation bill.

“This is great news for the Panhandle as we continue strengthening our military bases and delivering meaningful pay raises for the brave men and women who serve our country,” said Congressman Patronis. “Investments like these not only improve vital infrastructure at NAS Pensacola but ensure our service members are properly supported, and our military remains strong and ready.”

This project will provide infrastructure improvements to a one-mile section of roadway vital to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola and the support of surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Improvements envisioned during the design process include a vehicle turnaround area near the gate to improve traffic flow to enhance safety at the base

This legislation will increase pay by 3.8% for all military personnel and grow the Navy’s active-duty force by 12,300 sailors. This pay increase will help our military families stay financially secure, strengthen readiness, and send a clear message that we invest in the people who defend our freedom.

Each year, Congress must pass 12 annual appropriations bills to fund the federal government for the fiscal year beginning October 1. These bills provide federal agencies with the budget authority needed to operate and help prevent a government shutdown.

H.R. 7148 now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration and, if passed, will be sent to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

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Amata Delivers Seabed Concerns Message to Committee

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata delivered her message of seabed concerns to Members of the House Natural Resources Committee (HNR) via a statement in a Thursday hearing, as well as submitted comments for the record, and posed key questions to the witnesses.

Pictured in the Mineral Resources hearing with HNR Chairman Westerman, Congressman Moylan, and Congresswoman King-Hinds

Congresswoman Amata is a Member of HNR and two of its subcommittees. As she does not routinely serve on this subcommittee that was holding this hearing on national security and other issues surrounding seabed mining, she joined as a Member of HNR, and stated the issue’s importance to her district.

“I reiterated to the committee the united opposition of myself and the entirety of all American Samoa leadership in our territory’s executive and legislative branches to seabed mining in our waters. I provided the committee with my previous comments to BOEM and I stand by those concerns,” she said. “I appreciate our Committee examining the national security and environmental dynamics, and I further emphasized our cultural issues and responsibilities as well.”

Video HERE of Amata’s statement, and questions to witnesses.

In her questions to witnesses, Amata asked about the idea of profit sharing to American Samoa, either the company or the federal government, following up on possibilities that have been discussed and receiving additional assurances in the response. She also raised concerns about environmental damage and the status of new technologies.

Amata’s statement in the mineral resources hearing

After opening with a thank you to Chairman Stauber and Ranking Member Ansari, the testifying witnesses, and American Samoa’s executive and legislative leadership by name, Amata highlighted her concerns:

“The topic of today’s hearing is one that stands to have a major impact on my district of American Samoa. As has been reiterated several times today, the critical minerals issue is also an issue of national security. With one of the highest rates of military enlistment in the nation and being on the front lines of Chinese encroachment in the Pacific, the people of American Samoa understand security very well. However, I want to highlight for my colleagues and the other interested parties present the potential cultural and economic impact this type of deep-sea activity may have for a small island territory,” Amata stated. “To the indigenous people of American Samoa, the ocean is not just the backbone of our local economy, it is sacred. I understand that we are discussing federally controlled waters, but as it stands, the American Samoan people are opposed to deep sea mining. We have yet to be convinced the benefits will outweigh the costs of this occurring so close to our beloved waters. Therefore, if the United States government is going to follow through on this venture, I must insist that we do so with the people of the territories in mind. First and foremost, our fishing stocks and sea floor need to remain intact. Fishing is our lifeblood, and if the technology is not ready or will harm the environment, we simply can’t proceed.”

She continued, “Secondly, if the government does proceed, I ask that we explore and prioritize agreements which directly bolster the economies of communities closest to the mining activity. If this is the tactic we have chosen to combat Chinese influence, we would do well to remember who, where, and what it is we are trying to protect.”

“With the committee’s permission I would like to enter into the record the comments I submitted for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Request for Information and Interest on Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore American Samoa which contains further details of my stance on the matter,” she concluded. “In it, I echo the governor, our local leaders, and the people’s clear wishes not to mine in and around our islands and to ensure a minimum distance of no less than 50 miles – preferably more – as is consistent with other commercial activities.”

NOAA Mapping Announcement

In related news, on Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Coast Survey announced a hydrographic survey to map and characterize over 30,000 square nautical miles of waters off American Samoa to support the characterization of the seabed composition for abundance and type of critical minerals and nodules, with that mapping work scheduled to begin in February 2026.

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ICYMI: Rep. Riley Launches Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus

As Utility Bills Skyrocket Across The US, Riley and Caucus Members Set to Tackle Challenge Head On

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) yesterday launched the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, a group of lawmakers dedicated to finding legislative solutions to the ongoing energy affordability crisis. The caucus will convene House Members around oversight strategies and tools to hold utility providers accountable for rate hikes.

“When I talk with folks across Upstate New York, the first question I ask is: what’s keeping you up at night and how can I help? And the most common answer is that utility bills are out of control and need to be reined in,” said Rep. Riley. “Too many working families are being put to an impossible choice of either keeping the lights on or paying for the mortgage or groceries. Meanwhile, the utility monopolies are making record profits while jacking up rates. It’s unacceptable. I’m launching the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to provide a forum for members of Congress to work together on legislation to take on the utility monopolies and lower their customers’ bills.”

During the event, Riley touted his legislation to prohibit foreign corporations from owning American utility providers and ban executive bonuses at utility companies raising rates. Riley also discussed his experience directly intervening in state rate cases to protect consumers from unjustified increases. Mark Ellis of the American Economic Liberties Project also discussed policy, legal, and regulatory tools available to Members of Congress to help reduce utility bills in their districts.

Watch the full press conference HERE.

The other lawmakers on the caucus include Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Mike Levin (CA-49), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Ami Bera (CA-06), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Seth Magaziner (RI-02).

“For years, I’ve fought alongside my community – first as Ulster County Executive, then as a Congressman, and always as a fellow ratepayer – against Central Hudson’s exploitative practices. We have to ask ourselves, what kind of system would let Central Hudson jack up its rates by 9.5%, give their own executives tens of millions in bonuses, and pretend it’s a win for Hudson Valley families? The answer is a fundamentally broken one, which puts the profits of foreign-owned corporate monopolies above the good of our community,” said Rep. Pat Ryan. “As we’re all feeling the squeeze of the affordability crisis, I’m proud to be joining a group of fighters who represent hardworking Americans in every corner of the country. Alongside my Hudson Valley neighbor Josh Riley, we’re coming together to form a complete picture of how these monopolistic companies are ripping off our communities. Together, we’re working to write comprehensive legislation to hold these companies accountable, bring down costs for consumers, and fix the predatory system once and for all.”

“People are working hard and playing by the rules, but are still struggling to make ends meet,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “In Washington, Republicans have full control of the House, the Senate, and the White House, but they have failed to bring down costs—especially utility bills, which are rising faster than inflation. Pennsylvania is an energy- producing state, and still here my constituents are dealing with rising costs just to keep the lights and heat on this winter. We need to get utility costs under control. I’m proud to be a part of this new Lowering Utility Bills Caucus that is going to take on the profiteering monopolies screwing us over, work to get more power onto the grid, and fight to make life in America less of a ripoff.”

