New Gooden Bill Cuts Taxes for Public-Sector Retirees

WASHINGTON –Today, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the No Tax on Restored Benefits Act, legislation to ensure public-sector retirees are not subject to an unexpected tax burden on benefits restored by the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA).

Following the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset in the SSFA, millions of public servants began receiving long-overdue, retroactive lump-sum Social Security payments. However, these payments are being treated as ordinary taxable income for the 2025 tax year, creating an unexpected, steep tax burden for these retirees.

The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act fixes this by creating a special gross income tax exclusion for retroactive payments associated with the SSFA during 2025, ensuring retirees are not penalized for finally receiving benefits they earned decades ago.

“Our public-sector retirees worked their whole lives to serve and improve our communities. The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act guarantees that they keep every dollar of the benefits they have rightfully earned,”said Rep. Gooden.

The bill is cosponsored by Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and has received support from the Texas Retired Teachers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition.

“For hundreds of thousands of Americans, the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act was truly transformative, ensuring they received the benefits they deserved. But it was never intended to saddle widows, low-income seniors, and dedicated public servants with an unexpected tax bill. The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act addresses this problem in a fair, commonsense way—by protecting people who were previously below the taxation threshold from being unfairly punished because of a one-time, retroactive increase in their earned benefits,”said Rep. Pingree.

“In 2024, Congress proved that it understood the detrimental impact the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) had on public servants’ Social Security retirement benefits when it permanently repealed these harmful provisions as part of the Social Security Fairness Act. Now, these same retirees are facing a large tax bill on those same benefits Congress worked to restore. The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act honors Congress’s intent in repealing the GPO and WEP and will ensure no public servant will continue to be penalized simply because they chose public service. We stand with Representative Gooden in support of this important bill and thank him for standing up for our nation’s public safety community,” saidBill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations.

“Law enforcement officers spend their careers serving their communities, often at great personal sacrifice, this legislation helps ensure that retired officers are not penalized at tax time for benefits restored under the Social Security Fairness Act,” said IACP President David B. Rausch.

Rep. Gooden cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law on January 5, 2025.

The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act was featured in an exclusive article by Fox Business.


Gosar Seeks Answers from DHS on Reported Immigration Detention Facility in Surprise

Washington, DC -- Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement in response to sending a formal letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking answers regarding reports that a warehouse facility in Surprise, Arizona may be converted into a large-scale federal immigration detention center:

“The rule of law is not optional. I strongly support Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws. Detention capacity is a necessary component of a functioning immigration system—particularly after years of reckless open-border policies under the Biden administration that allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood into the United States, overwhelming resources and forcing reactive federal measures that could have been avoided.

At the same time, while immigration policy is set at the federal level, its impacts are felt most acutely at the local level. Reports of a large-scale detention facility in Surprise raise legitimate questions for residents, schools, first responders, and local governments. Concerns about infrastructure, traffic, emergency services, and public safety deserve serious and transparent consideration and Empowering state and local officials in decisions that affect their communities consistently produces the most effective outcomes.

These are not anti-illegal alien concerns. They are common-sense expectations of transparency and coordination. I trust that DHS will work cooperatively with state and local officials and communicate openly with the communities affected by its decisions.

“My goal is straightforward: immigration enforcement must be carried out effectively while respecting the legitimate interests of the communities that bear its local impacts. I am confident that DHS will provide clear answers and will work collaboratively with local stakeholders moving forward,” stated Congressman Paul Gosar.

BACKGROUND:

Recent reports indicate that the Department of Homeland Security may convert a warehouse facility in Surprise, Arizona into a large-scale federal immigration detention center. Surprise is a rapidly growing community, and any facility of this scale has the potential to significantly affect local infrastructure, traffic patterns, public safety resources, and emergency services.

In response, Congressman Gosar, who represents Surprise and the surrounding area, sent a formal oversight letter to DHS requesting detailed information about the proposal. The letter affirms strong support for ICE and the enforcement of federal immigration law, while emphasizing the importance of transparency, planning, and coordination with state and local officials.

The letter requests answers regarding the facility’s capacity, operational structure, security measures, funding sources, infrastructure impacts, and whether the site would operate on a temporary or permanent basis. It also seeks clarity on DHS’s consultation with local governments and first responders, as well as how the department plans to communicate with residents and Congress if the facility moves forward.

Congressman Gosar’s inquiry reflects his constitutional oversight responsibilities and his commitment to ensuring that federal immigration enforcement is conducted transparently, without disregarding the legitimate interests of the communities most directly affected.


Grijalva, Arizona House Democrats Respond to Secretary Noem’s Visit to Nogales

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) released the following statements in response to Secretary Noem’s press conference in Nogales, Arizona:

Representative Grijalva:

“Secretary Noem’s visit to Nogales is a publicity stunt, plain and simple. Instead of listening to local leaders, she continues to push for militarization, treating border communities like war zones rather than places where families live, work and thrive. Ambos Nogales is, and always has been, a proud, vibrant community – not a prop for Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda that has sown chaos and cost American lives. Yesterday, I voted against continued funding for DHS because Secretary Noem is enabling violence, racial profiling, and terrorizing our communities. She must stop the fearmongering, end the political theater, and resign immediately - or be impeached.”

Representative Stanton:

“At FEMA, she likely cost American lives by bottlenecking critical disaster aid to consolidate power. Now her attempts at securing the border sit stalled on her desk, as Axios reported today. The pattern is clear: she prioritizes control and photo ops over any real work to keep Americans safe,” Rep Stanton said. “If Donald Trump won’t fire her, Congress must.”

Representative Ansari:

“I’m the proud daughter of immigrants – my parents fled Iran and a corrupt, authoritarian regime,” said Ansari. “I won’t sit by and watch as the country they saw as the shining example of democracy becomes an authoritarian regime as well. Under Kristi Noem’s direction, ICE has murdered two U.S. citizens in broad daylight, and dozens have died behind closed doors in detention centers funded by your taxpayer dollars. Kristi Noem must be impeached.”

###


Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes in Favor of the Critical Mineral Dominance Act to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chains

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted in favor of H.R. 4090, the Critical Mineral Dominance Act, legislation to strengthen domestic critical mineral production and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries.

“We’ve spent years letting permitting delays and agency obstruction shut down mining projects that are ready to go, while China locks up the supply chains for the minerals our military and manufacturers depend on,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill forces Interior to identify projects that can be approved now, clear the regulatory roadblocks, and start rebuilding a domestic supply chain that should never have been outsourced in the first place.”

Hardrock minerals are foundational to U.S. national and economic security, with applications across defense, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. Today, China controls a majority of global critical mineral production and nearly all processing capacity, leaving the United States heavily import-reliant. The Critical Mineral Dominance Act codifies key provisions of President Trump’s Executive Orders by directing the Department of the Interior to streamline domestic mining on federal lands, expand geological mapping, identify priority projects, and remove regulatory barriers that inhibit production.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where Congressman Harrigan is urging continued action to secure America’s critical mineral supply chains.


Comisionado Residente anuncia más de $9 millones para centros de salud en Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, anunció la asignación de $9,019,296 en fondos federales otorgados por el Departamento de Health and Human Services (HHS) de los Estados Unidos para fortalecer varios centros de salud comunitarios en la isla.

“Estos fondos fortalecen los servicios médicos en nuestras comunidades en la isla, especialmente en áreas con menos recursos. Es una inversión directa en la salud de nuestras familias y en la estabilidad de los servicios esenciales que dependen miles de puertorriqueños cada día,” dijo el Comisionado Residente.

La subvención permitirá expandir la atención médica, modernizar instalaciones y aumentar la capacidad de servicio para beneficiar a más pacientes en diversas regiones de Puerto Rico.

Los fondos se asignan a los siguientes centros de salud:


Comisionado Residente Presenta Proyecto de Ley para impulsar el desarrollo económico a través de la preservación histórica

WASHINGTON, DC — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, presentó al H.R. 7179 - El Historic Infrastructure Management and Jobs Training Act, una medida legislativa que crearía un programa federal de subvenciones dentro del Departamento del Interior para apoyar la capacitación de la fuerza laboral y los aprendizajes dirigidos a la restauración y el mantenimiento de edificios históricos, sitios culturales, archivos y recursos arqueológicos.

El pasado mes, Puerto Rico fue sede de las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, que registraron una asistencia récord y generaron una actividad económica significativa impulsada por el turismo en toda la isla, destacando el papel central que desempeñan los sitios históricos y culturales en el desarrollo económico local.

