Kelly calls out foreign billionaires for exploiting American taxpayers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- During a Ways & Means Committee hearing on Tuesday which addressed the foreign influence in American non-profits, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, called out foreign billionaires and other foreign entities for exploiting American tax-exempt and nonprofit laws. Kelly also expressed concerns about foreign entities funding protests and protests throughout the U.S., such as recent protests in Minneapolis.

Prominent examples include the People’s Forum, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports disorderly conduct resulting in arrests, which received over $20 million from Neville Roy Singham, a U.S. tech-mogul who resides in Shanghai with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Recently, the People’s Forum has joined calls for a national day of protest against ICE and has played an active role in organizing anti ICE protests in Minneapolis, MN and across the country.

Kelly also highlighted how the tax-exempt nonprofit economy now comprises 15% of GDP, spans more than 1.8 million organizations, and manages over $8 trillion in assets.

"The American people are starting to look at foreign influence like this and say, 'what's the return on my investment as a taxpayer?'" Rep. Kelly said. "From a national security concern, we should be incredibly concerned. Somebody is picking up the tab, and it's becoming clear foreign groups are cheating American taxpayers."

BACKGROUND

The Committee has called on both the Biden IRS and Trump IRS to investigate potential revocation of nearly a dozen nonprofits with links to foreign terrorist groups, as well as organizations linked to violence and unrest in the United States. Groups include Americans for Justice in Palestine Education Foundation, American Muslims for Palestine, WESPAC Foundation, Alliance for Global Justice, and The People's Forum.

Kelly and Ways & Means Republicans also called for greater transparency, accountability, and oversight of foreign money flowing through U.S. nonprofits to ensure the American tax-exempt privilege is protected.

Further, foreign actors also use complex systems of multiple tax-exempt organizations to cloud transparency and skirt IRS requirements while trying to influence American elections. For example, Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss billionaire, used his 501(c)(3) Foundation and the closely tied 501(c)(4) Action Fund to influence American elections, donating $208 million to help “Democrats…win the White House and control of Congress.”


Kennedy Applauds House Passage of the BRAVE Burma Act

Kennedy Co-Sponsored Legislation Aims to Strengthen Sanctions Against Military Junta and Appoint Special Envoy for Burma

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) commended House passage of H.R. 3190, the BRAVE Burma Act. Kennedy co-sponsored this bipartisan legislation that seeks to strengthen U.S. efforts to hold Burma’s military junta accountable and stand with the Burmese people fighting for democracy and basic human rights.

“The passage of the BRAVE Burma Act makes clear that the United States will not look away while a military junta brutalizes the Burmese people who continue to fight for freedom and dignity,” said Congressman Kennedy. “This legislation tightens the screws on a brutal, illegitimate regime, cuts off the resources used to fuel violence, and reaffirms our commitment to human rights and democracy.”

The BRAVE Burma Act extends and expands existing U.S. sanctions on Burma through 2032, targeting the military regime and the financial networks that sustain its campaign of violence following the 2021 coup. In addition, this legislation would require the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Burma, with ambassadorial rank, to coordinate U.S. policy on sanctions, arms embargoes, humanitarian assistance, and diplomatic engagement in support of the Burmese people.

Western New York is home to one of the strongest Burmese communities in the country, many of whom fled violence and repression and now contribute to the region’s economy, workforce, and civic life. Congressman Kennedy has been a leading advocate for fair and humane federal policies affecting Burmese families, including efforts to protect Temporary Protected Status and push back against actions that would force families back into danger. The BRAVE Burma Act now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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Kennedy Announces Completion of NFTA Metro Rail Expansion FEIS

Federal Environmental Review Clears Critical Hurdle for Connecting UB North Campus with Downtown Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY‑26) announced a major step forward in the long-awaited expansion of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s (NFTA) Metro Rail System. The Federal Transit Administration has officially completed its federal environmental review of the project. This milestone marks the conclusion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) process, following years of technical study, design work, and extensive public input. With this approval now in place, the proposed seven-mile Metro Rail expansion moves closer to becoming a reality for Western New York families, workers, and students.

“The completion of the federal environmental review for this transformative Metro Rail expansion is a major victory for Buffalo and all of Western New York,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “This project is about connecting people to jobs, students to campuses, and neighborhoods to economic opportunity, creating thousands of good-paying construction jobs in the process. Western New Yorkers deserve a transit system that matches our region’s ambition, and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to making that vision a reality.”

The project is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and would connect the University at Buffalo’s North Campus directly to South Campus and downtown Buffalo. By linking some of the region’s most densely populated neighborhoods with major job centers, the expansion would make it easier for residents to commute, access opportunities, and participate in the region’s growing economy. NFTA’s existing Metro Rail is already ranked among the top light rail systems in the nation based on riders-per-mile, positioning the expansion project well for federal evaluation. As Upstate New York’s only light rail transit system, this investment also represents an important opportunity to bring greater balance to transit funding across New York State.

This major milestone and the project’s ongoing design work has been made possible by funding Congressman Kennedy secured while he was a member of the New York State Senate, including during his tenure as Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee: $5 million in the 2016–2017 state budget, $6 million in the 2019–2020 state budget, and $20 million in the 2022–2023 state budget. This latest federal action represents a significant accomplishment in delivering modern, reliable public transportation infrastructure that will strengthen Buffalo’s future for generations to come. With the completion of the FEIS, design work continues, including engineering, mapping, and planning.

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Pressed by Kennedy, ICE Director Refuses to Say if Noem Should Resign

Kennedy Questioned DHS Leaders on Constitutional Violations, Use of Deadly Force, and Accountability During Committee Hearing

ICE Director Lyons Rejects Removal of Masks on ICE Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, participated today in a hearing examining oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When pressed by Kennedy, DHS leaders refused to take accountability for the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, evaded questions about Secretary Noem’s failed leadership, and flatly rejected the calls to unmask ICE agents.

(Congressman Kennedy’s Full Remarks Here)

“The fact that our government murders American citizens, lies about it, and then refuses to investigate or seek justice is beyond abhorrent, it’s un-American, ” said Congressman Kennedy. “Mr. Lyons, in America, we shouldn’t have secret police. We shouldn’t have masked government agents executing citizens in the streets. The Constitution does not give your agency the right to hide their faces while they kill Americans.”

During his questioning, Congressman Kennedy focused on the killing of two U.S. citizens, Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, during recent immigration enforcement operations and the broader pattern of blatant constitutional violations by DHS agencies. Kennedy further challenged administration officials on the repeated violation of court orders, the use of masked agents, and the administration’s refusal to allow independent investigations into the use of deadly force by federal agents. When asked by Kennedy whether ICE intends to require agent identification during enforcement operations, Director Lyons declined.

Kennedy remains committed to conducting vigorous oversight of DHS and to protecting the constitutional rights and safety of all people living in the United States. Kennedy will continue pressing for transparency, independent investigations, accountability from Secretary Noem, and meaningful reforms to ensure federal law enforcement agencies uphold the law.

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Krishnamoorthi Blasts Trump Administration’s $600 Million Public Health Cuts Hitting Illinois And Other States Led by Democratic Governors

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, today condemned the Trump administration’s decision to claw back $600 million in congressionally approved public health funding from states led by Democratic governors, including Illinois, California, Colorado, and Minnesota—a move that strips critical resources from hospitals, health departments, and community-based providers responsible for disease prevention, public health monitoring, and continuity of care.

“Donald Trump’s administration is ripping $600 million in congressionally approved public health funding away from states he doesn’t like, and Illinois is squarely in the crosshairs,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “In Chicago, more than $5 million is being cut from Lurie Children’s Hospital—funding that supports HIV prevention, community outreach, and continuity of care. These cuts weaken hospitals, undermine disease tracking, and put lives at risk in the middle of real public health threats. This is politically motivated cruelty masquerading as policy, and I will fight to reverse it.”


LaHood, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Housing for Foster Youth

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) introduced the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. This legislation aims to help youth transitioning out of foster care obtain housing by partnering with states and local services to better coordinate housing vouchers and opportunities. The bill builds on First Lady Melania Trump's commitment to providing America’s youth with the necessary resources as they age out of the foster system.

"As Chairman of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee, I take seriously our responsibility to ensure that future generations have the best chance to succeed," said Congressman LaHood. "I thank Congresswoman Moore for her leadership and joining me to introduce the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act to better help youth transitioning out of foster care find stable housing. We must continue our work to uplift the most vulnerable among us and provide them with resources to pursue the American Dream."