“Families, working people, and seniors are being slammed by high utility prices, and they need relief and action. I’ve heard directly from Granite Staters who are worried about affording heat in the winter, spending as much on energy as they do on their mortgage, and juggling the cost of food and utilities,” said Rep. Chris Pappas. “Congress needs to step up, take on corporations raking in record profits, and deliver solutions that lower people’s bills and put more money back in their pockets.”

“Families and small businesses across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley are frustrated by rising utility bills as the cost of groceries, health care, and everyday essentials continue to climb,” said Rep. John Mannion. “That’s why I’m helping launch the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus—to advance real solutions and hold power companies accountable. We must reverse harmful Trump Administration policies that have cancelled energy projects and taken choices away from consumers, support affordable power generation, and ensure the grid infrastructure needed to bring costs down.”

“Utility bills are skyrocketing, and it’s crippling New Mexican families’ budgets. I look forward to working with the Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to implement commonsense solutions that will make life more affordable for hardworking folks,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez.

“By nearly every measure, the cost of living has risen for American households. Many families are struggling just to put food on the table, let alone afford utility bills that continue to climb higher month after month,” said Rep. Laura Gillen. “On Long Island, where energy costs are already among the highest in the nation, these increases place an especially heavy burden on working families. That’s why I’m proud to join the Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to work towards advancing common-sense solutions that reduce energy costs, increase affordability and help Long Island families keep the lights on.”

“Families in Sacramento County are paying too much just to keep the lights on,” said Rep. Ami Bera. “Utility bills are taking up a bigger share of household budgets, and too many seniors on fixed incomes and working parents are being forced to cut back on essentials to make ends meet. The Lowering Utility Bills Caucus will keep a spotlight on rising energy costs and organize lawmakers around practical, common-sense solutions to bring costs down. I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver relief for American families.”

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Congresswoman Luz Rivas Delivers Over $4 Million for Critical Projects in CA-29

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) announced that the appropriations package including over $4 million in federal dollars for new Community Project Funding (CPF) requests within California’s 29th Congressional District has been signed into law.

“The $4 million in federal funding signed into law today makes critical investments for economic opportunities and public safety across the San Fernando Valley,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “This funding will go toward providing direct results and resources that will benefit constituents, including toward computers to enhance STEM education, new software for stronger cybersecurity, and enhanced training for constituents. I am excited to see constituents thrive thanks to the programs these funds will support.”

Background:

On January 8, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, by a vote of 397-28. This appropriations package includes three of Congresswoman Rivas’ CPF requests:

$2,062,000: Crisis and Incident Response through Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE) (City of Los Angeles). This project will expand the CIRCLE call centers' operations to communities such as North Hollywood, Sun Valley, and the West Valley to address non-urgent Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) calls related to unhoused individuals.

$1,039,000: Autodesk Technology Engagement Center (California State University, Northridge). This project is to purchase computers, related peripheral tools and research equipment for the University-Community Makerspace, STEAM Discovery Lab, Lobby and Exhibit Spaces, Next-Gen Student Success Center, and Presentation Room to increase access to state-of-the-art technology for K-12 students and encourage STEAM pathways.

$1,000,000: Los Angeles Valley College Cybersecurity Center (Los Angeles Valley College). The project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the proposed Cybersecurity Center will provide significant, long-term benefits to CA-29, the state of California, and the broader national cybersecurity ecosystem. This project directly supports California’s statewide initiative to train 50,000 entry-level cybersecurity professionals by 2030 and aligns with NIST’s mission to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness through the advancement of measurement science, standards, and technology.

H.R. 6938 passed the Senate on January 15, and was signed into law on January 23.

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Congresswoman Ross Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional App Challenge

A screenshot from Aharshi Bhattacharjee’s app demonstration, this year’s Congressional App Challenge winner from Wake Tech Early College.

Raleigh, N.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced Aharshi Bhattacharjee, a junior at Wake Tech Early College, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District. Aharshi created the app MotionBloom, which provides therapy assistance for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other motor control disorders. The app submissions in this year's competition showcased the incredible talent and creativity of students across Wake County.

“I am always inspired by the talent, ingenuity, and passion that I see from Wake County’s students during the Congressional App Challenge,” said Congresswoman Ross. “These young minds are using technology to address real-world issues and create bold solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. I especially want to congratulate Aharshi Bhattacharjee, this year’s winner, for his innovative app that tracks and improves therapeutic treatment in real time for those with Parkinson’s disease. Aharshi’s app and the submissions of every student exemplify the kind of forward-thinking ideas that will help propel our state and country to new heights.”

Bhattacharjee designed and coded the app MotionBloom as an interactive rehabilitation system and tremor data logger to assist with therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other motor control disorders. The data logger pairs with a custom-made wearable ring to relay data to a phone or computer in real time. His interest in this topic came from observations and research in which he learned that using real-time sensory cues to help patients monitor and adjust their own movements is a viable approach to rehabilitation for those with Parkinson's.

The competition was judged by a panel of five leading STEM educators and professionals in North Carolina’s 2nd District:

Roger Christman, Department Chair of Art, Communication, and Simulation and Game Design at William Peace University

Joyce Santhananathan, Senior Technology Architect, ADMCOE, Infosys

Prassanna Rao Rajgopal, Industry Principal – Cybersecurity, Infosys

Pratim Biswas, Senior Product Manager, Infosys

Gaurav Bansal, Senior Director Head of Financial Services AI Sales, Infosys

Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition for middle school and high school students designed to expose students to the world of app development without requiring prior coding experience. Each participating congressional district selects a local winner who then competes with winners from other participating districts for further awards.

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House Passes Nearly $7 Million in Funding for Wake County Transportation & Housing Projects Secured by Congresswoman Ross

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a partial appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2026, including $6.75 million in federal funding for Wake County transportation and housing community projects secured by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02). If approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President, these projects will invest in key transportation and infrastructure improvements across Wake County.

“Wake County is a booming hub that attracts new residents and businesses every single day,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Now more than ever, we must invest in 21st century infrastructure to keep pace with this unprecedented growth. From affordable housing to airport and public safety improvements, these projects will make a real difference in the lives of Wake County residents. I will continue working hard to get these projects across the finish line.”

Last year, Congresswoman Ross submitted these seven funding requests. Below is the list of projects included in this partial appropriations package. Find information about current and previous Community Project Funding requests here.

Projects Requested for Fiscal Year 2026

Project Name: Wake County Second Street Homeless Shelter

Amount Awarded: $850,000

Project Description: This project will upgrade facilities at a drop-in shelter to provide homeless individuals with a safe place to spend the night and offer connections to other services.

Project Name: City of Raleigh Rose Lane Flood Safe and Resilient Access

Amount Awarded: $850,000

Project Description: The Rose Lane Area Flood Safe and Resilient Access project will provide a safe passageway to a neighborhood of affordable houses whose sole access road is frequently cut off by flooding from Walnut Creek.

