Markey, Jayapal, Merkley, Wyden Introduce Bill to Ban ICE and CBP Use of Facial Recognition Technology Amid Trump’s Rapidly Growing Surveillance State

Washington (February 5, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act, bicameral legislation that would ban ICE and CPB from acquiring and using facial recognition technology (FRT) and other biometric identification systems. ICE Out of Our Faces Act would also require the deletion of all data collected for use in or by biometric identification systems and allow individuals and state attorneys general to seek civil penalties for violations.

“ICE and CBP agents are using facial recognition technologies to track, target, and surveil individuals across the country,” said Senator Markey. “The Trump administration isn’t deploying these tools to maintain public safety. They are doing so to silence lawful speech and to punish dissent. I’m proud to introduce the ICE Out of Our Faces Act to stop this unaccountable, authoritarian use of facial recognition technologies. Big Brother has no place in a democracy, and we will not allow these Orwellian tools to take root here.”

“We are at an incredibly dangerous moment in this country, where overzealous and overly violent ICE and Border Patrol agents are increasing their use of biometric identification systems. This has become a surveillance state with militarized federal troops on our streets to terrorize and intimidate US citizens and residents alike. We must urgently pass the ICE Out of Our Faces Act to stop the proliferation of this technology, protect our communities, and protect our democracy,” said Representative Jayapal.

“For years, I’ve been ringing the alarm bells about the dangers of a national surveillance state built on facial recognition technology. Now, we’re seeing Trump’s lawless federal agents deploy this technology on our streets across the nation as he tries to tighten his authoritarian grip,” said Senator Merkley. “Without oversight, this technology is dangerous in the hands of any government, and the Trump Administration is abusing it to trample on privacy, freedom of speech, and civil liberties. All freedom-loving Americans must join us to stand up to this assault on folks’ fundamental rights.”

“ICE and CBP have trampled on our Constitution when they build databases of regular people concerned about ICE committing violence in their communities or scan the faces of people on the street to run through their surveillance systems. I’m glad to work with Senator Markey to protect Americans against harassment and biometric surveillance by Trump’s handpicked militia,” said Senator Wyden.

The ICE Out of Our Faces Act is co-sponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

The legislation is endorsed by Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Fight for the Future, American Civil Liberties Union, The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology, Free Press Action, Access Now, and Human Rights First.

“It’s past time for the federal government to end its use of this abusive surveillance technology. A great place to start is its use for immigration enforcement, given ICE and CBP’s utter disdain for the law. Face surveillance in the hands of the government is a fundamentally harmful technology, even under strict regulations or if the technology was 100% accurate. We thank the authors of this bill for their leadership in taking steps to end this use of this dangerous and invasive technology,” said India McKinney, Director of Federal Affairs at Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

“Facial recognition is a dangerous and invasive surveillance technology, particularly in the hands of an agency that is cavalier with the law, lacks transparency, and avoids oversight. ICE’s use of facial recognition is ripe for abuse and undermines our privacy, civil liberties, and civil rights. The ICE Out of Our Faces Act is a step towards stopping the growing surveillance infrastructure that is undermining Americans’ Constitutional rights, and EPIC is proud to support it,” said Jeramie D. Scott, Senior Counsel & Director, EPIC Surveillance Oversight Program.

“Facial recognition creates a broad, warrantless hoard of surveillance data that can instantly be weaponized for intimidation and oppression. It has no place in a free society and we will continue to fight to see it banned in every arena: ICE agents should be banned from using it; city and state governments including law enforcement should be banned from using it; and businesses should be banned from using it in all places of public accommodation. We cannot let this regime of data-supercharged fascist witness intimidation become the new normal. It is time to ban facial recognition for good and banning ICE from using it is a great start,” said Lia Holland, Campaigns & Communications Director at Fight for the Future.

“Since Congress gave ICE and Border Patrol hundreds of billions of dollars in unnecessary funding last year, the Trump administration has doubled down on the use of shadowy surveillance technology to supercharge its lawless and violent immigration operations,” said Kate Voigt, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU. “The Department of Homeland Security’s use of such biased and error-prone technology to go after our communities and to scare people speaking out against ICE’s abuses is disgusting and blatantly illegal. It’s vital that Congress pass the ICE Out of Our Faces Act as soon as possible, and that our leaders use their funding power to rein in these out-of-control agencies.”

“No matter where we’re from or the color of our skin, we should all be able to move freely in our communities without the fear of being spied on by our own government. But right now, facial recognition and other biometric surveillance tools are being used to carry out violent immigration enforcement. The ICE Out of Our Faces Act is essential to start reigning in a growing and unaccountable surveillance state aimed squarely at immigrant communities, communities of color, and people speaking up for their neighbors and loved ones. No administration should be able to weaponize technology against us,” said Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, Vice President of The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology.

“Biometric surveillance poses an urgent threat to our fundamental rights. Facial recognition and other biometric surveillance technologies have been used by authoritarian regimes around the world to target journalists, protestors, and marginalized communities; they are increasingly central to infrastructures of mass surveillance and criminalization. We are watching these abuses evolve as DHS pours more money into expanding its own surveillance dragnet — including mobile facial recognition tools that ICE and Border Patrol agents are using to profile, track and target people in the street. The ICE Out of Our Faces Act interrupts this trajectory and is a critical step towards safeguarding our communities and our rights,” said Jenna Ruddock, Advocacy Director at Free Press Action.

“At a time of increasingly lawless actions by ICE, we are grateful for Senator Markey taking concrete steps to implement accountability measures to protect our communities with the introduction of the ‘ICE Out of Our Faces Act.’ No government official should be able to hide behind masks while violating our fundamental rights with impunity. Our privacy and security, regardless of our race, nationality, or citizenship, should not be compromised by such dangerous anti-immigrant agendas, as we have seen acted out on the streets of Minneapolis. This bill inserts crucial guardrails for protecting our democracy and we urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this legislation,” said Robyn Barnard, Senior Director of Refugee Advocacy at Human Rights First.

Senator Markey is leading efforts to hold ICE and DHS accountable for their gross violations of Americans’ First Amendment rights and their weaponization of surveillance technologies against peaceful protestors, immigrants, and American citizens.

This week, Senator Markey wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding that Lyons immediately confirm or deny reports that the agency is maintaining a so-called “domestic terrorists” database to track individuals protesting ICE activities.

In November, Senator Markey wrote to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, urging the agency to immediately cease using a system of license plate readers (LPRs) and predictive algorithms to monitor the movements of individual Americans. CBP is reportedly using the system to “identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.”

Also in November, Senator Markey led his colleagues in requesting that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cease the use of their biometric phone application known as Mobile Fortify following a previous unanswered request.

In September, Senator Markey wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons, demanding that ICE cease use of Mobile Fortify and requesting detailed information about its policies and practices surrounding the use of biometric technology.

In July, Senator Markey, along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Schiff (D-Calif.), sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent usage of Predator drones and aerial surveillance against peaceful protesters in Los Angeles. In the letter, the senators raised concerns about the threat to the protesters’ privacy and their constitutional rights that are guaranteed by the First Amendment.

In June, Senators Markey and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote two letters to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary Noem about the government’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to determine whether an individual poses a national security risk.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “TAXPAYER DOLLARS SHOULD BE USED TO MAKE LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS, NOT BRUTALIZE OR KILL THEM”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNOW’s All In, where he made clear that Democrats will continue demanding reform to Donald Trump’s out-of-control Department of Homeland Security that is unleashing harm on the American people.

ALI VELSHI: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins me now. Leader Jeffries, good to see you. Thank you for being with us tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to see you.

