Frankel Resolution Pushes Back on Florida Fluoride Ban

Led by Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), Florida’s Democratic congressional delegation introduced a resolution affirming the importance of maintaining scientifically recommended fluoride levels in public drinking water and urging states to continue this proven public health practice. Last year, Florida became one of only two states to prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems—threatening to reverse decades of progress in preventing tooth decay and protecting public health.

“Fluoride is safe, effective, and backed by decades of science,” said Rep. Frankel. “Ignoring the experts puts children and families at risk. This resolution is about protecting public health and standing firmly on the side of science.”

"Every day, dental hygienists educate patients about the important role fluoride has in preventing disease,” said ADHA president Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CAES, FADHA. “Community water fluoridation delivers that protection to entire populations in the United States, including those who don't have regular access to dental care. The American Dental Hygienists' Association thanks Representative Frankel for introducing a resolution that reinforces what evidence has shown for more than 75 years: fluoridated water prevents tooth decay and strengthens American public health."

"As pediatric dentists and child health advocates, we see firsthand the transformative impact that community water fluoridation has on a child’s smile and their overall well-being. This legislation is a vital step forward,” said Thomas G. Ison, DMD, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). “It recognizes water fluoridation for what it truly is: a safe, effective, and foundational public health intervention that levels the playing field for oral health. It proactively encourages states and local communities to maintain optimal, recommended levels of fluoride in water, ensuring our collective efforts are backed by science. A child's oral health isn't just about what happens in dental chairs — what happens throughout the day at home and school to prevent disease is critically important. We applaud the introduction of this legislation during National Children's Dental Health Month, and we look forward to continued partnership with lawmakers at the national, state, and local levels to move closer to a future where preventable tooth decay is a thing of the past for every child."

“AADOCR strongly supports community water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and evidence-based public health measure that prevents tooth decay and improves oral health across the lifespan,” said the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR). “Decades of rigorous research confirm its safety and its vital role in reducing oral health disparities. We commend Representative Frankel for introducing this resolution and for her leadership in reaffirming this cornerstone of public health.”

“Community water fluoridation remains one of the most studied and successful public health initiatives in our nation’s history,” said the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD). “The science is clear—it is safe, effective, and one of the most cost-efficient ways to prevent tooth decay across the lifespan. At AAPHD, we are committed to advancing evidence-based policies that promote health equity. Community water fluoridation does exactly that—it reaches everyone, regardless of age, income, or access to dental care. It is a smart investment in prevention and a cornerstone of a healthier future for all.”

Community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by about 25 percent and has been recognized by the CDC as one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic diseases—especially affecting children and families with limited access to dental care.

The resolution recognizes fluoridation as a safe and cost-effective public health measure, encourages states and local communities to maintain recommended fluoride levels, and supports continued education and investment in oral health.

The resolution:

Recognizes community water fluoridation as a safe, effective public health intervention to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health;

Encourages States and localities to initiate or maintain fluoridation of community water systems at optimal levels recommended by public health experts;

Recognizes the role of public health professionals, dental providers, and community leaders in promoting evidence-based oral health initiatives;

Supports continued research, education, and investment in community water fluoridation programs to improve the oral health of the public; and

Recognizes “National Children’s Dental Health Month’’.

Rep. Frankel was joined by 11 original cosponsors: Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Darren Soto (FL-09), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

The resolution is supported by leading dental and public health organizations nationwide, including American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)

For full text of the resolution, click here.

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On National Day of Reading, Rep. Frost Highlights Surging School Book Bans and Reintroduces Fight Book Bans Act

The “Fight Book Bans Act” Led by Reps. Frost, Wilson, and Raskin Would Provide Federal Funds to Schools Fighting Off Book Bans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On National Day of Reading, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), joined by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08), reintroduced the Fight Book Bans Act in response to a dramatic rise in school book censorship. Nearly 7,000 books were removed from school shelves this past year, more than double the number in 2023, when the bill was first introduced. Florida alone accounts for roughly one-third of all bans.

Intimidating state laws have forced school districts to pull thousands of important books, often against the wishes of educators and most parents. Polling shows only 12 percent of Americans support banning books in schools, yet many families must send their children to censored classrooms where students lose access to materials, from children's books to classics used in advanced placement courses.

The consequences are already being felt. The Department of Education recently investigated book bans in Georgia for creating a hostile environment for students. Across the country, banned titles include works warning against antisemitism like Maus and The Diary of Anne Frank, foundational texts such as Shakespeare’s plays, and books like The Life of Rosa Parks, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Gender Queer, the majority of which reflect the experiences of Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ communities.

School districts often cannot fight these bans because the legal, logistical, and research costs exceed their budgets. Federal support is needed to protect academic freedom and ensure students have access to diverse, accurate educational materials.

The Fight Book Bans Act would allow the Department of Education to provide grants of up to $100,000 to school districts to cover the costs of opposing bad-faith book bans, with total funding capped at $15 million over five years. On a day dedicated to celebrating reading, this legislation underscores a simple principle: every child deserves a safe, welcoming school where they can learn from a full, uncensored education.

“Book bans in Florida and in states across the nation are a direct attack on our freedoms and liberties everywhere. As my home state shamefully leads the country in book bans, we cannot let this censorship and dismantling of our education system go unchecked,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost. “What we are seeing in Florida and states like Texas, Utah, and Missouri are loud and clear attempts by far-right conservative leaders to silence and erase our Black, brown, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities. The Fight Book Bans Act takes a stand against censorship to firmly stand on the side of history, education, our students, teachers, and schools who don’t deserve to suffer the consequences of radical politics in the classroom. This is about protecting our libraries and protecting truth and history.”

“As a former teacher and principal, I have watched a child discover their power in the pages of a book,” said Rep. Frederica S. Wilson. “That is what education is meant to do. Yet in Florida, thousands of books by Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ authors are being banned. This is not protection. It is censorship that erases stories, hides history, and limits our children’s imagination. Our schools should open doors, not build walls around knowledge. I stand with Rep. Maxwell Frost to fight these book bans because our children deserve truth, not fear. I will always stand on the side of freedom.”

“Campaigns to remove books from schools and libraries are a hallmark of authoritarian and fascist regimes, and now the Trump Administration is rolling out its own national censorship program," said Rep. Raskin. "Many books are being targeted simply because they address the historical realities of racism and white supremacy or the life experiences of LGBTQ+ kids and their families. I’m proud to join Rep. Frost to reintroduce this bill to provide resources to the freedom-loving teachers, school librarians and school administrators working to keep books on our shelves and the multiple truths of human experience alive.”

“Banning books in public schools is a dangerous infringement on students’ First Amendment right to access information,” said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union. “Robust and diverse school libraries are critical to ensuring that all students, regardless of their family’s income, education, race, or geographic location, have free and open access to the vast world of information each book contains. We thank Rep. Frost for working to ensure that schools have the resources they need to fight censorship and preserve the freedom to read.”

“Every child should have access to books that reflect their lived experience and the world around them, but far right politicians are trying to censor LGBTQ+ inclusive literature from libraries and classrooms. It’s our youth who pay the price for politicizing classrooms and bookshelves. Congressman Frost’s Fight Book Bans Act reminds LGBTQ+ youth that they matter, and that queer literature is essential to building an education system that uplifts diversity.”- Jennifer Pike Bailey, Director of Government Affairs, Human Rights Campaign

“Book bans are an affront to students’ rights. We deserve to make decisions regarding our education, not politicians who seek to undermine our liberty to learn,” said Cameron Samuels, Executive Director of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). “Censorship dictates our understanding of history and what is acceptable, reinforcing an unjust status quo and impacting our futures. Our nation's youngest generation must maintain the freedom to explore our curiosities, follow our passions, and discover ourselves through the lens of literature. Book bans won’t help students succeed, but empowering students and facilitating constructive collaboration between families and educators will cultivate the future our youth deserve. As an organization led by high school and college students, we see firsthand the impacts of book bans and we are ready to say: no more.” - Ayaan Moledina, Federal Policy Director, SEAT

"As Florida public school parents, we've seen our districts devote significant time and taxpayer dollars to responding to repeated book objections filed by a very small number of individuals, despite more than 95% of Florida's students having full access to the school library granted to them by their parents. Every formal challenge pulls staff, educators, and resources away from classrooms and student support. We need policies that protect the individual needs of families while ensuring our limited funds stay focused on educating our kids." - Stephana Ferrell, Co-Director, Florida Freedom to Read Project

"This persistent campaign to remove access to books in public schools is costing districts time, energy, and money. This bill would offer the financial support to help districts reject the book purge and maintain access to diverse and inclusive book collections. PEN America applauds this bill, which would provide grants to schools to cover expenses incurred in fighting off book bans. We thank Representatives Frost (D-FL), Raskin (D-MD) and Wilson (D-FL) for their leadership and commitment to fighting book bans and appreciate their decision to reintroduce the Fight Book Bans Act. We call on all members of Congress to support this bill, defend the right to read and fight the practice of banning books." - Kasey Meehan, Director, Freedom to Read

“People of all faiths and beliefs have a profound stake in the freedom to read and learn without political interference. Book bans are part of a coordinated effort to control whose stories are told, too often targeting minority faith traditions and communities of color,” said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. “The Fight Book Bans Act sends a clear message that our schools and libraries must remain places where every child can encounter diverse ideas and see their full humanity reflected on the shelf. We are proud to stand with Representative Frost and our partners in defending both religious freedom and democracy from the harms of censorship.”