Project Name: Town of Morrisville Center Economic Development Phase I

Amount Awarded: $250,000

Project Description: The Town Center will be a 25-acre mixed-use development creating a downtown and gathering area for Morrisville that has never existed before.

Project Name: Wake County – Wendell North Public Safety Station

Amount Requested: $750,000

Project Description: Wake County will construct a new EMS station North of the Town of Wendell in Eastern Wake County.

Project Name: Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority John Brantley Boulevard Extension

Amount Awarded: $1,200,000

Project Description: This project will widen and extend the terminal area roadway system to accommodate increased passenger traffic, reduce roadway congestion, and provide additional capacity necessary to support long term growth.

Project Name: Town of Garner Jones Sausage Road Safety and Capacity Improvements

Amount Awarded: $850,000

Project Description: The Town of Garner will use these funds to implement safety and capacity improvements to Jones Sausage Road.

Project Name: GoTriangle Triangle Mobility Hub

Amount Awarded: $2,000,000

Project Description: The Triangle Mobility Hub will be a new intermodal transit center in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) that will link bus service, paratransit, and micro-transit with future bus rapid transit, passenger rail, and the Triangle Bikeway.

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Rep. Sara Jacobs Urges President Trump to Keep Promises to Punish Spoilers to Peace in Eastern DRC

Rep. Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, today called on the Trump Administration to fulfill its promises to hold Rwanda and the M23 accountable for their recent offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and renew peace efforts to end the conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

Watch Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Opening Remarks Here

Rep. Sara Jacobs said:

“Thank you, Chairman Smith, for holding this very timely hearing, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Troutman for testifying before our committee today. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with 7.3 million internally displaced persons and over 7,000 killed in 2025 alone. More than 26 million people are experiencing life-threatening levels of acute food insecurity. It is one of the most complex and longstanding humanitarian crises in the world - while the latest escalation between DRC and Rwanda started in 2022, the conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for the last three decades.

“Civilians have suffered the most under this conflict - either being caught in the crossfire or being targeted by armed groups. Conflict-related sexual violence has reached epidemic levels in eastern DRC. Cases have only escalated this year while impunity for its perpetrators - including the M23 and other armed groups and military forces - prevails.

“So I appreciate President Trump’s high-level attention to this conflict that is too often ignored and put on the backburner. But this conflict and the people of the DRC deserve sustained high-level attention and care — and not be a fleeting concern that gets easily forgotten. And I would argue that the President’s promises and statements that he has already ended the war between the DRC and Rwanda ring hollow when we are in fact not seeing peace or stability on the ground at all. And I am also concerned that the lack of consultation and inclusion of civil society and local communities is setting up the peace process to fail before it even gets off the ground.

“Only five days after the signing of the Washington Accords between President Tshisekedi and President Kagame, hosted by President Trump, the M23 - collocated with the Rwandans along the front lines - took over the strategic city of Uvira in South Kivu. And while M23 has reportedly retreated partially from Uvira, we still have not seen the full retreat to 75km outside of Uvira (back to Kamanyola) as the United States called for in December. And we are now receiving reports of reprisal attacks against the Banyamulenge, a Congolese Tutsi community, and other civilians accused of supporting the M23 by the Wazalendo and other armed bandits.

“This is all on top of nearly a year of M23’s occupation of Goma and Bukavu - two other extremely important cities in the Kivus - where civilians have faced atrocities, executions, and other abuses. Both parties have made commitments that they have failed to maintain. Rwanda clearly continues to support the M23 and deploy its own forces - the latest numbers ranging from 5,000-7,000 troops in eastern Congo, not including the latest Uvira offensive - in violation of the DRC’s sovereignty. The DRC military, for its part, has reportedly continued collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) - a militia founded by the leaders of the 1994 Rwandan genocide – in contravention of the Accords.

“And despite Secretary Rubio’s and Ambassador Waltz’s promises a month ago that they would use the tools at our disposal to hold Rwanda accountable and “ensure promises made [by Rwanda] to the President are kept”, the Administration has still not announced any new sanctions or accountability measures against Rwanda or the M23. To me, it’s very clear: Rwanda needs to stop supporting the M23 and stop its own occupation of the DRC so that the Congolese people can finally be on the path to peace, not more war.

“So I urge the Trump Administration to make good on its promises to hold Rwanda and other spoilers to peace accountable – and I look forward to hearing from Ms. Troutman on how the Department plans to take these actions. I also urge the Administration to actually include civil society in the peace process so that it has real buy-in with local populations and actually sticks. We also need to better consult local populations on the various commercial deals in progress with the government of DRC to ensure any investments actually benefit the Congolese people, not just foreign companies and elites.

“And once again, I urge President Trump to finally name senior positions to lead Africa policy. A year into his term, the President has neglected to nominate an Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs at the State Department. We are now on our third Senior Bureau Official. And he has not only failed to appoint an NSC Senior Director for Africa, but has actually combined the Africa and Middle East directorate. I understand Senior Advisor Boulos is taking the lead on this portfolio - but he is not Senate-confirmed and he is also apparently in charge of the U.S. response in Sudan, Libya, and Yemen too, so I’m concerned that he is unable to dedicate the necessary time that the Congolese people deserve.

“I also urge the Trump Administration to reverse its devastating cuts to foreign assistance in the country. Earlier this year, Secretary Rubio cut hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance to the DRC as part of President Trump’s sham “Foreign Assistance Review” and illegal dismantling of USAID. Since the cuts to USAID, more than 8,200 people living in the DRC with HIV have lost access to lifesaving treatment. Last year, there was a 62% increase in deaths due to cholera. And while there has been a surge in conflict-related sexual violence in eastern Congo, foreign assistance cuts have reduced the services available to survivors, including post-rape kits. And just in November, the World Food Program was forced to cut the number of people it assisted in DRC in half – from 1 million to 600,000 people.

“These cuts didn’t make sense then, and they don’t make sense now while the President speaks about the need for peace and saving lives in DRC. I, for one, would like to believe that the President’s peace agenda is real and will result in real peace – but it’s hard to believe when he has gutted our foreign policy tools and neglected to dedicate the necessary senior staff and resources to make peace not just possible but enduring.

“Meanwhile, the Congolese haven’t seen peace, only escalation over the past year. And they don’t have time to wait. We need immediate action to hold the M23 and Rwanda accountable for their occupation in the DRC and latest offensive in Uvira. We need immediate action to get the peace process back on track. And we need the Administration to invest in its own institutions and tools so this process is successful.

“The Congolese people have endured violence, exploitation, and promises of peace for long enough. It is cruel to call the war in the DRC over while the M23 was executing people over the holidays. It is time for the United States, along with the international community, to recommit to this peace process and demonstrate seriousness about holding spoilers to peace accountable.

“So I look forward to hearing from Deputy Assistant Secretary Troutman on the State Department’s plan to fulfill the President’s goal to find peace in the DRC. Thank you, Chairman Smith, and with that, I yield back.”


