Amata Emphasizes World Cancer Day 2026

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement emphasizing World Cancer Day on February 4th:

“Modern nutrition and health care knowledge have done wonders for our overall longevity and well-being, but cancer remains an especially difficult illness to fully defeat. Fortunately, medical understanding, procedures and technologies are always growing to develop more effective treatments. Sadly, cancer still ends up affecting almost every family or circle of friends at some point in every lifetime, and we all know a survivor or those battling this disease.

“The goal of World Cancer Day is to raise awareness, improve prevention, and save lives. Our first tool against cancer is the earliest possible detection to start rapid treatment. It’s a fact that American Samoa has additional challenges due to our remote geography. We continue to work towards improved infrastructure, better equipment, telehealth access, and doing what we can to attract and keep good doctors and nurses. We are blessed with the dedicated health care professionals choosing to serve our people here. Thank you to each one of you, and we support you.”

The 2026 appropriations effort, upon either final passage in the Senate or a House/Senate compromise likely this week, includes a variety of bolstered support for cancer efforts, and out of this comes funding for American Samoa. Final passage is expected for $47 million for National Institutes of Health this year, $7 billion for National Cancer Institute, over $30 million for the Childhood Cancer STAR Act and $55 million for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative programs, and over $410 million for CDC cancer programs. None of these amounts will change in final congressional negotiations, and these funding efforts have been widely applauded by various major cancer fighting organizations.

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Amata Expects American Samoa’s Port Funding to Be Secured

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is expecting American Samoa’s funding to be secured, despite the current partial government shutdown. American Samoa has one House-passed funding addition that Congresswoman Amata requested now awaiting the vote that will end the shutdown, while another recent announcement is completed and was signed into law a week ago.

Congresswoman Amata with Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole - file photo

Her House-passed requests include $1 million in project funds for port improvements, awaiting one last vote, and a $900,000 boost to American Samoa’s operations fund via OIA that was signed into law in late January. These appropriations legislative packages also contain broadly all other federal funding and services that the territory receives from various U.S. departments and agencies over the course of a year, including formulas and grants.

The House has successfully passed the traditional 12 appropriations bills for the year, but the Senate did not pass half of them in time to prevent a partial shutdown at midnight January 31, when the Continuing Resolution expired. Senators held up the remaining government funding over disagreements regarding Department of Homeland Security support levels. However, it is a partial shutdown because six of the 12 appropriations, already passed, were signed into law.

Currently, a negotiated compromise proposal could be sent to the House this week that would pass full-year funding for remaining departments, agencies, and programs, including American Samoa’s port funding.

“I’m very confident our funds will be secured,” said Congresswoman Amata. “American Samoa’s funding is in the House-passed appropriations bills that include the Department of Transportation, while the Department of the Interior is already funded. Our remaining funds are right at the finish line. I’m optimistic the necessary agreement will be in place soon, government funding will be voted through, and this partial shutdown will end much sooner than the unfortunate one that lasted from October 1 through November 12, 2025.”

She continued, “I oppose these shutdowns as they are generally unnecessary and funding disagreements should be resolved for the good of the country before deadlines.”

Funded departments include Agriculture, with its Nutrition programs, including American Samoa’s grant; Interior, with $29 million for American Samoa operations and other grant support; Veterans Affairs; Commerce; and Justice. Some of the key funded agencies include EPA, NOAA, and FDA.

Departments awaiting final passage include Transportation, with highway and port funds for American Samoa; HHS; Labor; Education; Defense, which funds the military pay raise Congress already authorized; and Homeland Security.

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Salinas, Merkley Lead New Bill to Hold ICE, CBP Accountable for Abusing Americans’ Constitutional Rights

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced new legislation to hold U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) liable for violating individuals’ constitutional rights.

The ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act would make the federal government civilly liable when a CBP or ICE officer violates one’s constitutional rights, creating a cause of action against the federal government and directing that any damages awarded in such cases be first drawn from the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act funds. That Republican budget reconciliation bill handed more than $150 billion to ICE, CBP, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration enforcement, which the Trump Administration is using to implement its cruel enforcement campaign nationwide and tighten its authoritarian grip.

“President Trump’s immigration enforcers are violating our Constitutional rights,” said Rep. Salinas. “In my district alone, ICE and CBP have arrested and detained American citizens, including a 17-year-old from McMinnville. They have denied immigrants their right to due process, including a wildland firefighter from Keizer who was fighting a wildfire in Washington. And their violent tactics have resulted in the deaths of American citizens. It’s clear the Trump Administration has no intention of holding ICE and CBP accountable for their abuses of power. This bill would force accountability on the Administration by allowing people to sue the federal government when ICE and CBP violate their rights, which deters illegal enforcement practices and prevents ICE and CBP from operating with impunity. No one is above the law, and this bill ensures that.”

“All Americans should be outraged that Trump’s lawless federal agents are trampling on the Constitution and terrorizing our communities,” said Sen. Merkley. “ICE and CBP must face consequences if their agents wrongfully violate citizens’ rights to protest and free speech, search people’s homes without a warrant, or deny due process. If we allow Trump to continue using ICE and CBP to stoke fear and even kill innocents, we surrender the values that define us as Americans. I say, ‘HELL NO,’ and my ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act gives Americans the legal tools to hold the federal government accountable when these agents break the law—standing up for the rights of all in the face of Trump’s strongman tactics.”

“No one is above the law, especially those who are entrusted with enforcing it. Congress must take action to rein in the troubling abuse of civil rights by ICE and CBP enforcement practices,” said Representative Tran. “The ICE and CBP Accountability Act would give citizens whose Constitutional rights are violated a path for legal recourse and an opportunity to hold bad actors accountable. Community trust in federal law enforcement is broken. The only way to restore that faith is to ensure accountability and impose real consequences when agencies ignore the Constitution. I’m so proud to stand with Representative Salinas to deliver the justice and security our communities deserve.”

Rep. Salinas has continued to speak out against ICE and CBP terrorizing communities across the nation, partnering with Merkley to defend Oregonians from ICE and CBP’s shady tactics and the risks they pose to the state.

The ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Full text of the ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act can be found by clicking here.

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Peters Votes to Open Government and Continue Negotiations on ICE Funding

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) released the following statement after voting to pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. This bill includes five agencies’ full-year FY26 appropriations bills and a two-week continuing resolution through February 13 for Homeland Security.

“ICE has become a militant force in our communities that uses excessive force and scare tactics to rip families apart while operating under weak training standards with no accountability for their actions. We saw this in the cases of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. But shutting the government down is not a strategy to resolve these issues. Instead, I’ve introduced a bill, the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, to rein in ICE.

“My bill would place strict limits on the use of military-style equipment like tear gas and flash-bangs and masks, requirements for always-on body cameras and for agents to render medical aid and intervene when colleagues act unlawfully, and increased training so agents can truly de-escalate. This is how Congress can protect the American people without dragging them into another shutdown.”

“Some of my colleagues believe that a shutdown could be the strategy to leverage control over ICE. But I disagree – shutdowns should not be used as leverage. I have no reason to believe that this shutdown would be anything other than chaos. ICE has already been funded for the next four years, totaling over $170 billion, thanks to Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ Voting NO won’t shut them down or take their money away. We need to take advantage of the next two weeks to fix DHS.

“As we saw during the 43-day shutdown at the end of last year, hardworking Americans have nothing to gain from a shutdown. In San Diego alone, tens of thousands of workers missed paychecks, SNAP benefits hung in limbo for 200,000 households, and travel delays and cancellations reached unprecedented levels. San Diego is also a proud military service community, and the hundreds of thousands of service members and federal workers in my district should never be used as collateral damage.

“Not only does this vote avoid a disastrous shutdown, but it also includes wins for San Diegans, and the American people. It includes vital project requests I secured for local infrastructure, homelessness programs, transit, and research at institutions like UCSD and Scripps. For the American people, it strengthens national defense, expands education programs, and bolsters public health programs. That’s what responsible, results-driven governing looks like, and it’s what my constituents deserve.

Background: On January 31, the government entered a partial shutdown because the Labor-HHS, Transportation-HUD, Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and National Security, Department of State, and Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bills did not become law. Aside from Homeland Security, Rep. Peters voted to pass these appropriations packages out of the House.

Today’s vote finalizes the Senate-negotiated versions of the non-DHS appropriations bills. The remaining funding packages were completed through bicameral negotiations and returned to the House for final passage. DHS funding will continue to be negotiated separately.

After passing both chambers of Congress, these bills now head to the President’s desk, and once signed, will reopen the government.

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What They Are Saying: CERTAIN Act

Washington, DC – On December 19, 2025, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), and Adam Gray (CA-13) released a discussion draft for the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act to transform the federal permitting process and meet America’s energy and electricity needs.