ALI VELSHI: Let’s talk about these demands—the masks, the ID, but the racial profiling. As you note in the list of demands, that is in contravention of the Fourth Amendment, although the Supreme Court in its ruling having to do with Los Angeles, did muddy those waters. It’s in contravention of the Fifth Amendment, due process. It’s in contravention of the Fourteenth Amendment, equal protections. This shouldn’t be that hard to get agreement on the fact that these basic things that ICE are doing are wrong and unconstitutional and unlawful.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that’s exactly right. This shouldn’t be that complicated for my Republican colleagues. Unfortunately, they continue to bend the knee to the Trump administration to try to unleash this extremism and brutality on the American people. Our view here, top line is simple. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, not brutalize or kill them. We know ICE is out of control and needs to be reined in along with the other related agencies. Immigration enforcement should be fair, should be just and it should be humane. And we’ve got to make sure that there are dramatic changes at DHS and, in the absence of that, there should not be a funding agreement that moves forward.

ALI VELSHI: What kind of leverage do you have on that? Because if that funding agreement doesn’t move forward—this is a DHS specific funding agreement—obviously some employees will work and have to work without pay. DHS overwhelmingly has employees like that who have to stay at work. There’s some FEMA activity there, there’s some TSA activity, there’s Coast Guard. How do you manage that situation if there’s a so-called DHS shutdown?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we support FEMA, of course. We support TSA, hardworking agents who help keep us safe as we transit from one place to another via airplane. And we, of, course, support the Coast Guard. Now, if we confront a situation where there’s a DHS shutdown, it’s because Republicans will basically have decided that they don’t mind shutting down FEMA or Coast Guard or TSA because they don’t want ICE to be held accountable and they don’t want ICE be forced to conduct themselves like every other law enforcement agency in the country. That’s fundamentally what we’re trying to achieve here so that this type of violence and brutality and assault and extremism that we’ve seen is not unleashed on American citizens, on law-abiding immigrant families and on the American people.

ALI VELSHI: You have, at the moment, your Republican colleagues have a three-vote lead in Congress. Right now, polls are closed in New Jersey, in the House primary special election. Tom Malinowski seems to be in the lead at the moment. But the bottom line is that election is going to be on April 16th. It’ll most likely be won by a Democrat. At that point, you’ve got a three-vote lead from Republicans. Talk to me about this. There’ve been a lot of elections around the country where Democrats have won by much larger margins than they won in November. Tell me how you use that to motivate your Republican friends.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen. Republicans have been losing races up and down the ballot across the country since January of 2025. In fact, you can’t point to a meaningful race that Democrats have lost. Of course, in the off-year election in November of 2025, we won all across the country in New Jersey, in New York, in Virginia, in Georgia, in Pennsylvania, in Mississippi, of course, in California Prop 50. We then won the Mayor’s race in Miami in December, for the first time in 30 years a Democrat. Now we’ve been leaning into the issues that we know matter to the American people—driving down the high cost of living where Republicans have failed, fixing our broken healthcare system. We know Republicans have brought us a healthcare crisis that is devastating the American people. And we’ll continue to point out as Democrats that Republicans can either stand on the side of the American people and uplift our values and our way of life, or continue to be reckless rubber stamps for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. And if they continue to do the latter, they’re going to lose. And hopefully, you’ll have a handful of enlightened Republicans decide that they better stop functioning in a cult-like fashion and start functioning like they’re part of a separate and co-equal branch of government, not a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump cartel.

ALI VELSHI: And we started to see some of that on some bills, right? We started to, obviously, with the Epstein Act, we saw it. But in other places where some Republicans have been pretty open about going over and voting with Democrats. Can you whittle away enough of that before the next election in a way that causes Republicans to say, hey, we have to stop this. We are not only going to lose our majority in November, most likely, but we may lose it effectively because enough Republicans will defect.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that’s right. We only need a handful of Republicans, for instance, to join us in our efforts to bring about dramatic change with respect to DHS and the way in which ICE agents are conducting themselves on American streets all across the country. And we have been successful in pushing discharge petitions where we’re forcing votes on the House floor and Republicans are joining us. That was the case on the Epstein files. That was the case where 20 Republicans joined Democrats in the latter part of last year when we overrode in the House a Trump executive order that ripped away collective bargaining rights from more than a million hardworking federal employees. And as you know, in the beginning of this year, we were successful in passing a three-year extension in the House of the Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent tens of millions of Americans from experiencing dramatically increased health insurance premiums, copays and deductibles. Every single Democrat, at the time 213 of us, were joined by 17 Republicans in getting that done. And so we’ll continue to press our case. We have them on the run, and we’re not going to let our foot off the gas pedal.

ALI VELSHI: Let’s talk about the Epstein stuff. The Clintons have agreed to testify in the House, and Hillary Clinton is saying, ‘Let’s make it public. Let’s just put it all out there.’ How will that affect your decisions if you become the Speaker of the House? If a former President has been asked to testify before the House, does that mean that you ask Donald Trump to do the same?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen. Certainly Donald Trump likes to conduct himself as if he should be held to a standard different than every other American President or former President. And we can’t allow that to happen, on all of the things. And certainly it’s going to be the case that in a Democratic majority, we’re going to fight hard to tackle the issues that matter, to drive down the high cost of living, fight hard to fix our broken healthcare system, of course, but also at the same period of time, we’ve got to clean up the corruption that exists in Washington, DC, in the Congress, with the Supreme Court and also deal with Donald Trump and his administration, who spend all of their time, it seems like, trying to enrich themselves, their family and their friends, as opposed to focusing on doing their job to make life better for the American people. We will hold the Trump administration accountable in a manner consistent with what the House should be all about, a check and balance on an out-of-control administration.

ALI VELSHI: What do you think of the business about nationalizing elections? Every day, Donald Trump sort of says it differently and then some Republicans say they don’t like it and the White House walks it back. But he is talking about, not actually, not changing our entire election system, just changing in some places. He mentioned Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta. I wonder what they all have in common. It’s dangerous talk. One can laugh about it but it’s really dangerous talk.

LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s dangerous talk. It unsettles the American people, and it should. Listen, Donald Trump understands that if there is a free and fair election in November, and we’re going to make sure there is one, that the House is lost. Democrats are going to take back control of the House of Representatives. And the Senate is looking increasingly shaky as well because the American people are rejecting this extremism. Donald Trump and Republicans have failed. They failed on the economy. They failed on healthcare. They’re failing on immigration enforcement. They failed to address the challenges of the American people and certainly address them in a way that is consistent with who we are as we celebrate our 250th birthday. And so we have adopted an all-hands-on-deck approach in terms of making sure that it’s the American people who are the ones who decide who controls Congress in the aftermath of the November midterm elections, not Donald Trump and his extreme sycophants.

ALI VELSHI: Congressman, good to see you. Thank you for taking time for us tonight.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Brownley, Dingell, Chu Lead Colleagues in Challenging ICE’s Treatment of Individuals with Disabilities

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) led 20 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in response to recent reports concerning the treatment of individuals with disabilities who have interacted with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Individuals with disabilities are legally entitled to accommodations that meet their specific needs, including those detained by ICE. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ICE is required to provide such accommodations and is prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities in federally funded programs and activities.

“Individuals with disabilities require and are, by law, entitled to accommodations that meet their specific needs. This includes those detained by ICE, given that ICE is bound by statute to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and are prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding,” the lawmakers write. “This effectively means that detainees in federal, state, and private detention facilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to avoid disability discrimination. ICE guidance materials reflect this understanding of the law.1 Further, ICE has a Disability Access Plan developed in August 2020 that should be followed to ensure compliance with this law.2 Moreover, the most up-to-date version of the ICE National Detention Standards, as of 2025, also affirms the rights under the law.”

“Barriers that disabled immigrants face in the immigration system are longstanding and did not appear with the arrival of the Trump Administration. According to both experts and current and former employees at the Department of Homeland Security, the immigration system was already a potentially dangerous place for detainees with disabilities,” the lawmakers continue. “However, as the Administration has aggressively pursued immigration enforcement, they have simultaneously gutted the offices that were in place to safeguard against violations of detainees’ rights, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO). Since January, staffing for CRCL has dropped by 85% and staffing for OID dropped by 91%.”

“These incidents are deeply troubling and speak to the need for an increased understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as enforcement of the standards that immigration officials are required to follow by law,” the lawmakers conclude. “It is not only possible but is essential that all law enforcement actions are taken within the bounds of what is allowed by federal law.”