Rep. Scholten Secures Federal Funding to Strengthen West Michigan Manufacturing and National Security

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) announced that she secured a $9.9 million loan through the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to back Buell Motorcycle Company, an iconic Grand Rapids-based manufacturer poised to play a major role in restoring America’s manufacturing leadership.

“West Michigan is the beating heart of American manufacturing, and Buell is exactly the kind of company we should be investing in,” said Rep. Scholten. “I’ve seen firsthand the innovation happening on the factory floor in Grand Rapids. With EXIM’s support, Buell can scale up production, strengthen our domestic supply chains, and help ensure the U.S. stays competitive against foreign adversaries. This support will mean more jobs here at home and a more secure future for our country.”

Rep. Scholten has been a strong advocate for Buell’s application, including submitting a formal letter of support after personally touring the company’s factory in Grand Rapids. She emphasized Buell’s importance to West Michigan’s economy and to America’s broader manufacturing and national security goals.

Buell’s advancements in lightweight engine and vehicle technologies are critical to driving innovation in advanced manufacturing while bolstering national security. EXIM’s investment will also create a ripple effect across West Michigan, supporting hundreds of component manufacturers and helping sustain and grow good-paying jobs throughout the region.

Rep. Scholten will continue working to ensure federal investments prioritize American workers, domestic manufacturers, and communities like West Michigan that have long powered the nation’s economy.

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ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier Grills Healthcare CEOs for Abusing Prior Authorization, Delaying, and Denying Health Care

WASHINGTON, DC – At an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing this week, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), grilled health insurance CEOs for their companies’ repeated abuse of prior authorization to delay and deny patients' health care, especially those on Medicare Advantage.

“Your companies are charging more, paying less, and then delaying or even denying care due to abusive demands for prior authorizations… Particularly when it comes to Medicare Advantage, not only do you delay that care with prior authorization demands, you sometimes flat-out deny claims after the services are already rendered,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D.

Congresswoman Schrier took UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Hemsley to task for his company’s conduct – UnitedHealth has a history of Medicare Advantage abuse, demanding more prior authorization than other insurance companies that take care of Medicare Advantage patients. Approximately 80% of UnitedHealth patients who appeal their denied claims have their denials partially or fully reversed, leading to serious questions as to why their claims were originally denied.

“To the rest of us, this looks like your business model – it looks like you bet on wearing patients down, on them not appealing, and then they either decide to just eat the costs or they die before they get the care that they need,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “My constituents are sick of it, we’re sick of it, doctors are sick of it, and people deserve better. We need Medicare Advantage reform now.”


One Year After Trump’s USAID Shutdown, Sherman & Meeks Lead All Foreign Affairs Dems to Investigate Aid-Related Deaths

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), along with House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05) and all House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats, introduced the Evan Anzoo Memorial Act, legislation to create a formal U.S. government account of the hundreds of thousands of deaths resulting from the Trump Administration’s dismantling of USAID and its lifesaving programs.

For the past 20 years, the generosity of the American people through USAID has saved 91 million lives around the globe – at the cost of less than 1% of our federal budget.

Yet, on January 24th, 2025, the Trump Administration abruptly shut down the lifesaving agency with a disastrous stop-work order that cut recipients around the world off from lifesaving care overnight. As a result, some 600,000 people have died in the past year after being cut off of lifesaving health and food aid provided by USAID – about two thirds of them children. One of those children was Evan Anzoo, a 5 year old boy born with HIV and kept alive through American health aid. After the Trump Administration cut of USAID programs overnight, Evan lost access to his HIV medication and died shortly after. A study by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health estimates that USAID’s continued dismantling will lead to 14 million additional deaths globally by 2030, including more than 4.5 million children under five.

Despite top U.S. research institutions and publications reporting on hundreds of thousands of deaths occurring this year due to the Trump Administration’s USAID’s shuttering, Secretary Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that “no one has died” from USAID’s dismantling, and that “no children are dying on [his] watch.”

“Secretary Rubio came before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and lied to America when he claimed ‘no one has died’ from Trump’s USAID shuttering. That was a bold-faced lie – but if Republicans are so confident in his answer, they should support my legislation to have Congress’s watchdog issue an independent and formal review of how many people have died as a result of this evil policy,” Sherman said. “Instead, all House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans voted against this legislation in September because they are afraid of the truth.”

“Despite numerous denials and outright obfuscation by the administration - including Secretary Rubio’s claim that no one has died as a result of U.S. foreign assistance cuts - the reality is far more damning. Millions of preventable deaths will have occurred as a direct result of Trump’s evisceration of USAID. These cruel decisions demand real accountability and oversight. The Evan Anzoo Memorial Act will help ensure the American public and Congress confront the true human consequences of these policies,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

The American people overwhelmingly support providing lifesaving foreign aid around the world; they deserve to know the true impact of the Trump Administration’s deadly dismantling of USAID and whether the Secretary of State lied before Congress. The Evan Anzoo Memorial Act will create a formal report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congress’s independent and nonpartisan watchdog, as to how many people around the world have died as a result of this policy.

All House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats joined Sherman and Meeks in introducing this legislation: Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Rep. Bill Keating (MA-09), Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. George Latimer (NY-16), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01), Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06).

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Sherman Announces Additional Funding for Community Projects Approved by the House of Representatives for FY2026

Sherman Oaks, California – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) announced that over $7 million in federal funds for projects in the San Fernando Valley and parts of the Westside of Los Angeles have been included in legislation passed by the House of Representatives. These 9 projects are in addition to 6 other projects that passed the House and Sente earlier this month.

"These funds will address vital needs across our community including improvements to our local fire stations, public parks and infrastructure, as well as additional resources to address homelessness and services for those in need," said Congressman Sherman.

The community projects approved by the House, and are expected to pass the Senate next week, are as follows:

Los Angeles Fire Department Station Renovations – Los Angeles Fire Department

Amount: $2,000,000

This funding will be used for needed repairs to Los Angeles fire stations. The life expectancy of a fire station is 50 years, and 15 fire stations in CD32 are close to or older than 50 years.

Community Engagement & Enrichment Center at LA Pierce College – Pierce College

Amount: $250,000

This funding will be used to create the Community Engagement & Enrichment Center that will support underserved populations of the San Fernando Valley, providing them with a safe and educational environment.

Grancell Village Affordable Senior Housing – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

This funding will assist in building affordable senior housing at Grancell Village, supporting low-income and disabled seniors.

Labor Community Services Food Bank Equipment Needs – Los Angeles County

Amount: $1,200,000

This funding will be used to modernize and upgrade the Labor Community Services (LCS) Food Bank Warehouse equipment, which will allow for the more economic, efficient, and nimble service in Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles River Greenway Studio City Habitat Restoration, Beautification, and Safety Project – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $250,000

This project will occur along the south bank of the Los Angeles River from Whitsett Avenue to Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Studio City and include new, native landscaping to replace existing, non-native plantings. The project will also install public lighting along the path, access pathways, and seating areas.