“We must boost investments in our foster youth and foster families. That is one of my priorities as co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus on Foster Youth, and why I joined Rep. LaHood in introducing the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. Our bill would help improve coordination between existing housing programs at HUD and child welfare systems while providing states more flexibility to use Chafee funds to help cover housing-related costs and services for foster youth as they age out. These efforts will better support foster youth and their long-term stability,” said Congresswoman Moore.

Bill Highlights:

Improves access to housing by strengthening coordination with federal Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers available through public housing agencies.

Allows Chafee funds to be used for housing supportive services outside of the existing 30% cap on “room or board,” provides flexibility to determine the cap based on a rolling average over five years, and aligns age eligibility with FYI vouchers.

The legislation supports the First Lady's Foster Youth to Independence Initiative, which provides a clear path for foster youth transitioning to adulthood to obtain critical resources that advance independence, stability, and well-being.

Background:

Nearly 35 percent of former foster youth experienced homelessness by age 21. Lack of stable housing is one of the biggest barriers to adulthood for transition-age foster youth.

The Foster Youth Housing Act clarifies that the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee) is intended to strengthen coordination between federal housing and child welfare programs.

The full text to the legislation can be found HERE.

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Larsen Fights Drug Trafficking, Funds Public Safety and Addiction Recovery

Today, Rep. Larsen released the following statement about actions within the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills to combat the opioid epidemic in Northwest Washington:

“The opioid crisis has devastated families and communities in Northwest Washington, and while we have made progress reducing deaths and disrupting trafficking, there is more to be done,” said Rep. Larsen. “I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to bring home federal dollars to fund addiction recovery, public safety and law enforcement locally. I will keep fighting for legislative solutions to combat the opioid epidemic and save lives in our communities.”

Larsen Secures Local Public Safety Wins

This month, bipartisan legislation to improve public safety in Northwest Washington became law, which included:

· $964 million for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which provides funding for regional drug task forces that help Washington state communities fight the opioid epidemic;

· $800 million for Community Oriented Policing Services Grants, which award funds to hire community policing professionals, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement;

· $720 million for the Violence Against Women Act, which provides survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking with lifesaving legal services and transitional housing to help rebuild their lives;

· $540 million for the Legal Services Corporation, which provides legal assistance to low-income families, seniors, and women fleeing domestic abuse;

· $298.5 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program, which provides funding for intelligence sharing and coordination across federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement;

· $1.4 billion for International Narcotics Control, which funds efforts to combat the international drug trade and keep drugs from reaching the United States;

· $109 million for Drug Free Communities (DFC), which funds community-based coalitions with the goal of preventing youth substance use;

· $82 million for STOP School Violence Act programs, which support school violence prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health crisis intervention programming;

· $7.4 billion for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is the primary federal agency responsible for supporting community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention services and funds the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline;

o After the Trump administration abruptly cut nearly $2 billion in SAMHSA grants, including seven Health Care Authority-administered grants in Washington state, Rep. Larsen worked with both Democrats and Republicans to demand that the funding be reinstated. The Trump administration reversed their decision less than 24 hours later.

· $600,000 for Whatcom County Sheriff Office’s Portable Radio Replacement Project, which will support the purchase of new portable radios to replace outdated radios that are failing, allowing deputies to communicate clearly with dispatch and each other; and

· $1.5 million for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County to preserve and renovate the Douglas Building so that it can serve more survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Representative Larsen requested funding for this project in the FY26 spending package.

Larsen Leads Fight against Opioid Crisis in Northwest Washington Rep. Larsen is focused on supporting local efforts to combat the opioid crisis and save lives. In 2024, he published a districtwide opioid report that outlines a four-pillar framework to combat the crisis. Since the publication of that report, Larsen has introduced four pieces of legislation to fight fentanyl in Northwest Washington:

· The PROTECT Act, which gives Tribal courts and law enforcement more tools and resources to combat the opioid epidemic.

· The Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, which creates employment opportunities for people in recovery and supports communities impacted by widespread opioid use.

· The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act, which establishes a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.

· The Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, which expands access to lifesaving, community-based harm reduction initiatives and services and enhances the federal response to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic.

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Lawler Celebrates Black History Month with Resolution on Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness

Washington, D.C. – 2/10/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced a resolution designating September 19, 2026, as Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day. The resolution highlights the persistent racial inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of Black autistic children, and advocates the importance of amplifying the voices of Black autistic individuals.

It also offers that true acceptance means culturally competent care, challenging existing biases, building community, and providing equitable access to resources and opportunities.

“Designating September 19th as Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day is about advocating for justice, promoting understanding and inclusion, and improving access to services so families can get the support they need. Every individual with Autism deserves to be recognized and supported,” said Congressman Lawler.

“First, I am grateful to Congressman Mike Lawler for championing this important legislation in the House of Representatives. There are too many important conversations that need to happen that this resolution will help facilitate” said Ayanna Sanaa Davis, the constituent who inspired the resolution.

Full text of the resolution 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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Lawler Hosts Bipartisan Briefing on Loan Limits to Protect Nurses, Teachers, and Healthcare Workforce

Washington, D.C. – 2/10/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) hosted a bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill focused on the Department of Education’s narrow implementation of graduate and professional student loan limits. Rep. Lawler’s Professional Student Degree Act was the main topic of discussion. His targeted legislative fix will ensure that advanced degree programs requiring rigorous training and licensure are treated fairly under federal student loan law.

The briefing, convened in partnership with the American Council on Education (ACE), brought together bipartisan representatives of members of Congress, higher education leaders, professional associations, and policy experts to examine how recent regulatory decisions could restrict access to graduate and professional education in workforce-critical fields.

“If a degree requires advanced training and licensure to serve the public, it should qualify as a professional degree. Nurses, teachers, therapists, social workers, and other essential professionals are being treated differently from doctors and lawyers. That makes no sense, and it neglects Congressional intent,” said Congressman Lawler.

“The American Council on Education is proud to endorse H.R. 6718, the Professional Student Degree Act. This bill would ensure that students in numerous academic programs that prepare them for highly-skilled, in-demand professions have the federal financial aid they need to earn their degrees. Expanding the definition of professional student will ensure that students can enter critical fields such as nursing, education and social work, among others. We thank Rep. Lawler and his colleagues for this bill and encourage Congress to pass it quickly,” said the American Council on Education.

“We are grateful to Congressman Lawler for his leadership and appreciate his efforts to ensure federal policy supports the health care workforce patients depend on. The Department of Education’s proposed rule would have real consequences for patients by making it harder for future nurse practitioners to complete their education and enter the workforce. NPs are essential to ensuring communities across the nation have access to timely, high-quality care,” said AANP President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP.

Full text of the Professional Student Degree Act 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.


Lucas Bill to Hold China Accountable Passes

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Frank D. Lucas’s (OK-03) Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to Taiwan Act, or the PROTECT Taiwan Act, passed out of the House.

Currently, under the Taiwan Relations Act, the President is required to notify Congress if China poses an immediate threat to Taiwan’s security. If this notification is triggered, The PROTECT Taiwan Act states that it is U.S. policy to exclude Chinese representatives from key international organizations – such as the G20, the Financial Stability Board, and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.

“The United States’ response to an invasion of Taiwan should be robust and include numerous sanctions and economic penalties. Exclusion from international bodies must be part of that response,” Congressman Frank D. Lucas said on the House floor. “If China seeks to disrupt the global order, then China cannot continue to be party to international organizations that seek to preserve that order. China’s position at multilateral economic institutions will be at risk should they engage in hostilities towards Taiwan.”

“The Protect Taiwan Act ensures that there will be significant financial and diplomatic consequences were China to invade Taiwan. Full stop,” Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill said on the House floor. “The U.S. must send a clear message that China’s aggression toward Taiwan will not and is not tolerated, and the Protect Taiwan Act does just that.”

You can watch Congressman Lucas’s full floor speech by clicking here or on the image below.

BACKGROUND:

90% of advanced semiconductor chips are made at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Campus (TSMC).

The PROTECT Taiwan Act passed unanimously out of the House Financial Services Committee last year.

The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34).

Financial Services Committee Chairman, French Hill (AR-02), spoke in favor of the PROTECT Taiwan Act on the House floor, which you can watch here.