Read the full text of the letter here.

The letter is signed by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mark Pocan, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, Madeleine Dean, Dina Titus, Frederica S. Wilson, Lateefah Simon, Pramila Jayapal, Darren Soto, Seth Moulton, Jasmine Crockett, Mark DeSaulnier, Rashida Tlaib, April McClain Delaney, Andrea Salinas, Summer L. Lee, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Jan Schakowsky, and Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr.

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Brownley Joins Warren, Alsobrooks, and over 55 Lawmakers in Pressing HHS on Health Impacts of Violent ICE Raids, Arrests on Children

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), along with over 55 congressional colleagues in pressing Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency escalating violence in American communities on children. From detaining children to arresting parents, ICE’s actions are leaving children with potentially lasting physical and psychological trauma.

“ICE and CBP operations that treat children like collateral damage threaten their physical and mental health and wellbeing… This disregard for child welfare undermines the government’s core child-protection obligations,” wrote the lawmakers. “Yet your agency does not appear to be taking any action to speak out against or investigate the impacts of the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda on children.”

Under the Trump administration, children — both U.S. citizens and noncitizens — have been exposed to increasingly violent and intense immigration enforcement operations. After Donald Trump rescinded ICE’s sensitive locations policy on Day One, ICE has carried out raids at schools, day care centers — and even a child’s birthday party. ICE has also become more violent, employing military-style techniques in communities across the country. Even when children are not the direct target, their exposure to this violence can create lasting trauma.

“[ICE and CBP’s] practices have triggered national outrage and risk traumatizing children and depriving them of access to education and basic services, with lasting consequences for their behavioral, physical, academic, and emotional wellbeing,” wrote the lawmakers.

Five-year-old Minnesota resident Liam Ramos was detained for more than a week in a Texas facility after reportedly being used as “bait” to capture his father. Liam’s father said Liam was not eating well and was sleeping a lot and asking about his mother and classmates.

In Massachusetts, a man suffered an apparent seizure while ICE agents attempted to detain his wife as their toddler cried within arm’s reach. Witnesses allege agents pushed him, struck him, and pressed on his neck while the child remained trapped between the adults.

In Illinois, ICE agents forcibly detained a day care teacher in front of her students. In another incident, masked agents deployed tear gas near an elementary school in Chicago, sending children running and teachers scrambling for cover. In Texas, ICE agents stormed a five-year-old child’s birthday party, where state and federal officers conducted an operation that resulted in the apprehension of 47 people, including nine minors — one of whom was just three years old.

“Children’s exposure to traumatic ICE raids occurring in their communities across America can have lasting effects on their long-term health and development, including their behavioral and psychological wellbeing,” wrote the lawmakers.

ICE operations are also hurting children’s academic and social development. In districts where ICE raids have occurred, schools are reporting declining student attendance and performance; in some schools, nearly half of students have been absent following school-based ICE raids. Early childhood providers have reported attrition from day care, after-school programs, and other community programs that typically serve as spaces for positive socialization, mental health counseling, and other forms of support.

Immigration enforcement actions are also impacting children’s access to health care. Most health care workers report significant or moderate decreases in patient visits since January 2025; for the children that do continue to visit the doctor, they reportedly have declining physical and mental health. One doctor observed “abnormal weight gain trajectories” in children not getting exercise outdoors due to “fear of encountering ICE,” and another pediatrician reported that “minors [are] constantly crying during their well-child checks expressing their fear for themselves and their families.”

“Given HHS’s responsibility for the health and wellbeing of children in the United States, we request any data your department has collected regarding the impact of immigration operations on children’s health and development,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers noted HHS’s various programs, offices, and agencies that research and provide for children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, and requested that Secretary Kennedy share any information HHS has regarding the impact of ICE and CBP operations on children’s mental health and development.

Read the full text of the letter here.

Other signers include: Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); and Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Al Green (D-TX-09), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-CA-44), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), André Carson (D-IN-07), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD-02), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Chuy García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05).

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Kaptur Honors and Announces 9th Congressional District United States Service Academy Nominees

Toledo, OH – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) proudly welcomed and honored the 2026 Principal and Alternate Nominees from Ohio’s 9th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies during a special reception recognizing their commitment to service, leadership, and country. Nominees were selected for nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO, the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, and the United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, CT. Principal and alternate nominees hail from communities across Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, including Port Clinton, Monclova, Perrysburg, Maumee, Fremont, Defiance, Clay, Oregon, Milan, Castalia, Genoa, Holland, and Toledo.

“These outstanding young men and women have chosen a path defined by discipline, sacrifice, and service to something greater than themselves,” said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). “At a time when easier choices abound, they have stepped forward with courage and conviction to serve our nation. Their willingness to put country above self reflects the very best of Northwest Ohio and the enduring strength of our democracy. I am honored to be able to recognize these bright young minds who represent the future of our nation.”

Each year, Congresswoman Kaptur appoints a Citizens Advisory Committee composed of distinguished veterans, public servants, and community leaders to interview candidates and assist in the nomination process. The 2025 Committee was chaired by Anneliese Steele, a 1987 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, and Congresswoman Kaptur’s first-ever appointment to a US Service Academy. Committee members also included Amy Herrick, Chaplain for Swanton American Legion Post and Detective with the Toledo Police Department; Susan Macias, retired Operational Campaign Analyst for US European Command; Ian Townsend, a 2007 Naval Academy graduate and US Navy Surface Warfare Officer; and Zach Migura, Executive Director of the Wood County Veterans Service Office and US Army Reserve member.

Principal Nominees for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District:

Noah Fitt, senior at Port Clinton High School – United States Air Force Academy

In support of his nomination, confirmation sponsor James Spicer wrote: “While most teenagers are choosing easier paths and prioritizing immediate gratification, Noah seeks meaning and fulfillment physically, intellectually, and spiritually.”

Garrett Smith, senior at Anthony Wayne High School – United States Naval Academy (also an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy)

Anthony Wayne Assistant Superintendent Kevin Pfefferle noted: “Garrett Smith exemplifies the honor, courage, and commitment that define the United States Naval Academy. He possesses the clarity of purpose and strength of character to serve our nation with distinction.”

Akash Joshi, senior at Maumee Valley Country Day School – United States Military Academy at West Point

West Point has formally offered Akash an appointment. Dean of Students Jana Smith wrote: “Akash leads by example—on the soccer field, in the robotics lab, and in service to his community—demonstrating a team-first mindset and unwavering reliability.”

In addition, Congresswoman Kaptur named a strong slate of Alternate Nominees, who remain highly competitive. Should a Principal Nominee be unable to matriculate, their Alternates will be considered for placement. Their Alternate Nomination also places each student in a national pool to compete for entry to the academies based on academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements.

Alternate Nominees for Ohio’s 9th District for 2025 include:

Teagan Kennedy, senior at Maumee High School – United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Naval Academy (recipient of a Letter of Assurance to the US Military Academy)

Lincoln Ollom, senior at Fremont Ross High School – United States Military Academy

Emily Schultz, senior at Clay High School – United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Naval Academy

Alexander Denkins, senior at Perrysburg High School – United States Military Academy

Kathryn Cumston, senior at Edison High School – United States Air Force Academy

James Huston, senior at Genoa High School – United States Military Academy

Gabe Wensinger, senior at Fremont Ross High School – United States Military Academy

Hunter Grahl, senior at Margaretta High School – United States Naval Academy, United States Military Academy, and United States Air Force Academy; Nominee to the United States Merchant Marine Academy

Brady Borton, 2025 graduate of Defiance High School, Northwest State Community College – United States Merchant Marine Academy (recipient of a Letter of Assurance)

Hayden Holesko, senior at Anthony Wayne High School – United States Air Force Academy

Harper Slaght, senior at St. Ursula Academy – United States Naval Academy

Haley Mitchell, senior at Humphreys High School – United States Military Academy

Final admission decisions are made by each Service Academy. Photos of nominees, and their families from the Academy Nomination Ceremony can be found by clicking here.