“En todo el país, los proyectos de preservación histórica se están viendo afectados por una creciente escasez de trabajadores con las destrezas y la experiencia necesarias para trabajar en proyectos de conservación”, expresó el Comisionado Residente. “Ese reto es especialmente evidente en Puerto Rico, donde los edificios históricos y los sitios culturales son centrales para nuestras comunidades y economías locales. Esta legislación fortalece la fuerza laboral al invertir en capacitación y programas de aprendizaje que preparan a las personas para oficios especializados, a la vez que asegura el mantenimiento adecuado de estos espacios.”

“Me entusiasma trabajar con el Comisionado Residente Hernández en esta iniciativa para fortalecer la preservación histórica y brindar nuevas oportunidades para que los trabajadores se conviertan en carpinteros, archiveros, albañiles y más”, dijo el representante Darren Soto. “Esto nos ayudará a cerrar brechas laborales en Florida y en toda la nación, a la vez que fortalecemos nuestra cantera de oficios especializados.”

“Desde la Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades, recibimos con interés y entusiasmo la noticia sobre el proyecto de ley impulsado por el Comisionado Residente Pablo José Hernández Rivera, enfocado en fortalecer la fuerza laboral en el área de la preservación histórica y titulado Historic Infrastructure Management and Jobs Training Act. Como organización dedicada por casi 50 años a la gestión y al apoyo de programas en las humanidades, conocemos de primera mano la labor encomiable realizada por expertos en conservación histórica, al igual que la gran necesidad de recursos en este campo, y muy en particular para la formación, desarrollo, empleo y retención de nuevas generaciones de expertos en profesiones y oficios esenciales para la protección de lugares históricos, colecciones, archivos, museos y bibliotecas”, dijo Sonya Canetti Mirabal, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades.

BACKGROUND

Los proyectos de preservación histórica van desde la restauración de iglesias históricas hasta la conservación de archivos y la estabilización de sitios arqueológicos de experiencia especializada que cada vez es más difícil de encontrar. Grupos de preservación y oficinas estatales de patrimonio histórico informan una escasez creciente de albañiles, carpinteros, conservadores y archivistas capacitados, a medida que la fuerza laboral envejece y menos personas ingresan a estos campos.

El Historic Infrastructure Management and Jobs Training Act responde a esa brecha laboral a nivel nacional mediante la creación de un Programa de Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral en Preservación Histórica dentro del Fondo de Preservación Histórica. Mientras que históricamente los fondos federales de preservación se han enfocado en áreas geográficas específicas o en tipos particulares de restauración, esta legislación cambia el énfasis hacia la capacidad general de la fuerza laboral, abordando las carencias de personal que han retrasado o paralizado proyectos de preservación en todo el país. Al fortalecer la fuerza laboral dedicada a la preservación, el proyecto de ley ayuda a garantizar que los sitios históricos y los referentes culturales sigan siendo activos para el turismo, las pequeñas empresas y el crecimiento económico a largo plazo.

Bajo esta legislación, subvenciones competitivas financiarán la capacitación laboral, programas de aprendizaje y educación práctica a través de estados, territorios, gobiernos locales, tribus, organizaciones sin fines de lucro e instituciones educativas acreditadas, dando prioridad a comunidades con alto desempleo y poblaciones desatendidas. Al exigir que la capacitación en oficios especializados cumpla con los estándares del Departamento del Trabajo y con los marcos de aprendizajes registrados, la legislación alinea la inversión en preservación histórica con los esfuerzos más amplios del Congreso para atender la escasez de mano de obra y fortalecer la cadena nacional de oficios especializados.

Puerto Rico’s Federal Representative Introduces Bill to Drive Economic Development Through Historic Preservation and Workforce Training

This would create a new federal grant program to train workers in specialized preservation trades amid nationwide shortage of experts in the field.

WASHINGTON, DC — The Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, introduced H.R. 7179 - Historic Infrastructure Management and Jobs Training Act, legislation that would create a federal grant program within the Department of Interior to support workforce training and apprenticeships for the restoration and maintenance of historic buildings, cultural sites, archives, and archaeological resources.

This past month, Puerto Rico hosted the San Sebastián Street Festival, which drew record attendance and generated significant tourism-driven economic activity across the island, highlighting the central role that historic and cultural sites play in local economic development.

“Across the country, historic preservation efforts are being impacted by a growing shortage of workers with the skills and expertise needed to work on conservation projects,” said the Resident Commissioner. “That challenge is especially clear in Puerto Rico, where historic buildings and cultural sites are central to our communities and local economies. This legislation strengthens the workforce by investing in training and apprenticeships that prepare people for skilled trades while ensuring these sites are properly maintained.”

This legislation is also cosponsored by Representative Darren Soto (D-FL), and endorsed by Humanidades de Puerto Rico.

“I am thrilled to work with Resident Commissioner Hernández on this initiative to strengthen historic preservation and provide new opportunities for workers to become carpenters, archivists, masons, and more,” said Rep. Darren Soto. “This will help us bridge labor gaps across Florida and the nation while strengthening our skilled-trade pipeline.”

“From the Puerto Rican Humanities Foundation, we received with interest and enthusiasm the news about the bill introduced by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, focused on strengthening the workforce in the area of historic preservation and titled the Historic Infrastructure Management and Jobs Training Act. As an organization dedicated for nearly 50 years to managing and supporting programs in the humanities, we know firsthand the commendable work carried out by historic preservation experts, as well as the great need for resources in this field—particularly for the training, development, employment, and retention of new generations of experts in professions and trades essential to protecting historic sites, collections, archives, museums, and libraries,” said Sonya Canetti Mirabal, Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Humanities Foundation.

BACKGROUND

Preservation projects from restoring historic churches to conserving archives and stabilizing archaeological sites depend on specialized experience that is increasingly hard to find. Preservation groups and state historic offices report growing shortages of trained masons, carpenters, conservators, and archivists as the workforce ages and fewer workers enter these fields.

The Historic Infrastructure Management and Jobs Training Act responds to that national labor gap by creating a Historic Preservation Workforce Development Program within the Historic Preservation Fund. While federal preservation dollars have historically focused on specific geographical areas or a specific type of restoration, this legislation shifts emphasis toward workforce capacity as a whole, addressing labor shortages that have delayed or stalled preservation work nationwide. By strengthening the preservation workforce, the bill helps ensure that historic sites and cultural landmarks remain assets for tourism, small businesses, and long-term economic growth.

Under this legislation, competitive grants would fund job training, apprenticeships, and hands-on education through states, territories, local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and accredited educational institutions, with priority given to high-unemployment and underserved communities. By requiring skilled-trade training to meet Department of Labor standards and registered apprenticeship frameworks, this legislation aligns historic preservation investment with Congress’s broader efforts to address workforce shortages and strengthen the nation’s skilled-trade pipeline.


Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference to Announce the Launch of the  Federal Workforce Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined U.S. Senators U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and federal employee union leaders and members at a press conference to announce the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus to protect federal workers and strengthen the merit-based federal civil service for the American people. Below is a full transcript of his remarks:

“Thank you very, very much, and I'm pleased to be here with you. And I don't think we had a caucus, Jim is absolutely right. But I recall we had a guy named Don Devine; he worked for Ronald Reagan, and he wasn't quite as blunt, as – I’m going to mention our CFO, as I call him, our OMB Director, [indistinguishable]. But we had a Republican who worked with me hip to hip on federal employees, his name is Frank [Wall]. And very frankly, Don Devine ran against me for Congress in the 90s, thinking I had committed political suicide because I said, ‘We ought to pay for what we buy,’ and we were successful. We were successful because, Jim, we may not have had a caucus but we had a whole bunch of people. Republicans and Democrats [from] Virginia and Maryland. And, ladies and gentlemen, 70% of the workforce is not in the Washington Metropolitan area. It’s serving the people in every corner of this country.

I think we still have a bipartisan coalition that understands that our federal workers compose the best civil service in the world. Is it perfect? No, but [nothing] in the world is perfect. But it's very good, and it is not [peopled] by persons who knew somebody, as Senator Van Hollen said . It's [peopled] by people who have the skills, the talent, and yes, the patriotism to serve their fellow citizens in the civil service.

“So, I want to thank all of you who represent so many of those people who are working, all the unions, all the other organizations, I’m particularly going to call out one person here. Skye – I got to do you – Perryman who has done such extraordinary work with Democracy Forward in protecting, Rob, our people. But more than that, protecting our government and its integrity, and its ability to serve in a nonpartisan and bipartisan, equal way, the people of the United States of America. We meet today after a critical win for our federal workers, frankly. We kept our government open, ensuring that we can continue their work for the American people, and to receive their pay that they’re due. And I want to thank Senator Kaine for the work he has done, and so successfully. But we still have a lot of work ahead. The past year has been a reminder just how important the federal workforce is to American success, and just how dangerous it is to undermine the merit-based nature of our civil service. Chris Van Hollen, my colleague in Maryland, mentioned the symbol of the chainsaw. You know, a chainsaw is a rough cut, and it fells things; it makes them fall down, it kills them. The Administration's way is to crusade against our federal workers.