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Congress Introduces Landmark Bipartisan Bill to Protect Children Online

Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers today announced the introduction of the House companion to S.278, the Kids Off Social Media Act, landmark legislation aimed at protecting children and teenagers from the growing harms associated with social media use. The bill is led in the House by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna with bipartisan support from Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), and is backed in the Senate by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI).

Key Provisions of the Kids Off Social Media Act

• Prohibits social media accounts for children under 13. Platforms must remove underage accounts and delete associated personal data.

• Protects teens under 17 from algorithmic targeting. Social media companies are barred from using personal data to recommend or promote content to minors.

• Strong enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce compliance, and state attorneys general may bring civil actions against violators.

• School network protections. Schools receiving E-Rate funding must block social media on school devices and networks, implement filtering technology, and submit internet safety policies to the FCC. Schools that fail to make a good-faith effort must repay funds.

• Clear definition of social media. Applies to public-facing platforms centered on user-generated content, while exempting services such as email, video conferencing, and educational platforms.

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL):

“Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue. Parents across America are sounding the alarm about the real harms social media is causing—from anxiety and depression to exposure to dangerous content. This bipartisan coalition reflects families nationwide who have been asking for help. The Kids Off Social Media Act is about putting children’s safety first and holding Big Tech accountable.”

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA):

“As a pediatrician and a mom, I’m very worried about the impacts that screen time and social media are having on this generation. We’re seeing sleep deprivation, inattentiveness, impaired social skills, and increased rates of depression and anxiety that experts in the field link to social media use. Social media companies are not properly regulating their platforms and are pushing harmful content on our kids that they know is detrimental. They’re purposely designing their platforms to make them more addictive and keep kids scrolling so they can rake in more profits. Our kids are not for sale. That’s why I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to set commonsense safety measures on social media use and protect our children.”

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX):

“Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids—from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem. The Kids Off Social Media Act addresses these issues by supporting families and empowering educators to better manage safe learning environments. I am grateful for the bipartisan leadership behind this legislation to combat the harms social media poses to children, especially in schools.”

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI):

“There is no good reason for a nine-year-old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to do anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands. Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition — which includes several parents of kids and teenagers — represents the millions of parents across the country who’ve long been asking for help.”

Congress must heed the calls of parents across the nation and deliver this bill to the President’s desk to help protect America’s youth.

The Kids Off Social Media Act represents a bipartisan effort to modernize child online safety laws in response to mounting evidence linking excessive social media use to mental health challenges among young people. By setting clear age restrictions, limiting data exploitation, strengthening enforcement, and improving school-based protections, the legislation seeks to restore parental control and prioritize the well-being of America’s children.

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Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov


Congressman Mackenzie Questions ICE Acting Director at Homeland Security Committee Hearing

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, participated in questioning witnesses from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today during a hearing on the Department’s practices. The oversight hearing, which was scheduled in mid-January, afforded members of the House Homeland Security Committee the opportunity to question witnesses, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow.

“It is always important for Congress to conduct oversight,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “DHS does essential work throughout our nation, including securing our borders, getting criminals off the streets, and investigating heinous crimes such as trafficking and child exploitation. At the same time, it’s important that DHS practices and protocol feature the accountability, transparency, and high standards that the American people expect and deserve. Today’s hearing gave us the opportunity to better understand these practices, and consider potential avenues for reform.”

Congressman Mackenzie asked two questions of ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, the first of which focused on allegations that the agency has detained American citizens, and the second relating to concerns about sanctuary cities.

“As we consider law enforcement reforms, it’s important that we pair transparency and accountability with increased cooperation between law enforcement at all levels,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “I appreciated Director Lyons’ clear answers regarding ICE’s policy of only charging American citizens in cases of criminal acts like terrorism and trafficking, and I emphasized to him the importance of transparency in these cases. Moving forward, transparency, accountability, and cooperation at all levels will be essential in improving public safety, enforcing the law, and achieving necessary reforms.”


Mast introduces bill to protect pets during disaster

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced legislation, the Providing Essential Temporary Shelter for Emergencies (PETSAFE) Act, to strengthen emergency preparedness for companion animals.

During weather-related disasters, families are frequently forced to evacuate with nominal time. For pet owners, evacuation can mean an impossible choice: leave their pets behind or risk their own safety by staying home. Too often, families choose the latter—endangering themselves and complicating rescue efforts for first responders.

The PETSAFE Act addresses these challenges without authorizing new federal spending. The bill expands the allowable use of existing emergency management funds so states and local governments can better plan for animal evacuation, sheltering, veterinary care, training, and specialized rescue equipment during disasters.

Under current law, many animal preparedness efforts are limited by high local cost-share requirements. The PETSAFE Act lowers that barrier by increasing the federal cost share for eligible companion animal preparedness activities from 50 percent to 90 percent, making it more affordable for communities to implement protective plans for people and pets.

“When we plan better for animals, we save human lives too,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “This bill helps communities prepare smarter, respond faster, and keep families together when disaster strikes.”

“For millions of families, pets are part of the family and in disaster-prone states like Florida, families often won’t evacuate if they can’t bring them, putting lives at risk,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan. “The PETSAFE Act improves preparedness and removes unnecessary cost barriers, so states and local governments have the flexibility they need to protect animals, families and first responders during hurricanes and other emergencies. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join Congressman Brian Mast in leading this commonsense, bipartisan effort.”

“Protecting pets during disasters is not just compassionate, it is responsible. As an original supporter of the bipartisan PETSAFE Act, I am advancing a practical, lifesaving approach that helps families evacuate safely without leaving their furry friends behind,” said Rep. Dina Titus.

“When the Eaton Fire tore through my district, so many families were forced into an impossible choice. As a result, many families delayed evacuating because they couldn’t bear to leave their pets behind. Thankfully, local shelters and community members across California stepped up to care for animals of all kinds that had to be relocated out of the fire’s path,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “Disasters like these make it clear that emergency planning must also account for the safety and wellbeing of pets. That’s why I’m teaming up with Representative Brian Mast and Senator Adam Schiff to introduce the PETSAFE Act. Our bill would ensure that state and local governments can utilize FEMA grant money to purchase the resources they need to protect animals during disasters,” she added.

“Our pets are part of our families, and when disaster strikes, it’s important that communities have the resources to ensure they aren’t left behind. I’m proud to partner with Representative Brian Mast to reintroduce this legislation which will help us protect our animals during major disasters and emergencies,” said Senator Adam Schiff.

Animal welfare organizations across Florida and the nation are voicing strong support for the legislation, including the ASPCA, Florida State Animal Response Coalition, Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association, Flagler Humane Society, and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.

“Americans consider their pets to be a part of the family, and many won’t evacuate during an emergency without them. Empowering communities to include animals in emergency response plans is critical to preventing further devastation and helps save the lives of animals, families, and first responders,” said Daniel Leonardini, director of federal legislation for the ASPCA. “We are grateful to Representatives Mast and Titus for introducing the PETSAFE Act to give communities the tools they need to better prepare and care for pets before, during, and after disasters, which will ease the burden on already overwhelmed shelters and ensure taxpayer dollars are used more effectively.”

“Animal shelters in Florida and across the country are constantly operating at capacity regarding animals in their care daily. When disaster strikes a community, animal shelters bear the burden for animal care during disaster response. Our organization provides sheltering services for pets of first responders, those living in mandatory evacuation zones, and stray animals that have been displaced. The PETSAFE Act is critical legislation that will help communities across Florida better prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and ensure that we have the resources needed to care for our beloved companions,” said Frank Valente, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.

By improving preparedness before emergencies occur, the PETSAFE Act ensures communities have the tools, supplies, and coordination needed to execute safe, organized evacuations that protect pets, their owners, and emergency personnel alike.


Representative McBath Continues to Lead Georgia Democratic Delegation in Urging Governor Kemp to Participate in Summer Meal Program for Children

Washington, DC— Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) continues to lead the Democratic members of Georgia’s congressional delegation in urging Governor Brian Kemp to allow children in Georgia to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer EBT program in 2026.

This marks the third consecutive year Governor Kemp has refused to allow families in Georgia to participate in Summer EBT, making it one of only 12 states nationwide opting out of the program. Of Georgia’s roughly 2.8 million children, more than 40 percent are eligible for Summer EBT benefits, but are currently prevented from receiving them due to the Governor’s continued refusal to participate. Summer EBT provides families with $40 per eligible child per month, totaling $120 per child over the summer, helping bridge the gap when school meals are unavailable and food costs are highest.