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Washington, D.C. – As energy costs increase across the nation, Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced the Rail and Highway Transmission Planning Act to accelerate the development of electric grid infrastructure.

Complex permitting processes, cross-state siting challenges, and constrained rights of way often make expanding the electric grid challenging and expensive. One solution is to make better use of existing infrastructure like highways and railways, which could serve as corridors for new high-voltage transmission lines. Making use of these existing public rights of way could save resources and time, and ultimately improve the reliability and resilience of the grid. As energy demands continue to rise, modernizing the electrical grid is crucial to increase supply, reduce costs, and transition to cleaner and more dependable sources.

“Consumers across America are seeing their utility bills skyrocket and we need to make it easier to expand the grid so electricity can be delivered in an efficient and more sustainable way,” Mullin said. “There are tens of thousands of miles of highways and rail lines across the U.S., and by identifying where electrical lines can be safely built along these transportation corridors, my Rail and Highway Transmission Planning Act would help modernize America’s electrical grid, reduce costs for consumers, and accelerate our transition to cleaner, more reliable energy.”

The Rail and Highway Transmission Planning Act would direct the Department of Energy to identify opportunities to co-locate transmission infrastructure within existing highway and railway rights of way to expedite grid development with the goal of alleviating energy capacity constraints and delivering more affordable and reliable energy for consumers more quickly.

Specifically, the study would:

Review existing transmission lines in transportation corridors and determine best practices for planning, financing, and developing such projects;

Evaluate rights of way that are most suitable for transmission construction and assess cost and time savings as compared to conventional siting;

Analyze how co-locating transmission lines with highways or railways could enhance grid reliability, reduce congestion, and lower energy costs; and

Develop an interagency action plan and guidance for federal, state, local, and private stakeholders.

The bill has been endorsed by Solutionary Rail, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), and the Rail-Grid Collaborative.

“New demands on the grid in the form of data centers are causing the electric bills of working families to skyrocket. And aging infrastructure is igniting wildfires that are costing lives and destroying communities,” said Bill Moyer, Executive Director of Solutionary Rail. “Congressman Mullin’s Rail and Highway Transmission Planning Act of 2026 takes essential next steps toward abundant, affordable electricity for a resilient and thriving future. In a time dominated by the politics of polarization and division, finding common cause for common sense solutions to deliver resilience, prosperity, and abundance for our nation could not be more important.”

“Congressman Mullin’s bill is a timely response to the growing pressure to expand and upgrade the nation’s grid, to keep electric service affordable and reliable, to responsibly meet surging power demands from AI and industrial electrification, to maintain energy resource diversity, and to minimize undue disturbances to land and communities. It shines a light on an oft-ignored way to accelerate development of even the most challenging transmission lines across markets, regions and state lines by prioritizing the use of existing rights-of-way,” said James Hoecker, Founder and Counsel of the Rail-Grid Collaborative and former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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Krishnamoorthi Demands DHS Explain ICE Vetting Failures, Extremist Recruitment Signals, and Promotion of Greg Bovino Amid Antisemitism Concerns

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) sent a follow-up letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today raising serious concerns about systemic failures in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s hiring, vetting, and oversight processes, as well as troubling DHS recruitment messaging and leadership decisions.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi wrote that he is “once again raising serious concerns regarding the lapses in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) hiring and vetting processes,” including the decision to elevate officers such as Greg Bovino. He noted that DHS has failed to respond to his November 24, 2025 request for documentation regarding ICE’s vetting practices, including whether recruits are permitted to begin training before completing background checks and how ICE verifies applicant information and detects undisclosed misconduct.

Krishnamoorthi also raised alarm about DHS recruitment content posted shortly after the fatal shooting of Renée Good in Minneapolis. He wrote that the decision to use language closely associated with white nationalist and extremist movements “raises serious questions about whether your department is tolerating, or even courting, the attention of individuals and movements rooted in extremist ideology,” adding that “in the context of official recruitment communications, the use of language so closely associated with these movements cannot reasonably be dismissed as accidental.”

Addressing reporting that Greg Bovino had made antisemitic remarks prior to his elevation into a DHS leadership role, Krishnamoorthi wrote that “the decision to promote an individual associated with antisemitic rhetoric reflects a serious failure of judgment” and that, at a moment when antisemitism is surging nationwide, “this episode undermines DHS’s credibility as an institution entrusted with protecting all communities.”

The letter further cites recent reporting describing how individuals can move through ICE’s recruitment process with minimal scrutiny, warning that these accounts, when viewed alongside DHS messaging choices and prior personnel decisions, “point to systemic vetting and oversight failures, not isolated lapses.” Krishnamoorthi emphasized that, as Secretary, Noem is responsible for ensuring DHS leadership reflects “the values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.”

Krishnamoorthi requested that DHS provide responses no later than February 20, 2026, to the following questions:

What vetting, review, and approval processes were used in the decision to elevate Greg Bovino, and when did DHS leadership become aware of his antisemitic statements?

Has DHS conducted, or does it intend to conduct, a review of Mr. Bovino’s record in light of this reporting?

What steps is DHS taking to ensure that individuals with histories of misconduct, credibility issues, or extremist rhetoric are not promoted into positions of authority?

Is DHS screening to make sure that it is not hiring agents who participated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021?

When will DHS provide a response to the outstanding questions raised in my November 24, 2025 letter regarding ICE’s hiring, vetting, and oversight procedures?


LaHood, Issa Introduce Legislation to Ensure Diaspora Access to Lebanon Elections

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to introduce the SAFE Lebanon Act to ensure that members of the eligible Lebanese diaspora are not prevented from voting in Lebanon’s elections by authorizing sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that obstruct Lebanon’s electoral process.

“Free and fair elections will be essential to paving the way to Lebanon’s long-term stability, sovereignty, and prosperity. That is why the demonstrated obstruction of Lebanon’s electoral process must be met with clear consequences. The United States has high expectations for the government of Lebanon, and this Administration stands at the ready to play a lasting role in the nation’s progress. Authorizing the use of sanctions against those who seek to derail or defraud this process is a uniquely strong deterrent, will bolster needed election integrity, and strengthen confidence in the democratic system. We must put an end to the paradox that millions of Lebanese citizens around the world have a voice everywhere except Lebanon,” said Congressmen LaHood and Issa.

"Lebanon must continue in the positive trajectory it undertook in 2018 and 2022 by allowing full diaspora absentee voting. The American Task Force on Lebanon thanks Reps. Darrell Issa and Darin LaHood for standing with the people of Lebanon as they seek full participation in their democratic system," said Amb. (ret.) Ed Gabriel, President and CEO of the American Task Force on Lebanon.

Background:

Lebanon’s parliamentary elections have faced interference from Hezbollah, corrupt

political elites, and foreign actors who have engaged in intimidation, manipulation of

electoral administration, and obstruction of reforms. These actions have also affected the ability of Lebanese citizens living abroad to participate in elections, despite legal provisions allowing diaspora voting. Lebanon’s large global diaspora plays an important civic, political, and economic role, and protecting their voting rights is considered a national security interest of the United States.

The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.


Larsen Leads Effort to Expand Veterans' Access to Lifesaving Breast Cancer Screening

Today, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Maxine Dexter (D-OR) introduced the Mammography Access for Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation would expand veterans’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Women are the fastest-growing group in the veteran population,” Rep. Larsen said. “As the number of women veterans rapidly increases, VA must continue to modernize its women's health care services. This bill is one step toward ensuring women veterans around the country have access to lifesaving, preventative screenings for breast cancer.”

“Our veterans deserve access to the health care they need, particularly women who have served honorably, and this is just one of the drivers behind the bipartisan Mammography Access for Veterans Act,” Rep. Thompson said. “Early detection of breast cancer leads to better health outcomes and this legislation will save lives, especially of those veteran women living in rural areas, where access to mammography can often be limited.”

“As a pulmonary and critical care physician who served at the VA, I know early detection saves lives,” Rep. Dexter said. “No one—but especially our veterans—should worry about access to preventative healthcare. After all they’ve done for us, making breast cancer screenings more easily accessible is the least we can do.”