“I say this a lot; Russell Vought summed up their strategy. This is not something that they’re hiding under a cover that they’re doing, they're doing it right out in the open. They're telling you what they want to do. ‘We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected.’ That's the CFO of [their] enterprise. Any CFO that said that of their employees in any corporation – including the largest corporations in America – would be fired the next day by the board of directors [saying], ‘What are you doing? We want the morale of our people up. We want them confident [their] work is appreciated.’ He went on to say, ‘When they wake up in the morning, we want them not to want to go to work –’ boy, that's a great strategy ‘– because they're increasingly viewed as villains.’ Boy, do we need a caucus.

“You were right, Jim, we need a caucus. Subramanyam you were right, we need a caucus. Tim and I and Chris who have been there, you know, we had some new blood come in and say, ‘Let’s organize!’ (laughter) We thought we were organized but we weren’t, and you made it clear. Vought went on to say, ‘We want their funding to be shut down. We want to put them in trauma.’ And yes, they shut down the government because they didn't want to give people health care. My colleagues and I are establishing this caucus because we know the truth: federal workers are not villains, they are patriots and heroes. I have about 75,000 federal workers living in my district. I think it's the largest-populated federal employee district in America. But I had a Senate district for 12 years in which there were very few state employees, and I fought hard for the state employees. Why? Because I know I can say very nice things, I can pass really nice laws, but if we don't have people who care carrying them out, it’s not worth the paper it’s written on. That's why we're so passionately for federal employees.

“Now, I could go on and on, as some people will attest to, who have known me for a long time. (laughter) But, the other five pages of this speech, I’m going to forgo because you get my point. This is not about Democrats or Republicans. This is about every American who regularly thinks, ‘I have a problem that needs to be solved,’ and they pick up the phone and they call some of us. (turns around and begins pointing at Members and union leaders) And they call you, you, you – and they certainly call you (laughter). You too. So, this caucus is going to energize the Congress in appreciating the work that is done every day by our federal employees, from the top level to the bottom level, who, by the way, are not paid nearly as much as their private sector counterparts. I'm glad to be a member of this caucus. I thank Jim for sort of galvanizing us. I thank Chris for doing that as well, we worked shoulder to shoulder for a long period of time. America needs our federal employees, not traumatized, but energized and uplifted.”


Hoyer Statement on Mass Layoffs at The Washington Post

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement in response to The Washington Post's large scale staff reductions and restructuring:

"On the front page of every copy of the Washington Post, right below the name of that famed paper, is a simple slogan: 'democracy dies in darkness.' Today, the darkness grows.

"I am appalled by the decision to lay off roughly a third of the Washington Post's employees. Their dismissal will severely undermine the paper's ability to provide comprehensive coverage of pressing events across the country and around the world. I thank those who have been fired not only for their tireless reporting but for their service to truth and democracy.

"As a Marylander and Prince Georgian, I find the downsizing of the Washington Post's Metro section particularly concerning. It will create a vacuum in press coverage of one of America's most important and diverse regions – a region that was already experiencing a decline in local journalism.

"The Post also removed every journalist who covers the Middle East and shuttered the Jerusalem and Ukraine bureaus, among others. The events currently taking place in these regions have grave implications for America and the world. Ignoring them is journalistic malpractice.

"What a shame it is to see this devastation inflicted upon the institution of Bob Woodward and Katharine Graham – the paper in which Americans read about Watergate and the Pentagon Papers."


Hoyer, Van Hollen, Walkinshaw Launch the Federal Workforce Caucus

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) and Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) announced the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. The members are launching this Caucus to bolster efforts to protect federal workers and strengthen our merit-based federal civil service so these dedicated public servants can continue to deliver for the American people without political interference. The lawmakers were joined by Caucus member Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and federal employee union leaders and members at the announcement.

Additional members of the Caucus include U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), and Eugene Vindman (D-Va.).

"Donald Trump and Russell Vought claim that our federal workers are 'villains' who ought to be 'put in trauma.' That's dead wrong. Federal employees are patriotic professionals who provide vital services to the American people every day. I have fought to protect them from DOGE's crusade, and Congress must do the same. That's why I'm pleased to help found the Federal Workforce Caucus," said Congressman Hoyer.

“Federal workers deliver essential public services on behalf of the American people every day – they are the patriotic civil servants who care for our veterans, conduct food safety inspections, provide aid to communities struck by disaster, and so much more. But from day one, the Trump Administration has relentlessly attacked them and jeopardized the services they provide – as they pursue their ultimate goal of replacing qualified civil servants with political cronies who will do Trump’s bidding without regard for the law. We’re launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand united against this Administration’s attacks, to support our federal workers, and to protect the integrity of our merit-based civil service,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“As Co-Chair and Founder of the Federal Workforce Caucus, I’m proud to lead this effort to advocate for our dedicated federal workers and the good government values they uphold,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Virginia is home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, including more than 60,000 in Fairfax, who care for veterans, protect our food supply, respond to disasters, and keep essential programs running. Too often, they are treated as political targets instead of the backbone of an effective, nonpartisan civil service. This Caucus will be on the front lines defending merit-based public service and advancing policies to strengthen recruitment and retention, boost morale, and modernize pay and professional development. We will work every day to ensure government delivers world-class services for all Americans.”

“Virginia is home to hundreds of thousands of hardworking public servants who keep our country safe and provide critical services to their fellow Americans,” said Senator Kaine. “As the Trump Administration attacks and vilifies this dedicated workforce, we must push back. I’m glad to join my colleagues in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to protect and strengthen the federal workforce.”

"When federal workers take their oath, they don’t pledge allegiance to whoever is in the Oval Office, they pledge an oath to this nation and our constitution. They deserve our gratitude and respect, yet instead, this Administration has unleashed a witch hunt against our civil servants. The Federal Workforce Caucus is focused – through legislation, advocacy, and dialogue – on protecting our civil servants and allowing them to continue to serve the American people," said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Federal workers in Virginia and across the country are the backbone of services Americans depend on,” said Senator Warner. “As the Trump administration continues to target federal workers and use them as political bargaining chips, it is critical for lawmakers to come together and defend the job security, pay, and benefits of our dedicated civil service.”

“Over the past year, people and communities have protested, lawyers have sued, and courts have issued orders to protect our civil servants. It is an honor today to mark the establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral congressional caucus to support the people who work for all us – our nonpartisan, merit-based civil service. The Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus could not come at a more pivotal time. As the Trump-Vance administration and its allies escalate threats to our nation’s elections, our nation’s communities, and our nation’s civil servants, it is time to use all tools our democracy provides to push back and move forward. We are grateful to these lawmakers for taking an important step to protect and strengthen the civil service not just for today, but for the ability to build the people-centered government we all will need in the future,” Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward in remarks at the event.

“After a traumatic year for the civil service, including a 43-day government shutdown and unprecedented mass firings, this Caucus is very timely. Your members’ expertise and commitment will amplify the voice of the federal civilian workforce when it matters most. AFGE stands ready to support and work with the Caucus. Our country depends on it,” said Eric Bunn, Sr., National Secretary-Treasurer, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE)

"The federal workforce has endured unimaginable harm, with over 300,000 employees separated, agencies wiped out and previously nonpartisan institutions politicized. Congress must stand for federal workers, and I believe the Federal Workforce Caucus will provide the venue to press for oversight and serve as a gathering place for all members who have constituents who rely on well-functioning government services,” said Max Stier, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service.

The federal workforce is essential to a legitimate democratic republic, yet our civil service is increasingly under attack – politically, structurally, and rhetorically,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “These attacks weaken public accountability, lawful administration, and the quality of services Americans rely on every single day. The Federal Workforce Caucus will ensure the civil service is protected and strengthened, and critical services are delivered to the public while maintaining a skilled, apolitical workforce. Thank you to the co-chairs of the Caucus – Senator Van Hollen, and Representatives Walkinshaw and Hoyer – for your continued support of federal employees.”

“The federal public service workers who help keep our communities running deserve dignity, respect, and the security of knowing they’ll be paid on time,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. "Unfortunately, anti-worker politicians continue to exploit them to push their extreme agenda. In the last year, federal workers have been fired arbitrarily, stripped of their collective bargaining rights, and furloughed without pay during the shutdown. I applaud the members of the Federal Workforce Caucus for their focus on restoring dignity and respect to these dedicated public servants. It also highlights why we need solutions like Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Walkinshaw's True Shutdown Fairness Act, which will ensure federal workers don't miss a paycheck or get fired during a shutdown. On behalf of the AFSCME members and the hardworking federal public service workers we represent, we thank the Federal Workforce Caucus for having our backs."