The Fight Books Ban Act is endorsed by: PEN America, American Library Association, Interfaith Alliance, ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, EveryLibrary, The Trevor Project, Catholics for Choice, Color of Change, UnidosUS, We Need Diverse Books, Equality Florida, Florida Freedom to Read Project, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), and NAACP DC

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Rep. Garamendi, Sen. Warren Join 160 Lawmakers to Introduce the Direct File Act to Guarantee Free, Easy Tax Filing for Americans

Bill One-Pager (PDF) | Bill Text (PDF)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-De.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Representatives Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) joined over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.

The average American taxpayer spends eight hours and $160 each year filing their taxes with tax prep companies. In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File to save families time and money. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. If fully implemented, Direct File was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits.

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep companies. This decision contradicts recommendations from the independent Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, ultimately raising costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience even more burdensome.

“A free, direct e-filing tax return system is a fundamental taxpayer right,” said Nina Olson, Executive Director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and former National Taxpayer Advocate. “Just as the government designs and printed paper tax forms for years, so should it design and maintain a user-friendly electronic filing option for individual taxpayers.”

“Americans across the country are struggling with high costs and having trouble making ends meet, so it’s especially frustrating that we no longer have the option to use the free Direct File online filing software developed by the IRS,” said Susan Harley, managing director of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division. “The Direct File Act would put back in place this commonsense cost saving option for filers and once and for all ensure that corporations aren’t allowed to keep their stranglehold on tax filing. Public Citizen and our partners applaud Senator Warren, Representative Sherman, and their colleagues for their leadership on this critical issue.”

In addition to directing the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program, the Direct File Act would:

Prohibit the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.

Direct the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.

Direct the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.

Reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to verify this information before issuing refunds.

The bill is also endorsed by 115 unions, advocacy groups, and national organizations, including Public Citizen, Americans for Tax Fairness, Economic Security Project Action, Groundwork Collaborative, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America, Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Main Street Alliance, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, P Street, Patriotic Millionaires, Institute for Policy Studies - Program on Inequality, MoveOn, UnidosUS, 20/20 Vision, Advancing CT Together, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allons Babies, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Arkansas Asset Builders, Brazilian Worker Center Inc, California Alliance of Caregivers, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Catalyst Miami, Center for New Revenue, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Children's HealthWatch, Church Women United in New York State, Coalition on Human Needs, Color Of Change, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Community Change Action, Connecticut Voices for Children, Consumer Action, Courage California, Demand Progress, Elevate Idaho Families, End Child Poverty CA powered by GRACE, Fair Share America, Faith in Minnesota, Financial Empowerment Network, Futures Without Violence, Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc., Golden State Opportunity, Grow Brooklyn, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Housing Action Illinois, Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, In the Public Interest, Income Movement, Indivisible Georgia Coalition, ISAIAH (MN), Jobs with Justice, LIFT Inc, LIFT-DC, Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine Equal Justice, MakingChange, Inc, Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), Maryland Center on Economic Policy, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Meals4Families, Minnesota Budget Project, Mothers Outreach Network, My Money Story, National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles, National Organization for Women, National Rural Social Work Caucus, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Mexico Voices for Children, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Northwest Progressive Institute, Oregon Center for Public Policy, Oxfam America, Prepare + Prosper, Prosperity Indiana, Public Good Law Center, RAISE Texas, Responsible Wealth, RESULTS, RESULTS DC/MD, RESULTS.org-Massachusetts, Rise Up WV, RootsAction, San Diego for Every Child, SiX Action, Social Work Grand Challenge to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality, State Innovation Exchange, Strong Economy For All Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County Texas, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a Fair Economy, United for Respect, United Way of Frederick County, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, Upper West Side Action Group, Vesta Prosperity, Voices for Progress, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, Washington State Budget and Policy Center, Women Employed, and Young Invincibles.


Rep. Garamendi Statement on Trump’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union address:

“In lie after lie, Trump told the American people that the economy is better, our streets are safer, and he’s strengthened America’s footing on the global stage, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Americans across the country are paying $1,700 more a year for groceries, electricity, cars, housing, and more due to Trump’s failed policies. In Solano and Contra Counties, that number soars to nearly $2,000 more a year. For too many families, that means missed dinners, soaring electric bills, and gutted retirement accounts.

“Alarmingly, Trump doubled down on his anti-working-class agenda by highlighting his ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ which gave massive handouts to billionaires while cutting health care and food for everyday Americans.

“Tonight, President Trump reiterated his campaign promise to go after the ‘worst of the worst’ in his immigration policy. Yet, like every other utterance, we know that’s another bold-faced lie.

“In direct rebuke of the President, I dedicated my State of the Union guest seat to my former constituent, 73-year-old grandmother Harjit Kaur, who was cruelly deported to India in the dead of night. Ms. Kaur came to the United States seeking asylum and had been complying with ICE check-ins every six months for more than 13 years. Despite working cooperatively with ICE, Kaur was detained; held for hours without a bed or a chair; forced to sleep on the floor; shackled during transfers; denied vegetarian meals consistent with her religious beliefs; restricted from showering; denied access to prescribed medications; and denied adequate water. At one point, she was given only a bowl of ice after not receiving a meal for over a day.”

“In the fight for democracy around the world, Trump continues to brag about throwing us into global conflicts. We are dangerously close to a full-blown war in Iran, Russia continues to run roughshod over the Ukrainian people, and our NATO allies' trust is at an all-time low.

“Instead of throwing our nation and allies into chaos and division, House Democrats believe that working-class Americans deserve an equal shot at the American dream, not Trump’s billionaire crypto donors.

“The next three years will be dark, and pocketbooks will be squeezed. I am already looking forward to next year’s State of the Union after we take back the House and begin the work of lowering Americans’ costs and holding Trump accountable.”


Rep. Gillen Announces $850,000 in New Federal Funding for Lakeview Public Library Renovations; Tours Future Site

LAKEVIEW, NY — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) joined local leaders and community members for a tour of the Lakeview Public Library to highlight $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) she secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process to renovate and modernize the library’s third floor.

“Our public libraries do so much more than lend books — they provide educational resources, workforce development support, technology access and safe gathering spaces for residents of all ages,” said Rep. Gillen. “This $850,000 investment will help ensure that the Lakeview Public Library continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. I was proud to secure this federal funding and look forward to seeing the transformation come to life.”

“Federal funding is a vital lifeline for communities like Lakeview and for the mission of public libraries nationwide. While we take pride in providing robust services with limited resources, large-scale capital projects, such as essential renovations, are often out of reach without raising taxes or floating bonds,” said Camina Raphaël-Lubin, Library Director, Lakeview Public Library. “We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Gillen for her leadership in securing this Community Project Funding, a long-overlooked investment that our residents truly deserve. This support brings us one step closer to our dream of transforming our third floor into a crown jewel for the Lakeview community.”

During the walkthrough, Rep. Gillen observed the areas slated for renovation and discussed how the enhanced facilities will support Lakeview students and families. The third floor renovations will include a flexible, multi-purpose auditorium, podcasting and multimedia center, a makerspace/STEAM lab, quiet study and group meeting areas and a dedicated flight simulator station to inspire learning in aviation and STEAM.