The CERTAIN Act would address permit certainty—ensuring federal agencies handle project authorizations and environmental reviews fairly and efficiently, with clear timelines, notice requirements, and accountability. This would facilitate the build out of the energy we need to lower costs, create jobs, and protect our environment. It also emphasizes coordinating between different agencies involved in these processes to avoid unnecessary delays.

Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)

“On behalf of the 530,000 members of LIUNA, I proudly support the CERTAIN Act. This is common sense policy for all of our nation's critical infrastructure projects and for the thousands of union members who build them. Revoking permits for both current and future projects only perpetuates chaos within the construction industry, upends good union jobs, and leaves our members without a paycheck. For over a decade, LIUNA has supported permitting reform as our members, for too long, have suffered from the weaponization of its process. The CERTAIN Act rectifies this and provides certainty to project applications. We commend Congressmen Peters and Evans for this bill and urge it to be a part of any and all permitting reform legislation.” — LIUNA General President Brent Booker

Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action

“BPC Action applauds the release of the bipartisan permitting discussion draft, the CERTAIN Act, which would increase certainty in the federal permitting process and insulate projects from political interference. This is a cross-party issue that has affected a variety of infrastructure projects across multiple administrations, and measures to ensure permitting certainty will be critical to any comprehensive package. We look forward to working with Congress on a broader permitting reform deal that includes project certainty provisions along with other key reforms to NEPA, judicial review, Clean Water Act, and transmission. A more efficient and predictable permitting system will lead to greater energy affordability and reliability, and better outcomes for businesses, households, and the environment,” — Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

American Petroleum Institute

“Permitting reform must deliver real decision durability, and we commend Reps. Scott Peters and Gabe Evans for their bipartisan leadership on this issue. Projects that have completed lawful reviews shouldn’t be vulnerable to arbitrary reversals. Durable, predictable decisions are essential to restoring certainty, unlocking investment and building the energy infrastructure America needs.” — SVP of Federal Relations Kristin Whitman, American Petroleum Institute

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

"The IBEW's workforce provides certainty on jobs big and small, helping to ensure projects are done on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. Projects that are cut short by politics or delayed because of government red tape hurt skilled workers like those in the IBEW. It is only right for projects directed or supported by the government to be able to count on clear guidelines for review and approval. I applaud Reps. Peters and Evans for their efforts with the CERTAIN Act.” — Kenneth Cooper, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, International President

Geothermal Rising

"The CERTAIN Act addresses longstanding permitting breakdowns—unclear timelines, interagency delays, and political uncertainty. This is complementary to the SPEED Act and other sector-specific reforms already moving through Congress. We’re pleased to support this bipartisan effort, which reflects exactly the kind of durable, bipartisan solution the geothermal industry needs. We commend Representatives Evans, Peters, Vasquez, and Garbarino for advancing bipartisan permitting reform and look forward to continued engagement as the bill moves toward introduction.” — Vanessa Robertson, Director of Policy and Education, Geothermal Rising

Interstate Natural Gas Association of America

“The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America appreciates the leadership of Representatives Peters and Evans for working in a bipartisan manner to advance permitting predictability as part of a comprehensive permitting reform proposal. Permit certainty is essential to the natural gas pipeline sector, where projects undergo extensive environmental review and rigorous safety oversight prior to construction. Ensuring that once a project has satisfied all applicable federal and state requirements it can proceed without undue delay is essential to maintaining a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system.”

North America’s Building Trades Unions

"Certainty is what our members need. It’s what our three million working members deserve. They've fulfilled their end of the bargain by training and being ready to build projects across the country. In return, they expect the federal government to uphold its promises by allowing fully permitted projects to move forward. The CERTAIN Act is a strong step towards stabilizing the construction industry by inhibiting the ability for the permitting process to be further distorted to stall, block, or otherwise kill a fully permitted project.” — North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey

Third Way

“It’s no secret that federal infrastructure permitting is broken. Whether it’s renewables, a gas pipeline, or transmission, energy project developers must have a clear and workable process to follow–and the confidence that federal agencies will administer that process efficiently and fairly. We commend Representatives Peters and Evans for advancing effective, commonsense solutions in permitting reform discussions, like instilling firmer timelines for agency action, encouraging stronger coordination between agencies, and clarifying the process to quickly resolve disputes. These changes will provide much-needed predictability and help ensure American families and businesses have access to affordable, reliable energy." — Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Climate and Energy

Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

“Abundant, affordable clean energy is the lifeblood of American prosperity. Growing energy demand represents a critical economic opportunity for the U.S., powering advanced manufacturing and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. To seize that opportunity, we need to make it easier to build and invest in America — including by not allowing political favoritism to get in the way of timely reviews of permitting applications. C2ES applauds Representatives Peters and Evans for their leadership in developing a durable solution to this national imperative with the CERTAIN Act. We look forward to working with Congress to help unlock investments that can meet the moment and support a thriving and resilient American economy for the 21st century.” — Nat Keohane, President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

The Nature Conservancy

“The Nature Conservancy greatly appreciates the addition of the CERTAIN Act to the bipartisan permitting reform conversation. Smarter permitting and planning processes will help modernize our energy infrastructure, restore forests and waters and advance projects that benefit people and nature. When the permitting process is done right, there are fewer conflicts, reduced timelines and improved outcomes for communities and conservation. The ideas in the CERTAIN Act would make important progress toward these goals, and we look forward to building on this discussion.” — Laura Brannen, Federal Climate Policy Lead, The Nature Conservancy

Solar Energy Industries Association

“For America’s solar industry, permitting reform starts with permit certainty. Without action to address the ongoing moratorium on permitting of solar energy, the industry will continue to face significant barriers to deployment and investment at a time of skyrocketing energy demand. We thank Congressmen Peters and Evans for their work to keep fairness and certainty at the center of permitting negotiations.” — Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association

Advanced Energy United

“Advanced Energy United welcomes the bipartisan CERTAIN Act as a valuable addition to the debate around permitting reform in Congress. Representatives Peters and Evans have crafted a bill that comprehensively addresses the sources of uncertainty and instability in the federal permitting process. In particular we are encouraged that the bill seeks to establish specific deadlines and milestones for all federal permitting processes, rather than just some, creates clear legal remedies when these deadlines are missed, and gives welcome attention to capacity constraints at permitting agencies. As this debate moves forward, we hope lawmakers incorporate these important components into a comprehensive package - America won't achieve energy dominance without a holistic, technology-neutral solution to permitting instability."

Chamber of Progress

“We won’t bring energy costs down unless we build a lot more of every kind of energy. The CERTAIN Act offers serious, bipartisan ideas to give developers the certainty they need to invest, regardless of who is in the White House. It’s an important contribution to the broader push for permitting reform.”

Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC)

“EPIC is excited to see Representatives Evans and Peter take steps to make federal permitting processes more predictable. When government decision-making is predictable, it makes it straightforward and fairer for applicants. Those tenets are central to business operations, environmental protection, economic growth, and a healthy democracy.” — Dr. Timothy Male, Executive Director, EPIC (Environmental Policy Innovation Center)

The National Audubon Society

"The National Audubon Society commends Reps. Peters and Evans for their introduction of the CERTAIN Act. In our efforts to conserve critical habitats and protect birds, we work closely with project sponsors to ensure infrastructure is designed with conservation in mind throughout the permitting process. Project sponsors and the public deserve certainty that permits will be finalized in a timely manner and not reversed without sufficient cause, while also ensuring appropriate consideration of environmental impacts and requirements. Introduction of the CERTAIN Act is a positive first step towards legislation to address these issues, and we are encouraged that further bipartisan action will strengthen the bill and ensure permits recently revoked without cause are fully restored." — Sam Wojcicki, Senior Director of Climate Policy

Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA)

"CEBA applauds Reps. Scott Peters and Gabe Evans for releasing their bipartisan CERTAIN Act discussion draft. If this country is going to meet this moment of growing energy demand, we must not let politics inhibit the private sector investments that will drive job creation and innovation. Bills like the CERTAIN Act would go a long way toward a fast and predictable permitting environment in the U.S. We call on House and Senate leadership to swiftly act on a comprehensive permitting and transmission legislative package to reform and depoliticize energy and infrastructure development in the U.S.”

The Breakthrough Institute

“The Breakthrough Institute applauds Representative Scott Peters (D-CA) for introducing the Creating Expeditious Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. To ensure energy reliability and affordability and modernize our economy, America must be able to build at scale. This legislation provides the essential 'permitting certainty' that project developers and investors need to move forward without the threat of shifting political winds. Codifying technology-neutral standards to protect permits from administrative reversals is essential to end the tit-for-tat executive actions that stall critical infrastructure. We look forward to seeing Congress shape this legislation as a cornerstone of meaningful, bipartisan permitting reform so we can finally get America building again.”