"IFPTE welcomes the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Over the past year, our members who work for the federal government have witnessed unprecedented political interference, mass firings without cause, and unlawful efforts to deny federal workers their union rights and defund federal agency missions. Our democracy depends on a professional, nonpartisan federal civil service that serves the American public with accountability and integrity. We urgently call on Members of Congress in both chambers and both sides of the aisle to join the Caucus and work to uphold and protect merit system principles, due process protections, and a civil service that ensures that science and innovation, public health, safety, economic security, our national defense, and public services are delivered fairly, effectively, and effectively," said Matthew Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)

“NTEU applauds Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Hoyer and Walkinshaw for launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to highlight the work and challenges facing federal workers across the country. Given the deluge of attacks employees have faced over the past year, from mass firings and illegal attempts to eliminate their union rights to threats against their pay and benefits, we appreciate the dedicated effort that this caucus will make to strengthen the nonpartisan civil service and ensure that federal employees are treated with dignity and respect so they can continue to provide the critical services the American people rely on,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President, NTEU.

The Federal Workforce Caucus will serve as a forum for Members to:

Support and strengthen the federal civilian workforce and the merit-based civil service system so that it can continue to deliver for American families and businesses;

Protect the integrity and nonpartisan character of federal employment;

Advance policies that improve recruitment, retention, and workforce morale across federal agencies;

Highlight stories that show how government programs and workers improve the lives of the American public;

Develop and advance data-informed policies that encourage modernization and innovative practices across the federal workforce in areas such as pay competitiveness, workforce performance optimization, and professional development;

Facilitate dialogue among Members of Congress, former and current federal employees, organizations, and unions representing federal employees, and subject-matter experts to inform efforts to modernize the federal government and attract the workforce needed to deliver for Americans.

“Federal workers help families put food on the table, protect veterans healing from the wounds of war, and empower communities in the face of environmental crisis. Over the past year, they’ve faced unprecedented attacks – mass firings, union busting, and illegal interference with their work – meant to demoralize and deplete the civil service. Federal workers deserve full support from Congress to protect their bargaining rights and their right to do their jobs without political obstruction,” said Senator Markey.

“Our federal civilian workforce is made up of dedicated public servants who keep our government running. While the Trump Administration fails to see the value in these public servants’ work, the Senate Federal Workforce Caucus, which we are launching today, stands with our government’s employees,” said Senator Durbin.

“Public servants deliver essential services on behalf of the American people. I am proud to join this caucus supporting federal employees and solidifying our dedication to a fortified, innovative workforce. Their service is crucial to promoting the well-being and safety of our country, and they deserve the best assistance we can offer—supporting our public servants is an investment in our country,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The federal workforce is integral to our country and our communities, helping American families and businesses thrive. As this regime attacks federal workers and the critical work they do, I am proud to join this caucus, which will advance policies that support federal workers and the communities they serve,” said Senator Hirono. “As part of this caucus, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring federal workers are recognized, protected, and receive the support they need to confront challenges and provide for the public.”

“Throughout the last year, President Trump and his administration have used dedicated federal public servants as political pawns. It’s unacceptable,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to join this bicameral coalition in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus. To the nearly thousands of federal workers in Delaware and the millions around the country, we’ve got your back.”

“President Trump has berated, traumatized and mass-fired federal employees to destroy expertise and science and to remake our government in the image of his imbecilic incompetence,” said Congressman Raskin. “Our institutions were not built by generations of Americans to be broken up and sold for parts; they exist to serve the American people in every age. That’s why I’m proudly standing with my colleagues to establish the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend the professional civil service and the public servants who have helped build our amazing country.”

“The newly established bicameral Federal Workforce Caucus affirms a simple truth: good-paying federal jobs have helped build and sustain the middle class across the country, leveling the playing field while strengthening communities like ours in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. Public service is the backbone of our country, and these careers should be an opportunity for dedicated Americans to serve the nation with honor while securing economic stability for their families. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to protect, support, and invest in the federal workforce that keeps America moving forward,” said Congressman Ivey.

“Federal workers are the lifeblood of our democracy, and they perform countless essential duties that our country simply could not go without,” said Congressman Mfume. “They fulfill these duties without fear or favor because they are hard-working, patriotic Americans. I have always been a proud supporter of federal workers, and I am proud to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to work with my colleagues in the Congress on ways to better support the people that make the American government work.”

“Federal workers are not political pawns — they are the dedicated public servants who keep our country running. After Trump’s firings wiped out nearly 25,000 federal jobs in Maryland last year alone, the stakes could not be more clear. I’m proud to serve as a founding member of the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend a strong, nonpartisan civil service, protect merit-based hiring, and invest in recruitment, retention, and modernization so the federal workforce can keep delivering for the American people,” said Congressman Olszewski.

“As the proud daughter of two civil servants and the representative to over 45,000 federal employees in Maryland’s Third District, I am excited to join the Federal Workforce Caucus. The sledgehammer of DOGE not only hurt our hardworking civil servants – it impacted the hundreds of critical services that everyday Americans pay for and rely on. Now more than ever, we must strengthen and rebuild our federal workforce to ensure we continue to recruit the best and brightest into the important tradition of public service,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.

"I’m honored to join as an inaugural member of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Our federal employees and institutions are under relentless attack, with their protections, credibility, and character being eroded with each passing day by this Administration. It’s on us as lawmakers to defend a merit-based, nonpartisan civil service and ensure the next generation feels empowered to answer the call to serve, not turned away," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

“I’m pleased to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand with the dedicated public servants who keep our government working for the American people, tens of thousands of whom live in the nation's capital," said Congresswoman Norton. "A strong, merit-based federal civil service — free from political interference — is essential to effective governance and public trust. This caucus will play an important role in protecting federal workers and ensuring they can do their jobs with professionalism, independence, and integrity.”

"I am proud to be a part of the Federal Workforce Caucus to fight for the dedicated federal workers in our Commonwealth and across the country. Recent attacks on the federal workforce not only hurt our community, they hurt every single American by making it harder to deliver essential services and earned benefits. I am thrilled to be a part of this Caucus and look forward to continuing to champion federal workers,” said Congressman Subramanyam.

“Federal employees are the backbone of our national security, safe transportation, safe food, and clean water. But as our federal workforce remains under attack by the very people entrusted to lead it with massive purges designed to hollow out or eliminate key federal agencies, and through wanton cruelty targeting dedicated civil servants – I’m joining the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand up for our public servants. Over the years, I have fought to increase federal employees’ pay and expand their paid leave, and I will continue fighting to support the needs of the men and women who keep our country running,” said Congressman Beyer.

"Virginia is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and service members who serve with a dedication to country, not political party. As their Representative, a 25-year Army officer, and as the husband of a former federal employee, I know that federal workers are essential to the success, safety, and stability of our nation,” said Congressman Vindman. "I will never back down from a fight to protect and honor those who choose a life of service. I am proud to be an inaugural member of the federal workforce caucus.”

"President Trump promised Americans that he would make their lives better; unfortunately, since taking office, the administration has only upended the lives of workers and their families,” said Congressman Scott. “The Trump administration’s reckless firing of thousands of civil servants – in some cases unlawfully – has left federal workers on edge and weakened public services. I am proud to support the Federal Workforce Caucus to ensure that workers' collective bargaining rights are upheld and Americans can access the earned benefits and services they depend on.”


Hudson, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Defense Technology Hubs Act to Accelerate Innovation and Strengthen National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Reps. Wesley Bell (MO), Deborah Ross (NC), and Mark Messmer (IN) to introduce the bipartisan Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026, legislation directing the Department of Defense to establish a nationwide network of regional hubs focused on accelerating emerging defense technologies.

The bill would accelerate the transition of critical technologies from the lab to the field by strengthening workforce pipelines and expanding collaboration among universities, defense partners, nonprofits, and local and state leaders. For North Carolina, that means supporting readiness and innovation that directly benefits communities connected to Fort Bragg and across the state.

“To keep our military ahead of new threats, we need to move technology from the lab to the field faster. The Defense Technology Hubs Act speeds up innovation, strengthens our defense industrial base, and better facilitates the development of critical technologies here in the United States," said Rep. Hudson.

“At a time when our global adversaries are investing heavily in next-generation technologies, America must not just compete, but lead, in research, development, and innovation. That means building innovation capacity in regions across the country,” said Rep. Bell. “St. Louis has already solidified its vital role in U.S. national security, and this bill ensures our region continues to drive that mission—not get left behind—as the race for technological dominance accelerates. We can strengthen our national defense while creating good-paying jobs, attracting new industry, and developing the strong, expansive workforce needed to keep America at the forefront of technological leadership.”