The letter is signed by Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff and by Representatives Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), David Scott (GA-13), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

“For the third year in a row, Governor Kemp has chosen politics over Georgia’s children,” said Rep. McBath. “Summer EBT is a simple, proven way to ensure kids don’t go hungry when school is out, yet Georgia remains one of only a dozen states refusing to participate. Families are already facing rising food prices and fewer resources. Denying eligible children this benefit is unnecessary, unacceptable, and easily fixable. We are urging the Governor to finally act and put Georgia families first.”

“Children in Georgia again went without consistent access to food this summer,” the members write. “Committing to participate in Summer EBT is a basic step that you can take to ensure that children in our state, regardless of where they live or how much money their parents make, can afford the basic necessity of food when they are not in school.”

The delegation’s letter underscores Georgia’s ongoing gaps in summer nutrition access. In 2025, 50 of the state’s 159 counties lacked a Summer Food Service Program meal site, leaving thousands of families without reliable summer meals. While Georgia has pledged to expand meal sites, participating in Summer EBT would immediately help close this gap by enabling families to purchase food directly. The need is especially urgent given recent federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, which are expected to reduce eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals and increase out-of-pocket food costs for families statewide.

This effort reflects Representative McBath and the Georgia Democratic Delegation’s continued commitment to lowering costs for working families and ensuring that no child in Georgia goes hungry. Governor Kemp has not replied to any of the four previous letters from Members of Congress requesting that Georgia participate in Summer EBT since July of 2024.


Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Block ICE’s Detention Warehouse in Washington County

WASHINGTON, DC–Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) introduced legislation to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from establishing or operating its planned immigration detention facility in Williamsport, Maryland, or elsewhere in Washington County. The Keep ICE Out of Washington County, Maryland Act would bar the use of any Congressionally-appropriated funds for the project and provide a legal pathway for county residents, state and local officials, and members of Congress to challenge the development of any such planned facility in court.

The bill comes nearly two weeks after the public disclosure of records showing ICE’s purchase of 16220 Wright Road in Williamsport. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have repeatedly refused to provide details or documentation about their plans for this facility to the Congresswoman, Maryland’s Delegation in Congress, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. According to news reports, the warehouse–one of many planned nationwide to house up to 80,000 people–would include 1,500 beds.

The legislation is being introduced as the Washington County Board of Commissioners met this morning–in a meeting with no opportunity for public comment–to vote on a resolution supporting the facility. Prior to this morning’s meeting, the Congresswoman and Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks sent a letter urging the Commissioners to provide transparency and respond to the numerous questions and concerns voiced by residents.

“For DHS to pursue such sweeping and dangerous plans in darkness is yet another example of the Trump Administration acting without transparency, accountability, or regard for human life. I recently saw for myself ICE’s horrendous treatment of detainees at its Baltimore field office, and I refuse to remain silent as they thrust a facility–similar to a private prison–upon Washington County,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “I will fight alongside Maryland lawmakers and community members to show up, speak out, and stand resolute in defense of all of our neighbors.”

The Congresswoman also released a survey last week to her constituents requesting their views of this planned ICE warehouse. The Congresswoman will provide all input she receives to the Board of Commissioners.

Read the bill.

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.


McClain Delaney, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Press Washington County Commissioners for Transparency on ICE Warehouse Purchase

Lawmakers wrote to Commission ahead of its vote on a resolution expressing “its full support for DHS and ICE” amid local outcry against ICE warehouse purchase, agency’s repeated string of lawless abuses in Maryland and across U.S.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) wrote to the members of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners to express their concerns over the Trump Administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) reported plans to convert a warehouse located in the County into a 1,500-person immigration detention facility.

In their letter, they stressed that this warehouse will further fuel the Trump Administration’s cruel and inhumane immigration agenda – which has been marked by arrests of scores of people who pose no threat to public safety, violations of individuals’ due process rights, and reports of unsafe conditions in detention facilities, among other harms. Regarding the local impact, the lawmakers added that using a building not designed or zoned for residential confinement risks overburdening County infrastructure, public health systems, and first response capabilities. Given that the Commissioners have not provided answers to County residents on these matters, the lawmakers pressed them to provide what measures, if any, that they have taken to prevent abuses from taking place in the facility as have occurred elsewhere, to study or prepare for the impact of this facility on County resources, and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations requiring community input and transparency around development decisions.

“We write to express our serious concern regarding today’s vote to declare unwavering support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Further, we want to voice our strong opposition to ICE’s plans to convert a large warehouse near Hagerstown into an immigration detention facility. We recognize that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. However, land use, zoning, and the protection of public health, safety, and general welfare are squarely within the authority and responsibility of Washington County.” the lawmakers began. “Those responsibilities are not preempted by the Supremacy Clause, nor waived by federal interest in a particular site, particularly when the proposed use represents a dramatic departure from the facility’s original design and intended purpose.”

“The proposed conversion of a warehouse into a detention facility capable of holding up to 1,500 people raises serious risks to public health and order. Immigration detention is a civil system, yet it has been increasingly used to detain individuals indiscriminately. ICE’s own data shows that nearly three-quarters of detainees pose no risk to public safety,” they added. “In addition to these humanitarian concerns, establishing such a facility in a warehouse not designed for residential confinement would pose substantial public health and safety risks and place added strain on local hospitals, emergency responders, and already stressed infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and water systems. Expanding detention capacity risks entrenching a system that undermines due process, destabilizes communities, and normalizes conditions that Maryland has repeatedly found unacceptable.”

The lawmakers went on to request answers to the following questions for the Commissioners, noting that they do not permit public comments at their meetings and pointing out that similar questions from local residents have gone unanswered:

Does the BOCC hold concerns that the same inhumane practices being brought to light around the country – i.e., lack of potable water, access to medical care and medication, sanitary conditions, legal counsel – will occur at a Washington County facility?

In supporting this effort, what plans does the BOCC have to ensure that human rights violations are not occurring in your jurisdiction?

Has the BOCC studied the impacts of the facility on the surrounding area? What additional resources will this demand from utilities, water, road traffic, sanitation, etc.?

What steps, if any, did the BOCC take to oppose or challenge the federal government’s decision to use an industrially zoned warehouse to detain hundreds of individuals—and if no such steps were taken, how does the BOCC reconcile your lack of opposition with its stated commitment to public safety, environmental management, and human conditions?

What steps, if any, did the BOCC take to ensure that the federal government complied with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and any other applicable historical preservation measures, requiring that federal agencies solicit community input and operate transparently when planning projects that affect historic properties?

“As mutual representatives of the residents of Washington County, we urge the Washington County Board of County Commissioners to carefully and rigorously apply its existing zoning laws, land-use regulations, and comprehensive planning standards to any proposal to convert this warehouse into a detention facility. Doing so is essential to protecting public health and safety, ensuring orderly development, and upholding the County’s responsibility to its residents,” the lawmakers concluded.

View the letter.

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Congressman Morgan McGarvey Announces More than $12 Million to Fund Local Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 10, 2026) – Today, Congressman McGarvey (KY-03) announced that he secured $12,354,000 in this year’s government funding haul for 15 local community funding projects.

“It’s always an honor to serve Louisville in Congress, but I’m especially proud when we can bring federal funding back home to invest straight into our community,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “I’m grateful to our local partners for meeting our community’s needs with bold solutions, and I look forward to seeing these dollars put to work back at home.”

FY26 Community Funding Projects:

$2.7 million to fund local construction projects and repair transportation infrastructure, including:

More than $3.1 million to upgrade outdated water lines and stormwater and sewer infrastructure, including:

$1,000,000 for neighborhood drainage improvements to address severe flooding and stress to aging stormwater infrastructure from the increased frequency of extreme storms,

$1,092,000 to address persistent sewer odor issues in West Louisville by upgrading hundreds of catch basins in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood, and

$1,092,000 to identify and replace approximately 1,700 lead service lines at no cost to homeowners.

$2 million to invest in local schools and educational programs, including:

$300,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Kentuckiana’s Ultimate Afterschool Exploration Program, a summer program where more than 4,000 students explore robotics, drone operation, 3D printing, and careers in STEM,

$850,000 for construction of Simmons College of Kentucky’s new Westover Campus, including a state-of-the-art STEAM education hub, and

$850,000 to replace Jefferson Community and Technical College’s downtown campus parking lot with a modern, mixed-use facility that improves accessibility for commuting students and supports downtown business development.