American Rivers Action Fund

“American Rivers Action Fund welcomes the bipartisan commitment to improving our nation’s permitting system. We know communities, businesses, and ecosystems all benefit when reviews are timely, transparent, and fair. The CERTAIN Act discussion draft is an encouraging step toward building an endurable permitting framework that ensures efficiency does not come at the expense of environmental integrity or public trust. We look forward to continuing discussions with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to deliver a permitting process that balances much-needed development with the clean water we all depend on.” — Tom Kiernan, President, American Rivers Action Fund

American Clean Power Association

“Thank you for advancing the permitting reform discussion. As the U.S. experiences major and rapid rising electricity demand , we need to start building again – new energy generation, transmission and infrastructure. This is key to ensuring lower costs for American families and businesses.” — Frank J. Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer

Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres)

“Rising energy demand, an aging grid, and new barriers to infrastructure deployment are threatening affordability and American economic competitiveness. Ceres commends the leadership of Reps. Peters and Evans, along with Reps. Garbarino and Vasquez, in advancing bipartisan solutions to reduce costs for American businesses and consumers by unleashing affordable, reliable, homegrown clean energy. By eliminating unnecessary hurdles and ensuring fair, efficient reviews, the CERTAIN Act would provide the private sector with the confidence needed to unlock capital and ensure projects move forward at the pace America needs to win the AI race and accelerate advanced manufacturing and electrification. Congress must seize the momentum and pass legislation that includes critical reforms for permit certainty and grid modernization in 2026.” — Zach Friedman, senior director, federal policy, Ceres.

American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)

"The bipartisan CERTAIN Act introduced by Reps. Peters and Evans is a thoughtful and important proposal for modernizing our federal permitting laws to meet America's need for affordable, reliable, secure electricity resources. America's electricity system, which has been built over the past century, has served as the backbone of our national security, technological capacity, and economic prosperity and is in need of substantial upgrades to meet current needs. Recent forecasts indicate that to keep our economy strong, secure, and innovative, we will need the equivalent of 15 New York Cities' worth of new electricity on the grid in the next four years. The clean energy sector is meeting this challenge with over 90% of new electricity generation installed through October 2025 represented by affordable, reliable electricity produced in communities across the United States. An even playing field for all technologies will allow the most cost-effective and reliable resources to continue to compete and win, driving down costs for consumers and strengthening our overall resource base." — Ray Long, President and CEO, ACORE

Chamber of Commerce

“By establishing permit certainty, the CERTAIN Act provides the assurance investors need to move forward with confidence, knowing that once a project has earned its approvals, it won’t be derailed by shifting priorities or new legal challenges. We applaud the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Peters, Evans, Garbarino, and Vasquez with these commonsense reforms so we can unlock private capital, lower energy costs, and deliver the modern, reliable infrastructure that drives economic growth, strengthens communities, and ensures America’s competitiveness.” — Marty Durbin, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA)

"NOIA strongly supports comprehensive permitting reform that delivers durable certainty for all forms of offshore energy, including oil and gas, offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, ocean mineral exploration, and emerging technologies. We commend Representatives Scott Peters, Gabe Evans, Andrew Garbarino, and Gabe Vasquez for their bipartisan leadership on the CERTAIN Act, which protects lawfully issued permits. Clear, durable, and predictable permitting decisions are essential to restoring investor confidence, unlocking capital across the full spectrum of energy resources, accelerating development, and building the reliable, offshore energy infrastructure America needs for energy security, economic growth, and affordability." — National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito

Background: Permitting reform is increasingly an area of bipartisan consensus, especially as energy demand rises and costs continue to increase. However, our existing permitting regime has failed to ensure project permitting is on-time, efficient, and fair for all project types. Oftentimes, delays in the permitting process are unrelated to environmental protection or informed decision-making, and are instead driven by overregulation and administrative failures, including inefficient coordination of interagency reviews. Additionally, one of the biggest issues stifling long-term development in America over the last decade has been the constant regulatory pendulum swing that occurs when administrations prioritize certain projects, while placing a thumb on the scale against others.

American communities need to be able to build, and we should not allow partisan politics to limit that investment. It is critical that Congress provides a bipartisan model for environmental reviews that is durable and ensures accountability, transparency, and efficiency throughout the permitting process, from application submission to final decision. Once permits are lawfully issued – and the project sponsor is fulfilling the terms of the permit – it should be safe from arbitrary revocation, alteration, or termination, regardless of project type.

This discussion draft would streamline the federal permitting process, making the environmental review and decision-making process faster and more certain. For more information, a section-by-section on the draft is available HERE, a one pager is available HERE, and legislative text for the discussion draft is available HERE.

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Rep. Sewell Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Birmingham, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that her office is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to high school students from both public and private schools throughout Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, as well as home-schooled high school students. The winner will receive free, roundtrip airfare for two to Washington D.C. to attend an official reception honoring the winners from congressional districts across the nation. The winner’s artwork will be showcased in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

This year’s theme is Reflecting on Alabama’s 7th: Where History is Made. The deadline to submit artwork is Monday, March 2, 2026.

To enter the contest, students must fill out and submit a Student Information and Release Form with their artwork by Monday, March 2, 2026. Students should deliver their submission to one of Rep. Sewell’s district offices located in Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, or Selma. To coordinate a drop-off, students or guardians should call one of Rep. Sewell's district offices at the numbers below:

Birmingham: (205) 254-1960

Montgomery: (334) 262-1919

Tuscaloosa: (205) 752-5380

Selma: (334) 877-4414

Students can also bring their submissions to school and call (334) 262-1919 for pick up.

Artwork may be up to 26” high X 26” wide X 4” deep. For a full list of guidelines, visit Rep. Sewell's official website at sewell.house.gov/art-competition or contact her Montgomery office at (334) 262-1919.

A proud product of Alabama’s rural Black Belt, Rep. Sewell has witnessed firsthand the talent that Alabama’s 7th Congressional District holds. Each year she is immensely impressed with the submissions and proud to have the winning artwork representing the 7th Congressional District displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Last year’s winners were:

1st Place - "Bama Beams Ahead" by Victoria Hardin, 9th grader at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2nd Place - “A Ribbon in the Sky” by Kayden Prince, 12th grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Cottondale, Alabama

3rd Place - “Stand, for We Light the Way” by KaNiya Williams, 11th grader at Amelia Love Johnson High School in Thomaston, Alabama

4th Place - “The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow” by Ja’Kya Furniss, 12th grader at Huffman High School in Birmingham, Alabama

Honorable Mention - “You Are Enough” by Kensharie Roy, 11th grader at Minor High School in Adamsville, Alabama

Honorable Mention - “A Self Portrait of Emanuel Garcia” by Emanuel Garcia, 12th grader at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Alabama

Honorable Mention - “The Heart Revealed” by Brianna Turner, 11th grader at Demopolis High School in Demopolis, Alabama

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ICYMI: Congresswoman Simon on Protecting the East Bay from Illegal and Violence ICE Actions

OAKLAND, CA – Last week, on January 29, 2026, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) joined Mayor of Oakland Barbara Lee as she signed two Executive Orders directing City departments to protect Oakland residents and resources in response to the Trump administration's threats to deploy National Guard troops and surge immigration enforcement operations in the city.

In case you missed it, Congresswoman Simon’s remarks can be found below, and you can watch the entire event here:

“I do want to articulate that the California's 12th Congressional District comes from a long line of folks who were clear about what our floor was for our people. Congressman Dellums led us, followed by our forever Congresswoman Barbara Lee. And why I bring this up – the federal responsibility, the responsibility of the administration is to protect and be the good. Reverend Dereca Blackmon [from the East Bay Church] will tell you that folks in Oakland, across faith, across race – we are Micah 6:8 people. Our job is to defend the least of these, folks with the least amount of resources, the least amount of government support. And we together come together to lift them up. I want to say this, as now your new Congressmember, I applaud Mayor Lee and members of this elected and social community. Supporting folks who are literally struggling to survive. We are better because of our immigrant communities.

“Oakland is one community across race, across faith, across ethnic origin; and I will say this, folks, I traveled in solidarity to Minneapolis, Minnesota, just a couple of weeks ago, and stood at the site where Ms. [Renee] Good was murdered by federal law enforcement. She was shot in the upper components of her body three times. The administration became the judge, the jury, and the executioner. We are saying here today, ‘NOT IN OAKLAND.’