Southwest Valley Park Improvements Project – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

This project will improve and update the park spaces in the City of Los Angeles to make these critical open spaces more conducive to outdoor activities. These improvements – such as the installation of grass to replace turf, bleachers, running paths, lights, trees, and shade structures – will allow the most vulnerable members of our communities find respite from increased heat in the San Fernando Valley, the hottest part of the City of Los Angeles.

Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Dume Road Tunnel Lighting Upgrade Project – Los Angeles County

Amount: $250,000

The project will replace the existing high pressure sodium lighting with energy-saving LED lighting fixtures in the tunnels along Malibu Canyon Road, Kanan Road, and Kanan Dume Road. This upgrade will result in enhanced visibility, overall lighting reliability, and improve driver safety conditions.

Sepulveda Basin Pedestrian Safety & Access Improvements – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

The project will provide new and enhanced safe pedestrian pathways from underserved neighborhoods into the Sepulveda Basin recreation area, providing car-free access to LA28 Olympic Games venues.

West Los Angeles VA Modular Home Construction – Los Angeles County

Amount: $850,000

Los Angeles County will partner with the Greater Los Angeles VA to advance a proposed project at VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care that would serve as temporary housing under the Care, Treatment and Rehabilitative Services (CTRS) Program.

In addition, the following projects have already been approved by the House and Senate. The President is expected to sign them into law in days.

Santa Monica Mountains Brush Clearance & Wildfire Mitigation – Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)

Amount: $1,031,000

Lands within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) are in need of habitat restoration, in particular brush clearance and the removal of invasive plant species. This project is critical for preserving the wildlife habitat and reducing wildfire risk as the Palisades and neighboring communities recover from the 2025 LA Fires.

High Bay Structural Test Lab – California State University, Northridge

Amount: $1,031,000

The technology and equipment in this 1,100-square-foot lab will expand research opportunities, through testing on structural systems using different types of loads that reflect real-world conditions. In addition, the laboratory provides workforce training to CSUN students in STEM pathways as the lab’s projects have real-world applications.

Crisis and Incident Response through Community–Led Engagement (CIRCLE) Program - City of Los Angeles

Amount: $2,062,000

The funding will be used to help expand the Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE) program, a 24/7 unarmed response program that deploys trained teams to address non-urgent LAPD calls related to unhoused individuals.

West LA Real Time Crime Center – Los Angeles Police Department

Amount: $1,031,000

The funding will be used to install a Real Time Crime Center in the West Los Angeles LAPD Division and expand the camera network around the community to reduce burglaries.

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House Passes Appropriations Package With $6.5 Million in Funding for Local Projects Submitted by Rep. Brown

Washington, DC – The House of Representatives has passed appropriations legislation which includes $6.5 million in federal funding for seven Community Project Funding (CPF) requests secured by Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11). The legislation now heads to the Senate for a vote.

On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included seven CPF requests submitted by Congresswoman Brown last year. Those funded projects include $1.8 million to the City of Cleveland for the DREAM 66 infrastructure project in Midtown, $1.2 million to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority for the Irishtown Bend Stabilization and Rehabilitation Project, and $1 million for housing for individuals in recovery in Ward 10, Cleveland, and others.

These funding line items were only possible because of the efforts of Brown’s office to apply for their consideration with the House Committee on Appropriations. These Fiscal Year 2026 CPFs come after Republicans pulled Fiscal Year 2025 CPFs last year.

“No matter who is in the White House, I am going to fight for Northeast Ohio. These funding requests go back years, but we kept at it, built bipartisan support, and now we’re one step closer to bringing $6 million dollars back to the district. This includes funding for new park space at Irishtown Bend and Beulah Park, housing in Ward 10, entrepreneurship education at Tri-C, and more. These projects are real wins for Northeast Ohio,” said Congresswoman Brown.

Earlier this month, Brown secured an additional $6 million in local project funding in a previous appropriations bill covering other agencies.

Despite delivering key wins for Northeast Ohio, Congresswoman Brown voted no on final passage of the overall minibus due to provisions contained in the Defense title.

“Democrats secured major wins in this minibus, rejecting the Administration’s proposed cuts to Head Start, Housing, and other key domestic programs. However, at a moment when this Administration has escalated military actions abroad and continues dangerous saber-rattling in places like Greenland, I could not in good conscience vote to increase funding for the so-called Department of War without clear guardrails, oversight, and accountability,” said Congresswoman Brown.

Community Project Funding Wins for OH-11 in the Consolidated Appropriations Package:


Congresswoman Simon Secures Over $4 MILLION in Federal Funding for the East Bay

OAKLAND, CA –Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) is excited to announce that she has successfully secured over $4 million in federal funding for 4 community projects in California’s 12thCongressional District through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding Grant process.

The federal funding will support a variety of efforts to improve public safety in Oakland, including over $1 million for Operation Ceasefire, which will enhance the capacity of the City of Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention, and over $1 million for public safety equipment at Northeastern University Oakland. Congresswoman Simon also secured over $1 million in federal funding for the establishment of a groundbreaking pediatric blood disorder research center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland and over $1 million for the purchase of research equipment for Samuel Merritt University’s new campus in Downtown Oakland.

Of the initial funding announcement Congresswoman Simon said:

“I am incredibly excited to announce that I have secured $4 million to fund four great community projects in our district. From the City of Oakland’s lifesaving Operation Ceasefire to a next-generation cancer facility at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital -- this funding will make tangible and real differences for people in our district now and for generations to come. In my first year in Congress, I have been consistently focused on delivering back money and results for the East Bay; this funding is a real win for our district, and I look forward to announcing more community project funding once the Senate finishes taking up the remaining FY2026 appropriations bills.”

Former Congresswoman, now Mayor of Oakland Barbara Lee previously championed appropriations requests for Operation Ceasefire in Congress. Of Congresswoman Simon’s funding announcement, she said:

"Congratulations to Congresswoman Lateefah Simon on securing over $4 million for our congressional district in her first year in Congress. I also want to thank her for resubmitting several of the community projects I previously submitted under the Biden-Harris Administration - we are deeply grateful for her support. Congresswoman Simon continues to be instrumental in keeping Oakland on the move.”

Each fiscal year, members of Congress can submit Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for consideration with the House Committee on Appropriations. In her first year in Congress, Congresswoman Simon submitted 15 CPF requests for projects across the East Bay. Today, on January 23, 2026, the first group of requests was funded and signed into law via the H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026.

The full list of projects signed into law today can be found below:

$1,031,000 for Samuel Merritt University, Oakland City Center’s Campus – This funding will be used to purchase research equipment for Samuel Merritt University’s new campus in Downtown Oakland.

$1,031,000 for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Pediatric Blood Disorder Research Center – This funding will be used for a groundbreaking pediatric blood disorder research center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. This innovative research center will house investigators dedicated to translating basic research into innovative, curative therapies that would directly benefit our patients and children across the world suffering from blood conditions, including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, leukemia, and bone marrow failure.