The funding for Lakeview Public Library is part of $13 million in Community Project Funding Rep. Gillen secured for Nassau County to invest in community infrastructure, enhance public safety, support our local law enforcement and first responders, and improve the quality of life for residents across Nassau County.


Rep. Grijalva Escorts Asylum Seeker Who She Advocated to Get Out of ICE Detention to Airport for Flight Home

Phoenix, AZ - Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva escorted Julia “La abuela” Benitez to her gate at Sky Harbor airport for her flight home to Florida where her daughter is awaiting her return. This comes after Julia was released on Thursday evening after being held in federal detention for nine months. After learning about her story in the Arizona Daily Star, Rep. Grijalva visited her last week at the federal detention facility in Eloy, Arizona and advocated for her immediate release.

Rep. Grijalva reacted to the news of her release in a video posted on social media last night. A video of her dropping off La abuela is available here.

“Julia is finally on her way home to be with her daughter and grandchildren, who have waited nine agonizing months to see their abuela,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Still, her case begs the question: how many others like Julia are in federal detention? I will continue to advocate for those who are being silenced - because abuelas should be home with their families, not in federal detention.”

La Congresista Adelita S. Grijalva acompaña a solicitante de asilo que ayudó a liberar de detención de ICE al aeropuerto para su vuelo de regreso a casa.

Tucson, AZ - La Congresista Adelita S. Grijalva acompañó a Julia “La abuela” Benítez hasta su puerta de embarque en el Aeropuerto Internacional Sky Harbor de Phoenix para su vuelo a Florida, donde su hija espera su regreso. Esto ocurre después de que Julia fuera liberada el jueves por la noche tras nueve meses en un centro de detención federal. Al conocer su historia a través de Arizona Daily Star, la Congresista Grijalva la visitó la semana pasada en el centro de detención federal en Eloy, Arizona, y abogó por su liberación inmediata.

Un video de ella dejando a La abuela está disponible aquí.

“Julia finalmente regresa a casa para estar con su hija y sus nietos, quienes han esperado nueve largos y angustiantes meses para ver a su abuela”, dijo la Congresista Grijalva. “Aun así, su caso plantea una pregunta importante: ¿Cuántas personas como ella están en detención federal? Seguiré abogando por quienes están siendo silenciados, porque las abuelas deberían estar en casa con sus familias, no en detención federal.”


Rep. Grijalva Statement on New Development in Proposed Detention Facility in Marana, AZ

Tucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after ICE published a sole-source agreement with Management and Training Corporation, a private for-profit company, to provide detention services at a former state prison in Marana, Arizona. The agreement confirms prior reports that a federal immigration detention facility may open at the site.

Last week, Rep. Grijalva led a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem with her colleagues Rep. Stanton and Rep. Ansari demanding answers about the proposed facility. She previously joined her colleagues in writing to Secretary Noem about another proposed site in Surprise, Arizona that could host as many as 10,000 detainees in warehouse conditions.

“I am deeply concerned by the Trump Administration’s rush to open this facility with zero transparency or community input,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Let’s be clear: detention expansion is a money-making machine for the private prison industry. Arbitrary deportation quotas mean more beds, bigger contracts, and more profits for companies that have poured millions into Trump’s campaign. Time and again, these facilities have operated with too little oversight and accountability – with devastating human consequences, including dozens of deaths in custody. Our community deserves transparency, and families deserve an immigration system rooted in dignity and due process, not corporate profit.”


Congressman Rogers and FBI Director Kash Patel Praise Law Enforcement in Southern & Eastern Kentucky

MANCHESTER, Ky. — U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) invited FBI Director Kash Patel to Manchester, Kentucky for an appreciation luncheon and panel discussion with 150 law enforcement officers and prosecutors from Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District. The event was held at the EKU Manchester Campus, where attendees had the opportunity to meet Director Patel and discuss successes and challenges in law enforcement in rural America.

“I’m thrilled to have the nation’s top law enforcement chief here to meet with Kentucky’s finest police officers and prosecutors. Collaboration is key across the local, state and federal levels, as we work to make our region and our nation safer,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “Police work is often a thankless job, but not today. Director Patel and I are here to praise the brave men and women who serve and protect Kentucky’s Appalachian region.”

Under Director Patel’s leadership, the FBI has achieved remarkable increases in arrests for violent crimes, counterterrorism, child predators and human traffickers.

The event also featured a panel discussion between the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshal Collier Phillips, Kentucky State Police Commissioner P.J. Burnett, Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson and Somerset Police Chief Josh Wesley. In addition to discussing collaboration between agencies, panelists focused on the impact of border security in rural America, changes in drug trafficking trends and online safety for Kentucky youth.

Congressman Rogers also announced $20 million in Community Project Funding that he secured for police departments in southern and eastern Kentucky to upgrade their communications equipment. The funding was signed into law by President Trump in January.

“Recent natural disasters in our mountainous region have magnified the need for upgrades in radios and other communications equipment. So, I am pleased that this federal funding will soon be available exclusively to our police departments in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District,” said Congressman Rogers.

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.


Hoyer, Warren, Sherman, 160 Lawmakers Introduce Direct File Act to Guarantee Free, Easy Tax Filing for Americans

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Representatives Brad Sherman (CA-32), Don Beyer (VA-08), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) led over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.

“The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That's why I helped lead Democrats' efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. Trump may not care about lowering Americans' costs, but Democrats still do,” said Congressman Hoyer. “We will keep fighting to bring back Direct File and to expand it nationwide.”

“It’s a no-brainer: Americans should be able to file their taxes easily and for free. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying to protect their profits,” said Senator Warren. “We’re fighting to lower costs for families by bringing Direct File back and making it the law of the land.”

“Americans shouldn’t have to waste valuable time or hard-earned money just to file their taxes,” said Representative Sherman. “The Direct File Act expands on the successful 2024 pilot and offers a straightforward, no-cost filing option that will make the process simpler and more affordable for working families.”

As House Majority Leader in the 117th Congress, Congressman Hoyer helped secure funding for Direct File in the Inflation Reduction Act. More than 140,000 Americans across twelve states participated in the Direct File pilot in 2024. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. If fully implemented, Direct File was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits. Additionally, the program was projected to allow an estimated 700,000 Marylanders file their federal and state taxes for free.

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program. This decision contradicts recommendations from the independent Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, ultimately raising costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience even more burdensome. In 2025, Congressman Hoyer joined 175 Members of Congress to condemn the Trump Administration's decision to eradicate the program and demand that this decision be reversed.

In addition to directing the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program, the Direct File Act would:

Prohibit the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.

Direct the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.

Direct the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.

Reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to verify this information before issuing refunds.


Maryland Delegation Members Urge Trump Administration to Declare Oyster Fishery Disaster, Deliver Assistance

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the Maryland Congressional Delegation – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Andy Harris (MD-01), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and April McClain Delaney (MD-06) – expressed support for the State of Maryland’s request for an evaluation of the Maryland oyster fishery for eligibility for a fishery resource disaster designation, and urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to exercise his authority to approve fishery disaster assistance for the Maryland oyster fishery. In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the adverse weather and market conditions that watermen have faced this year, resulting in a steep decline in the oyster harvest coupled with a significant drop in oyster prices – threatening their livelihoods.

“We write to you as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to urge your favorable consideration of the request from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to conduct an evaluation of the Maryland oyster fishery for eligibility for fishery resource disaster assistance as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act,” Team Maryland began. “Given recent challenges facing the industry – including icy conditions due to the unseasonably cold winter season, recent fishery closures resulting from the Potomac River sewage spill, and overall challenging market conditions – we urge you to declare a fishery disaster and approve fishery resource disaster assistance for the Maryland oyster fishery as soon as possible.”

Underscoring the harmful consequences of these difficult conditions, the lawmakers wrote, “as compared with a five-year average of commercial landings, data from January of 2026 shows a concerning 44% decline in oyster harvest with continued depressed levels of harvest expected this year, while the dockside value of a bushel of oysters has dropped by 66%.”