“We also met organizers very similar to the ones that you see here, and they said that in the beautiful city of Minneapolis…what you hear at night are two things: you hear whistles and you hear screams. The whistles come from the thousands of community members – white, Black, Latino, Asian American, Native American – who have come together to bear witness to the butchery that is happening in Minnesota. They are bearing witness to those crimes inflicted by an administration. Men, women and children are being carried out of their homes in the middle of the day, carried out of their schools and places of worship. Those men and women, like we are doing here, have organized to bear witness and to provide sanctuary and love for the least among us. The screams you hear are from men, women, and children being drug out of their places.

“In Oakland, not only will we bear witness, but our elected leaders, our community service, our health providers, our law enforcement leaders will hold the line to ensure that every Oaklander, during this federal siege in American cities, that they have folks to turn to. I'm so proud to represent one of the best cities in the world – Oakland, California. We will hold the line.”

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Stefanik Passes Bipartisan Bill Named After North Country Veteran and Family to Enhance Veterans’ Access to VA Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, delivered the following remarks ahead of her legislation, theErnest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act, passing the House of Representatives.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Thank you, Madam Speaker, and thank you to Chairman Bost. I rise today in support of my legislation, the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act H.R. 3123. I also want to thank Ranking Member Takano for his comments and support.

I represented the Peltz family for well over a decade, and that included Ernest Peltz, a World War II veteran and American hero, who died a few years ago between Christmas and New Year's. At that time, I heard from his son, Charles Peltz, who found himself caught in a maze of bureaucratic VA red tape. Instead of being able to focus on honoring the life and service of his father, the Peltz family was forced to contend with a system that failed the very veteran it was designed to serve.

Hero Ernest Peltz did everything right: He served admirably and honorably in our military. He continued a lifetime of public service. He applied for his accrued veterans pension benefit, and the Department of Veterans Affairs approved it while he was still alive. Yet due to a processing error, the VA did not deposit the funds until after Mr. Peltz’s passing. In an even more troubling turn, the VA then clawed those funds back—even though Ernest Peltz was alive at the time his benefit was approved and fully earned.

As a result, Ernest's family was left to shoulder the financial burden of his father’s care on their own, compounding grief with stress, uncertainty, and frustration. In short, the Peltz family was penalized for the VA’s mistakes. This is unacceptable.

That’s why I first introduced the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act two Congresses ago. For years, I’ve worked closely with the Peltz family, veterans service organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle—like Congressman Ro Khanna—to craft legislation to correct this moral wrong. My bill eliminates the burden on a veteran’s surviving family by ensuring that the veteran is entitled to receive their pre-approved pension benefits within the month that death occurs.

I represent New York’s 21st Congressional District—serving the largest number of veterans in any district in NY State. That’s why I’m proud to take action to make sure no family mourning the loss of a beloved veteran has to deal with VA red tape and bureaucratic mistakes.

This commonsense bipartisan legislation honors the legacy of World War II veteran Ernest Peltz and takes a critical step toward improving the VA’s effectiveness and accountability.

In passing my legislation, Congress can rightfully honor veterans for their service and guarantee their families the dignity and respect they have earned.

I want to particularly thank Ernest’s son, Charles Peltz, who is a friend and tireless advocate of this legislation. I urge a “yes” vote on my bill and yield the floor."


Congresswoman Lee Announces 2026 Valentines for Veterans Program

LAS VEGAS, NV — Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) announced her fifth annual “Valentines for Veterans” program. Congresswoman Lee invites southern Nevadans to make cards for local veterans to show their appreciation and thank them for their service.

Congresswoman Lee and her office will deliver the submitted cards to local veterans and caregivers.

The deadline for submission is Friday, February 12. Cards can be mailed to Rep. Lee’s district office or dropped off in a bin located outside of Rep. Lee’s district office.

Congresswoman Lee’s District Office Address:

7785 W Sahara Ave, Suite 203

Las Vegas, NV 89117

Please call 702-963-9336 with any questions.

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Rep. Sykes Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Veterans Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) today applauded the final passage of a bipartisan package of legislation to strengthen benefits, education, and health care for America’s veterans and their families.

Rep. Sykes supported four measures: H.R. 658, which establishes qualifications for marriage and family therapists providing clinical supervision in the Veterans Health Administration; H.R. 980, Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act of 2025, which improves flexibility and availability of career counseling services for veterans; H.R. 1458, VETS Opportunity Act of 2025, which expands access to skilled trade education under the GI Bill; and H.R. 3123, Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act, which ensures families receive pension benefits owed to veterans who pass away before payment is issued.

“These bills reflect a simple promise that when our veterans serve our country, our country must serve them back,” said Rep. Sykes. “I was proud to support this bipartisan effort to deliver real results for veterans and their families.”

Rep. Sykes has consistently supported efforts to improve veterans’ quality of life and ensure the VA delivers timely, effective services to those who have worn the uniform.


Congressman Shri Thanedar to Introduce Articles of Impeachment Against Attorney General Pam Bondi

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Shri Thanedar announced that he would be introducing articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for the following offenses:

Engaging in a conspiracy to cover up the Epstein files and a child trafficking ring.

Disregarding a law passed by Congress ordering the full release of the Epstein files.

Abusing her power to extort voter registration rolls and other sensitive data from Minnesota, amid heightened tensions with ICE.

Weaponizing the Department of Justice to go after President Trump’s political opponents.

“The Department of Justice’s role is to uphold the rule of law impartially and protect the American people, but time and time again, Attorney General Pam Bondi has placed her loyalty to President Trump over her constitutional duty,” said Congressman Thanedar.

“From illegally withholding the Epstein files past the required deadline, to trying to coerce Minnesota into turning over its state voter files, to weaponizing the Department of Justice against Donald Trump’s political opponents, she has disgraced the office she holds. Congress must use every tool of accountability to uphold our oath to defend the Constitution.”

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

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Vindman Joins Colleagues in National capital  Region Delegation to Introduce Bill to Pay Federal Workers, Service Members, & Contractors During Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – U.S. RepresentativesEugene Vindman (Va.-07), James R. Walkinshaw (Va.-11), Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Don Beyer (Va.-08), and Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10) today introduced legislation to pay all federal employees, as well as service members and federal contractors, during any shutdowns in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

“Virginia is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and service members who keep our country running. This week, many are once again being forced to wonder if they will get their next paycheck — not because they failed to do their jobs, but because of the chaos and cruelty coming from the White House,” said Vindman. “As their Representative, a 25-year Army officer, and as the husband of a former federal employee, I know the uncertainty and strain shutdowns place on families. My family has lived through it. Nobody should have to. I am proud to support this bill that would change just that.”

“Federal workers and service members should never be used as leverage in Republicans’ shutdown standoffs, and the Trump administration should never be able to use a shutdown to inflict harm on our federal workforce, as we have seen,” said Walkinshaw. “This bill would provide critical protections by ensuring workers get paid during any FY2026 shutdown, contractors can keep paying their staff, and the Trump administration would be blocked from using a shutdown as a smokescreen to purge the federal workforce through reductions in force.”

“Our dedicated federal workers should never be pawns in a government shutdown fight,” said Raskin. “Our bill provides security to civil servants in MD-08 and across the country by protecting their paychecks and shielding them from any more of Trump’s reckless, unlawful firing sprees during a shutdown in FY26.”

“Federal workers and contractors – and their jobs – should never be used as leverage in political standoffs,” said Norton. “The True Shutdown Fairness Act would ensure that employees and contractors are paid during a shutdown in FY 2026 and would prohibit reductions in force, which can permanently damage the public’s access to services they have a right to receive from the federal government. Federal workers and the American public shouldn’t bear the cost of Congress’s failure to do its job.”

“Federal workers and contractors are never responsible for government shutdowns, but they are always the ones who bear many of the worst consequences. The True Shutdown Fairness Act would ensure all federal workers, contractors, and servicemembers continue to receive their pay throughout a shutdown. These people devote their careers to serving the American people, their efforts are essential for keeping Americans safe and healthy, and they should be paid for their work regardless of political squabbles,” said Beyer.

“Congress’ inability to pass budgets shouldn’t stop federal workers, contractors, and service members from getting a paycheck,” said Subramanyam. “This commonsense legislation ensures that if there is a shutdown in FY2026, personnel and contractors are paid and protected—and that no administration can use a shutdown as a pretext to carry out reductions in force. It’s a commonsense safeguard for the public servants and their families in our community.”