More than $4.4 million to build more affordable housing and homeless shelters and support vulnerable communities, including:

$1,500,000 to demolish derelict West End properties and clear the way to build affordable housing units through the Vacant to Vibrant Program,

$1,000,000 to create a shelter dedicated to serving homeless young adults ages 18 to 24 with targeted interventions for their specific needs, such as mental health support, educational programs, and job training,

$1,000,000 to transform St. Mary’s Church into a facility dedicated to serving homeless women and children in Louisville, and

$970,000 to support recovery and reduce recidivism in Jefferson County’s drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts by hiring a dedicated, permanent case manager, a licensed clinical social worker, and a treatment court liaison.

Quotes from Community Recipients:

“From the time he served in the Kentucky State Assembly, to his role as a congressman representing Kentucky District 3, Congressman Morgan McGarvey has been a stalwart champion of Simmons College of Kentucky and HBCU’s,” said Simmons College of Kentucky President Kevin W. Cosby, Ph.D., D.Min. “The emergence of Simmons as America’s preeminent HBCU comeback story would not be possible had it not been for his advocacy.”

“This award allows us to purchase eight cutaway paratransit vehicles for TARC3,” said Transit Authority of River City (TARC) Executive Director Ozzy Gibson. “This will assist in getting our paratransit customers to their destinations. TARC is incredibly grateful to Congressman McGarvey for his support of this grant.”

”The transformation of our downtown Louisville campus will provide Jefferson students with a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment that fosters the academic success they deserve," Jefferson Community and Technical College President Ty Handy said. "We are grateful to Congressman McGarvey for his support of this investment which will help make possible an urban campus that delivers an authentic college experience for our students.”

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman McGarvey for advancing a bipartisan appropriations package that includes funding for our Afterschool Exploration Community Project,” said Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana President & CEO Daryle W. Unseld Jr. “This investment strengthens the Boys & Girls Clubs mission to help young people reach their full potential by expanding access to high-quality afterschool programming with a strong focus on workforce development. By connecting youth to career exploration, skill-building, and real-world opportunities, we are helping build the next generation of leaders and a stronger workforce for our region.”

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Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.


Reps. McGarvey, Peters, Rutherford, & Sens. King, Cramer Unveil Legislation to Protect Job Training Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Scott Peters (D-CA), and John Rutherford (R-FL), and U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, legislation to address an unfair rule in federal law that can create unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) administers the Veteran Readiness and Employment program (VR&E), which helps qualifying veterans with service-connected disabilities with job training, starting their own businesses, independent living services, education, employment accommodations, and resume development. The type of service offered are unique to fit the goals and needs of each veteran.

Under current law, veterans who use GI Bill education benefits before accessing the VR&E program can be prevented from accessing their VR&E benefits for years due to VA rules. Veterans who use VR&E first are not subject to the same penalty, creating an unfair disparity that disproportionately affects veterans with disabilities.

The Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act ensures that veterans who would like to access the VR&E program are not penalized based on the order in which they use their earned education benefits.

“Veterans shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of red tape just to get the benefits they’ve already earned,” said Rep. McGarvey. “The Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act helps streamline that process, so our nation’s heroes can spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on their future. I’m grateful to Rep. Peters for tackling this problem with a commonsense solution that will make the system work better for the veterans it's meant to serve.”

“San Diego is not only home to a vast military community, but to more than 240,000 veterans who proudly served our country—and it’s crucial they have the resources they need to thrive after their service ends,” said Rep. Peters. “No one, especially disabled veterans, should lose access to education and job-training benefits because of a technicality in the law. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill fixes this unfair disparity and ensures veterans can fully access their hard-earned benefits after serving our nation.”

“Our servicemembers sacrifice so much to keep the air we breathe free,” said Rep. Rutherford. “That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Peters in introducing the Veterans’ Access to Resources Act to get rid of unnecessary roadblocks preventing veterans from receiving the benefits they earned.”

“Our veterans served this country with grit and class, and now it is our turn to return the favor and provide commonsense access to the benefits they have rightly earned and deserve,” said Senator King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “The Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act will help veterans access their benefits more efficiently – ensuring all veterans with disabilities can pursue their education without becoming tangled in red tape. This simple fix will make it easier for veterans to access benefits they have earned, making sure they can learn the skills they need to transition to the next phase in their life, beyond the military.”

"AMVETS strongly supports the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which repeals an outdated limitation that prevents veterans from accessing both the VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program and educational assistance benefits. Disabled veterans should never be forced to choose between rehabilitation and education when both are critical to achieving meaningful, long-term employment,” said American Veterans (AMVETS) National Executive Director Joe Chenelly.

“Veterans’ paths to meaningful employment are not one-size-fits-all. By removing unnecessary barriers between VA education benefits and the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, this legislation would modernize VA policy and put veterans’ long-term success first. The VFW applauds Rep. Peters for advancing a commonsense fix that better reflects today’s transition realities,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joe Grassi.

"The Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act is a meaningful fix that puts veterans first. For too long, the outdated 48-month rule has penalized disabled veterans who rely on both the GI Bill and the Veteran Readiness and Employment program to pursue education and employment related training or rehabilitation. Repealing this rule ensures fairness, reduces unnecessary red tape, and empowers veterans to get the resources they need to succeed. IAVA is proud to stand with our partners in support of this legislation, and we urge Congress to move quickly to pass it,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

Full bill text can be found here.

Background

The VR&E program provides education, training, and rehabilitation services to veterans with service-connected disabilities to help them prepare for employment or independent living. While VR&E already has its own statutory limits and safeguards, outdated rules governing multiple education programs have created unnecessary barriers for veterans who need these services most.

The Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to remove VR&E from the combined benefit limitation, while preserving VR&E’s existing 48-month cap and the VA’s authority to grant extensions when medically or vocationally necessary.

Since coming to Congress, Rep. Peters has worked across the aisle to achieve the best possible outcomes for veterans and their families in San Diego – a city with one of the largest populations of veterans in the nation. He’s led several bills which have become law, including the Veteran HOUSE Act, the Veteran PEER Act, and the Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act, to ensure veterans have the housing, mental health care, and community support they need long after their service ends.

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Messmer Introduces the SNAP Online Access Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) introduced the SNAP Online Access Act to make permanent a pilot program supporting needy American families who receive government Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

In its temporary status, the pilot plan has proven its efficacy by providing families with a modern and streamlined way to procure supplies. Making the program permanent also brings regulatory certainty to grocery stores and food retailers that serve their local communities.

“The SNAP Online Access Act makes grocery shopping more convenient for families that are working hard to support themselves,”said Rep. Messmer. “Giving this program permanence encourages retailers, state agencies, and customer advocates to support SNAP participants with a more modern approach to feeding their families.”

BACKGROUND:

The SNAP Online Access Act continues to allow SNAP benefit recipients to buy their groceries online. Since its launch in 2019, the pilot program’s participant numbers have expanded from just eight retailers in eight states, to hundreds of grocers across the nation, proving it has been well tested and well accepted and is ready to become permanent. In a permanent status, it will continue to make life easier for enrollees, and it is convenient for grocers.

This bill also provides the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the oversight parameters they require to ensure that taxpayer dollars are safely protected.

“I am proud to take part in efforts to provide families and businesses certainty in a time when they need it most. That is why I worked across the aisle to introduce legislation making the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program permanent. This bill will provide retailers with the regulatory clarity they need to best serve both our rural and urban communities and ensure families can continue to access the services they depend on,” said Rep. Adam Gray.

“Making SNAP online purchasing permanent provides certainty for families who rely on the program to access essential food, while giving retailers the confidence to invest in and expand online services. Independent grocers have been central partners in modernizing EBT, strengthening program integrity, and delivering SNAP benefits at the community level. As this critical legislation moves forward, clear and consistent USDA guidance will be essential to ensure retailers can offer SNAP online purchasing reliably and efficiently in the communities they serve,” said Stephanie Johnson, National Grocers Association Vice President of Government Relations.

“Since its launch in 2019, the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot has grown from just eight retailers in eight states, including several FMI members, to hundreds of retailers nationwide. Making SNAP Online permanent will give retailers the certainty they need to invest and innovate, while ensuring SNAP participants – especially those in working households and communities where grocery access may be limited – can access food in ways that fit their lives. FMI is grateful to Reps. Messmer and Gray for leading this important effort to establish SNAP Online as a permanent option for millions of American households to meet their grocery needs,” said Jennifer Hatcher, FMI – Food Industry Association Chief Public Policy Officer.