Regarding the important role of the oyster industry in Maryland’s economy and culture, they continued, “the Maryland oyster fishery is of economic importance to the state, with millions of dollars of commercial landings every year that bolster the Maryland food service and tourism economies, while providing critical income for Maryland watermen. Maryland oysters are also a cornerstone of the rich Chesapeake Bay heritage and are a source of pride for the state, underscoring the importance of the continued operation of the commercial oyster fishery.”

Text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Dear Secretary Lutnick,

We write to you as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to urge your favorable consideration of the request from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to conduct an evaluation of the Maryland oyster fishery for eligibility for fishery resource disaster assistance as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act. Given recent challenges facing the industry – including icy conditions due to the unseasonably cold winter season, recent fishery closures resulting from the Potomac River sewage spill, and overall challenging market conditions – we urge you to declare a fishery disaster and approve fishery resource disaster assistance for the Maryland oyster fishery as soon as possible.

As Congressman Harris pointed out in his letter to NOAA dated February 4, 2026 (attached), Maryland’s commercial oyster fishery is experiencing an economic crisis. Recent commercial landings point to a significant reduction in oyster harvest in the state, while at the same time prices for oysters are dropping. As compared with a five-year average of commercial landings, data from January 2026 shows a concerning 44% decline in oyster harvest with continued depressed levels of harvest expected this year, while the dockside value of a bushel of oysters has dropped by 66%.

The Maryland oyster fishery is of economic importance to the state, with millions of dollars of commercial landings every year that bolster the Maryland food service and tourism economies, while providing critical income for Maryland watermen. Maryland oysters are also a cornerstone of the rich Chesapeake Bay heritage and are a source of pride for the state, underscoring the importance of the continued operation of the commercial oyster fishery.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this important manner. We stand ready to work with you to support oyster fishery disaster assistance for the Maryland watermen.

Sincerely,


Ranking Member Jayapal Statement on the Release of a Single Father she Met with in Immigration Detention

SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding the release of Juan, a detained immigrant she met with at the Northwest Detention Center last week.

“I’m thrilled to announce that ICE has released Juan, a single father of a U.S. citizen child, from the Northwest Detention Center after detaining him there for 46 days.

“Juan was one of the detainees I insisted on meeting with when I was at the NW Detention Center last week. Despite having a signed privacy release waiver from Juan, ICE tried to block me from meeting with him. I refused to leave and finally met with him during public visitation hours. Juan shared with me the details of his horrifying detention. Juan has lived and worked in the United States for over 20 years, when ICE stopped him while driving for no apparent reason other than that he was Latino. Juan is the sole caregiver of an eight-year-old U.S. citizen daughter, who has suffered numerous medical procedures and requires specialized care. While detained, Juan was hospitalized, taken to the emergency room several times, and struggled to obtain necessary medication. Juan broke down in tears, describing how hard it is to be separated from his daughter and afraid for her wellbeing.

“While I am relieved that Juan is reunited with his daughter tonight, my heart goes out to the tens of thousands of men, women, and children who remain incarcerated tonight and separated from their families. For too many individuals, there is absolutely no reason for them to be in detention other than the Trump Administration’s desire to pad the profits of the private prison companies who bank rolled Trump’s election campaign. I’m grateful to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project for representing Juan as well as the many organizations and individuals who support those in detention.

“We have proven, humane solutions like community-based case management to help people navigate the system that have produced 99 percent compliance rates with court appearances. Instead of needlessly detaining sole caregivers and fathers like Juan, we should be passing my Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which would support alternatives to detention and overhaul the detention system.”


LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “OUR TOP FOCUS AS DEMOCRATS IS GOING TO BE TO DRIVE DOWN THE HIGH COST OF LIVING”

Last night, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s The 11th Hour, where he highlighted the failure of Donald Trump and Republicans to lower costs and keep their promises and reiterated Democrats’ commitments to protecting the American people.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for joining me this evening.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: So, Leader Jeffries, this was a record-breaking speech—nearly two hours as you know—and Trump dedicated less than three minutes in all of that to affordability. So many people out there said that they voted for him because of the economy, yet they are unhappy. At the same time, they aren’t exactly optimistic that Democrats can solve their issues. So how is the party going to show voters that they are able to do that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, the best thing that I can say about the speech is that it’s over. And you’re absolutely correct. In addition to him lying throughout the entire duration of his remarks, he dedicated less than three minutes to dealing with the affordability crisis now. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, and of course he’s failed. Costs haven’t gone down in the United States of America. Costs have gone up across the board on housing, on healthcare, on child care, groceries and electricity bills—all skyrocketing. Our effort will be to make clear to the American people that our top focus as Democrats is going to be to drive down the high cost of living. And we’ve seen Democrats successfully be able to make that case in places like New Jersey and New York and Virginia, as a matter of fact up and down the ballot across the country, which is the reason why Democrats have been winning elections for 14 consecutive months. And we’re going to continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: So I want to ask you about at least one new proposal that seems to have come out of the State of the Union address on affordability. The President mentioned a ratepayer protection pledge, which, for those watching, basically means that tech companies will build or buy their own electricity supplies for data centers. Do you support this particular idea, and if not what are Democrats’ specific plans for dealing with voters’ concerns about data centers and rising electricity costs?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, those concerns are very real, very important. What we’ve seen is that electricity bills have increased, I think, north of 13% under Donald Trump’s presidency when this guy promised to cut them in half. Of course, that’s another broken promise that he’s made to the American people. Now, part of the problem that we confront is that in the Republican One Big Ugly Bill—where they, of course, cut Medicaid by the largest amount in American history, cut SNAP by the large amount in American history—they also detonated the progress that we’ve made on the clean energy economy by eliminating tax credits for renewable energy like wind and solar. That’s had the impact of lessening the electricity supply at a time when the demand, as you’ve indicated, has gone up in part, of course, because of what’s happening with these data centers. And so we have to increase the supply to make sure that we don’t see an environment where the demand is so greatly exceeding what’s available that bills are going to increase significantly. By the same period of time, I think it is important to make sure that companies are actually paying for the increased electricity that they are utilizing, as opposed to having communities all across the country bear that burden. And it’s something that we need to look into in terms of the best way to accomplish it. The President suggests that there’s been an agreement but, of course, we’ve seen documentation of that. We’ve seen no proof. We’ve seen no evidence that actually it’s enforceable, and I think that will be one of the most appropriate next steps.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: Leader Jeffries, as you mentioned, some Democrats across the country have won elections by focusing on affordability, including by promising to cap electricity price increases, including in, I believe, Virginia and New Jersey. Do you support that idea? Do you think more Democrats should adopt that proposal?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, well, I think, you know, one of the things that’s interesting, and we have had that conversation as recently as yesterday in terms of the different ways in which we can cap electricity prices for the American people. Of course it’s a concept that we support. The question is, from the federal level, what is the best way to get that accomplished when we know utilities are regulated at the state level? It’s one of the reasons why, of course, now Governor Mikie Sherrill was able to both make that pledge and then on her first day in office keep that promise. So there are a variety of different things that we’re going to contemplate in terms of how we can incentivize states to partner with us in the federal government to get these electricity bills under control, we know that have gotten worse under the presidency of Donald Trump and failed Republican policies, particularly as it relates to their unprecedented attack on renewable energy.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: I want to turn now to elections. The Washington Post reports that pro-Trump activists who say that they are coordinating with the White House are circulating a draft executive order claiming that China interfered in the 2020 election as a basis to now declare a national emergency. This could grant extraordinary power to the current President over elections. How can Democrats challenge this?

LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a great question. First of all, there’s zero evidence that the Chinese Communist Party interfered in the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump needs to get over the fact that he lost, and he lost decisively to former Vice President Joe Biden, who of course, as a result of the 2020 election, became the President of this country. Now, Donald Trump, all of the overreach that we’ve seen from this guy always comes down to the same approach in emergency authority. But we’ve repeatedly defeated him when he’s claimed this emergency authority, most recently, of course, at the Supreme Court as it relates to his alleged emergency authority to impose tariffs that have raised costs on the American people by thousands of dollars per year. That’s been struck down. He does not have the emergency authority to do that and to get around Congress. We also won a victory before the Supreme Court in December where Donald Trump was claiming the emergency authority to federalize the National Guard as part of his effort to try to intimidate voters. That ability and that power was struck down. And if he tries to go this route with an unlawful or unconstitutional executive order, we’re gonna get it struck down as well. And at the same period of time, make sure that the so-called Save America Act, which is basically voter suppression legislation, does not see the light of day and never emerges from Congress to get to his desk for a presidential signature.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: Finally, I want to, of course, talk to you about Iran. You released a statement today saying that it would be unconstitutional without consultation with and authorization from Congress for the President to use military force against Iran. So what happens then if he does strike without getting authorization? I mean, after all, he already bombed nuclear sites last summer without approval, and there were no consequences then. So how would this be any different?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, unfortunately, the absence of consequences, at least in terms of Congress, is due to the fact that Republicans in the House and the Senate, who are temporarily in the majority, continue to behave like reckless rubber stamps for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. And they’ve become subservient to the President as opposed to functioning like a separate and co-equal branch of government. Here, we’re going to try to move this authorization for the use of military force legislation in advance of him trying to do anything and just find a handful of Republicans to join us so we can actually get this resolution over the finish line. The American people are with us. We know that the American people don’t want another failed forever foreign war, particularly in the Middle East, when we know the outcome is likely to be disastrous, as certainly was the case in terms of what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan. And so we’re going to press this next week. And we’ll have a handful of Republicans I believe—of course like Thomas Massie, who’s a cosponsor of the resolution—to join us. We’ll just need a few, and Congress can act to reclaim our authority with respect to the power to declare war.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: So to clarify, if the President goes ahead and strikes Iran without congressional authorization, would that be an impeachable offense? You said it’s unconstitutional.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, but I think what we’ve got to do right now, of course, is to do everything we can to prevent that from happening. It would be reckless. It would be dangerous. It would be harmful to America’s national security interests, which is why we’re committed, led by Ro Khanna and Greg Meeks and Jim Himes and Adam Smith and other Members of Congress in the House Democratic Caucus to do what’s necessary to get this resolution over the finish line next week.

CATHERINE RAMPELL: Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for your time tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

###


LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ATTACK ON CIVIL LIBERTIES AND AMERICAN AI LEADERSHIP

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.


Whip Clark Celebrates Over $12 Million for MA-5 Community Projects

MALDEN, MA – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) announced that she has secured more than $12 million for 15 local community projects across Massachusetts’ Fifth district. These projects were selected in collaboration with state and local leaders.

“These projects will touch so many lives across our Commonwealth,” said Whip Clark. “I am proud to bring home critical investments that will construct welcoming and safe community gathering spaces, build affordable and accessible housing for seniors, advance our march toward a climate resilient future, strengthen our infrastructure, and so much more. Thank you to the state and local leaders who partnered with me to identify these priorities. Together, we are building a future more worthy of our children.”

The MA-5 community funding projects secured include:

Framingham Community Center, City of Framingham: $3,150,000

This funding will be used to renovate Marian High School in order to provide the community with a critically needed community center.

“I want to thank Congresswoman Katherine Clark for her steadfast leadership and commitment to the City of Framingham in securing $3.15 million in federal funding for our future community center at the former Marian High School,” said City of Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “When completed this project will serve residents of all ages and abilities, and this funding brings us a significant step closer to making it a reality. I am also grateful to the rest of the Massachusetts federal delegation for their collective efforts in supporting the City of Framingham. The City plans to use this funding to address critical infrastructure needs, including HVAC improvements and ADA accessibility upgrades, ensuring the community center is welcoming, modern, and accessible to all.”

Mystic River Watershed Infrastructure Project, Town of Arlington: $1,092,000

This funding will be used to build small-scale, cost-effective installations that distribute the benefits of stormwater management regionally.

"This earmark is a critical investment in the future of the Mystic River. We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Clark for her tireless advocacy in securing these EPA STAG funds,” said Mystic River Watershed Association Executive Director Patrick Herron. “By scaling up green infrastructure and collective action across our watershed communities, we aren’t just filtering out pollutants; we are building a more resilient, climate-ready landscape that ensures a cleaner, safer river for the hundreds of thousands of residents who call this watershed home."

Horn Pond Water Treatment PFAS Mitigation, City of Woburn: $1,092,000

This funding will establish a PFAS treatment plant in Woburn to address contamination in the drinking water supply, ensuring regulatory compliance and public health safety.

“Providing high quality drinking water is a top priority for Woburn,” said Mayor Michael Concannon. “The FY26 funding secured by Congresswoman Clark, is instrumental to complete our upgraded PFAS removal treatment system currently underway at Horn Pond. We’re grateful for the partnership on this essential infrastructure project.”

Stoneham High School Wetlands Restoration Project, Town of Stoneham $850,000

This funding will be used to develop a healthy, resilient wetland area that will help mitigate local flooding while benefiting downstream resource areas like Doleful Pond, which contribute to the broader Mystic River Watershed.

“This is an exciting and meaningful investment in Stoneham’s future,” said Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan. “We are deeply grateful to Representative Clark, her staff, and our federal partners for securing this earmark, which enables us to advance a multi-year planning initiative to strengthen infrastructure, expand the trail network, and enhance the natural environment surrounding Stoneham High School and the broader community. The funding will create new educational opportunities for students, expand accessible trails for residents and visitors, and deliver lasting benefits to the Stoneham community for generations."

Melrose Stormwater Management, City of Melrose: $852,500

This funding will be used to create rain gardens and bioretention swales to manage flooding and improve water quality in the city.

Melrose Public Address Upgrades, City of Melrose: $250,000

This funding will be used to replace outdated and unreliable public address and bell systems in Melrose elementary and middle schools.

“Melrose thanks Whip Clark for her continued advocacy and representation in delivering key funding for local climate change mitigation, economic development, and school safety priorities,” said Mayor Jen Grigoraitis. “The Memorial Hall parking lot redesign will mitigate stormwater flooding and ensure continued access to our local small businesses, medical care, and downtown grocery store, especially for our low-income, elderly, and limited-mobility residents. The Melrose Public Schools public address system upgrades in our school buildings will safeguard reliable communications and community safety for our students, staff, and first responders.”

Lexington Tree Canopy, City of Lexington: $1,000,000

This funding will be used to create cooler landscapes that protect Lexington residents from worsening extreme heat.

"Securing this $1 million investment is a transformative win for our regional environment. By expanding our urban canopy, we aren't just planting trees; we are building essential 'green infrastructure' that will mitigate heat and improve air quality for decades to come." said Lexington Town Engineer John Livsey. "We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Clark’s leadership in recognizing that a healthy, resilient forest is foundational to the quality of life in our community."

Malden Roofs, City of Malden: $850,000

This funding will be used to replace facility roofs and address urgent water leakage issues at Malden Public Schools.

“For the past several years, we’ve faced significant challenges in finding the resources needed to address critical repairs to our school roofs. Thanks to Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s advocacy, that challenge is now being met. Her leadership in securing a federal earmark of $850,000 will go a long way toward preserving the integrity of our school buildings. It is an investment that reinforces our shared commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students,” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson.

Charles River Tree Project, Town of Wellesley: $500,000

This funding will be used to increase urban tree canopy, improve stormwater management using green infrastructure, and protect and restore the ecological health of local open spaces.

“We're so grateful to Congresswoman Clark for securing this funding to help cities and towns work together to build climate resilience. Climate change doesn't respect political boundaries so a collaborative approach is critical to finding efficient, effective solutions with regional benefits,” said Charles River Watershed Association Climate Resilience Director Julie Wood.

Anderson Regional Transit Center Pedestrian Bridge Preliminary Design, City of Woburn: $500,000

This funding will be used to develop the preliminary design of a pedestrian bridge.

Watertown Walkability Downtown Project, City of Watertown: $500,000

This funding will be used to redesign the Watertown road network and expand open, public spaces.

Natick PFAS, Town of Natick: $1,036,000

This funding will support the construction of a water booster pump station, providing a supplementary source of safe drinking water for Natick residents.

“We are excited to receive this grant and greatly appreciate the continued support of Congresswoman Clark and the CPF program for making this possible. This grant will help support the development of a PFAS-compliant supplemental water source through the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) by offsetting a significant portion of the project’s costs. Access to safe water is a critical service for any thriving community. This grant supports continued supply of safe drinking water for Natick’s nearly 40,000 residents, significant business community, and the US Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center,” said Natick Public Works and Facilities Director William Spratt.