The True Shutdown Fairness Act would ensure that during any FY2026 shutdown, federal workers, service members, and contractors are paid and protected, and that the Trump administration cannot use a shutdown to carry out reductions in force. The bill would eliminate the financial uncertainty caused by repeated shutdown threats and the use of federal workers as political leverage pushed by Republicans.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act is the House companion to legislation led in the Senate by U.S Senator Chris Van Hollen. The bill is endorsed by Services Employees International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

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Vindman Secures $2.3 Million for Infrastructure Projects in Virginia’s Seventh District

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted to pass more than $2,300,000 for infrastructure projects in Virginia’s Seventh District that Congressman Eugene Vindman secured as part of a U.S. House-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill.

“Delivering direct investments to the communities I serve is a top priority for me in Congress. I’m proud to have worked alongside local stakeholders to secure millions of dollars for critical infrastructure, safety, and accessibility projects across Virginia’s Seventh District,” said Vindman. “I look forward to seeing these projects move forward and strengthen our communities for the future.”

These projects were selected to address infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and accessibility needs identified by the community.

These investments include:

Implementing stormwater and creek stabilization improvements in Prince William

Funding the Northern Virginia Community College Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (AIR) Expansion project in Woodbridge

Improving student safety and quality of life at Gordon-Barbour Elementary School in Orange

Vindman worked directly with local officials and community leaders across Virginia to solicit these requests, move these projects forward, and make sure they were included in this federal funding legislation. The FY2026 appropriations package now goes to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

A summary of funding for transportation projects in Virginia’s Seventh District that passed in the U.S. House is below.

PRINCE WILLIAM

Vindman secured $1,200,000 to implement stormwater and creek stabilization improvements along Quantico Creek. Quantico Creek is a flood-prone waterway impacting residential and historic areas. The project includes drainage infrastructure upgrades and bank stabilization to reduce flooding, protect property, and improve environmental outcomes by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These improvements will enhance climate resilience, environmental protection, and community safety.

Vindman secured $250,000 to fund the Northern Virginia Community College Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (AIR) Expansion project in Woodbridge. This funding will be used to facilitate the renovation of the existing HVAC building, the procurement and installation of advanced training equipment, and provide necessary technological upgrades to existing lab space. The renovations and equipment upgrades will increase classroom capacity to grow the valuable skilled trade program necessary to meet the workforce needs of Virginia.

ORANGE

Vindman secured $850,000 for Orange County Schools to improve student safety and quality of life at Gordon-Barbour Elementary School. This project will add 3,500 square feet for additional dining space and enclose the walkways that connect two annex buildings.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia’s Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality or non-profit and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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Vindman Secures MILLIONS for Transportation & Roadway Projects in Virginia’s Seventh District

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted to pass more than $3,200,000 for transportation projects in Virginia’s Seventh District that Congressman Eugene Vindman secured as part of a U.S. House-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill.

“Virginians are all too familiar with the persistent congestion and roadway challenges that make getting where they need to go more difficult than it should be. That’s why I’m proud to have secured millions of dollars to support community-requested projects that help folks get where they need to go safely and efficiently,” said Vindman. “My team and I worked with key stakeholders in Virginia’s Seventh District to secure these funds, and we are grateful for their continued support and partnership.”

These investments include:

Building a pedestrian bridge in Prince William to connect the North Woodbridge Town Center to the Woodbridge Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Station

Making roadway safety upgrades along the Leeland Road corridor in Stafford

Improving the Harrison Road and Salem Church Road intersection in Spotsylvania

Addressing ongoing congestion at the I-95 Exit 126 interchange in Spotsylvania

Extending Simms Drive to ease congestion and help traffic flow in Culpeper

Vindman worked directly with local officials and community leaders across Virginia to solicit these requests, move these projects forward, and make sure they were included in this federal funding legislation. The FY2026 appropriations package now goes to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

A summary of funding for transportation projects in Virginia’s Seventh District that passed in the U.S. House is below.

PRINCE WILLIAM

Vindman secured $1,000,000 to design and construct a pedestrian bridge across U.S. Route 1, connecting the North Woodbridge Town Center with the Woodbridge VRE Station. North Woodbridge is poised to play a critical role in supporting the region’s growing population and employment base, and improving access to high-capacity transit remains a top priority for Prince William County.

This project will span a busy six-lane section of Route 1 and include ADA-accessible ramps and bicycle accommodations, providing residents, workers, and commuters with safe, reliable, and convenient access across the corridor.

STAFFORD

Vindman secured $250,000 to enhance traffic operations, improve roadway safety, and expand multimodal connectivity along Leeland Road, a critical corridor in Stafford County. Planned improvements include widening the roadway to add a two-way left-turn lane, removing turning vehicles from through-traffic lanes and reducing congestion and the risk of rear-end collisions.

To better serve non-motorized users, the project will also add key multimodal infrastructure, including flashing pedestrian crosswalks, new sidewalks, and dedicated bike lanes. These enhancements will significantly improve safety, accessibility, and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists traveling along the corridor.

SPOTSYLVANIA

Vindman secured $850,000 to fund turn lane additions, access management, crosswalks, shared-use paths, and sidewalk improvements at the Harrison Road and Salem Church Road intersection. Identified by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) as a high-crash location, the intersection has experienced five fatal or serious injury crashes in recent years. This project will reduce congestion and address safety deficiencies by installing medians and improving intersection geometry to support safer turning movements and bicycle and pedestrian crossings.

Vindman secured $250,000 to address ongoing congestion at the I-95 Exit 126 interchange. The I-95/Exit 126 southbound on-ramp project is a critical improvement needed to support the new Veterans Affairs clinic, which is expected to serve approximately 29,000 veterans and 7,000 Department of Defense beneficiaries each year.

This project will benefit an estimated 149,588 county residents and other travelers along this highly congested section of the I-95 corridor by improving accessibility, connectivity, and traffic flow, while supporting employment growth and broader economic development in the region.

CULPEPER

Vindman secured $850,000 for the Culpeper County Simms Drive Extension project. This project would address a longstanding access challenge at Pearl Sample and A.G. Richardson Elementary Schools. Both schools are currently accessed via Simms Drive, a dead-end road off James Madison Highway, which leads to frequent back-ups during drop-off and pick-up times. Extending Simms Drive would ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and reduce the daily commuting burden for students, families, and residents in the community.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia’s Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality or non-profit and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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Vindman, Virginia House Democrats Oppose Proposed ICE Facilities in Stafford and Hanover

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined his colleagues from the Virginia House Democratic delegation, U.S. Representatives Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), Bobby Scott (Va.-03), Don Beyer (Va.-08), Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10), and James Walkinshaw (Va.-11), in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons.

The letter expressed fierce opposition to the proposed purchase of a 550,000 square-foot warehouse in Hanover County to serve as an ICE processing and intake facility, as well as the potential construction of a 10,000-bed warehouse detention center in Stafford County.

“Since early last year, we have witnessed an increasingly aggressive and militant ICE under your leadership,” wrote Vindman and his colleagues. “Most recently in Minneapolis, we have seen federal immigration agents kill two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and injure dozens more. These reckless raids on our communities have resulted in the wrongful detention of hundreds of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This disproportionate use of force is utterly unacceptable.”

Over the past year, ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have escalated their tactics, demanding identification and proof of legal status from individuals not suspected of any crime, instigating confrontations, using lethal force on protestors, and conducting warrantless searches and entries into homes, businesses, and schools. Combined with DHS’s refusal to cooperate with federal partners or allow meaningful congressional oversight, these actions raise serious concerns about the safety and rights of detainees and Virginians. In light of these concerns, community members and local officials in Stafford County and Hanover County have stood firmly against this proposed facility.

“Across the nation, there have been reports of overcrowded detention facilities with poor ventilation, inadequate climate control, limited access to shower facilities and basic hygiene, and insufficient food and access to meals,” the Members continued. “We have seen this sort of gross negligence play out firsthand in the Commonwealth. In the summer of 2025, reports emerged of severe overcrowding, a lack of food and access to basic hygiene, and limited water supplies at ICE’s Washington Field Office in Chantilly, VA. ICE stonewalled attempts by our offices to gain access to the facility and conduct proper oversight, and it continues to prevent our offices from fully understanding what conditions were like during that period.”

Even amid increased scrutiny of ICE’s presence in Virginia and nationwide—including the introduction of articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Noem—serious questions remain about the conditions in existing ICE facilities and the measures in place to ensure detainees’ basic needs are met. There is no assurance that the proposed ICE facilities in Virginia would allow Members of Congress to effectively conduct oversight or hold DHS accountable for failures in the quality of care or detention conditions.

“Given this history of behavior, it is no surprise that we are alarmed by the prospect of siting two enormous ICE facilities in Virginia,” they concluded. “We do not want the Commonwealth to be home to large detention facilities rejected by our local communities, which make no one safer. Rather, these facilities undermine public safety, erode trust between local law enforcement and the public, and place a federal agency indifferent to constitutional liberties near our schools, hospitals, and residential areas. We refuse to allow the Commonwealth to be beholden to an agency that has repeatedly failed to demonstrate the transparency, restraint, and constitutional compliance the public and Congress are entitled to expect from law enforcement.”