“As someone who represents one of the nation’s most critical defense innovation regions, I know firsthand how important it is to move new technology from concept to capability as quickly as possible,” said Rep. Messmer. "The Defense Technology Hubs Act creates a clear pathway for the Department of Defense, industry, and research institutions to work together to accelerate emerging technologies that keep our warfighters ahead of threats to our national security. This legislation strengthens our defense industrial base, protects American innovation, and ensures the future of military technology is built right here in the United States.”

“The Research Triangle is a world-renowned hub of research and innovation, and our workforce and institutions stand ready to lead the country’s development of emerging defense technologies,” said Rep. Ross. “This bill will not only strengthen our national security, but it will also reward American ingenuity and boost North Carolina’s local economy. I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will ensure the United States remains a global leader in technological innovation.”


PRESS RELEASE: Hudson Holds Hearing on FirstNet Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, convenes a legislative hearing to review FirstNet and consider legislation to reauthorize the program.

“FirstNet is a critical public safety resource, and Congress has a duty to ensure it remains reliable, accountable, and focused on the needs of first responders,” Hudson said.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology legislative hearing on FirstNet reauthorization

DATE: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

TIME: 10:15 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building


Ranking Member Huffman Slams GOP Bill That Hands Mining Industry Power to Gut Its Own Regulations

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) took to the House Floor to oppose H.R. 4090, the so-called Critical Minerals Dominance Act, calling out the bill for giving the mining industry the power to rewrite its own rules while doing nothing to secure American supply chains.

Watch Ranking Member Huffman speak on House floor . (February 4, 2026)

“I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4090, a bill that hands the mining industry, amazingly, the power to gut its own regulations while doing nothing to secure American mineral supply chains or help make life more affordable for the American people. It's more the same from House Republicans and this administration, more favors for their billionaire buddies, and more ways to enrich themselves, all at the expense of the American people who are struggling," Ranking Member Huffman said on the House Floor.

“If we asked everyday Americans right now: “list a hundred things that you care about that you want Congress to be working on to make your life better,” I promise you that giving more sweetheart deals to multinational mining corporations would not be anywhere on that list.”

“I can think of a thousand better ways to spend our time than debating this bill on the House floor. We could be reining in the out-of-control agency ICE, which is terrorizing communities around the country, murdering people in the streets. We should be addressing skyrocketing health care costs, which our Republican colleagues seem to have forgotten entirely about. We could be talking about how to lower energy prices, including the skyrocketing utility bills caused by Donald Trump's crazy war on clean energy. But no, we are back here once again talking about deregulation designed for and by the mining industry.”

On the lack of safeguards in the bill, Ranking Member Huffman added, “There's nothing to stop this administration right now from prioritizing mines owned and controlled by our foreign adversaries, and that loophole, that glaring problem, that national security threat, is not corrected at all in this bill. There's nothing to require a focus on minerals actually needed for clean energy and national defense, nothing to prevent the administration from approving mines on sensitive public lands, or even in our national parks.”

Background

H.R. 4090, the Critical Minerals Dominance Act, would codify parts of President Trump's Executive Orders on mining and direct the Interior Secretary to expedite and approve priority mining projects with no restrictions on ownership, mineral type, or location. The bill creates no safeguards against prioritizing mines owned by foreign adversaries, fails to focus on minerals needed for clean energy or national defense, and would allow mining even on sensitive public lands. The legislation looks to the mining industry itself for direction on which regulations to roll back, with no requirement for public input or tribal consultation.

Earlier this week, Ranking Member Huffman – along with House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) – and brief Congress on their unprecedented acquisition of equity stakes in multiple mining and mineral companies using taxpayer dollars. Since July, the administration has gone on a buying spree, aggressively acquiring ownership stakes in multiple private mining corporations – the very same ones that would benefit from H.R. 4090.

###


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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and members of House and Senate Democratic leadership, where he emphasized that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund the Department of Homeland Security without dramatic changes to ICE and CBP operations that are harming the American people.

LEADER JEFFRIES: We had a very productive discussion, House and Senate Democrats standing together firmly on behalf of the American people. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, not to brutalize or kill them. ICE is completely and totally out of control. Immigration enforcement should be just, it should be fair and it should be humane. That is not what is taking place right now. Dramatic changes are necessary at the Department of Homeland Security with respect to its enforcement activities so that ICE and other agencies are conducting themselves like every other law enforcement agency in the country, not, in so many instances, in a rogue or lawless manner.

There are several demands that we will articulate on behalf of the American people, which, of course, include, but are not limited to, mandatory body cameras. Judicial warrants, which, in our view, should be required before everyday Americans are ripped out of their homes or snatched out of cars violently. The Fourth Amendment is not an inconvenience. It is a requirement embedded in our Constitution that everyone should follow. Certainly, I think there’s agreement that no masks should be deployed in an arbitrary and capricious fashion, as has been the case, horrifying the American people. And of course, I think the American people believe that ICE shouldn’t be able to detain and deport American citizens, which we know is taking place right now. These are just some of the common-sense proposals that the American people clearly would like to see in terms of the dramatic changes that are needed at the Department of Homeland Security before there’s a full-year appropriations bill.

Full press conference can be watched here.

###


LEADERS JEFFRIES AND SCHUMER DELIVER URGENT ICE REFORM DEMANDS TO REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sent the following letter to Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson laying out clear legislative actions to rein in ICE and stop the violence. The full text of the letter can be seen here and below:

Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Thune:

We write with respect to fiscal year 2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For months, the American people have watched in horror as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has terrorized communities across the country. After months of escalation against everyday Americans and law-abiding immigrant families, two U.S. citizens were killed in the streets of Minneapolis. Federal immigration agents cannot continue to cause chaos in our cities while using taxpayer money that should be used to make life more affordable for working families. The American people rightfully expect their elected representatives to take action to rein in ICE and ensure no more lives are lost. It is critical that we come together to impose common sense reforms and accountability measures that the American people are demanding. We believe Congress needs to enact the following guardrails:

Targeted Enforcement – DHS officers cannot enter private property without a judicial warrant. End indiscriminate arrests and improve warrant procedures and standards. Require verification that a person is not a U.S. citizen before holding them in immigration detention.

No Masks – Prohibit ICE and immigration enforcement agents from wearing face coverings.

Require ID – Require DHS officers conducting immigration enforcement to display their agency, unique ID number and last name. Require them to verbalize their ID number and last name if asked.

Protect Sensitive Locations – Prohibit funds from being used to conduct enforcement near sensitive locations, including medical facilities, schools, child-care facilities, churches, polling places, courts, etc.

Stop Racial Profiling – Prohibit DHS officers from conducting stops, questioning and searches based on an individual’s presence at certain locations, their job, their spoken language and accent or their race and ethnicity.

Uphold Use of Force Standards – Place into law a reasonable use of force policy, expand training and require certification of officers. In the case of an incident, the officer must be removed from the field until an investigation is conducted.

Ensure State and Local Coordination and Oversight – Preserve the ability of State and local jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute potential crimes and use of excessive force incidents. Require that evidence is preserved and shared with jurisdictions. Require the consent of States and localities to conduct large-scale operations outside of targeted immigration enforcement.

Build Safeguards into the System – Make clear that all buildings where people are detained must abide by the same basic detention standards that require immediate access to a person’s attorney to prevent citizen arrests or detention. Allow states to sue DHS for violations of all requirements. Prohibit limitations on Member visits to ICE facilities regardless of how those facilities are funded.

Body Cameras for Accountability, Not Tracking – Require use of body-worn cameras when interacting with the public and mandate requirements for the storage and access of footage. Prohibit tracking, creating or maintaining databases of individuals participating in First Amendment activities.

No Paramilitary Police – Regulate and standardize the type of uniforms and equipment DHS officers carry during enforcement operations to bring them in line with civil enforcement.

These reforms should apply to all federal activity, whether funded by FY26 appropriations, the OBBBA or any other act.

Furthermore, there are steps that the Trump administration has the power to take right now to show good faith, including fully ramping down the surge in Minnesota and removing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem from her position.

These are common sense solutions that protect constitutional rights and ensure responsible law enforcement.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries

Democratic Leader

United States House of Representatives

Chuck Schumer

Democratic Leader

United States Senate


Kamlager-Dove Leads Push to Restore Full Staffing and Resources to Anti-Trafficking Divisions within DHS and DOJ

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) led 22 House Democrats in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding the full restoration of staffing and funding to anti-trafficking divisions with DHS and the Department of Justice following reports that resources, including agents, prosecutors, and grant funds, have been diverted to immigration enforcement efforts.