“SNAP online purchasing has become an essential part of how families access food today. NACS strongly supports the SNAP Online Access Act and making the program permanent so SNAP retailers will have the regulatory clarity needed to keep investing in and improving this service to strengthen food access across the country,” said Margaret Mannion, National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Director of Government Relations.

“SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have to fight hunger, and making USDA's online purchasing pilot permanent would help families across the country continue to get the healthy food they need. Nearly 3 million people are using SNAP on DoorDash today, and two-thirds of customers using SNAP on our platform said it has helped change their eating habits. This bill is about meeting those people where they are and making sure they can keep putting nutritious food on the table. We’re proud to stand with Reps. Gray and Messmer on this opportunity to lock in a solution that’s already working,” said Max Rettig, DoorDash Vice President and Head of Global Public Policy.

“At Instacart, we recognize that accepting SNAP online has become an essential way for many families to reliably access nutritious food. Making this program permanent through the Online SNAP Access Act would provide greater certainty for those families, while creating clearer and more consistent opportunities for retailers – including the many small and regional grocers on our platform – to use technology to serve their communities. We thank Representatives Messmer and Gray for their bipartisan leadership, and we’re proud to have long advocated for greater certainty and permanence for online SNAP to support families and the retailers that serve them,” said Casey Aden-Wansbury, Instacart Vice President and Head of Global Public Policy.

“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online has been revolutionary. Its advantages include greater convenience and time-savings, reduction in stigma and it even has resulted in increased purchases of fruits and vegetables compared to in-store shoppers. It’s time for USDA to make this pilot program permanent. The Messmer-Gray SNAP Online Access Act calls for permanence and importantly, recognizes the importance of stakeholder consultation which may lead to even greater program improvements,” said Minerva Delgado, Alliance to End Hunger, Director, Coalitions & Advocacy.

The SNAP Online Access Act is also supported by the National Council on Aging.

For more information about Rep. Messmer’s work for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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Neal Honors Vietnam Veteran and WTBR “Morning Drive” Host Bill Sturgeon

(As prepared for delivery)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of a pillar in western Massachusetts and a fixture in Berkshire County: my dear friend, Bill Sturgeon.

Born to a firefighter and a nurse from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Bill graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1966 before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1969. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic achievements.

Bill continued that service upon his return home, working as a police officer with both the Lanesborough and Pittsfield Police Departments.

In 2008, Bill hosted his first radio show at WBRK radio, embarking on a remarkable journey to becoming one of the most iconic voices in the Berkshire community. As a self-described “Kennedy Democrat,” Bill hosted guests from across the political spectrum and from all walks of life on WTBR’s “Morning Drive.” He welcomed debate that was respectful, substantive, and grounded in a genuine desire to inform rather than inflame.

I can say with all confidence that he is the only reporter whom I have had the pleasure of interacting with to start an interview with, “Hey there, handsome.” Needless to say, Bill Sturgeon is truly one-of-a-kind.

Mr. Speaker, the American people are forever grateful to Bill Sturgeon for his service to our nation, and the people of Berkshire County are forever grateful for him being a part of their morning drive.


Neal Opening Statement at Full Committee Hearing on Foreign Influence in American Non-profits

(As prepared for delivery)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We are here today as a government built for the people. Today, you are holding this hearing on the pretense of what happens when tax-exempt dollars funnel from or to groups that you disagree with. But much more pressing, what happens when decisions are no longer being made for the people, but in service to the President’s greed? Greed that expands across affiliated nonprofits and for-profits alike and into wide-ranging transactions with foreign governments, including real estate, cryptocurrency, and numerous business ventures.

Right now, it’s impossible to talk about nonprofits in America without acknowledging those tied to Trump: the Presidential Library Foundation, Inaugural Committee, and the Trust for the National Ballroom, to name a few.

Let me walk you through a few high dollar examples:

$400 million donation: in the form of a private jet to Trump’s Presidential Library Foundation, a tax-exempt organization, from Qatar. Since this donation, Qatar has received several sweetheart deals from this Administration, including a $142 billion arms deal and a deal for AI chips despite national security concerns.

$5 million donation: the largest to the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee was from a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign company, circumventing direct contribution bans. The contribution came from Pilgram Pride, a subsidiary of a Brazilian meat-packing company (JBS), to the tax-exempt, Inaugural Committee. Shortly thereafter, its Brazilian parent company (JBS) was approved in June 2025 for trading on the New York Stock Exchange after years of failed attempts to be listed.

This pattern on foreign influence continues to the hundreds of millions being funneled to the Trust for the National Mall, a tax-exempt organization collecting contributions for Trump’s ballroom. Among the donations that have been publicly disclosed, there is one notable from, Tether America, a U.S. subsidiary of an El Salvador-based company.

Certainly, Trump has put the “For Sale” sign up, and other countries now have the roadmap for buying similar influence.

As my colleague on the other side of the aisle stated, “Americans deserve assurance that presidents won’t be ‘bought and sold’ before leaving office, particularly as they still hold immense international power and influence over U.S. policy.” We could not agree more.

All of this is just the tip of the iceberg of his profiteering. According to estimates from the New York Times—which they acknowledge is only based on what’s publicly available and likely an underestimate, this President has used the office to enrich himself by $1.4 billion since taking office last year.

That’s 16,822 times the average income of an American.

How’s that serving the people?

Real national security threats are going unexamined on Republicans’ watch right now. Trump has put the government up for sale while his administration admits to mishandling the people’s sensitive data. When will they ask questions about the real corruption and threats happening right under their noses?

Last year, one of the Republican witnesses here today went on Fox News and couldn’t be more impassioned about the national security risk foreign governments, specifically Qatar, presented with “the lack of transparency” regarding donations to American universities. We all agree there’s an important interest in identifying a foreign actor with shady motivations, and I look forward to hearing your perspective on the President pocketing a $400 million private jet from a country that gave you such pause.

We need a serious and good-faith conversation about corruption and foreign influence that’s bending politics to benefit the well-connected and costing taxpayers. What Republicans are doing is a disingenuous, cherry-picked exercise to legitimize the White House’s crusade to silence the opposition by branding anyone who disagrees with them as a threat, or even a domestic terrorist.

We’ve already seen the President weaponize the power of government to target his perceived opponents and enemies. We can’t be party to another performative effort that continues to ignore the President’s abuses.

With that, I yield back.

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Rep. Norcross Delivers Nearly $12M in Funding for South Jersey Community Projects

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) secured $11.98 million for 15 Community Project Funding (CPF) awards throughout New Jersey’s First Congressional District to support economic development, create jobs, and respond to the most pressing needs of the community.

“There’s been a lot of tough news lately, but this funding is a real reminder of what can happen when government listens and delivers for our communities. I came to Congress to fight for working families and make our South Jersey neighborhoods safer, healthier, and stronger. This funding will do just that,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “From investing in our local infrastructure and schools, to delivering new fire trucks to keeping our communities safe, this funding will make a real difference. I’ll keep fighting to make sure our tax dollars come back to South Jersey and put the work where it belongs; in our communities.”

Community Funding Recipients and Project Descriptions:

$822,000 to Borough of Magnolia

This project will provide the Magnolia Fire Company with a new fire engine to replace aging equipment and ensure reliable emergency response for residents

$1,015,000 to Maryville Southern New Jersey Telehealth

This project will expand Maryville’s telehealth programming across Southern New Jersey by upgrading its electronic medical record system and related hardware, cybersecurity tools, and IT support.

$900,000 to Westville Fire District

This project will fund a new rescue pumper for the Westville Fire District to strengthen emergency response in Westville, surrounding communities, and nearby highways such as I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike.

$1,050,000 to Rowan University

This project will help Rowan University students research, develop, and test advanced concrete 3D printing to provide affordable and resilient 3D-printed houses.

$1,000,000 to the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority

This project will support an Army Corps of Engineers initiative to improve wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

$880,000 to Winslow Township

This project will rehabilitate an aging elevated water storage tank on W. Factory Road.

$1,092,000 to Voorhees Township

This project will replace the sewer force main and pump serving the Las Brisas line, enhancing clean water efforts and sewage handling in a majority senior residential area.

$1,092,000 to the Town of Maple Shade

This project will replace the Kings Highway Treatment Plant with a new water treatment plant to ensure the Township of Maple Shade can continue to provide a safe and adequate supply of potable water.