Read the full letter below.

—

Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:

We write today to express our strong opposition to the proposed purchase of a 550,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Hanover County to serve as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing and intake facility, as well as the potential construction of a 10,000-bed warehouse detention center in Stafford County, Virginia. The proposed facility in Hanover County was pursued with no local input, no transparency, and no regard for community impact. We support the Hanover County Board of Supervisors in resisting further pursuit of this facility. The track record of impunity, violence, and disregard for civil liberties that ICE has exhibited under your leadership raises extreme concerns for the safety of detainees and our constituents.

Since early last year, we have witnessed an increasingly aggressive and militant ICE under your leadership. From Los Angeles to Chicago to Charlotte to Minneapolis and other cities across this nation, ICE has terrorized communities, viciously turned on peaceful protestors, and instigated violence. Most recently in Minneapolis, we have seen federal immigration agents kill two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and injure dozens more.

These reckless raids on our communities have resulted in the wrongful detention of hundreds of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This is a shocking amount of violence to apprehend a largely nonviolent population of people. Over 70% of those detained have no criminal record. And only 5% of those detained have a violent criminal record. This disproportionate use of force is utterly unacceptable.

We have witnessed other forms of gross misconduct as a part of ICE’s extended campaign in our communities. Widespread racial profiling has exasperated and exhausted our communities of color. Unconstitutional demands that individuals randomly show their IDs and verify their legal status when they are not suspected of any crime have undermined the trust that local and state law enforcement have worked so hard to build and depend on to keep communities safe. Aggressive statements from ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leadership undermining citizens’ First Amendment rights, as well as gross violations of Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights through warrantless searches and entries into homes, businesses, and schools, demonstrate a shocking failure to uphold basic constitutional rights and principles.

Across the nation, there have been reports of overcrowded detention facilities with poor ventilation, inadequate climate control, limited access to shower facilities and basic hygiene, and insufficient food and access to meals. Numerous reports have also surfaced of ICE blocking detainees from contacting legal assistance and denying medical assistance to those who rely on it at these facilities. Most shockingly, a record number of individuals have died in ICE custody since this Administration began. At least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, and at least 8 people have died just in the first month of 2026.

We have seen this sort of gross negligence play out firsthand in the Commonwealth. In the summer of 2025, reports emerged of severe overcrowding, a lack of food and access to basic hygiene, and limited water supplies at ICE’s Washington Field Office in Chantilly, VA. ICE stonewalled attempts by our offices to gain access to the facility and conduct proper oversight, and it continues to prevent our offices from fully understanding what conditions were like during that period. Similar conditions have been reported at the Farmville Detention Facility where Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully detained.

ICE has also refused to allow for meaningful congressional oversight, and Members of Congress have not been given timely access to its facilities to conduct oversight on the treatment and conditions to which it has subjected detainees. This pattern of avoiding congressional oversight and accountability clearly stems from the very top, as Secretary Noem has resisted attempts to have her testify before Congress, and only agreed to do so after the public outcry over ICE and CBP misconduct in Minneapolis reached a level that not even this Administration could ignore.

Given this history of behavior, it is no surprise that we are alarmed by the prospect of siting two enormous ICE facilities in Virginia. We do not want the Commonwealth to be home to large detention facilities rejected by our local communities, which make no one safer. Rather, these facilities undermine public safety, erode trust between local law enforcement and the public, and place a federal agency indifferent to constitutional liberties near our schools, hospitals, and residential areas. We refuse to allow the Commonwealth to be beholden to an agency that has repeatedly failed to demonstrate the transparency, restraint, and constitutional compliance the public and Congress are entitled to expect from law enforcement.

BACKGROUND

In January, Vindman released a statement standing against the proposed ICE facility in Stafford County after meeting with community leaders, law enforcement, and elected officials. Later that month, he voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill which could have funded this ‘mega-detention’ center.

Following the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents, he also backed a resolution to impeach DHS Secretary Noem and joined 14 fellow Democratic Veterans in the U.S. House to call for a stand down of ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) interior operations.

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Walberg Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition for America 250

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) is seeking submissions from high school students in the 5th Congressional District for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. In recognition of our nation's Semiquincentennial, the Congressman has announced that this year's theme will be "America 250."

The winning piece of artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, along with the winners from the other congressional districts across the country.

"As the United States commemorates 250 years since its founding, this year's Congressional Art Competition provides talented young artists in Michigan's 5th District with a great opportunity to reflect on our country's rich and storied history," said Rep Walberg. "I look forward to seeing the creativity displayed by students in this year's competition and wish all those who plan on participating the best of luck."

Guidelines:


Walkinshaw, McClellan Lead Virginia House Democrats to Oppose Proposed ICE Facilities in Hanover and Stafford Counties

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) led their Virginia House Democratic colleagues, Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons. The letter expressed fierce opposition to the proposed purchase of a 550,000 square-foot warehouse in Hanover County to serve as an ICE processing and intake facility, as well as the potential construction of a 10,000-bed warehouse detention center in Stafford County, Virginia.

“Since early last year, we have witnessed an increasingly aggressive and militant ICE under your leadership,” wrote the Members. “Most recently in Minneapolis, we have seen federal immigration agents kill two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and injure dozens more. These reckless raids on our communities have resulted in the wrongful detention of hundreds of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. … This disproportionate use of force is utterly unacceptable.”

ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have escalated their tactics in the last year, ranging from demands that individuals randomly show their IDs and verify their legal status when they are not suspected of any crime, to instigations of violence, to warrantless searches and entries into homes, businesses and schools. Combined with a refusal to cooperate with federal partners and allow for meaningful congressional oversight, the activities of DHS have raised serious concerns for the safety of detainees and Virginians. Hanover County’s Board of Supervisors has asked DHS to reconsider its proposed facility.

“Across the nation, there have been reports of overcrowded detention facilities with poor ventilation, inadequate climate control, limited access to shower facilities and basic hygiene, and insufficient food and access to meals,” the Members continued. “We have seen this sort of gross negligence play out firsthand in the Commonwealth. In the summer of 2025, reports emerged of severe overcrowding, a lack of food and access to basic hygiene, and limited water supplies at ICE’s Washington Field Office in Chantilly, VA. ICE stonewalled attempts by our offices to gain access to the facility and conduct proper oversight, and it continues to prevent our offices from fully understanding what conditions were like during that period.”

Even after increased scrutiny into the presence of ICE agents in Virginia and beyond, culminating in articles of impeachment introduced against DHS Secretary Noem, questions remain as to the conditions of current ICE facilities and measures being taken to ensure the basic needs of detainees are being met. There is no guarantee that the proposed ICE facilities in Virginia would permit Members of Congress to hold DHS accountable for any lapses in quality of care and detention.

“Given this history of behavior, it is no surprise that we are alarmed by the prospect of siting two

enormous ICE facilities in Virginia,” the Members concluded. “We do not want the Commonwealth to be home to large detention facilities rejected by our local communities, which make no one safer. Rather, these facilities undermine public safety, erode trust between local law enforcement and the public, and place a federal agency indifferent to constitutional liberties near our schools, hospitals, and residential areas. We refuse to allow the Commonwealth to be beholden to an agency that has repeatedly failed to demonstrate the transparency, restraint, and constitutional compliance the public and Congress are entitled to expect from law enforcement.”

Read the full letter here.

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Walkinshaw, House Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Workers, Service Members, and Contractors During a Shutdown

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Reps. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Don Beyer (VA-08), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) introduced legislation to pay all federal employees, as well as service members and federal contractors, during any shutdowns in FY2026.

With Republicans continuing to threaten shutdowns and use federal workers as political leverage, the True Shutdown Fairness Act would ensure that during any FY2026 shutdown, federal workers, service members, and contractors are paid and protected, and that the Trump administration cannot use a shutdown to carry out reductions in force.

“Federal workers and service members should never be used as leverage in Republicans’ shutdown standoffs, and the Trump administration should never be able to use a shutdown to inflict harm on our federal workforce, as we have seen,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “This bill would provide critical protections by ensuring workers get paid during any FY2026 shutdown, contractors can keep paying their staff, and the Trump administration would be blocked from using a shutdown as a smokescreen to purge the federal workforce through reductions in force.”

“Our dedicated federal workers should never be pawns in a government shutdown fight,” said Rep. Raskin. “Our bill provides security to civil servants in MD-08 and across the country by protecting their paychecks and shielding them from any more of Trump’s reckless, unlawful firing sprees during a shutdown in FY26.”