The Mammography Access for Veterans Act would expand veterans’ access to breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and would permanently authorize telehealth or telescreening mammography for veterans living in rural areas or states where VA does not offer full-service mammography care.

The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act was signed into law in 2022. As of June 2025, the MAMMO Act Pilot Program was responsible for over 7,000 mammography screenings across the United States.

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Senate companion bill in December.

The Mammography Access for Veterans Act is supported by multiple veterans’ advocacy groups including Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Wounded Warrior Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

“PVA supports the introduction of the Mammography Access for Veterans Act, which builds on the success of the VA’s telescreening mammography pilot and removes a critical access barrier for veterans who live where VA doesn’t offer full-service mammography,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer at PVA. “Permanently authorizing tele mammography ensures timely, high-quality screening for veterans. We thank Congressman Thompson for championing this commonsense measure that improves care for veterans across the country.”

“The VA’s telescreening mammography program is a proven lifesaver that advances health equity for our veterans. DAV supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act, which ensures that every state and Puerto Rico offers telescreening, full-service, or mobile mammography,” said Naomi Mathis, Deputy National Legislative Director at DAV. “By removing barriers to timely preventive care for women veterans and those with disabilities, this legislation can save more lives. We applaud Reps. Thompson, Larsen, Kiggins, and Dexter for their bipartisan leadership in expanding this critical program.”

“The VFW supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act, which marks an important step to ensure that women veterans receive timely, preventative health care. Expanding mammography access supports early detection, improves outcomes, and addresses care gaps. Accessible, equitable, and responsive preventative care is what veterans deserve,” said Meggan Coleman, VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director. “This legislation is necessary, and it is vital to honor their service. The VFW appreciates Representatives Thompson, Larsen, Kiggins, and Dexter introducing this companion bill and looks forward to its passage into law.”

“The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Tele-Screening Mammography pilot program demonstrated improvements in both access to mammography screening services and communication times for women veterans awaiting results,” said Jose Ramos, WWP Vice President of Government and Community Relations. “WWP supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act to expand breast cancer screening and treatment for women veterans, particularly those in rural areas. We thank Representatives Thompson, Larsen, Dexter, and Kiggans for their bipartisan leadership on this critical issue.”

“IAVA is thrilled to see such strong bipartisan, bicameral support for the Mammography Access for Veterans Act,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “Most importantly, this bill will ensure timely and accessible breast cancer screenings nationwide, regardless of where someone lives. As a cancer survivor, I know how important early detection is, and this bill represents a clear show of solidarity and support for our women veterans – showing them that their service is honored through a tangible, actionable commitment to their health, both in and out of uniform.”

“MOAA strongly supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act because no veteran should face barriers to essential preventative care. This legislation guarantees that every veteran – regardless of location – can access timely, high-quality breast cancer screenings through telescreening, mobile, or in-house programs. Building on the success of the MOAA-backed MAMMO Act enacted in 2022, this bill offers a commonsense solution that saves lives and reinforces VA’s commitment to veterans’ health,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, President and CEO of MOAA.

In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs, including five roundtables in September 2025. Following those conversations, he published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and VA to address these concerns. Rep. Larsen submitted this report to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) to ensure Northwest Washington veterans’ voices impact the policy-making process.

After hearing from local veterans about the lack of transportation options to VA health facilities, Rep. Larsen introduced the Veterans Access to Transit Act (VA Transit Act) to establish a Department of Transportation (DOT) pilot program to provide veterans with public transportation to VA facilities and veterans organizations.

You can access the full text of the Mammography Access for Veterans Act HERE.

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Larson Secures Independent Review of Dangerous RFK Jr. Hepatitis B Vaccine Restrictions

“Since the minute he took office, Secretary Kennedy has put his anti-vaccine conspiracies above the health of our nation’s children,” said Larson. “The Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most effective public health interventions in our nation’s history, contributing to a 99 percent decline in childhood cases since 1991. Kennedy’s panel of conspiracy theorists is ignoring that track record, instead trying to impose baseless restrictions that will only further imperil the progress we’ve made against preventable diseases. I am pleased to announce that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has taken up our request for an independent review of this decision. I look forward to a full investigation and real action from Congress to protect our kids from these dangerous policies.”

Following the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) December vote on Hepatitis B, Larson sent a letter to the independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) with Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Kim Schrier (WA-08), and a group of their Democratic colleagues, requesting an evaluation of the public-health, economic, and equity impacts of Secretary Kennedy’s anti-science recommendation.

“The vote to abandon this universal standard raises profound concerns about the health and safety of newborns nationwide,” the lawmakers wrote. “Because early-life infection is significantly more likely to become chronic and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, maintaining the birth-dose is essential for preventing disproportionate and preventable harm in these communities. Given the significance of this policy change, we respectfully request that GAO evaluate several key issues.”


Reps. Lawler, McBride Introduce Legislation to Ensure Expanded Access to Hygiene Products

Washington, D.C. - 2/5/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Sarah McBride (DE-At large) introduced the TANF Hygiene Access Act, bipartisan legislation to establish a five-year demonstration pilot program aimed at helping low-income families access essential hygiene materials such as soap, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other household necessities.

The legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of Family Assistance, to test innovative, outcomes-driven approaches for expanding access to hygiene products while maintaining strong accountability and cost-effectiveness standards. Under the bill, HHS would administer a competitive grant program open to states, tribes, and tribal organizations.

“The TANF Hygiene Access Act is designed to test smart, outcome-driven solutions that expand access to essential hygiene materials while maintaining strong accountability for taxpayer dollars. By focusing on measurable results and cost-effective partnerships, we can identify approaches that work and scale them responsibly,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Access to hygiene products is a basic need and a core part of building an economy that works for all families. Right now, too many families are being denied the dignity that comes with having their basic needs met. I’m grateful to partner with Rep. Lawler on this bill to create smart, accountable solutions that get essentials like diapers and hygiene supplies into the hands of families who need them. When our government meets people’s basic needs, we help families live with dignity, stay healthy, and remain secure,” said Congresswoman McBride.

The TANF Hygiene Access Act defines eligible hygiene materials broadly, including items such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, and other essential products as determined by HHS.

“Hygiene is not a luxury. Hygiene access is not only about dignity; it is about prevention and stability. When people have consistent access to basic hygiene, they are better able to stay healthy, keep children in school, seek and keep employment, and reduce reliance on emergency care. This is a practical investment that supports self-sufficiency while using public resources more efficiently,” said Carol Freitas, Founder and Executive Director, Personal Care Foundation.

“We advocate for public policies that strengthen the social fabric that unites our communities,” said Joanne Sameul Goldblum, CEO and founder of the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN). “That is exactly what Congressman Lawler’s TANF Hygiene Access Act will do … ensure that families have diapers, period products, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and the other material basic needs they require to thrive. NDBN applauds Congressman Lawler for working to change the systems that too often hold people back,” said Lacey Gero, Chief of Government Relations, National Diaper Bank Network and Alliance for Period Supplies.

“American families are struggling to make ends meet right now, and they’re counting on their elected leaders to take swift action and meet their needs,” said Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO at The New York Foundling. “We applaud Rep. Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. McBride (D-DE) for their bipartisan effort to expand access to essential hygiene products for families in New York and across the U.S. and U.S. territories. By providing specific appropriations for hygiene products, families everywhere will more easily access soap, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products, shampoo, diapers, and other essentials – in the process creating a healthier society for everyone. The Foundling looks forward to working with Congress to get this done as soon as possible.”

“At Simply the Basics, we believe hygiene is not a luxury but a basic human necessity. Ensuring access to hygiene products through benefits affirms their essential role in health, dignity, and overall well-being and recognizes that they are fundamental to living a healthy life,” said Meghan Freebeck, CEO of Simply the Basics.

Key provisions of the legislation include:

Creates a competitive grant program for states, tribes, and tribal organizations.

Defines eligible hygiene materials broadly, including soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, and related essentials.