Medford Resilient Community Center, City of Medford: $250,000

This funding will be used to build a larger, more climate resilient community center for the Willis Avenue Housing Development and the surrounding community, providing ongoing social services and a location for help during emergencies.

Winthrop Recreation Center, Town of Winthrop: $250,000

This funding will be used to redevelop the Mike Eruzione ice rink and lead to the creation of accessible housing units for seniors.

Revere Boatyard Remediation Project, City of Revere: $250,000

This funding will help create a multipurpose riverfront recreational area and create a 291-unit mixed-use development.

# # #


Kelly backs Amtrak's new and improved long distance fleet replacement strategy, includes Erie station

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced his support of Amtrak's announcement of a revised long-distance fleet replacement strategy that prioritizes fleet standardization, broadens competition among potential carbuilders, reduces program risk, and accelerates the replacement of its aging passenger cars. Under this plan, all long-distance routes will transition to a universal single-level fleet, replacing today’s mix of bi-level and single-level equipment.

This proposal would support Amtrak's station in Erie, Pennsylvania along the Lake Shore Limited line connecting New York City and Boston to Chicago. Last month, Rep. Kelly wrote a letter of support for Amtrak's project.

“The Erie Amtrak station serves as a great halfway point on the Lake Shore Limited line, connecting New York City and Chicago, along with other major cities along the way. This new fleet will serve passengers not only from Northwest Pennsylvania, but across the Great Lakes and Northeast corridors. It’s a valuable addition to Amtrak’s service into and out of Erie," said Rep. Kelly.

Amtrak's announcement, which came Thursday, reflects extensive analysis of the challenges associated with operating a hybrid fleet. It also incorporates industry feedback received during the previous request for proposals on new bi-level trains, along with findings from a joint Amtrak-Federal Railroad Administration review that identified the most effective path forward.

“This new approach will deliver a more consistent and accessible customer experience across the Amtrak network while maintaining our commitment to introduce the first new long-distance cars in the early 2030s,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Thanks to support from FRA Administrator David Fink and the entire Federal Railroad Administration team, Amtrak’s long-distance fleet replacement is moving forward more effectively and efficiently than originally planned.”

“With these new cars, Amtrak will finally replace its aging fleet and provide American travelers with the world class rail service they deserve, helping usher in Secretary Duffy’s vision for a new Golden Age of travel,” said U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury. “These new cars won’t just benefit American train passengers, but workers too by supporting good paying domestic manufacturing jobs.”

“The FRA stands ready to work with Amtrak on behalf of President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to update Amtrak’s aging passenger rail fleet with modern American made cars,” said FRA Administrator David Fink.

"These cars have carried the country for more than 40 years. It’s long-past time to replace them. Issuing this new Request for Proposals is about not only reliability for passengers but about continuing the steady rebuilding of America’s passenger-rail manufacturing base that we’ve seen with the Airo fleet and the NextGen Acela. When we maintain that momentum, we don’t just buy trains: we rebuild capability and set the stage for creating the world-class service all of us want and that American passengers deserve," said Rail Passengers Association President & CEO Jim Mathews.

BACKGROUND

Amtrak will soon issue a formal request for suppliers to bid on the new long-distance fleet replacement contract and cancel the bi-level procurement. Once a selection is made, Amtrak will work closely with the selected car builder to finalize the delivery schedule to replace our long-distance aging fleet.

Many of Amtrak’s current long-distance railcars were delivered more than 40 years ago. Amtrak will continue to evaluate the condition of the existing fleet, assess remaining service life, and determine any life extension measures necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations until the new long-distance fleet enters service.

Procurement of new long-distance passenger cars represents one piece of Amtrak’s broader systemwide fleet modernization program. Amtrak continues to receive new high-powered ALC-42 locomotives for long-distance service, with 79 of 125 units delivered to date. New NextGen Acela trains launched last fall on America’s only high-speed rail corridor, and the new Airo fleet will begin service on Amtrak Cascades in 2026, followed by the Northeast Regional and other short- and mid-distance routes in the coming years.


Rep. Kelly to hold telephone town hall on new tax filing season

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced he will hold a telephone town hall regarding the new tax filing season on Thursday, March 5. Rep. Kelly will be joined by officials from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, also known as the Taxpayer Advocate Service, who will help to answer constituents' questions.

"As Pennsylvanians file their taxes this year, they are learning more about all the benefits included in the new Working Families Tax Cuts law, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. Our upcoming town hall will help everyone across Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District file their taxes effectively and efficiently," said Rep. Kelly.


Congressman Kennedy Leads Congressional Letter Demanding Federal Investigation into Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam

Kennedy Joined by Ranking Members Thompson and Raskin, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Meng in Oversight Letter to DHS Secretary Noem

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), alongside Ranking Members Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (NY-06), sent an oversight letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem demanding an immediate and comprehensive federal investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam in Buffalo, New York.

“The tragic death of Mr. Shah Alam is a moral failure that demands answers and a thorough investigation,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “A man who fled persecution, who was nearly blind, and unable to communicate in English, was left alone in the dead of winter to fend for himself. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, but rather a predictable result of the culture of cruelty that has taken hold at DHS under Trump and Kristi Noem. His family is owed clarity, and the American people deserve a full accounting of how this happened, and how similar tragedies will be prevented from ever happening again.”

“What happened to Mr. Shah Alam is a heartbreaking failure that raises serious questions DHS must answer for,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. “DHS’s actions were a stunning display of carelessness and cruelty that Congress has a responsibility to fully investigate and ensure never happens again. I thank Congressman Kennedy for leading on this matter.”

“The death of Mr. Shah Alam is the result of at least staggering recklessness and coldhearted indifference. It is an American tragedy and an American disgrace. This kind of cruelty is now one more five-alarm wake-up call for a country already reeling from violent deaths caused in American streets by federal agents,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. “I salute my colleague Rep. Tim Kennedy on his fierce leadership and determination not to let this catastrophe be swept under any MAGA bureaucrat’s rug.”

“Nurul Amin Shah Alam should be alive today. He is dead because U.S. Border Patrol agents abandoned a blind refugee miles away from home and then lied to cover it up. Video footage proves that Mr. Alam was left outside of a coffee shop that was closed, not a ‘warm, safe location’ as they claimed. The Department of Homeland Security’s cruelty, callousness, and indifference to human life is absolutely sickening. As Members of Congress, we demand answers and justice for his family. The Department of Homeland Security must be held accountable,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Mr. Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee with legal status in the United States, was reported missing on February 19, 2026, shortly after being released from custody and transported by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). According to publicly available reporting and information provided by his family, Mr. Shah Alam was nearly blind, did not speak English, and was unable to independently navigate transportation. He had fled persecution in Burma and arrived in the United States in December 2024 seeking safety.

The letter outlines serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding his release. USBP reportedly transported Mr. Shah Alam from Erie County custody and left him at a coffee shop miles from his family’s residence during winter. He was not reunited with family members, and questions remain about what accommodations, if any, were made to account for his severe visual impairment and language barriers. Mr. Shah Alam was found deceased on February 24, several days after he was reported missing.

In the letter, Congressman Kennedy and his colleagues demand a full timeline of events and a transparent accounting of DHS policies and actions that may have contributed to this tragedy. The letter makes clear that this case raises broader questions about federal transportation and release practices for vulnerable individuals in custody. It calls for coordination with state and local officials, full transparency to the public, and accountability where failures occurred.

See the full text of the letter below:

February 27, 2026

The Honorable Kristi Noem

Secretary

Department of Homeland Security

2707 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20528

Dear Secretary Noem,

We write to demand an immediate investigation into the tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Burmese refugee who was found deceased in the City of Buffalo on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, after being transported and subsequently neglected by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). As Members of Congress with the responsibility to conduct oversight of this administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its inhumane – at times deadly – treatment of immigrants, we must hold this administration accountable for any negligence, wrongdoing, or breach of protocol that resulted in a death. Accordingly, we demand a comprehensive investigation into the sequence of events that led to Mr. Shah Alam’s death, including DHS’s responsibility that may have contributed to this preventable tragedy.