“Federal workers and contractors – and their jobs – should never be used as leverage in political standoffs,” Rep. Norton said. “The True Shutdown Fairness Act would ensure that employees and contractors are paid during a shutdown in FY 2026 and would prohibit reductions in force, which can permanently damage the public's access to services they have a right to receive from the federal government. Federal workers and the American public shouldn’t bear the cost of Congress’s failure to do its job.”

“Federal workers and contractors are never responsible for government shutdowns, but they are always the ones who bear many of the worst consequences. The True Shutdown Fairness Act would ensure all federal workers, contractors, and servicemembers continue to receive their pay throughout a shutdown. These people devote their careers to serving the American people, their efforts are essential for keeping Americans safe and healthy, and they should be paid for their work regardless of political squabbles,” said Rep. Beyer.

“Since the last government shutdown, federal employees and contractors have continued to face uncertainty despite the essential work they perform every day,” said Rep. Kweisi Mfume. “These workers keep our government functioning, and they deserve stability and fairness when shutdowns occur. The True Shutdown Fairness Act is a common-sense solution that ensures our federal employees are fairly paid and protected for their work during a shutdown. I thank Representative Walkinshaw for his leadership and am proud to support this legislation.”

“Congress' inability to pass budgets shouldn't stop federal workers, contractors, and service members from getting a paycheck,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “This commonsense legislation ensures that if there is a shutdown in FY2026, personnel and contractors are paid and protected—and that no administration can use a shutdown as a pretext to carry out reductions in force. It’s a commonsense safeguard for the public servants and their families in our community.”

"Virginia is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and service members who keep our country running. This week, many are once again being forced to wonder if they will get their next paycheck — not because they failed to do their jobs, but because of the chaos and cruelty coming from the White House,” said Rep. Vindman. “As their Representative, a 25-year Army officer, and as the husband of a former federal employee, I know the uncertainty and strain shutdowns place on families. My family has lived through it. Nobody should have to. I am proud to support this bill that would change just that."

“Federal workers simply want to do their jobs and serve their communities – yet too often they are treated as bargaining chips by anti-worker politicians,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “These are dedicated people with families to support – they shouldn’t have to worry about whether they’ll be able to pay the rent or buy groceries during a shutdown. The True Shutdown Fairness Act will ensure federal workers, contractors, and service members don’t miss a paycheck and protect federal workers from reductions-in-force during shutdowns. Further, the legislation is time-limited to avoid incentivizing more frequent and longer shutdowns that would stop funding for public services and cost our members’ jobs at the state and local level. Our members thank Reps. Walkinshaw, Raskin, Holmes Norton, Beyer, Subramanyam, Vindman, and Mfume for introducing this legislation to ensure federal workers have the security of knowing they’ll be paid regardless of the politics in Washington.”

The Services Employees International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) endorse the bill.

Read the full bill text here.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act is the House companion to legislation led in the Senate by Chris Van Hollen.


Menendez, Watson Coleman, and McIver Host Town Hall on Protecting Our Communities

Tonight, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08), and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) held a town hall to hear directly from New Jersey residents as communities across the country grapple with aggressive immigration enforcement and rising concerns about holding the Trump Administration accountable. This town hall comes after the Representatives held a legal observer information session last week to help inform residents how to safely document ICE and immigration enforcement officers’ conduct, empowering individuals with concrete skills and knowledge to protect their rights.

“What we’re seeing from ICE in New Jersey, Minnesota and across the country is despicable, and our constituents feel the impacts of these lawless operations on our communities,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “The American people are relying on their elected officials to not only hear their concerns, but provide clarity, guidance, and solutions. I’m proud to work with my fellow Members of the New Jersey delegation to do so. We will continue to keep our constituents up-to-date so that they can do their part to help hold the DHS accountable and keep their families safe from future operations.”

“Now more than ever, coming together as community members could not be more critical to keeping our communities safe,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “That’s why we’re holding town halls and information sessions to hear directly from our constituents, demand accountability from this Administration, and make sure people know their rights. We will keep showing up and fighting to protect our communities.”

“Fear is the tool this administration relies on, but New Jersey will not be intimidated,” said Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. “ICE is terrorizing our communities, and people deserve to know their rights and where to turn for help. That is why I am proud to join Rep. Menendez and Rep. Watson Coleman to get people the resources they need through tonight’s town hall and our collective efforts. I am committed to keeping my office a resource for all New Jerseyans—providing information, answering questions, and standing with our neighbors.”

During the town hall, the Representatives addressed the killings of three American citizens by immigration enforcement officers in recent weeks, the escalation of aggressive immigration enforcement, and recent actions they’ve taken to push for the closure of private immigration detention centers across New Jersey, as well as newly filed articles of impeachment against the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) Secretary Kristi Noem.


Senator Banks Raises National Security Concerns Over TCL’s Acquisition of Sony’s Home Entertainment Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to the Japanese Ambassador Shiego Yamada expressing concern about the Japanese Embassy’s involvement in TCL’s acquisition of Sony’s home entertainment business and the potential national security risks it may pose.

Read the full letter here or see full text below.

Dear Ambassador Yamada:

I write regarding Sony Corporation’s announcement that Sony has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese company TCL Electronics Holdings Limited, outlining an agreement in which TCL would hold a 51% stake in Sony’s home entertainment business.

This proposed transaction raises significant concerns for both Japanese and U.S. interests. Our countries share a vital strategic interest in maintaining resilient, trusted technology supply chains and in preventing foreign adversaries like China from expanding leverage over critical technology ecosystems. The display industry is becoming increasingly interconnected with national security interests, with applications in warfighting, defense systems, and other sensitive contexts. Concerningly, China already is the dominant player in the international display market, presenting a major vulnerability for Japan, the United States, and our allies across the globe. Commercial display devices also pose serious risks: modern home entertainment products are networked computing platforms that often connect to other devices (e.g., phones, devices, apps) and collect sensitive user data.

These security threats are exacerbated by ties between TCL and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). TCL’s website highlights that its founder and chairman has served in several key roles in throughout the PRC party-state, including as a delegate to the 16th Party Congress, as a representative of numerous National People’s Congresses, and as the Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, a United Front-affiliated organization. These positions are fully consistent with the CCP’s broader strategy of co-opting private industry to suit the Party’s interests, especially in critical technology sectors.

For these reasons, I respectfully request a rigorous review under Japan’s foreign investment screening framework. Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), the Ministry of Finance has the ability to review, modify, or block investments in Japanese companies that operate in designated business sectors.

Therefore, I respectfully request that the Government of Japan:

Clarify whether the contemplated deal between Sony and TCL triggers FEFTA prior-notification and screening.

Conduct a full economic and national security risk assessment addressing technology transfer threats, software/firmware considerations, and data governance practices associated with smart features and connected services.

Use FEFTA authorities, as appropriate, to protect national security interests, including by blocking the proposed transaction if necessary, consistent with Japan’s screening framework and procedures.

Japan and the United States have an opportunity to work together to address risks posed by CCP dominance in critical technology sectors. I appreciate your attention to this matter and welcome opportunities to further engage to advance our shared interests.

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Senate-Passed Funding Bills Advance Boozman Priorities and Investments in Arkansas

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) welcomed Senate passage of several additional Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills that would directly fund projects in Arkansas. Boozman, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, won approval to include numerous items in the package providing full-year funds for the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education as well as other related agencies.

The package also includes bipartisan legislation Boozman has championed to reauthorize critical federal research, education and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality, the PREEMIE Act, in addition to a measure that would make it easier for living organ donors to give the gift of life by expanding eligibility for compensation to cover wages, travel, childcare and caregiver expenses associated with donation, the HOLD Act.

“Arkansans deserve to have their hard-earned tax dollars reinvested in their communities to help improve health outcomes including robust support for maternal and infant care, increase economic opportunity, and transform critical infrastructure. I am proud to have secured funding that would meet these critical needs throughout the state. I am also pleased our bipartisan initiatives to combat preterm birth and infant mortality as well as reduce financial barriers to organ donation are one step closer to becoming law,” Boozman said.

Boozman secured federal investments in the following projects:

Maternal Health, Clinical Care and Medical Education

- $15 million to support construction and equipment needs at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith’s Center for Mother and Infant Healthcare to improve health outcomes in the River Valley.

- $15 million to expand and upgrade labor and delivery capacity at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

- $13.3 million for technology and infrastructure updates at the Arkansas Department of Health.

- $9 million to build a Healthcare Simulation Building at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro that will help address maternal and infant health workforce shortages and regional health disparities.

- $8 million for the Infant Maternal Mortality Project at UAMS to support a comprehensive program focused on improving outcomes for low-income women and infants.