Requires applicants to demonstrate strong program design, capacity, partnerships with basic needs banks, readiness to evaluate outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and past TANF performance.

Limits administrative expenses to no more than 15 percent.

Requires public posting of applications.

Mandates reporting on geographic reach, families served, materials distributed, and frequency of distributions.

Directs HHS to report to Congress on the feasibility of nationwide expansion.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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

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SST Committee Passes the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee passed H.R. 7273, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, during a full committee markup. This important legislation, led by Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, strengthens America’s leadership in space by providing clear direction for NASA and supporting critical programs and initiatives that will keep our nation at the forefront of exploration and discovery well into the future.

“Today the Science Committee recommitted NASA to fulfill its multiple missions in exploration, earth and space science, aeronautics, innovation, education, and inspiration,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “Much like the space enterprise itself, through collaboration, hard work, and a good measure of patience on both sides, we have once again, achieved good legislative results. Our nation’s investment in civil space has, and will continue to contribute significantly to innovation and economic prosperity here on earth.”

“Today’s passage of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 out of Committee marks a major step toward securing America’s leadership in space for generations to come,” Chairman Brian Babin said. “This bipartisan bill—a top priority of mine and one that is especially close to my heart—strengthens our human exploration efforts, supports a growing commercial space economy, and invests in the technologies that will carry us from the Moon to Mars. I’m hopeful the full House will act quickly so we can send this legislation to the Senate and ultimately to the President’s desk. The next great chapter of American exploration is within reach, and this bill helps ensure we lead the way.”

Highlights of H.R. 7273:

Strengthens human exploration by supporting Artemis missions and continued development of the Space Launch System and Orion to return astronauts to the Moon and prepare for missions to Mars.

Grows the commercial space economy by enabling NASA’s transition to commercial low-Earth orbit platforms that support American industry and innovation.

Invests in breakthrough space and aeronautics technologies, including advanced propulsion, deep-space communications, hypersonics, and next-generation flight systems.

Supports a balanced science and workforce portfolio by advancing discovery missions and expanding education programs that prepare the next generation of explorers.

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Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Tackle Housing Crisis And Make Homeownership Affordable For South Carolinians

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the Making Homeownership Affordable Again Act to completely eliminate capital gains taxes on the sale of primary residences and any home sold to a first-time homebuyer – expanding opportunities for first-time homebuyers and helping more families achieve the American dream of homeownership.

South Carolina's explosive growth has created a housing affordability crisis. In 2025, South Carolina recorded the highest population growth rate in the nation at 1.5 percent, adding nearly 80,000 new residents in a single year. Home prices have surged far faster than wages, pushing young families out of the housing market while longtime homeowners face massive tax burdens simply for selling homes they’ve owned for decades.

In Charleston County, the median home price reached $715,000 in 2025. Families who purchased modest homes decades ago now face enormous capital gains taxes when they sell, because outdated caps on home sale capital gains tax exclusion.

Under current law, taxpayers can only exclude up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for joint filers) of the gain from selling their primary residence from capital gains taxes. These caps were set in 1997, and have not been increased to reflect the dramatic rise in home prices over the last 3 decades. This forces middle-class families and long-time homeowners to pay hefty taxes on the equity they’ve earned in their home, incentivizing them to hold on to the home regardless of their needs and restricting mobility within the housing market. It locks seniors and empty nesters who would look to downsize, into their homes.

“Every hardworking South Carolinian deserves a shot at homeownership, not just the wealthy elite,” said Congresswoman Mace. “Our tax code punishes families for building wealth. You work decades to pay off your home, and when you finally sell, Washington demands a cut. As the fastest-growing state in the country, longtime residents face massive tax bills simply because their neighborhoods became desirable. This bill puts a stop to it and helps young families achieve the American Dream of homeownership.”

The Making Homeownership Affordable Again Act:

Removes the cap on home sale gain exclusions, completely eliminating capital gains taxes on the sale of a primary residence

Incentivizes sales to first-time homebuyers by completely eliminating capital gains taxes on the sale of any home to a first-time homebuyer, regardless of whether it is the seller’s principal residence

By eliminating tax barriers to selling homes, the bill would incentivize home sales, unlocking much-needed housing supply in fast-growing communities across South Carolina, and creating more opportunities for young families looking to buy their first home. This bill will also ensure longtime homeowners can keep the equity they’ve built through responsible homeownership, rather than being forced to cut a check to the Federal government.

"Washington has made homeownership harder and more expensive at every turn, and this bill fixes it," added Mace. “Your home sale profits belong to you, not the IRS. Helping a young family buy their first home should be encouraged, not taxed. This is about letting South Carolina families keep what they've built and getting Washington's hands out of their pockets. It's time to make homeownership affordable again."

SEE BILL TEXT HERE:

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Malliotakis, Scarcella-Spanton Push Bipartisan Solution to Tackle SNAP Fraud

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton are announcing a joint bipartisan effort to combat Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud impacting their constituents and communities across New York State and the nation.

Between October 2022 and December 2024, states reported over $320 million in SNAP theft, primarily driven by card skimming and cloning. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has urged states to adopt Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) chip technology in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to prevent this fraud, only two states have begun issuing chip-enabled EBT cards.

Congresswoman Malliotakis has introduced legislation at the federal level (H.R. 7316 SNAP Payment Security and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026) that would require states to implement EMV chip technology and phase out magnetic stripes by 2030, while increasing penalties for SNAP theft to deter fraudsters. The legislation also expands the authority of the USDA Inspector General to investigate fraud, establishes an online SNAP portal for recipients to manage their benefits, and reduces EBT card replacement times to ensure consistent access to benefits. Together, these reforms will help SNAP recipients maintain reliable access to their benefits while saving states money. In California, one of the two states that have made the upgrade, officials have upgraded EBT cards, resulting in an 83% reduction in stolen SNAP reimbursements.

Senator Scarcella-Spanton has cosponsored legislation at the state level which would require the implementation of EMV Tech and requires cards to match industry standards by June 21, 2026.

“I am proud to stand with Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton in our shared commitment to combat this rampant fraud impacting our constituents. SNAP is a vital lifeline for thousands of families in our community, and this legislation will modernize the system, strengthen safeguards against abuse, and ensure taxpayer funds are protected and directed to those who truly rely on this program,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.


An Outside Perspective regarding the America First Foreign Policy Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill – led by NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart – has been signed into law by President Trump – advancing an America First, peace through strength agenda while eliminating $9.3 billion in wasteful spending. The legislation refocuses U.S. foreign policy resources on core national security priorities, including deterrence, countering narcotics and human trafficking, confronting the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party, and combating terrorism. An outside and international perspective from political commentator and Caribbean-focused analyst Ravi Balgobin Maharaj examines how this approach will reshape U.S. power and leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

With the latest round of FY26 full-year funding enacted – covering defense; transportation and housing; labor, health, and education; financial services; and national security and the Department of State – we are reminded that national strength is built bill-by-bill, choice-by-choice. The full FY26 slate reinforces that clear strategy: restoring deterrence, sharpening U.S. leadership, supporting our communities, and demanding accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Read on for insight into how implementing full-year appropriations turns priorities into durable policy and results.

Austerity With a Point

How a Republican appropriations bill reorients U.S. power in the Western Hemisphere

By Ravi Balgobin Maharaj

“The strangest thing about modern Washington is not how much it spends, but how rarely anyone can explain why. So when the House passed a Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package that actually cuts spending and tells you what it’s for, it felt less like routine governance and more like a clerical error.

“That is the context for the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill shepherded through the House by Representative Mario Díaz-Balart of Florida. Folded into a broader appropriations minibus, the legislation delivers a 16 percent reduction from last year’s spending levels, nearly $9.3 billion trimmed away, the deepest cut of any appropriations bill this cycle. In a Congress addicted to symbolic fights and deficit amnesia, that alone is notable.

“What makes the bill more than an exercise in budgetary self-control is the worldview embedded in those cuts. Díaz-Balart has long argued that American foreign policy should be disciplined, unapologetic, and hemispherically literate. This bill reflects that instinct. It pares back programs that have multiplied without much evidence of success, while protecting funding for allies and strategic priorities that still define American power, including Israel, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific.