$1,039,000 for the City of Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention Enhancements (Operation Ceasefire) – This funding will be used to enhance the capacity of the City of Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention to deliver intensive life coaching and violence interruption services for individuals who are most likely to be victims or perpetrators of gun violence in the next 90 days. This project will directly support a reduction in violent crime and recidivism.

$1,031,000 for Northeastern University Oakland – This funding will be used to make public safety security enhancements at Northeastern University’s 135-acre campus in Oakland and surrounding neighborhood. The enhancements will benefit not only students and faculty, but non-Northeastern affiliated members of the Oakland community who use the grounds, walking trails, and athletic facilities.

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Congresswoman Simon Votes Against Defense Spending Package, Celebrates Increased Funding for NIH and Extensions of Key Health Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) released the following statement after voting NO on H.R. 7146, Consolidated Appropriations Act.

“Families in my district and across the country are struggling to afford health care, student loans, housing, and transportation needs. Our nation’s investments should be in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their age, can access affordable health care, live in safe, affordable homes, and go to school without the burden of student debt –- not in furthering forever wars in service of one man’s demands.

“I commend Democratic Appropriators for their work on advancing a bill that includes funding for many important priorities held by working families including essential public health, education, transportation, and housing programs that families rely upon. However, the vast majority of this bill is taxpayer money for more weapons and more war. I cannot support legislation that sends more than $840 billion to the Pentagon, an unaccountable agency that hasn’t passed an audit in its history, which is why I voted against this legislation.”

H.R. 7146 increased funding for the National Institutes of Health by over $400 million which will protect critical research at university and medical centers in CA-12 and across the country. The legislation also extends Medicare telehealth coverage and priority review vouchers at the Food and Drug Administration for companies who successfully developed therapeutics for pediatric rare disease and critical funding for community health centers my constituents rely on.

In 2024, California’s 12th Congressional District received $332 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health. In particular, the University of California, Berkeley received 345 awards (totaling $158 million) last year, accounting for nearly half of this funding.

This week Congresswoman Simon also voted against the appropriations bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Her statement can be found here.

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Congresswoman Simon Votes Against Funding for ICE and CBP, “I Cannot and Will not Continue to Fund Lawlessness”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 7147, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026:

“I voted NO on H.R. 7147, the FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which would continue to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at outrageous levels and further enable the Trump Administration’s racist enforcement actions against immigrant communities across this country.

“This bill includes an additional $400 million more to ICE for detention and $370 million more for immigration enforcement activities compared to last fiscal year --on top of an unprecedented $170 billion for immigration enforcement that was included in Republicans’ big cruel bill last July. More funding for DHS deepens our cruel system of mass detention and militarized policing that targets working families and communities of color.

“Simply put – I cannot and will not continue to fund lawlessness or federal agencies that terrorize families in their own neighborhoods and criminalize people for seeking opportunity and refuge. What we’re witnessing is cruel, immoral, and completely at odds with the promise of the American dream.

“I am committed to ending this escalation of state violence against Black and brown people and the immigrant communities who make our country stronger. The East Bay has consistently made clear that we are for justice, not incarceration, fear, and dehumanization – and I will continue to uphold these values through my votes and actions in Congress.”

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President Trump Signs Chairman Simpson's FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill

WASHINGTON—Today, President Donald Trump signed the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 into law. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–attended the signing and released the following statement.

“It was an honor to be invited to the White House this afternoon to witness President Trump sign my legislation, along with two other fiscally responsible appropriations bills, into law,” said Rep. Simpson. “I’m deeply proud of the effort that went into this critical legislation, and its accomplishments that work to advance an America First policy agenda. I am proud to have produced a bill that champions Idaho wins, like prioritizing funding for Indian Country and Wildland Fire Management, and importantly, protects America’s public lands. As an America First product, I am thrilled that this legislation lowers energy costs and reverses out-of-touch Biden-era regulations, allowing more families to keep more money in their pockets. Thank you to the President and his administration for the support.”

This legislation includes secured funding for four water improvement projects in American Falls, Bellevue, Fort Hall, and Rigby.

Highlights of the bill include:


MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens Secures Federal Funding for Oakland County Projects in Bipartisan Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) announced over $8 million in federal funding she secured for Oakland County projects in the House-passed bipartisan funding bill, H.R. 7148. Stevens voted in favor of the bill, which passed overwhelmingly at 341-88, and funds the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Education. The bill now heads to the Senate for passage and must be signed into law by the president.

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

Stevens, who was recently recognized as the most effective Michigan Democrat in Congress, secured funding for nine projects totaling $8,420,000. Specifically, the funding she secured provides:

$2,000,000 to Oakland County for Oakland County transit fleet expansion. The funding will be used for the purchase of 16 new buses, allowing the County to provide 100,000 more transit rides per year.

$2,000,000 to the City of Pontiac for a youth recreation center. The center will include several classrooms, a gymnasium, a pool, and space for events, meetings, and additional programming.

$1,200,000 to the City of Birmingham to renovate the former YMCA building into a new senior and recreation center. The center will provide community services and resources, along with health and well-being programming for children, seniors, and families in Birmingham and surrounding communities.

$850,000 to the City of Farmington Hills to build a new senior center to serve seniors and residents with disabilities.

$850,000 to the City of Royal Oak for a multi-purpose indoor field facility and wellness hub. The hub will provide comprehensive fitness, health, and wellness activities along with community event space.

$520,000 to the City of Madison Heights for road repairs. The funding will be used to repave Avis Drive from East 14 Mile to Dequindre Road.

$500,000 to Oakland County to replace aging water infrastructure at the Detroit Zoo.

$250,000 to the City of Troy to acquire a generator for the Troy Community Center. A generator will allow the center to be used during emergencies as a shelter and gathering place, as well as a warming and cooling location during extreme weather.

$250,000 to the Charter Township of Commerce to construct connecting sidewalks and pathways between Commerce Township and the city of Wixom.

Earlier this month, Rep. Stevens secured additional funding for six critical Oakland County infrastructure projects in a separate government funding bill. That bill has passed the House and Senate and is awaiting the President’s signature.

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Rep. Sykes Defends Reproductive Freedom Amid GOP Extremism During Roe Anniversary Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the week marking the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against two Republican-backed bills that would further undermine reproductive freedom while diverting public resources away from families and students who need them most.

“These bills don’t help women or families. They advance GOP extremism that interferes with personal medical decisions and misuses taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Sykes. “During this week honoring Roe v. Wade, I voted no because women deserve real health care, honest information, and the freedom to make their own choices without political interference.”

One measure would expand the use of federal anti-poverty funds for crisis pregnancy centers that are not required to provide comprehensive or medically accurate reproductive health care, raising concerns about accountability and the diversion of limited assistance away from food, housing, and child care. Rep. Sykes has also introduced the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act to hold these centers accountable for spreading misleading information and ensure people receive medically accurate reproductive health guidance.

The second bill targets college campuses with politically driven pregnancy-related requirements, despite existing federal protections against pregnancy discrimination.