“When federal agencies shift personnel and funding away from anti-trafficking efforts, they leave entire communities vulnerable and abandon the very children the federal government is sworn to protect. The United States cannot claim to be serious about ending human trafficking while simultaneously dismantling the infrastructure built to fight it,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Furthermore, withholding records about trafficking networks and enablers, including the Epstein files that were fought to keep sealed, damages trust in institutions meant to deliver justice…Transparency is vital to protect children from child predators,” continued the lawmakers.

“The protection of children from trafficking and exploitation must never be subordinated to political agendas or shifting enforcement priorities…Every day that resources are pulled from this fight, more children are at risk. We cannot and will not accept complacency in the face of such profound human suffering,” concluded the lawmakers.

The full letter can be viewed here.

In addition to Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove, the letter is signed by Reps. Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Adriano Espaillat, Jim Costa, Jasmine Crockett, Madeleine Dean, Chris Deluzio, Cleo Fields, Sylvia Garcia, Dan Goldman, Jonathan Jackson, Henry Johnson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Teresa Leger Fernández, Ted Lieu, Sarah McBride, Kweisi Mfume, Dave Min, Gwen Moore, Dina Titus, Norma Torres, and Nikema Williams.

# # #


Whip Clark to GOP: “Choose Americans. Choose Their Security.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Meet the Press NOW to demand that Kristi Noem and ICE be held accountable for terrorizing American communities. Below are excerpts from the conversation:

On DHS Funding Negotiations and Democrats’ Fight For Accountability:

"[Chuck Schumer] is absolutely aligned with House Democrats, and we are going to be part of these negotiations. The president doesn't get to make that call. We are an equal branch here in Congress, and we represent the American people.

"We have an understanding of what is going to happen: We are going to have accountability for ICE. We are going to make sure they are no longer a secret police force in our communities. And we are going to end roving patrols where people are being targeted because of the neighborhood they live in, the color of [their] skin, the accent they might have. And we are going to make sure that ICE is held accountable.

"These are the things we have heard from the American people that they want to see. They want security in their communities, and they want the end of this violence and chaos."

On the Urgent Need for Real Reforms for ICE:

"We are a hard no on continuing funding this agency that has put out this rogue paramilitary force and is inflicting terror and violence. Without guidelines? We are not going to continue to fund this operation.

"This should not be hard for the administration, for DHS, for my colleagues across the aisle here. These are fundamental principles that apply to every other law enforcement agency in this country.

"When Speaker Mike Johnson goes home to Louisiana, his police are not wearing masks. They use judicial warrants if they want to get in and search someone's home. They do not racially profile and pick up people on the streets. They are not having immigration enforcement pick up and detain, and sometimes, even deport American citizens.

"These are fundamental protections for the people of this country. They were sold that this program was going to be about deporting the 'worst of the worst.' And what has happened is we have seen violence, excessive force, and even the execution of American citizens at the hands of this rogue agency."

On Republicans' Refusal To Prioritize Americans’ Security:

"These are fundamental things. Let's just take the warrant requirement that Speaker Mike Johnson has already rejected. That is in our Constitution. This isn't some new legal theory. What is the outrageous thing here is that ICE is shredding our constitutional rights in front of us and inflicting great violence and terror on law-abiding people, including American citizens.

"Choose Americans, choose their security, choose their ability to be safe in their homes and communities and schools and churches and hospitals. That's what we're asking.

"If they want to put at risk our Coast Guard, our TSA agents, FEMA – with the storms that we are having – because they are unwilling to apply what we ask of any other law enforcement agency to ICE and Border Patrol, that is on them."

On Mike Johnson's Dismissal of the Constitution:

"We just had the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives saying we don't have time to comply with the U.S. Constitution, which he took an oath to defend. He holds himself out as a constitutional lawyer. It is outrageous those comments that he just made.

"This is fundamental. This is in our Declaration of Independence that this exact sort of attack on people's homes and property by law enforcement, used as a political arm, is how we got the Fourth Amendment and protections for that.

"There's another quote from him where he says that a judicial warrant is another layer of bureaucracy. These are bedrock principles for our country, for our personal liberty, and for the security of our communities.

"If Mike Johnson can't agree to that, he should really rethink his position as speaker of the House."

On Trump’s Plot to Rig Elections:

"I think we have to do every single thing in our power to secure our elections.

"When Donald Trump says these things, tries to walk them back as if it was an exaggeration or joking, he's usually telling us exactly where he is going.

"We know that he is looking at the same polls that we are. We know that he is hearing the same thing from the American people. He told them he would lower their cost of living, make an economy where they can see success for themselves. He has done just the opposite. And now, he has layered on these assaults on communities, on American citizens, on law-abiding people.

"We have watched Renee Good and Alex Pretti be shot and killed by ICE officers and Border Patrol in our communities. And so now is the time for us to come together and make sure that, as he sees his electoral power slipping, that we do everything we can to not let these ICE raids come and intimidate voters in November.

"That we are protecting our election. That we are demanding answers to what happened in Fulton County in Georgia last week. What was that?

"And we must do everything to combat the misinformation he puts out about election security and stolen elections and protect the American people and our sacred right to vote from whatever he is going to come up with that will interfere with that come the midterms."

To view the complete conversation, click HERE.


Whip Clark: "Americans Deserve to Be Safe and Secure in Their Communities"

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) stood with House and Senate Democratic Leadership to demand real change and accountability from the Department of Homeland Security. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"I am so proud to stand here with my colleagues, united as Democrats, united with the American people, that this violence we are seeing from ICE and CBP agents has to stop.

"Republicans promised two fundamental things. They promised an economy that would work for working people. We've seen how that's turned out. And they promised they would deport and use ICE to go after the 'worst of the worst.' And what are we seeing? Renee Good and Alex Pretti killed in cold blood. Executed.

"Kristi Noem, within hours of their deaths, declared them domestic terrorists. Stephen Miller called Pretti an assassin. But the American people have seen their deaths. They've seen the videos, and they know that this is a cover up.

"We've seen an ICE agent tackle an American citizen — a 10th grader — ended up stealing his phone and pawning it for cash.

"We've seen them use little Liam Ramos — a five-year-old — one, to try and bait people to come out of their houses. And then, they send him to detention in Texas.

"We've seen them tear gas children and peaceful protesters, including a six-month-old baby.

"So it is time, and we are united with the American people, that DHS and this paramilitary force that they have created and unleashed on our American streets will be held accountable.

"Americans deserve to be safe and secure in their communities. Children deserve to be safe in their communities and their schools. And families need to know that masked police cannot break down a door just because they want to.

"There are protections of our laws, of due process, and our Constitution that we are going to stand up for — and say no to this violence. This is what this fight is about. And I am proud to stand with Democrats to make sure that we give voice to the fears of Americans for where this country is heading and where this violence is taking us."

To view the complete press conference, click HERE. To view photos, click HERE.

# # #


Kelly backs "Protect and Serve Act" to support law enforcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-sponsored H.R. 1551, The Protect and Serve Act," legislation that would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers in the line of duty.

The bill was reintroduced by Reps. John Rutherford (R-FL) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) last year. Kelly has voted for the legislation in previous Congresses.

"Each day, law enforcement officers go to work and put their lives on the line to protect our cities and our neighborhoods. This legislation makes it clear: an attack on law enforcement is an attack on our communities. I'm proud to stand with law enforcement and to support this bipartisan piece of legislation," Kelly said.

BACKGROUND

H.R. 1551, the Protect and Serve Act:


Thompson and Kennedy Lead Dems in Introducing Resolution Condemning Trump’s Dangerous FEMA Workforce Cuts

Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, introduced a resolution condemning federal workforce reductions that undermine preparedness, response, and recovery, and expressing serious concern regarding proposed future staffing cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA plays a critical role in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, and its ability to fulfill that mission depends on a stable, well-trained, and adequately resourced workforce. However, recent reporting indicates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pursuing significant workforce reductions at FEMA, even as disasters become more frequent and severe.

"FEMA's workforce comes to the aid of Americans at their most vulnerable – after disasters have upended their lives,” said Ranking Member Thompson. “At a time when communities across the country are facing increasingly devastating disasters, it is beyond reckless to consider staffing cuts. The Trump administration’s reckless firings and misguided staffing cuts blatantly disregard the painful lessons of Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Based on past disasters, we know that slashing FEMA’s workforce will put Americans at risk, plain and simple.”