$850,000 to Camden County College

This project’s funds will be used to construct a free-standing facility that will house a new electric and hybrid vehicle technician training program.

$850,000 to Camden City

This project will support the Camden City Clean Up Initiative through the purchase of garbage hoppers and trash containers, helping to revitalize Camden’s waste management infrastructure.

$850,000 to Gloucester County

This project will pay for construction costs associated with extending the Thomas Edison Parkway, specifically for installation of a new traffic light and for construction of a bridge crossing the Cabin Run Stream.

$850,000 to Pennsauken Township

This project will construct a new Public Works Facility and Vehicle/Equipment Repair Garage.

$250,000 to the Borough of Wenonah

This project will fund the Cedar Avenue Recreation Complex Improvement Project, which is designed to promote increased use of the facilities and better ensure the safety of all users.

$250,000 to Washington Township

This project will fund the Park Safety and Security Project, specifically to add security camera lighting and blue light emergency call boxes

$250,000 to South Jersey Port Corporation

This project will make improvements at the Balzano Marine Terminal in Camden.

“The Borough Council and I are grateful to share that the Borough of Magnolia has been awarded $822,000 in federal funding to support the purchase of a new fire apparatus. We humbly thank Congressman Donald Norcross for securing this funding and for his continued support,” said Mayor BettyAnn Cowling-Carson. “This investment not only provides significant savings for taxpayers but also ensures that our volunteers can continue delivering reliable, professional emergency services for years to come.”

“Maryville is deeply grateful to Congressman Norcross for his ongoing commitment to expanding access to treatment across Southern New Jersey,” said Jared Levy, CEO of Maryville. “This federal support will allow us to strengthen the systems and resources needed to reach more individuals struggling with substance use and mental health challenges. This investment means improved access, stronger recovery outcomes, and healthier communities.”

“The Borough of Westville, the Westville Fire District #1, Board of Fire Commissioners along with the members of the Westville Fire Department extend their sincere gratitude to Congressman Donald Norcross for his continued support of the Borough of Westville and our dedicated career and volunteer firefighters,” said Mayor Fritz H. Sims, Jr. “This funding will allow the Westville Fire Department to continue to have the resources necessary to operate effectively, serve the Borough at the highest level, and remain fully equipped to provide extremely effective, reliable, and professional emergency response services for many years to come.”

“The federal funding secured by Congressman Donald Norcross will play a vital role in improving and enhancing water quality here in Camden County and throughout the congressional district,” said Commissioner Jeffery Nash, liaison to the Camden County Municipal Authority. “I want to applaud his dedication and commitment to always listening to our subject matter experts to make the most informed decisions to improve our quality of life here in the county.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Donald Norcross and his office for securing $1,092,000 in federal funding for the Kings Highway Treatment Plant project. This investment is critical to strengthening Maple Shade’s water infrastructure, improving system resiliency, enhancing fire protection capabilities, and ensuring reliable, high-quality service for our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Heather Talarico. “Support like this allows us to move forward with essential upgrades while remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers, and we sincerely appreciate Congressman Norcross’ continued partnership and advocacy for our community.”

“The Borough of Wenonah is grateful to Rep. Norcross for his advocacy and support in securing requested funding for our Cedar Avenue Recreation Complex Improvement Project,” said Mayor Jessica S. Doheny. “These funds will enable us to make significant improvements and additions to one of our town's most-utilized recreation areas, benefiting the youth from our region who already participate in programming at this facility while increasing recreational opportunities for community members of all ages. This project would not be possible without this support, and the positive impact this will have on the Borough of Wenonah is immeasurable.”

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Norcross for securing federal support for these transformative projects,” said Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, President of Rowan University. “This investment will accelerate our work to develop affordable, resilient housing through advanced 3D-printing research and will strengthen the infrastructure needed to support the continued growth of our West Campus. These initiatives will expand economic opportunity, attract new industry partners and help us continue building a stronger future for South Jersey.”

“Winslow Township is very grateful to receive $880,000 in funding to help refresh and protect the water tower located on West Factory Road, a landmark our community relies on every day,” said Mayor Marie D. Lawrence. “This investment allows us to address aging infrastructure responsibly while easing the burden on our township taxpayers and keeping our water system strong for years to come. I would like to thank Congressman Norcross and his office for helping us secure this much needed funding.”

“Pennsauken’s Department of Public Works is the backbone of many of the critical services our residents rely on every day, from maintaining our roads and public spaces to responding when our community needs us most,” said Mayor Patrick Olivo. “These funding resources will allow us to make essential infrastructure upgrades to our Public Works Facility and Vehicle Repair Garage, ensuring our team has the safe, modern space they need to continue serving effectively. We are grateful to Congressman Norcross for recognizing the importance of this investment and supporting Pennsauken’s goals to strengthen the foundation of the services our community depends on.”

“This is another tremendous step towards advancing the quality of life in the City of Camden and a significant boost to communities across Southern New Jersey,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “We are grateful to Congressman Norcross for his advocacy. The $850,000 in funding will help support the City’s clean up initiative through the purchase of new waste tipper containers. This will not only result in a huge savings for the municipality but ultimately help to upgrade Camden’s waste management infrastructure and ensuring reliable trash service citywide.”

“We appreciate Congressman Donald Norcross for his continued partnership with Camden County College,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College. “This funding positions our college at the forefront of automotive innovation by expanding our facility and equipping students with cutting-edge skills to lead the future of electric vehicle technology.”

“Voorhees Township Committee would like to thank Congressman Donald Norcross for delivering $1,092,000 in Community Project Funding for the Las Brisas Sewer Project,” said Mayor Michael Mignogna. “This support means real progress - upgrading critical infrastructure, protecting our waterways, and improving everyday life for our residents. We truly appreciate Congressman Norcross' continued partnership and commitment to Voorhees.”

“This is a huge win for Gloucester County and Rowan’s West Campus, helping us deliver the road and infrastructure upgrades that will support growth for decades to come," said Matthew Weng, Gloucester County Commissioner. "We’re excited to keep moving this project forward and to make travel safer, smoother, and more reliable for students, residents, and local businesses.”

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Nunn Rural Housing Reform Bill Passes House as Part of Landmark Housing Package

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, a landmark housing reform package to increase housing supply, lower costs for families, and modernize federal housing programs to better serve rural, suburban, and urban communities across America.

“Homeownership is at the heart of the American dream, and I hear from Iowans every day who are working hard but still feel that dream is slipping further out of reach,” said Rep. Nunn. “This is the most significant housing package Congress has passed in decades. It cuts through broken bureaucracy, brings housing policy into the 21st century, and helps put homeownership back within reach for Iowa families.”

The package includes key provisions from Rep. Nunn’s bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which modernizes long-outdated rural housing programs, improves accountability, and eliminates long delays that prevent rural families, seniors, and workers from repairing their homes or buying their first house.

“I made sure rural housing reform was front and center in this package,” continued Rep. Nunn. “My bill updates outdated rural housing programs so a young couple in Creston can buy their first home, and seniors in Osceola can stay in the communities they’ve built their lives in.”


WATCH: Nunn Hosts Red Oak Roundtable on Iowa Agriculture Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) met with Iowa farmers, ranchers, and producers in Red Oak on Friday for a roundtable discussion focused on delivering long-term certainty for Iowa agriculture. B-roll video from the discussion is available here and below.

“I was glad to join Red Oak producers for another roundtable to hear directly about their priorities and share an update on the fight we’re leading in Washington to deliver real certainty for Iowa agriculture,” said Rep. Nunn. “From year-round E15 to a farm bill producers can actually rely on, Iowans were clear about what they need, and I’m taking those priorities straight to Washington.”

During the roundtable at AgriVision Equipment, producers raised concerns about rising input costs, supply chain pressures, and the strain family farms face without stable markets and clear, consistent federal policy.

“We had a great meeting with Congressman Nunn on Friday afternoon in Red Oak. It is clear that he has the best interests of Iowans at heart and is striving to do what he can to make sure that our farms and families can thrive in the future,” said Krista Huntsman, Montgomery County Farm Bureau President. “One topic that we were pleased to discuss was his support for year-round E15 sales. Farmers depend on a variety of market outlets to sell their products at profitable prices, and having E15 markets as a cornerstone is critical. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s good for farmers’ bottom lines as well. Congressman Nunn also acknowledged that bridge payments from the government are not a sustainable way to operate our family farms, and that increased trade and fair market prices are necessary to make farming a strong livelihood for Iowa families again.”