Both measures passed the House and now move to the U.S. Senate, where Rep. Sykes urges lawmakers to reject efforts that undermine reproductive freedom and instead advance policies that genuinely support women, students, and families.


Rep. Sykes Secures More Than $12M for Public Safety and Clean Water

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced today that House-passed FY26 appropriations bills include more than $12 million in Community Project Funding for local roads, public safety facilities, water systems, parks, and environmental restoration projects across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

“These investments reflect the priorities I hear directly from our communities, including safer streets, clean water, strong public safety facilities, and accessible public spaces,” said Rep. Sykes. “I am proud that these projects received support from the House, and I will continue working to ensure these dollars are delivered back home to strengthen our neighborhoods and improve daily life for residents.”

FY26 Community Project Funding Highlights

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill

$1.5 million Ohio and Erie Canal Heritage Area Restoration Project (Stark Parks, Canal Fulton) – enhances trails, ADA access, and historic canal features for ecotourism.

$1.2 million Downtown Akron Main Street Project – revitalizes streets and sidewalks, improves pedestrian and bike safety, and enhances downtown access.

$1.2 million Rosemont Preserve Restoration Project (Fairlawn) – restores stream channels and wetlands to improve water quality and mitigate flooding.

$1 million Tallmadge Circle Pedestrian Tunnel Project – constructs a pedestrian tunnel to enhance safety and accessibility at a busy historic intersection.

$850,000 Glen Chamberlin Park Improvement Study (Twinsburg) – upgrades playgrounds, walking paths, and park amenities for recreation and accessibility.

$850,000 Village of Boston Heights Safety Center – builds a combined fire and police facility for safer community services.

$850,000 Cleveland Avenue NW Streetscape Project (Canton) – improves sidewalks, lighting, and traffic flow to support local businesses and pedestrians.

$450,000 Guise Park Lodge Renovation Project (Munroe Falls) – renovates the park lodge with ADA-compliant facilities and improved public access.

$250,000 Reservoir Park Restoration Project (Massillon) – restores natural habitats, prevents flooding, and upgrades park infrastructure.

$250,000 East Copley District Safe and Vibrant Streets Study (Akron) – identifies safety improvements and economic development opportunities in a high-crash area.

$250,000 Clinton Road Rehabilitation Project – reconstructs a critical roadway to support local businesses and regional traffic.

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill

$1.092 million Peninsula Sanitary Sewer Collection and Treatment Facilities – expands sewer infrastructure to protect public health and the Cuyahoga River.

$1.092 million Cuyahoga Falls Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project – modernizes the century-old facility for safe and reliable drinking water.

$725,223 Village of Silver Lake Water Main Improvement Project – adds redundancy and improves water quality and fire safety.

Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill

$1.031 million City of Barberton Justice Center Technology and Equipment – upgrades technology and security systems to support police operations and public safety.

Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to direct federal resources to locally driven projects with demonstrated community support and clear public benefit, addressing critical infrastructure and quality-of-life needs for residents.

The funding is contingent upon its passage in the Senate and the president’s signature.


Congressman Taylor Joins Congressional Rural Health Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) today announced his membership in the Congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus. This caucus provides a forum for Members of Congress to discuss the unique issues facing rural healthcare providers and communities, learn from stakeholders and policy experts, and develop solutions to effectively meet the healthcare needs of rural Americans.

“A person's zip code should not determine their ability to access the healthcare they need,” said Congressman Taylor. “With increased travel distances, a shortage of providers in our region, insufficient infrastructure, and limited broadband for telehealth services, Buckeye families have struggled to access and afford life-changing care for far too long. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus to increase healthcare access in regions like mine and improve health outcomes for thousands of Ohioans.”

Background:

Out of Ohio’s 15 congressional districts, Ohio’s Second Congressional District (OH-02) experiences the lowest life expectancy, the highest rate of drug overdose, and the highest rate of chronic disease. Across America, rural areas only have 13.1 physicians per 10,000 people compared to 31.2 per 10,000 in urban areas, creating an acute healthcare access issue for rural families like those in southern Ohio.


Representative Tran Secures $2 Million Investment in Public Safety, Flood Protection in Orange County

Washington, DC – Today, President Trump signed into law H.R. 6938, the “Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026,” which makes consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. In a major federal funding win for Orange County, the legislation includes over $2 million in federal dollars for Orange County requested by U.S. Representative Derek Tran. The funding secured will be used to prevent crime, support law enforcement, and improve critical infrastructure.

Specifically, the funding will be allocated to:

HOPE Center in Fullerton, CA - $1.031 million to hire and train licensed professionals ready for deployment to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. By diverting non-violent incidents to specialized professionals, this funding will increase law enforcement’s capacity to respond rapidly to serious crimes and urgent emergencies.

Myra Avenue Storm Water Pump Station in Cypress, CA - $1.09 million to replace a dilapidated 60+ year old flood water pump station that protects over 380 homes and 4 schools, currently left with inadequate flood protection.

“I’m proud to bring over $2 million home to Orange County to make life safer and more secure for Orange County families. California families deserve to see their tax dollars at work back in our communities,” said Representative Tran. “When I talk to families back home, the concerns I hear most are about public safety. That’s why I fought so hard to secure over one million dollars to improve support for law enforcement and an additional one million dollars to update Orange County’s aging infrastructure. Community project funding shows California families that their government is working for them, and I look forward to bringing home more resources to make Southern California the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The HOPE Center is a nonprofit service organization in Fullerton, CA, which provides housing, food, and healthcare resources to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Orange County. The HOPE Center works in partnership with local governments and law enforcement to coordinate resources and support police departments responding to non-emergency calls. The City of Cypress, CA will administer the funding to replace the Myra Avenue Storm Water Pump Station.

The House Appropriations Committee has approved funding levels for Representative Tran’s 13 additional community project funding requests to construct affordable housing, repair local infrastructure, and improve public safety initiatives. If passed by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the President, the community projects in California’s 45th district will receive federal dollars.

Community Project Funding is subject to strict public transparency and accountability requirements, only available to nonprofit and government entities (for-profit grantees are not eligible), and must demonstrate evidence of compelling community support. In addition, each Member of Congress must certify in writing that there is no financial interest in the project for them and their immediate family. All projects will be audited by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to ensure sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

For more information on Representative Tran’s FY 2026 Community Project Funding requests, click here.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.


Vindman Backs Legislation Supporting Rural Communities, Hardworking Americans Left Behind by Trump

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07), the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, today backed legislation that would support Virginia farmers and protect food access for the working families that the Trump administration has left behind.

“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I see firsthand how President Trump’s tariffs and reckless cost-shifts in SNAP are squeezing farmers and hurting families across our Commonwealth and nation,” said Vindman. “The Farm and Family Relief Act takes meaningful steps to strengthen the financial security of our producers, lower grocery prices, and ensure that families, seniors, and veterans don’t have to choose between putting food on their tables and paying their bills.”

Originally unveiled at a press conference last week, the Farm and Family Relief Act would provide meaningful relief to America’s family farmers and working people being crushed by the inflation and higher costs caused by President Trump’s tariffs and Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Trump’s Big Ugly Bill.