Mr. Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee with legal status, was reported missing on February 19, 2026, shortly after release by USBP. Mr. Shah Alam was largely blind and did not speak English, coming to the United States on December 24, 2024 after fleeing persecution in Burma, where Rohingya people have faced systemic oppression and genocide. According to publicly available information, on February 19th, USBP took Mr. Shah Alam from Erie County custody, transporting him to a coffee shop miles from his family’s residence. According to his family, Mr. Shah Alam had a severe disability, could not read, write, or use a phone, and could not communicate independently. Despite these significant occupational challenges and the inability to find shelter or safety on his own, USBP abandoned Mr. Shah Alam at an unsafe location in the middle of winter, without proper care, and without his family to ensure his safety.[1] Tragically, several days after he was reported missing, Mr. Shah Alam was found dead on the night of February 24th.

This tragedy raises serious questions about USBP’s responsibility surrounding the circumstances that contributed to Mr. Shah Alam’s death, as well as DHS’s transportation and release protocols for vulnerable individuals from federal law enforcement custody. This administration’s inhumane, abhorrent treatment of immigrants has resulted in entirely preventable deaths and it is our responsibility as Members of Congress to conduct oversight into these matters. In addition to a full timeline of the events involving USBP, we demand a comprehensive, transparent investigation into Mr. Shah Alam’s case and request that the Department provide answers to the following questions no later than March 5, 2026.

What was the justification behind USBP’s involvement in transporting Mr. Shah Alam? Were any other DHS components involved in his transport?

What is CBP’s protocol for transporting and releasing vulnerable individuals with disabilities?

What are the standard protocols for “courtesy rides” for transportees that USBP has referenced in statements? Given Mr. Shah Alam was blind and barely spoke English, how was the decision made to drop him somewhere other than his home?

What steps, if any, were taken to ensure Mr. Shah Alam’s continuity of care upon his release, given his complex medical conditions?

What translation or interpretation services were offered to Mr. Shah Alam during transit?

Why was Mr. Shah Alam left at a coffee shop rather than a home address?

What clothing was Mr. Shah Alam wearing when he was released by USBP? Was he provided any warm clothing given the winter weather?

When was DHS notified of Mr. Shah Alam’s release, and why was USBP made responsible for his custody?

At what point did USBP coordination with Erie County officials fail?

A USBP spokesperson stated that Mr. Shah Alam was “not amenable to removal.” When was this determination made?

What contact, if any, was made with Mr. Shah Alam’s family prior to his release?

Mr. Shah Alam had been missing since February 19th. What actions, if any, were taken by DHS between February 19th and February 24th to attempt to locate Mr. Shah Alam?

Will CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility conduct any disciplinary or remedial actions to ensure DHS personnel involved are held accountable for any potential wrongdoing?

How will CBP classify Mr. Shah Alam’s death?

What processes or procedures have been immediately put in place following Mr. Shah Alam’s death to ensure this never happens again?

The death of Mr. Shah Alam was entirely preventable. DHS has a moral and legal obligation to conduct a full and transparent investigation, in coordination with state and local officials, to ensure accountability, answer to the American people, and provide justice for the Shah Alam family. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy

House Committee on Homeland Security

Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson

House Committee on Homeland Security

Ranking Member Jamie Raskin

House Judiciary Committee

Congresswoman Grace Meng

Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

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Mullin, Levin, Welch, Van Hollen Introduce Bicameral Bill to Improve Access to Energy Consumption Data, Lower Utility Bills

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Mike Levin (CA-49), and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, in introducing the E-Access Act of 2026, bicameral legislation to promote energy efficiency and help consumers save money by improving access to their energy consumption data.

“As American families face rising utility bills, it’s critical that consumers have the ability to see their own energy data and take advantage of demand-response programs that save money for households and businesses,” said Rep. Mullin. “I’m proud to co-lead the E-Access Act, which would unlock access to energy consumption data and help households across America save hundreds of millions of dollars on utility costs each year.”

“When families and small businesses can see exactly how and when they’re using energy, they’re empowered to make informed energy choices and smarter financial decisions,” said Rep. Levin. “Americans deserve transparency and real-time access to their electric and natural gas usage, billing, and pricing data to better inform their budgets. This is just one of the many steps we must take to bring down energy bills. I’m proud to partner with Rep. Mullin and Sen. Welch to lead this effort, and I look forward to working with them to move our commonsense legislation through Congress.”

“Energy usage data is an important tool that families and businesses can use to improve their efficiency and lower their utility bills. But it’s too difficult for many Americans to access that data,” said Senator Welch. “We’re working to make it easier for consumers to make informed choices that will help lower their energy bills and speed our transition to an energy-efficient economy.”

“Home efficiency upgrades can help Americans save energy and lower their bills, but right now it’s hard for homeowners to calculate exactly how much they can save. This legislation makes energy data more accessible to consumers so they can get a full picture of their potential savings from making their homes more energy efficient,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Over the past two decades, taxpayers and utilities have invested billions of dollars in advanced metering infrastructure to expand access to real-time energy usage and pricing data. However, these benefits remain largely untapped due to the absence of a robust framework that would enable consumers or authorized third parties to access information in a timely and convenient manner. Unlocking this data would empower households and businesses to reduce their energy bills and strengthen grid reliability—saving consumers an estimated $250 million annually through smarter, data-driven energy usage.

At the same time, rising utility costs continue to burden families and small businesses across the United States. Lack of meaningful access to energy usage data makes it even more difficult for consumers to manage monthly bills, adjust usage when energy prices are higher, or take advantage of market-driven tools to help lower costs. New data-sharing guidelines in the E-Access Act would allow consumers to access and share their utility data with third parties, including energy efficiency contractors.

The E-Access Act is supported by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), American Economic Liberties Project, Building Performance Association, Consumer Federation of America, Efficiency Vermont, Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), Honeywell, Institute for Market Transformation, Mission:Data Coalition, National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO), Northeast Energy Efficiency and Electrification Council (NEEEC), Rewiring America, and the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Families and businesses are facing rising energy costs, yet most still cannot access the data that would help them manage their usage and lower their bills. The E‑Access Act empowers American households by giving them secure, real‑time access to their own energy information,” said Alexander Ratner, Senior Federal Policy Counsel, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “It is a simple, commonsense step that would deliver real savings and expand consumer choice in a rapidly changing energy marketplace.”

“Utilities have been hoarding their customers’ own energy data for years, and they use that information as leverage to keep prices high. The E-Access Act gives power back to American consumers,” said Marissa P. Gillett, former chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, and senior fellow at American Economic Liberties Project. “When customers can actually see and use their own energy data, they can start making real choices that lower their bills and put an end to monopoly utilities using data hoarding to make energy unaffordable.”

“Access to utility data is not only important for grid reliability and technology innovation, but it is also a critical tool in understanding how a particular home uses energy and its saving potential,” said Steve Skodak, President and CEO, Building Performance Association. “Energy usage information can help residential contractors and programs identify cost-effective energy-saving opportunities, measure the performance of specific energy efficiency measures, and drive both consumer behavior changes and improved program design. Empowering American households with secure access to their own digital, interval utility data and the ability to share that data, has the potential to fundamentally change how residential customers use energy.”

“Access to energy data empowers consumers and drives better outcomes for the grid,” said Peter Walke, Managing Director, Efficiency Vermont. “The E‑Access Act will remove unnecessary barriers, enabling efficiency programs, demand response, and clean energy solutions to work as intended while saving people money.”

“Knowing that you don’t know something is very frustrating,” said Daniel Bresette, President, EESI. “Without access to key utility data, consumers can’t make smart decisions that will lower their energy costs. There’s no good reason to keep this data hidden away. This legislation would help remove a critical barrier, unlocking savings for consumers who want to fully invest in energy efficiency but can’t.”

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Rapidly rising energy prices are making it harder for Americans to afford to heat and cool our homes. The E-Access Act will give us the information we need to save energy and money,” said Alex Dews, CEO, Institute for Market Transformation (IMT).

“Ratepayers have spent tens of billions of dollars on smart meters, but they have yet to reap the benefits. While utility bills continue to rise, millions of ratepayers are still not able to access competitive energy services such as virtual power plants. E-ACCESS gives states essential resources and expertise to help them confront rising power bills,” said Michael Murray, President, Mission:Data Coalition.