“For the Caribbean and Latin America, regions often treated by Washington as either sentimental causes or afterthoughts, the legislation lands with particular force. It sharply restricts assistance to authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua while expanding democracy, religious freedom, and broadcasting programs aimed directly at their populations. It also takes direct aim at the trafficking of Cuban medical personnel, a practice that Democratic administrations have been reluctant to confront too directly, preferring the language of engagement over the discomfort of enforcement.

“Here the contrast with recent Democratic foreign policy is hard to miss. Under Democratic leadership, foreign assistance has increasingly doubled as a grab bag of domestic cultural priorities, climate mandates, diversity initiatives, and gender programs layered onto embassies and aid accounts with little regard for local conditions or strategic coherence. The result has been neither moral leadership nor geopolitical leverage, but a swollen bureaucracy that confuses activity with impact.

“Díaz-Balart’s bill strips much of that away. It refocuses the State Department on basic functions like diplomacy, security, and consular services. It creates an America First Opportunity Fund to give the Secretary of State flexibility to act quickly when genuine strategic openings emerge, rather than waiting for the paperwork to clear while rivals move faster. It also insists on oversight, transparency, and measurable outcomes, concepts that have lately fallen out of fashion in foreign aid circles.

“The bill’s posture toward China is likely to resonate across the Caribbean basin, where Beijing has expanded its influence through loans, infrastructure projects, and quiet leverage over small economies. By requiring U.S. opposition to multilateral development bank lending to China and blocking the use of American-backed funds to service Chinese debt, the legislation sends a clearer signal than Democrats have been comfortable sending. For countries weighing Washington’s lectures against Beijing’s checkbook, clarity counts.

“On Israel, the bill is unequivocal, fully funding security assistance, prohibiting support for UNRWA, and reinforcing long-standing restrictions designed to keep U.S. funds out of the hands of terrorist groups. This firmness will irritate progressive Democrats who have grown increasingly uneasy with America’s closest Middle Eastern ally. In much of Latin America and the Caribbean, where security cooperation is not an abstraction, that unease is far less widespread.

“Critics will argue that deep cuts risk diminishing American influence. But influence diluted by incoherence is not influence at all. The past several years of Democratic stewardship produced record spending, softer language toward adversaries, and no visible improvement in regional stability. Haiti remains in crisis. Venezuela remains broken. Cuba remains authoritarian. Spending more did not fix any of it.”

“Díaz-Balart’s bill does not promise miracles. It promises something rarer, like restraint paired with intent. For a hemisphere accustomed to mixed signals from Washington, that may be the most meaningful change of all.”

NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart has been duly focused on strengthening economic opportunity and accountability and reinforcing America's security and leadership at home and abroad. Through his leadership, he delivered a bill that replaces the weakness of prior administrations by restoring President Trump's deterrence and strength posture. To protect the safety, freedom, and prosperity of the American people, the measure shows that focused strategy – not endless spending – is what delivers results.


Congressman Max Miller Introduces Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act to Expand Education and Training Vouchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) introduced H.R.7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, to expand use of education and training vouchers (ETVs) to allow foster youth to access short-term workforce and vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and remedial education. Currently, vouchers do not grant recipients access to all the career pathways they need to be successful in the modern economy. The bill provides flexibility for youth to pursue alternative career pathways to obtain certifications needed for in-demand jobs.

“Too many foster youths face unnecessary barriers when trying to pursue workforce training,” said Congressman Miller. “I’m proud to lead legislation to expand opportunities that prepare our young people for the jobs of today’s economy.”

“I’m proud to serve as the Democratic co-lead on the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, said Congressman Dwight Evans. This bill would help more foster youth to access education and training to help them succeed.”

“ETV can currently be used for some vocational schools if the school is listed on the FAFSA. But that leaves many trade schools and short-term certificates ineligible. This can be a barrier to connecting former foster youth with necessary workforce skills,” said Lisa Dickson, Communications Chair, ACTION Ohio. “Extending ETV to connect former foster youth with apprenticeships and vocational training programs will set them up for success by linking them with needed educational support.”

Bill text can be found here.

Editor’s note regarding Congressman Miller:

Congressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District, which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The Republican sophomore members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Main Street Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit http://maxmiller.house.gov for more information.


McBath Joins Scott, Sanders, Bonamici, 70 Lawmakers in Slamming Trump Administration for Making Child Care More Expensive

WASHINGTON – Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) joined House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) and 70 of their House and Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter slamming Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s new rule that would make child care more expensive and less accessible for working families.

Specifically, the proposed rule would repeal Biden-era regulations that place a seven percent cap on child care co-payments for families and require child care providers to be paid based on enrollment rather than attendance. By removing these guardrails, child care will be more expensive for working families who receive subsidies and destabilize funding for child care providers.

“Across the country, working families are demanding high-quality, affordable child care. However, child care has been hard to find and expensive for families for years, while many child care providers struggle to stay afloat,” wrote the lawmakers. “An estimated 4.2 million children lack access to a formal care slot in their local community. In many states, depending on the age of the child and child care setting, the cost of child care exceeds annual, average in-state cost of college tuition, rent payments, or even mortgage payments.”

“The proposed rule pushes the child care sector in exactly the wrong direction,” continued the lawmakers. “At a time when our child care system is struggling to stay afloat, this proposal could bring many working families and providers to the brink. We urge you to withdraw the proposed rule and retain policies to actually help children, families, and child care providers.”

Prior to the 2024 Biden Administration rule, families who were already living paycheck to paycheck faced co-payments as high as 27 percent of their family income. By repealing the Biden-era rule, the Trump Administration threatens to further exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis by forcing families to grapple with increased child care costs.

In the House, the letter was signed by: Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Mark Takano (CA-39), Daniel S. Goldman (NY-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Seth Moulton (MA-06), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Katherine M. Clark (MA-05), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Scott H. Peters (CA-50), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), William R. Keating (MA-09), Gabe Amo (RI-01), and Donald S. Beyer (VA-08).

In the Senate, the letter was signed by: Senators Bernard Sanders (D-VT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Cory A. Booker (D-NJ).


McCaul Leads Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Mexico

WASHINGTON – Starting today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul — chairman of the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group (IPG) — is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) to Mexico to meet with Mexican lawmakers and other government officials.

The bipartisan delegation includes IPG Ranking Member Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Dan Meuser (R-Penn.), and Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas).

“As the administration rightly renews the United States’ attention on the Western Hemisphere, I’m proud to lead this bipartisan group to Mexico to strengthen our shared security efforts and boost regional stability,” said Chairman McCaul. “Mexico and the United States are connected not only by our southern border, but also by mutual security challenges and shared economic interests. While in Mexico, our delegation will collaborate with crucial partners, including our counterparts in parliament, on ways to strengthen areas of cooperation — from agriculture to counter-narcotic efforts. Additionally, as chairman of the Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events, I look forward to discussing how we can bolster cooperation between our law enforcement entities to help ensure the World Cup is safe and successful.”

“Our relationship with Mexico is one of the most important partnerships the United States has, and it demands constant, serious engagement,” said Ranking Member Cuellar. “That work must be done in a bipartisan way, and I appreciate Chairman McCaul’s leadership in bringing members from both parties together to focus on solutions. From keeping the New World screwworm out of the United States and protecting American agriculture, to strengthening USMCA so it delivers the best possible deal for American workers, to expanding bridge infrastructure that sustains border economies, these are practical challenges that require cooperation. We must also ensure Mexico meets its water treaty obligations to Texas, because water security is our economic security and our national security. I look forward to productive conversations with our Mexican counterparts as we work to strengthen cooperation and deliver results for our communities.”

The Mexico-U.S. IPG has been held regularly since 1961 to bring together legislators from both countries to discuss priority issues and identify ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. While in Mexico, the delegation will address key issues facing our two countries, including counter-narcotic efforts, immigration challenges, water resources for Texas, and security at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Chairwoman McClain Brings $18 Million Back to Michigan’s 9th District for Local Projects

WASHINGTON— House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) today announced she secured over $18 million in federal funding for critical community projects across Michigan’s 9th Congressional District as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.