“FEMA’s workforce is the backbone of our nation’s disaster response. When a winter storm, tornado, hurricane, or flood strikes, Americans should never have to wonder whether the federal government has the people, experience, or capacity in place to help them recover,” said Ranking Member Kennedy. “We stand to lose decades of lessons learned from devastating disasters should we allow this administration to continue with its reckless workforce reductions. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution to condemn dangerous cuts to FEMA and to stand up for the dedicated public servants who keep our communities safe.”

The resolution reaffirms Congress’s responsibility to ensure FEMA has the personnel, resources, and institutional capacity necessary to carry out its mission effectively and urges DHS to abandon any plans that would further erode the agency’s readiness.

The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Dan Goldman (D-NY), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Pablo José Hernández (D-PR), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Al Green (D-TX), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Dina Titus (D-NV), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D-VA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Ed Case (D-HI), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Wesley Bell (D-MO), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA).

Endorsements:

“AFGE strongly supports House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Thompson's resolution condemning reckless FEMA workforce cuts that jeopardize disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, threaten public safety, and undermine the dedicated federal employees who protect communities across the nation before, during, and after disasters,” said American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Everett Kelley.

“A robust and well-resourced emergency management workforce is the backbone of our nation’s resilience. The stability of skilled personnel safeguards the operational integrity of our emergency management systems and ensures that communities receive timely, effective support during their most critical moments,” added Goulda A. Downer, PhD, FAND, RD, LN, CNS, Co-Founder, HBCU Emergency Management Workforce Consortium.

Resolution Text

# # #


Rep. Mullin Secures Over $12.75 Million for Local Community Projects in California’s 15th District

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15) has secured $12,751,982 million in Community Project Funding that will go directly toward crucial local projects like revamping roadways and bike lanes, improving public transportation infrastructure, and developing childcare centers in California’s 15th Congressional District.

“Partnering with local communities here at home and delivering for our district is my top priority as a Member of Congress,” Mullin said. “I am proud to announce that this funding will have a direct impact on the lives of so many people in our community by expanding preschool programs, improving our transportation systems, addressing public safety needs and more. This funding will help with some of the most needed and valuable government services in our community, and I’m eager to see this funding benefit families across our district.”

The Community Project Funding includes investments in projects such as the SR 84–US 101 Interchange Reimagined project in Redwood City, which will improve roadway safety and access for pedestrians and bicyclists, the Westborough Early Childhood Education Center expansion in South San Francisco, which will increase access to preschool and early learning opportunities for local families, and renovation of the Visitacion Valley Family Center, which serves local community organizations in San Francisco, including the Asian Pacific American Community Center.

Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to advocate for federal support for projects submitted by local governments and community partners.

The 2026 Fiscal Year project funding secured by Rep. Mullin include:

Burlingame: Caltrain Broadway Grade Separation Project – $3,150,000

This project will separate the train tracks at Broadway in the City of Burlingame, one of California’s most hazardous crossings. It will address numerous safety and congestion challenges at a location that has seen at least 12 train-vehicle crashes involving serious injuries, and a fatality, in the last 10 years.

Daly City: Vista Grande Drainage Basin Improvement Project – $1,092,000

The project will support managing, treating, and reusing stormwater in the Vista Grande Drainage Basin, providing regional water supply and recreational benefits for communities in Daly City, San Francisco and San Mateo County.

East Palo Alto: Woodland Avenue Safety Improvements – $2,000,000

The project will support the design and construction of safety improvements along a dangerous stretch of Woodland Avenue between University Avenue and Newell Road, including pavement rehabilitation, new sidewalks, ADA accessibility upgrades, traffic-calming features, improved stormwater management, and updated signage and striping.

Millbrae: Trail to Bay Connections – $250,000

The funding will be used to support the design and construction of safe connections from the regional Sawyer Camp Trail to the Bay Trail and other regional destinations, such as regional parks, commercial areas, medical centers, and transit hubs. The project will look at closing the Bay Trail gap within Millbrae, and make long-overdue safety improvements.

Redwood City: SR 84-US 101 Interchange Reimagined – $850,000

Funding will provide crucial roadway safety improvements, improved bicycling and walking facilities, improved air quality and sustainability, and expanded access to the interchange for low-income communities.

SamTrans: Bus Stop Amenity Improvements – $250,000

The funding will support the SamTrans Bus Stop Improvement Plan (BSIP), which would install over 170 new shelters, 75 new bus bulbs or boarding islands, and nearly 200 digital real-time information signs to over 220 bus stops. These improvements serve a population most in need of affordable, accessible, and high-quality public transit.

San Bruno: Huntington Ave Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements – $850,000

The funding will include construction of a two-way bicycle track along a critical arterial road that serves as a crucial connector with the regional train stations and nearby trails. The project includes a concrete barrier, streetscape improvements, pedestrian-scale lighting, and pedestrian signals that will provide added safety for pedestrians and/or bicyclists on Huntington Avenue.

San Carlos: US 101/Holly Street Interchange & Overcrossing – $500,000

Funding will be used to make important pedestrian safety improvements by converting the existing US 101/Holly Street Interchange from a four-quadrant cloverleaf to a partial cloverleaf interchange, and adding a 12 foot-wide pedestrian/bicycle overcrossing.

San Francisco: Visitacion Valley Family Center Improvements – $959,982

Families and older adults will benefit from this funding that will support facility upgrades to increase capacity, remodeling second floor offices, installing an elevator to improve the accessibility of the facility, and storm drainage improvements.

San Francisco: Crocker Amazon Playground-Purple Playground Project – $250,000

The project will renovate the playground that will serve over 15,000 residents, particularly under-resourced children and seniors. Improvements including a Nature Exploration Area, picnic areas, new swings, slides, climbing structures, balance beams and trees.

City of San Mateo: Lakeshore Community Day Care Center – $1,200,000

The funding will support planning and design to renovate the City of San Mateo’s Lakeshore Community Center, which has not seen significant upgrades since it opened in 1967 and is currently only able to function as a part-time day care. The upgrades will help serve one of the most economically-vulnerable populations in the community and create a full-day preschool for low-income families.

City of San Mateo: Real Time Information Center Technology – $550,000

This project will support key technology acquisition and installation for the City’s RTIC, a centralized hub that provides real-time information to enhance emergency response and government service delivery. The RTIC integrates data from license plate readers, traffic systems, weather data and surveillance systems to assist law enforcement, fire, EMS, traffic and emergency response teams.

South San Francisco: Westborough Early Childhood Education Center – $850,000

Funding will help Westborough Preschool double its capacity, expanding from three classrooms serving 60 children to six classrooms serving approximately 120 preschoolers.

###


Krishnamoorthi Blasts Trump’s Call for Republican Takeover of U.S. Election System

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s recent remarks calling for Republicans to “take over” and “nationalize” elections:

“President Donald Trump’s call for Republicans to ‘take over’ and ‘nationalize’ elections strikes at the heart of our Constitution: that no political party is entitled to control the vote. In America, elections belong to the people — a principle generations of Americans have fought and died to defend. The idea that a president could deploy the military, DHS, ICE, or any federal force to impose partisan control over elections is dangerous, unconstitutional, and fundamentally un-American. I will soon introduce legislation to make unmistakably clear that no president may use federal power to interfere with, control, or seize our elections.”


Larsen Releases Statement on Trump’s Threats to Aircraft Manufacturing

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after President Trump threatened to decertify and add new tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft:

"Anyone with knowledge of aircraft manufacturing understands the key role Canadian partners play in building safe, reliable planes to transport people and goods across the continent. Threatening tariffs and decertification is bad for business, jeopardizes the industry and the aerospace supply chain and risks the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of hardworking women and men in my district and elsewhere.”

Rep. Larsen is a member of the New Democrat Coalition Trade and Tariffs Task Force and has been a leader in opposing the Trump administration’s tariffs.

###


Larson Moves to Block Trump Plan to Steal $10 Billion in Taxpayer Dollars from U.S. Treasury

“Donald Trump has a long track record of filing frivolous lawsuits to pad his own pockets – from 60 Minutes to George Stephanopoulos and the Wall Street Journal,” said Larson. “Now, he has a plan to steal our tax dollars by suing himself and leaving us on the hook for a $10 BILLION payout. Our Prevent Presidential Profiteering Act will block his latest scam by imposing a 100% levy on any civil settlement against the government brought by the President, their family, or their business entities. Whether it’s billion-dollar corporations screwing over their customers or billionaire presidents trying to make a quick buck off the American people, I will continue to stand up to this corruption plaguing our nation.”

The Prevent Presidential Profiteering Act would impose a 100% tax on any civil settlement awarded to the President, the President’s immediate family, or any business entity they own or control, while the President was in office, if the underlying legal action as filed against the United States government.