The Farm and Family Relief Act addresses tariff hikes that have increased the cost of living and strengthens the economic foundation farmers rely on to feed our communities and global partners. It also addresses the significant unfunded burden placed on states through cost-shifts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

BACKGROUND

Trump’s tariffs and trade policies have jeopardized farmers’ financial stability, driven up grocery prices, and put access to food at risk for millions of American children, seniors, and veterans.

According to a new report by Joint Economic Committee Democrats, Trump’s inflation cost the average family $1,625 in the past year. Fruits and vegetable prices are up an average of 5.3 percent, while food eaten away from home has increased 4.1 percent. Hardworking Americans paid $310 more for groceries in 2025 than the year before.

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimated in November that U.S. farmers have accumulated over $50 billion in losses across the last three crop years. The 2025/26 crop year shows the steepest loss at $28 billion, influenced by Trump’s tariffs. Farm leaders have described the president’s $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program as “not enough.”

The National Governors Association recently estimated that annual SNAP expenditures could increase an average of $218 million per state if payment error rate data collected during the shutdown period is not excluded from cost-shift calculations, and a coalition of state and local stakeholders has urged Congress to delay the cost shifts.

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Vindman Secures $10 MILLION for Warfighting Lab at Marine Corps Base Quantico

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, secured $10 million in federal funding for the Marine Corps’ Warfighting Lab (MCWL) at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia’s Seventh District.

“As a 25-year Army veteran and Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to have secured an additional $10 million for the continued success of the Marine Corps’ Warfighting Lab at Quantico,” said Vindman. “I voted to deliver this federal funding to invest in the resources we need to guarantee that our military remains the most lethal fighting force in the world. As global threats persist, I will always stand with the warfighters.”

The United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) was established at Quantico in 1995 to improve current and future naval expeditionary warfare capabilities across the spectrum of conflict for current and future operating forces.

BACKGROUND

The NDAA authorizes defense policy and programs, while the Department of Defense Appropriations Act provides the funding to carry them out.

Earlier this year, Vindman fought for the continued authorization of this project in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). He then voted to pass the NDAA when it came to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in both September and December. The funding for this lab was appropriated in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act.

Vindman is a U.S. Army veteran. He served as an infantry officer and paratrooper including assignments in the 82D Airborne Division and as a company commander leading troops. Soon after, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. As a JAG, Vindman served as alaw of war advisor in Iraq; as the senior prosecutor in the busiest jurisdiction in the Army; and as a White House National Security Council (NSC) deputy legal advisor. In Congress, he sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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Wasserman Schultz Helps Secure Over $1 Billion in 2026 House Defense, Health, Transportation and Housing Funding Package

It includes cancer research, pool safety, local road, public safety funding

"I’m so proud to help retore this critical bipartisan, bicameral funding that curbs the Trump Administration’s cruel push to gut public services and helps restore our legislative purse strings, while also vital funding the medial research, national defense and education programs that make life healthier and more secure in South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz, Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. “The reason I fight so hard in Washington is so I can deliver cancer screenings, mammograms, drowning prevention programs and vital road, port and university research back home, and help keep our community safer, stronger and economically thriving.”

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) secured more than $1 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 federal funding in a critical appropriations package which passed the House yesterday, including millions in funds for cancer research, local road and public safety projects, drowning prevention programs, as well as delivering vital funding for medical and defense research efforts taking place at South Florida hospital and university campuses. The combined bill now moves to the Senate.

"I’m so proud to help retore this critical bipartisan, bicameral funding that curbs the Trump Administration’s cruel push to gut public services and helps restore our legislative purse strings, while also vital funding the medial research, national defense and education programs that make life healthier and more secure in South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz, Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. “The reason I fight so hard in Washington is so I can deliver cancer screenings, mammograms, drowning prevention programs and vital road, port and university research back home, and help keep our community safer, stronger and economically thriving.”

In the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill, Wasserman Schultz helped secure:

$236.5 million for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program for lower-income women, which provides thousands in Florida with mammograms, MRIs, pap tests, and HPV tests;

$10 million for the Alcee. L. Hastings Program for Advanced Cancer Screening to reach residents in underserved, rural, and remote communities.

$7 million for the EARLY Act, which Wasserman Schultz authored, to support recently diagnosed young women with breast cancer, and urges those at high risk to get screened.

$725,000 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Cancer Survivorship Resource Center to help over 1 million in Florida navigate life after active cancer treatment.

$200 million for the CDC’s Office of Smoking and Health, defeating Republican efforts to eliminate the office. In 2024, Florida received $3 million through the Office of Smoking and Health to help individuals quit tobacco use.

$2 million for drowning prevention, the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Florida has the nation’s highest child drowning death rate.

In the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill, she helped secure:

$1.25 million for Town of Davie ($250,000) and City of Miramar-Pembroke Pines ($1,050,000) for vital, local road expansion projects.

$1 million for Broward College’s Aviation Training Center expansion.

$1 million for the Fort Lauderdale Public Safety Complex project to train fire and police first responders.

$2 million to protect historically significant land in Rosewood, site of a 1923 racial massacre in this African American community.

National funds and agency directives that will aid Florida by: pushing the Federal Aviation Administration to adopt routing measures in Jacksonville to reduce air congestion; expanded renovation loan options for condominium associations; pushing for the release of withheld electrical vehicle infrastructure grants; $10 million for scenic byways; successfully increased funding for tanker security at our ports, and maintained funding to help affordable housing, financial counseling and neighborhood reinvestment.

In the Defense Bill, Wasserman Schultz helped secure:

$9 million to support research at Nova Southeastern University for U.S. Navy testing into ocean hydrodynamics and maintaining coastal seabed stealth;

$10 million to support Florida International University’s research into rapid advanced deposition.

$15 million for rare cancer microtissue research with 3D modeling.

$1.3 billion for medical research projects to develop treatments for cancer, disease, and service-related injuries, $702.5 million for collaborative defense projects with Israel in emerging technologies and missile defense projects.

Earlier this month, Wasserman Schultz secured more than $1 billion in federal funding in H.R. 6938, which combined the Commerce, Justice, Science, and the Energy and Water Development, as well as the Interior and Environment Appropriations bills into a single package. That critical House-passed legislation includes $461 million for Everglades restoration and preservation secured by Wasserman Schultz. The combined bills now move to the Senate.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, the Dean of the Florida Democratic Delegation, and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee.

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Blackburn, Rounds, Colleagues Introduce the Life at Conception Act

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and several of their colleagues in introducing the Life at Conception Act to legally recognize the right to life by extending 14th Amendment protections to unborn children. The Life at Conception Act would clarify in statute that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at all stages of life. This is defined as the moment of conception or any other moment at which an individual comes into being.

This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.),Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.). Representative Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) is leading introduction of companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

ENDORSEMENTS

This legislation is endorsed by the National Pro-Life Alliance, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life Action, the Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and the Family Research Council.