The funding supports local priorities including infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, and economic development initiatives that directly benefit residents and businesses across the district.

“I made a commitment to deliver real results for Michigan and bringing my constituents’ hard-earned tax dollars back home is part of that work,” Chairwoman McClain said. “These investments will strengthen our local communities, improve critical infrastructure, and support economic growth across the district. I am proud to champion projects that were identified by local leaders and will have a meaningful, long-term impact for the people I represent.”

Below is a list of community projects Chairwoman McClain secured funding for:


House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks, Smith, Himes Release Statement on the Expiration of the New START Treaty

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; and Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement on the expiration of the New START Treaty:

“The expiration of the New START Treaty — the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia — leaves the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals without legally binding constraints for the first time in more than 50 years.

“New START was not perfect, and Russia’s violations of the agreement and other treaties eroded global arms control norms. Nevertheless, the treaty directly advanced U.S. foreign policy and national security interests: it reduced the number of nuclear weapons, helped prevent a dangerous arms race, and provided U.S. national security agencies reliable, verifiable insights into Russia's arsenal.

“The president must move urgently to negotiate a legally binding successor. President Biden bought critical time by extending New START, but Trump has largely squandered that runway by slashing the State Department’s arms control bureau and gutting the workforce responsible for negotiating these agreements. Failing to reach a legal New START successor will send a terrible signal both to Vladimir Putin and to China, which is engaged in its own nuclear buildup, and roll back the clock to the nuclear free-for-all of the Cold War.”


Congressman Kennedy and Senator Curtis’s Bipartisan Legislation to Transfer Moab UMTRA Site Advances

Washington, D.C. – The Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act advanced unanimously through the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, marking a key step toward transferring the Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) site to Grand County following completion of cleanup and remediation.

“We’re one step closer to putting the people of Moab and Grand County back in charge of their own backyard, instead of federal agencies. For too long, this community has lacked the tools to transform the toxic ‘pile’ of radioactive waste left behind by the federal government,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “After years of collaboration with local leaders and residents, I am excited to get the Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act to the finish line and empower the community to reclaim this land and transform it into a community asset.”

“The Moab UMTRA site has undergone extensive remediation over two decades, and it’s time to prepare for what comes next,” said Senator John Curtis. “The strength of this bill lies in the consensus behind it. It reflects years of cooperative effort among local leaders, the community, and federal agencies, all working toward a shared goal: restoring and returning this land to the people of Grand County.”

Local officials and stakeholders in Utah have expressed widespread support for the legislation.

"The City of Moab appreciates the work of our congressional delegation as the House and Senate consider the Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act of 2025. As the gateway to our community the completion of this project and local control of future plans for this site will surely be a showcase for generations to come,” said Joette Langianese, Mayor of Moab.

“We are also grateful for the 25 years of bipartisan congressional support that will result in removing 16 million tons of uranium mill tailings away from the Colorado River, where it posed a threat to 40 million downstream water users in multiple states.”

“Grand County proudly supports the Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act of 2025 and thanks Sen. Curtis and Rep. Kennedy for championing this critical effort. Removing the legacy uranium tailings from the banks of the Colorado River is vital to protecting our water and the health of our community. As we enter the final phase, we’re excited to partner with the City of Moab to transform the former Atlas Mill site into something that truly benefits both residents and visitors,” said Bill Winfield, Grand County Commission Chair.

"The Moab Chamber of Commerce sees this project as important for our local economy. With the cleanup nearing completion, the opportunity to revitalize the former Atlas Mill site opens the door for thoughtful redevelopment of the area. By transforming this space into a community asset, we’re strengthening the long-term vitality of our local economy. We appreciate the forward-thinking leadership and are excited about what it means for Moab’s future,” said the Moab Chamber of Commerce.

Background:

The Moab UMTRA site, located along the Colorado River near Arches National Park, was once home to a uranium milling operation that left behind 16 million tons of radioactive tailings. Following decades of concern over public health and environmental risk, Congress authorized cleanup through the Department of Energy’s Environmental Management program.

Remediation began in earnest in the early 2000s, with tailings transported by rail to a disposal site near Crescent Junction. Since then, the project has become one of the most significant environmental cleanups in the country, with ongoing work to ensure groundwater protection, air quality compliance, and safe reuse of the land.

With the cleanup nearing completion, community leaders have engaged in long-term visioning for the future of the site. Potential uses include recreational development, public open space, economic redevelopment, and environmental preservation—ideas that reflect Moab’s outdoor heritage and the community’s shared priorities.

The full text of the bill can be foundhere.

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Miller-Meeks Secures Over $19 Million for Southeast Iowa

February 5, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) has secured $19 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for Southeast Iowa as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 funding package signed into law by President Trump, delivering critical investments in infrastructure, public safety, transportation, workforce development, and water systems across Iowa's First Congressional District.

“These investments are about meeting real needs in real communities,” Miller-Meeks said. “From safer roads and bridges to modern water systems, workforce training, and public safety, this funding ensures Southeast Iowa has the infrastructure and resources necessary to grow, compete, and thrive. I will always fight to make sure Iowa tax dollars come back home and are used responsibly to strengthen our communities.”

With these investments, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has now secured over $24 million in Community Project Funding for Southeast Iowa in the 119th Congress, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources back to the district.

Community Project Funding secured by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks includes:

$6 Million for the City of Burlington Cascade Bridge Project: The funding would be used to replace the deteriorated Cascade Bridge with a modern, safe, and functional structure while preserving its historical essence.

$3 Million for the 110th Street FDR and Asphalt Paving Project in Jefferson County: The funding would be used to pave 110th Avenue, the county road leading to Pekin Community School District.

$2 Million for the Iowa County, Route W21 Pavement Improvement in Iowa County: Funding for this project will be used to upgrade and extend route W21 two miles from the Iowa County/Washington County border to north of F67.

$2 Million for the Papoose Creek Redundant Force Main in Muscatine: This project will construct new force main segments to increase wastewater system capacity, reduce combined sewer overflows during heavy rain events, and provide backup infrastructure during maintenance or emergencies.

$1 Million for the Keokuk County, Iowa Route G13 Pavement Improvement Project: Funding for this project will be used to for the resurfacing of route G13 connecting the communities of Keswick and North English in Keokuk County.

$1 Million for the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road Intersection Project in Coralville: Funding for this project will improve the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road intersection. The project will add lanes, a median, traffic signals, lighting, railroad safety enhancements, and turn lanes, and will provide the needed improvements to improve traffic safety and accommodate the growth in traffic in that area.

$1 Million for the North River Drive Connector Project in Clinton: The funding would be used to build a 1.5-mile north/south roadway link between downtown Clinton, IA, and the Lyons Business District. The new roadway will run along the land side of the existing Mississippi River levee between Riverview Drive to the south and 25th Avenue North to the north.

$1 Million for the Montgomery Drive Improvement Project in Tipton: The funding would be used to convert an existing one lane, gravel Access Road, into a concrete, curb and gutter, residential street with an accompanying parallel 10-foot-wide concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail. The new street will be called “Montgomery Drive”.

$1 Million for the Lee County Career Center Project: Funding for this project will be used to build out and equip the Lee County Career Center for the mutual benefit of Lee County and southeast Iowa industries, Lee County high school students, and Lee County adult learners.

$750,000 for the Veterans District Sewer Project in Knoxville: Funding will help build a sanitary lift station and storm and sewer lines to serve over 110 acres of future housing development at the former VA campus, now known as the Veterans District—expanding housing and revitalizing the area.

$500,000 for the SAFECity Initiative in Oskaloosa: Led by the Oskaloosa Police Department, this initiative brings advanced public safety technology to the community. It includes license plate recognition systems, new body and in-car cameras, upgraded police facilities, school safety panic buttons, a real-time crime monitoring system, and a search-and-rescue drone

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Issues:Delivering Results