Ranking Member Larson in MS NOW: “Election deniers may have your Social Security data — thanks to DOGE and Elon Musk”

Last month, a bombshell court filing from the Department of Justice revealed ‘DOGE’ signed an agreement to use data they took from Social Security to a MAGA-affiliated group working to overturn election results, sent sensitive data on about 1,000 individuals directly to Elon Musk’s ‘top lieutenant,’ and traded confidential data on an unapproved server. Ranking Member Larson announced a sweeping effort by House Democrats to probe the ‘DOGE’ data theft scheme and called for a criminal investigation and charges.

“When you grow up in a project like I did, you learn how important it is to stand up to a bully,” Larson wrote. “I will not stand by as Musk, President Donald Trump, or any of their MAGA allies raid the data compiled by the Social Security Administration or diminish the benefits that Americans have earned over a lifetime of work. If Republicans refuse to defend their constituents from this unprecedented overreach, then the American people’s demand for accountability will only grow louder.”

When you grow up in a project like I did, you learn how important it is to stand up to a bully. I will not stand by as Musk, President Donald Trump, or any of their MAGA allies raid the data compiled by the Social Security Administration or diminish the benefits that Americans have earned over a lifetime of work. If Republicans refuse to defend their constituents from this unprecedented overreach, then the American people’s demand for accountability will only grow louder.

Social Security is the most successful program in the history of this nation and our No. 1 anti-poverty program. It’s an earned benefit, paid for by workers with every paycheck. It has lifted generations out of poverty and provided security to millions of retirees, people with disabilities and surviving families. It is not a playground for billionaires, an investment scheme or a slush fund for privatization.


Latta Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) announced his office is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, who live or attend school in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. The Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

The deadline for submission is Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5pm.

Once received, all artwork will be displayed in the district until honorees are recognized at a reception. The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building Complex in Washington, D.C. for one year, and three honorable mention pieces will be displayed in Latta’s district offices.

“Ohio’s Fifth District is filled with incredibly gifted young artists, and the Congressional Art Competition provides a great opportunity to celebrate their talent. Every year, I am impressed by the originality and skill displayed in each submission, and I’m excited to see the creative artwork students will share this year,” Latta said.

For information on submitting artwork for the competition, or to help answer any questions, please click here or contact Barbara Orange in the Bowling Green office at 419-354-8700 or by emailing barbara.orange@mail.house.gov.

Each student is allowed one entry. Eligible artwork includes the following:

Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers

Collages: must be two-dimensional

Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints

Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, etc.

Computer-Generated Art

Photography

All entries must meet the following criteria:

The submission must be two-dimensional

The submission must be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, including the frame

It also must have a wire attached to the back suitable for hanging on a wall.

The submission must not weigh more than 15 pounds

The submission must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws

It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed. Work entered must be in the original medium; that is, not scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. Framing rules apply only to the winning artwork.


Lawler Introduces Bipartisan Tech-Neutral Permitting Certainty Legislation

Washington, D.C. - 2/4/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler joined Reps. Josh Harder (CA-09), Adam Gray (CA-13), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), and Don Bacon (NE-02) in introducing the Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act expedites judicial review, creates new protections for fully-permitted projects, establishes enforceable deadlines, and mandates ode-risking programs and compliance reporting.

Energy projects face catastrophic financial losses from permit revocations, unreasonable agency delays, and years-long processing times, even after sponsors invest millions based on approvals. This regulatory uncertainty deters critical infrastructure investment across all energy technologies and undermines America's energy security.

“America's energy security depends on our ability to build critical infrastructure efficiently and responsibly. The FREEDOM Act cuts through regulatory delays that have stalled vital energy projects across the country. By establishing clear timelines and accountability for federal agencies, this legislation protects investments, creates jobs, and ensures NY-17 can power its future with reliable, affordable energy,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Working families across the country are facing soaring energy prices because we’ve made it too hard to build new energy projects. The FREEDOM Act delivers the smart, pro-growth certainty that critical energy projects desperately need by cutting delays, fast-tracking approvals, and holding federal agencies accountable. This is a common sense solution that will mean more energy projects being brought online in the short term and lower energy costs for our families for the long run,” said Congressman Harder.

How the FREEDOM Act delivers tech-neutral permitting certainty:

Empowers project sponsors to file court petitions with expedited review and limits non-project sponsors from extended legal challenges.

Federal agencies cannot revoke permits, issue stop-work orders, or halt construction on fully permitted projects that do not meet a narrow set of extreme circumstances.

Non-negotiable timelines that, when missed by agencies, empower project sponsors to hire qualified contractors to complete administrative work at no cost to the project.

Insurance-style program under the Department of Energy (DOE) to protect developers from losses due to federal actions or inaction.

Mandatory GAO reporting to Congress 180 days and annually on agency deadline compliance, unfair treatment, and industry success.

“Projects in my district are being held up by a dysfunctional permitting system that takes years to process simple applications. It's long over-due for Congress to act. I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan FREEDOM Act with Reps. Harder, Bacon, and Lawler to ensure America can build reliable infrastructure, quickly,” said Congressman Gray.

“Energy projects should not face years of uncertainty that undermine our energy security after sponsors have invested millions by following the rules and securing permits. I’m pleased to co-lead the bipartisan FREEDOM Act to bring common-sense timelines, protect permitted investments, and ensure the permitting process is fair, predictable, and applied equally,” said Congressman Bacon.

“Both parties have watched administrations weaponize the permitting process against disfavored energy sources,” said Thomas Hochman, Director of Energy & Infrastructure Policy at the Foundation for American Innovation. “The FREEDOM Act would fix that, creating a level playing field so that energy technologies succeed or fail based on their merits, rather than politics.”

“NOIA strongly supports bipartisan efforts like the FREEDOM Act, which delivers enforceable permitting deadlines, robust protections for fully permitted projects, expedited judicial review, and a de-risking compensation program to provide certainty and decision durability for all forms of offshore energy development, including oil and gas, offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, ocean mineral exploration, and emerging technologies,” said National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito. “We commend Representatives Josh Harder, Mike Lawler, Adam Gray, and Don Bacon for their leadership in advancing this critical legislation, which limits delays, safeguards investments from revocations or inaction, and ensures fair treatment across energy sources. By establishing predictable timelines, accountability mechanisms, and financial safeguards, efforts like the FREEDOM Act are essential to restoring investor confidence, unlocking capital, accelerating offshore infrastructure development, and building the all-of-the-above energy future America needs for security, economic growth, and affordability.”

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.

###


Letlow Delivers Funding for New Flood Rescue Training Facility in Baton Rouge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow has secured $3.5 million in Community Project Funding to support the construction of an advanced, indoor water rescue training facility in Baton Rouge for first responders.

The funding passed as part of the FY 2026 transportation funding bill, which cleared Congress on Tuesday and was signed into law by President Trump. The facility will be housed at the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy, and will feature a simulation tank and other rescue environments aimed at providing year-round, specialized training for first responders across the state.

“A significant portion of the funding I’ve steered to the Capital Region has focused on public safety and natural disaster preparation. With this new facility, we are investing in quality training for our heroic first responders - and ultimately the safety of Louisianans who often face dangerous flooding," said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “This facility will ensure we have the best-trained first responders in the country, deliver long-term public safety results, and save lives.”


Letlow Delivers Significant Investment in Northeast Louisiana Port Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow has secured $5 million in Community Project Funding to support crucial repairs to port infrastructure along the Mississippi River in Northeast Louisiana.

Funding for the Delta Link Louisiana Regional Ports Improvement Project passed as part of the FY 2026 transportation funding bill, which cleared Congress on Tuesday and was signed into law by President Trump. The $5 million will support infrastructure improvements at the Ports of Lake Providence, Tensas, and Vidalia.

“Our river infrastructure drives economic development throughout Louisiana, and these upgrades are essential to supporting our agricultural and manufacturing industries,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “With this investment that I secured through the Appropriations Committee, Northeast Louisiana will continue to be a growing hub for transporting valuable commodities and materials.”


Letlow Secures Funding for Safety Improvements at Hammond Airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow has delivered $2.2 million in Community Project Funding to support aviation infrastructure improvements at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport.

The funding passed as part of the FY 2026 transportation funding bill, which cleared Congress on Tuesday and was signed into law by President Trump. The funding will be used to extend the primary runway, improving safety while increasing capacity for larger and more varied aircraft.

“I’ve worked throughout my time in Congress to support improvements to the Hammond airport, an exceptional facility that creates economic activity in Tangipahoa Parish,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “With this targeted support, the primary runway will receive a much needed extension - improving safety for pilots and passengers while increasing capacity for larger aircraft. I will continue to use my seat on the Appropriations Committee to deliver for Hammond and the Florida Parishes.”