- $7.7 million for construction of a Health Science Center at Arkansas State University-Newport with a focus on improving maternal and mental health outcomes.

- $7 million to enhance Philander Smith University’s educational facilities to advance health outcomes.

- $5 million for care and mental health treatment for UAMS students and faculty through the Wellness, Health, and Education Center.

- $4.5 million to establish the UAMS Barton Bridge to Translational Research, which will unite basic, translational and clinical research within a centralized staff.

- $3 million to provide UAMS equipment to advance clinical care and medical education.

- $2.5 million to support expansion of UAMS’ rural prenatal care program including mobile units and basic life support service vans.

- $2 million to support necessary improvements at UAMS’ Chemical Waste facility to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental regulations.

Workforce Development

- $30 million to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture to create a state-of-the-art Agriculture Center of Excellence in Food Science that will support research, outreach and workforce development.

- $20 million for the University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College workforce training venue in support of current and future industries within the Port of Little Rock Industrial Park.

- $20 million for Southern Arkansas University Tech: $15 million to construct the Aerospace Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence facility and $5 million to provide educational equipment to the Center.

- $750,000 to support hiring and retaining of national security faculty personnel at the University of Arkansas to enhance research-related degree programs.

Transportation Infrastructure

- $15.8 million to construct a portion of I-49 near Fort Smith.

- $8.1 million to increase warehouse capacity for freight rail utilization at the Port of Fort Smith.

- $5 million for the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District to construct a new rail track at the Yellow Bend Port in Desha County, which will enable Class I rail service connectivity.

- $4.1 million to build a storage facility for inclement weather equipment at Fort Smith Regional Airport.

- $2 million to replace the North Little Rock Main Street Viaduct bridge for improved industrial and residential travel.

The Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026 legislation provides funding for numerous Natural State national security missions and installations, including the F-35 Pilot Training Center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, multiple facility modernization projects for the Arkansas National Guard, the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center at Camp Robinson, and Red River Army Depot. Additionally, it delivers investments to update and generate new production lines at Pine Bluff Arsenal as well as among defense industry partners in Camden, and supports defense research initiatives at the University of Arkansas.


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures $1.8 Million for the University of West Alabama Through Appropriations Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured $1.8 million for the University of West Alabama for nursing education facilities and equipment through the Senate passage of the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Act.

The bill, part of a larger package, will be sent back to the U.S. House of Representatives for a final vote before heading to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

“I am proud to have directly secured $1.8 million for Sumter County in this appropriations bill,” said Senator Britt. “This funding will procure crucial medical equipment supplies and improve the nursing education facilities that help train Alabama’s strong workforce of healthcare professionals.”

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures $2 Million for Cleburne and Choctaw Counties Through Appropriations Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured $2 million for Cleburne and Choctaw Counties through the Senate passage of the FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act.

The bill, part of a larger package, will be sent back to the U.S. House of Representatives for a final vote before heading to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

“I am proud to have directly secured $2 million for Cleburne and Choctaw Counties in this appropriations bill,” said Senator Britt. “This funding will provide crucial infrastructure updates for both counties, creating safer and more secure communities.”

A detailed breakdown of the priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$1,000,000 for ALDOT to replace the bridge over Muscadine Creek in Cleburne County

$1,000,000 for ALDOT for road improvements to CR 9 in Choctaw County

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $14 Million for Mobile and Baldwin Counties Through Appropriations Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $14 million for Mobile and Baldwin counties through the passage of two Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Act and the FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act.

The bills, part of a larger package, will be sent back to the U.S. House of Representatives for a final vote before heading to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. Following the signing of this package into law, Senator Britt will have directly secured more than $32.4 million to Mobile and Baldwin Counties in FY26 appropriations funding.

“I’m proud to have directly secured key priorities for Alabama’s Gulf region, which will provide funding for crucial medical equipment, roadway infrastructure, resources for our outstanding veterans, and more,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to use my role on the Appropriations Committee to advocate for Alabama-first priorities and look forward to Alabamians benefiting from these investments.”

A detailed breakdown of the Gulf’s priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$500,000 for the Monroe County Hospital for mammography and CT scanner procurement

$2,000,000 for Veterans Recovery Resources for addiction treatment and therapy equipment acquisition

$2,000,000 to ALDOT for CR 64 capacity and safety improvements in Baldwin County

$2,000,000 to the Alabama State Port Authority for the Mobile Port’s railroad expansion

$850,000 to the Alabama State Port Authority for facilities modernization and Pier 02 Berth Competition

$2,000,000 to the Alabama State Port Authority for McDuffie Coal Terminal Modernization

$3,000,000 to the Mobile Airport Authority for airport tarmac improvements

$1,000,000 to the City of Evergreen to fund security infrastructure improvements

$500,000 to the Fairhope Airport for airport operations and safety improvements

$150,000 to the Gulf Shores International Airport for improved and additional fire equipment

In the FY26 THUD bill, Senator Britt also helped to secure $10 million for the National Scenic Byways Program, which includes Alabama’s Coastal Connection.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $21.2 Million for North Alabama Through Appropriations Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $21.2 million for Northern Alabama through the Senate passage of three Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Act, FY26 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act.

The bills, part of a larger package, will be sent back to the U.S. House of Representatives for a final vote before heading to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. Following the signing of this package into law, Senator Britt will have directly secured more than $25.3 million to North Alabama in FY26 appropriations funding.

“These appropriations bills will support North Alabama, including through improving transportation infrastructure, supporting cutting-edge research, and procuring critical medical equipment,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to have directly secured these key investments and look forward to continuing to fight for Alabamians every single day on the Appropriations Committee.”

A detailed breakdown of the North Alabama priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$1,024,000 for the University of North Alabama to procure nursing education equipment

$1,000,000 for ALDOT for the widening and planning of the Mooresville Road in Limestone County

$2,000,000 for ALDOT to replacement the Sparkman Drive Bridge in Huntsville

$2,000,000 for ALDOT to replace Swayback Bridge in Marshall County

$10,000,000 for artificial intelligence research infrastructure at the University of Alabama Huntsville

$5,000,000 for the University of North Alabama for the expansion of services at Anderson Center for Innovation

$205,000 for Athens State University to expand and enhance their innovation and entrepreneurial center, LaunchBox

In the FY26 THUD bill, Senator Britt also helped to secure $10 million for the National Scenic Byways Program, which includes the Natchez Trace Parkway in Alabama.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $28.7 Million for Central Alabama Through Appropriations Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $28.7 million for Central Alabama through the passage of three Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Act, FY26 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act.

The bills, part of a larger package, will be sent back to the U.S. House of Representatives for a final vote before heading to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. Following the signing of this package into law, Senator Britt will have directly secured more than $34.8 million to Central Alabama in FY26 appropriations funding.

“These appropriations bills will support Central Alabama communities by funding airport infrastructure, medical equipment, and several roadway transportation projects,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to have directly secured these targeted investments, and I’ll continue to fight for Alabamians every single day on the Appropriations Committee.”

A detailed breakdown of the Central Alabama priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$300,000 for the Coosa County Emergency Medical Service’s ambulance procurement

$2,500,000 for surgical robot procurement at the Cullman Regional Medical Center

$2,000,000 for Southern Research Institute’s biotechnology research equipment acquisition

$1,667,000 for CT scanner procurement and installation at St. Vincent’s Blount

$100,000 for ALDOT’s County Road 387 cost analysis in Lawrence County

$3,000,000 for ALDOT’s engineering, design, and construction of a bridge replacement on Highway 77 in Etowah County

$1,020,000 for ALDOT to replace the Depot Street Bridge in St. Clair County

$1,000,000 for ALDOT to widen and resurface CR 21 in Hale County

$4,000,000 for ALDOT to extend and improve Deerfoot Parkway in Jefferson County

$4,000,000 for the Bessemer Airport Authority to fund the rehabilitation of airport aprons

$3,850,000 for the Chilton County Airport Authority for the funding in support of the runway extension project

$300,000 for transportation infrastructure for the deaf and blind in the City of Talladega

$4,000,000 for the Hugo Black Courthouse for critical repairs and renovations

$1,000,000 to the University of Montevallo to procure educational equipment and supplies

The FY26 LHHS bill also increases total NIH funding by $415 million, funding for the NIH IMPROVE initiative (a priority Senator Britt has been proud to champion legislation for in the Senate) by $10 million, and funding for Head Start by $85 million.

In the FY26 THUD bill, Senator Britt also helped to secure $10 million for the National Scenic Byways Program, which includes the Talladega Scenic Drive in Alabama, and $20 million for the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), which includes the Birmingham Northern Beltline.

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