“As a long-time administering energy efficiency services across the country, it is high up on my list of critical actions to make it more efficient and possible to access the information on energy use in homes and buildings to help provide guidance to consumers on how to lower their energy costs. This legislation will help make that possible,” said Steve Cowell, Executive Director, Northeast Energy Efficiency and Electrification Council.

“Too many households are struggling to pay utility bills, and this legislation is something Congress can pass today to provide relief. Data transparency is a critical tool for helping consumers better manage their energy use and lower their bills. Thanks to Sen. Welch and Rep. Mullin for their leadership on this issue and for introducing this legislation, which the U.S. Green Building Council fully supports,” said Ben Evans, Federal Legislative Director, U.S. Green Building Council.

Learn more about the E-Access Act of 2026.

Read and download View full text of the bill.

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Catch Up with Kim -- February 27, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman
February 27, 2026
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Learning More About Veterans Affairs Police Departments With Steven Dela Cruz

Joining Erlinda in Washington D.C. was her son, Steven Dela Cruz, who serves as a Police Officer for VA in Arkansas. Steven sat down with my VA Staffer and educated her on what it’s like to serve as a Police Officer for VA and how it’s different from other departments. Thank you Steven for sharing your knowledge and expertise!


Marking Up Bills on Economic Opportunity for our Nation’s Veterans

This week I voted in favor of supporting legislation that prioritizes our veterans in a Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Markup held Tuesday. Some of topics these bills touched on included veteran homelessness, mental health, and home loans. Click here to watch the Markup.


Meeting With Joeten-Kiyu Public Library

It was wonderful to meet with Ms. Erlinda Naputi who has worked for the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library for over 30 years and is currently the Library Director. Erlinda highlighted the many services the library provides to our community and the importance of funding it for everyone to enjoy. From supplying resources for special needs children to being a place the entire family can enjoy, the library has over 200 neighbors visit every week! Thank you to all the staff at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library who make it a jewel in our community and thank you to Erlinda for her incredible lifelong commitment to service.


State of the Union: Keeping the CNMI in the Conversation

On Tuesday, I had the honor of attending President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. As the nation’s priorities were outlined, I was thinking about the CNMI and how these issues impact our families and communities. Before the address, I met with Speaker Mike Johnson, Cabinet members, and fellow Members of Congress to discuss CNMI priorities. These conversations reinforced the importance of making sure our islands’ needs are heard and considered in Washington. The SOTU reminded me that every decision here in Congress can create opportunities, or challenges, for the CNMI. I am committed to keeping our voice front and center, advocating for policies that strengthen our communities, and building a brighter future for us all.


Unagi, Conservation, and the CNMI

A recent report highlights growing international concern over declining eel populations, including the Japanese eel, which reproduces near the CNMI before traveling to East Asia. Known as unagi, this prized delicacy is cherished in Japan and is also enjoyed here in the CNMI, reflecting the deep cultural and culinary ties between our islands and Japan. As demand for unagi grows, eel populations face pressures from habitat loss, overfishing, and environmental changes. For the CNMI, this issue hits close to home. Our waters play a critical role in the life cycle of the Japanese eel, making the health of our marine ecosystems vital for both conservation and our connections with partners in the Pacific region. I remain committed to protecting the CNMI’s unique marine resources and ensuring that our islands continue to be a steward of the environment that sustains both local communities and the broader Indo-Pacific.

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Veteran Service Organizations Joint Hearing

Working alongside Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) is critical when understanding the needs of veterans not only in the CNMI but across the country. The House and Senate held their yearly Joint Hearing and invited the Disabled American Veterans VSO to discuss their legislative priorities for 2026. Our disabled veterans vocalized the importance of mental health care, exploring alternative medicine and therapy, protecting disability ratings, and more. Click here to watch the Joint Hearing.


Krishnamoorthi Raises Alarm Over Ring’s New AI “Search Party” Feature, Citing Privacy and Civil Liberties Concerns

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, sent a letter yesterday to Ring raising serious concerns about the company’s new artificial intelligence feature, “Search Party,” warning that the technology could expand neighborhood surveillance and threaten Americans’ privacy and Fourth Amendment protections.

“I am writing to express deep concern over a commercial Ring aired during Super Bowl LX regarding a new feature called ‘Search Party,’” Krishnamoorthi wrote. “While finding lost pets is an admirable mission, the use of AI to scan doorbell camera recordings raises serious privacy concerns related to the potential for mass surveillance of people and implications for 4th Amendment rights.”

The letter highlights how the feature could affect millions of Americans whose homes and communities fall within Ring’s camera network.

“As described, this feature allows Ring to access and scan recordings from cameras throughout a neighborhood, creating a 24/7 surveillance network in a community with only passive consent from the camera owner and limited at best awareness from the neighbors in the same community,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

He also raised concerns about the program’s default settings and the scope of data collection.

“Because this program is opt-out, the Search Party function is automatically enabled for Ring devices that save video recordings to the cloud and users have to go through a six-step process within the Ring app to disable the technology,” Krishnamoorthi continued. “This opt-out design is confusing for users, raises concerns of widespread unintentional surveillance of neighborhoods, and may leave people unaware of the full extent to which Ring and its parent company Amazon are able to monitor neighborhood activity.”

The letter further warns that the feature could enable monitoring near sensitive locations and expand AI-driven tracking beyond its stated purpose.

“The Search Party feature also means that Ring has the ability to search a vast network of privately-owned Ring cameras that are constantly recording, including in and around sensitive locations like hospitals, schools, clinics, or courthouses,” Krishnamoorthi wrote. “Although Ring currently describes the Search Party function as a tool for identifying dogs, the video recordings captured by Ring cameras also include people, meaning that Ring cameras are conducting constant monitoring without the explicit consent of the Ring camera owner or the individuals captured by the doorbell cameras.”

Krishnamoorthi requested documents and information from Ring byMarch 12, 2026, and posed the following questions:

A detailed explanation of how Ring devices collect, classify, and track video recordings and data, including but not limited to how that data is used in connection with Ring’s new AI feature “Search Party”;

A detailed explanation of how Ring determines what personally identifiable information is stored on Ring cameras, and whether and how that information is used for training AI models;

Ring’s policies and procedures regarding the collection and storage of Ring camera footage and related data, including but not limited to how and when law enforcement and other third-party entities can access that data and whether Ring requires a warrant, subpoena, or court order in order to share that data with law enforcement;

Documents and communications related to the use or potential of Search Party or other Ring doorbell camera features to identify individuals, including but not limited to efforts to prevent or respond to criminal activity;

A detailed description of what Ring camera footage and related data is shared with Flock and the permissions granted to Flock to store, use, and/or share that information;

A detailed description of how Ring responds to requests for information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and any other federal or state law enforcement agency; and

Any contracts, memoranda of understanding, or agreements between Ring and any federal agency, including but not limited to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), or any other federal or state law enforcement agency.


Lawler Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Accountability for Public Housing Inspections

Washington, D.C. – 2/27/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Annual Public Housing Inspections Accountability Act, legislation that requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Comptroller General to study public housing inspections and determine how many inspectors are needed to complete them each year.

The bill directs HUD and the Comptroller General to determine how many required public housing inspections go unfinished each year and identify the number of inspectors needed to ensure all inspections are completed annually.

“The American people deserve safe, well-maintained public housing. We don’t have a clear picture of how many required inspections are going unfinished or whether HUD has the personnel in place to get the job done. This bill brings transparency to the process and helps ensure residents aren’t left living in unsafe conditions,” said Congressman Lawler.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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

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Lawler urges Education Department to broaden the definition of “Professional Degree” in new rule

Washington, D.C. – 2/27/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler left a public comment on the Department of Education’s proposed rule titled “Reimagining and Improving Student Education,” urging the Department to revise its interpretation of “professional degree” to align with existing federal regulations.

How “professional degree” is defined will directly impact students pursuing careers that require advanced education and licensure. In the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, students in qualifying professional programs would have access to higher loan caps. If the Department narrows that definition beyond existing law and regulation, it could exclude students in critical fields like nursing, physical therapy, and social work.

“The truth is that many of these professions need advanced degrees and licenses to begin and continue practice. Additionally, scope of practice varies from state to state for many of the covered professions as well. Further, there is nothing in current statute or prior regulation that supports the idea that professional degrees are only programs where those who obtain them, after licensure, can practice without supervision,” wrote the lawmaker.

The full letter 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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