Rep. Nunn emphasized that the message from producers in Red Oak mirrors what he’s hearing across Iowa and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing agriculture priorities in Washington, including:

Expanding reliable markets for Iowa crops and biofuels, including the fight for year-round E15

Working with the Treasury Department to provide clarity on 45Z guidance for producers and biofuel stakeholders

Advancing a strong farm bill that reflects the realities of Iowa agriculture and rural communities

B-roll from the roundtable is available here and photos are available here.

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Rep. Panetta, Local Law Enforcement, and Community Leaders Stand Together to Prepare and Protect 19th Congressional District from ICE & CBP Impacts

Santa Cruz, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta convened a roundtable with local law enforcement and community leaders from California’s 19th Congressional District to coordinate responses and prepare resources for communities against the brutality, violence, and lawlessness displayed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At a press conference following the roundtable, Rep. Panetta emphasized the need for cooperation between all levels of government, as well as with local social services, to support and protect communities in the 19th Congressional District from potential ICE and CBP activity.

The leaders discussed the fear they are seeing in the communities they serve and the importance of a cohesive strategy in the face of growing uncertainty. They further talked about the ways in which together then can maintain the trust of our communities.

"We're doing everything we can to prevent ICE and CBP from infringing on our civil liberties by preparing local resources and coordinating our community responses to protect people," said Rep. Panetta. "Under this Administration and the majorities in the House and Senate, leadership must come from the ground up. We, in the 19th Congressional District, must continue to come together and partner, not just to protect our most vulnerable, but to prepare to protect everybody."

These efforts to coordinate a cohesive local response to the threat ICE and CBP pose across the country build on Rep. Panetta's efforts to push back on the Administration at the federal level. Last week, he voted against another funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, demanding accountability from the Administration for the deaths of American citizens in Minneapolis. He also joined Congressional veterans in demanding ICE and CBP Interior Operations Stand Down.

Rep. Panetta has called for the removal of Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller and the removal and impeachment of the DHS Secretary. If DHS Secretary Noem remains in office, Rep. Panetta supports Congressional articles of impeachment for her removal. He also supports legislation to help control ICE and CBP, including bills to limit force and require de-escalation training, hold agents accountable when they break the law, ban masks for agents, limit enforcement in sensitive areas, limit the Administration's authority to target citizens of a specific nation, and to redirect partisan approved funding to help people afford healthcare. In addition to short term action, Rep. Panetta also believes that long term immigration reform is needed to fix the asylum system and to build pathways to legalization for law-abiding immigrants and their families who continue to contribute to our economies and communities.

To watch a video of Rep. Panetta’s remarks at the press conference, click here.

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Pappas, Bynum Introduce Bill to Lower Cost of Building New Housing

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced the Supporting Projects to Unleash Residential (SPUR) Housing Act to lower the cost of building new housing developments. The bill will increase the housing supply by establishing a five-year $1.5 billion grant program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide funds to housing developers to offset state and local impact fees. Eligibility for the program would require state and local governments to also match half of the project taxes or fees.

New Hampshire continues to face a housing crisis, and it’s estimated that the state needs 90,000 more units by 2040. The SPUR Housing Act would provide cost relief and cut red tape to make it affordable for Granite Staters to build more homes.

“Addressing the shortage of affordable housing should be a top priority of everyone in Congress, and I’m committed to finding common sense ideas that will increase supply and lower costs,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased to introduce this legislation which creates a new grant program to reduce building project costs and speed the development of new housing.”

“First-time home buyers should not have to wait 20-plus+ years to afford a home,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “This bill will make crucial progress toward making it easier, faster, and more affordable to build a home. Oregonians deserve affordable housing and I will keep fighting for it in Congress.”

This bill is endorsed by the National Association of Realtors.

You can find the full text of the bill here.

Background:

Pappas is working to ensure Granite State communities have the resources they need to increase the affordable housing stock and tackle the housing crisis. His bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Actto support local governments in speeding up the permitting and home building process and lowering costs for Granite Staters passed the House this week.


Pappas Helps Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Housing Costs and Increase Supply

On Monday, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) voted to pass bipartisan legislation to take on the high cost of housing for Granite Staters by cutting red tape so communities can more easily build the housing stock that meets their needs. The Housing for the 21st Century Act includes a provision introduced by Congressman Pappas, the bipartisanAccelerating Home Building Act, which would support local governments in expediting permitting and home-building processes and lowering costs for Granite Staters.

Also included in the legislation was the Pappas-backed VA Home Loan Awareness Act, which would help more veterans take advantage of the VA Home Loan program.

“New Hampshire continues to face some of the highest housing costs in the country, and it is critical that we use every tool available to increase supply, lower prices, and give middle-class families the relief that they need,” said Congressman Pappas. “We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve our housing crisis, and that is why legislation like this, to cut red tape and allow local communities to build more housing, is so critical. I’ll work with anyone to deliver for New Hampshire and ensure that homeownership can become a reality for more hardworking Granite Staters.”

New Hampshire is on track to be 90,000 units of housing short in the next decade, while the median home sale price in the state has risen to over half a million dollars. New Hampshire’s median rent has now reached $2,143 per month, the ninth highest in the country.

Pappas has worked to ensure Granite State communities have the resources they need to increase the affordable housing stock and tackle the housing crisis. In April, Pappas helped introduce the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to support affordable housing financing and development by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. In 2024, he and the New Hampshire delegation welcomed more than $30 million in federal grants to build more affordable housing across the Granite State.


Rep. Pettersen’s Bipartisan Housing Bills Pass House

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed three pieces of bipartisan legislation led by Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) to help address the affordable housing crisis in Colorado and across the country. Specifically, her bills update outdated zoning laws, increase housing supply, and expand access to affordable housing options, particularly in rural areas.

In Colorado, there is currently a housing shortage of over 100,000 homes and apartments. Pettersen’s bills take important steps forward to address that shortage and encourage policies that help new housing development.

“Housing is the number one financial pain point I hear about from constituents, especially in our rural communities,” said Pettersen. “We need an all-hands-on deck solution for the housing affordability crisis — that means removing barriers that are preventing construction of more housing and increasing access to options for families outside of major cities. I’m so proud that despite the constant chaos and dysfunction, my bills are moving forward, and I will keep fighting to see them signed into law.”

Pettersen’s bills that advanced out of committee are listed below:

The Housing Supply Frameworks Act: Introduced with Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE), the bill directs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop frameworks for best practices on zoning and land-use policies to confront barriers to housing development and construction.

The Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply Act: Introduced with Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE), this legislation highlights the restrictive practices embedded in traditional zoning laws, pushes communities to streamline excessive local regulations, and promotes greater openness in how neighborhoods are planned and developed.

The Streamlining Rural Housing Act: Introduced alongside Congressman Stutzman (R-IN), the bill directs HUD and USDA to enter a memorandum of understanding, a formal interagency agreement to coordinate housing standards, reducing redundant reviews that increase costs and slow affordable housing development in rural communities.

Additionally, in the Financial Services Committee markup, Pettersen's amendment to improve the mortgage process for our nation's servicemembers and veterans was adopted and was also included in the package that passed. The amendment ensures that lenders are made aware of a consumer's veteran status at the beginning of the lending process so they can make the consumer aware of their potential eligibility for a VA loan.

Over her fourteen years in elected office, Representative Pettersen has made expanding access to affordable housing a cornerstone of her work in Colorado and in Congress. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee and Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, as well as a Co-Chair of the Real Estate Caucus and the Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) Caucus, she is currently leading the charge to tackle the national housing shortage by cutting through regulatory red tape and streamlining the development of innovative, low-cost homes.


Rep. Pettersen Statement on NLR Layoffs

Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) — formerly known as National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) — announced another round of employee layoffs due to federal funding cuts:

“Donald Trump has consistently put our federal workforce on the chopping block. These are people who work to make energy more affordable, conduct groundbreaking climate research, and keep our state up and running.

“Beyond being some of our country’s brightest minds, these are our community members, our neighbors who have families to support. Trump’s backwards agenda is going to undo the progress we’ve made to combat the climate crisis and have cascading effects on our economy. I’m deeply sorry to the employees whose livelihoods are now in jeopardy.”

Rep. Pettersen represents NLR, based in Golden, Colorado. In May 2025, the lab was forced to lay off 100+ employees. Pettersen has fought for legislation to fund the critical research being done at NLR and called for the administration to reverse course on federal cuts.