Press Releases

Rep. Aguilar Highlights Impact of the Republican Health Care and Affordability Crises Amid Trump’s Costly Iran War

Republican cuts to health care threaten access to affordable care for more than 24,000 people in California’s 33rd Congressional District who are enrolled in Covered California, California’s Affordable Care Act marketplace

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Ahead of the 16-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference at a mobile health clinic in San Bernardino to highlight how President Trump is spending billions of taxpayer dollars on his reckless war with Iran rather than bringing down health care costs for Americans here at home. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.

Sixteen years after the Affordable Care Act expanded health care to millions of Americans, Republican attacks on health care and their refusal to extend the ACA tax credits caused health care premiums to increase for 24,000 residents of California’s 33rd Congressional District and more than 1.7 million Californians statewide. Instead of investing taxpayer money in bringing down the cost of health care, the Trump administration is spending it on this misguided war and is asking for even more taxpayer dollars to fund the war instead of bringing down costs here at home.

On top of the Republican health care crisis, Trump’s war with Iran has made gas prices across the country skyrocket, with prices in San Bernardino County soaring to nearly $6.00 a gallon. The SAC Health Mobile Clinic travels hundreds of miles to serve thousands of patients in the Inland Empire, and higher fuel costs make it more expensive and difficult for mobile health clinics to operate and provide care to underserved communities.

“Sixteen years ago, the Affordable Care Act expanded access to quality, affordable health care for millions of Americans,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Today, Republicans are putting that progress at risk with health care cuts in their Big Ugly Law and by refusing to extend ACA tax credits that kept coverage affordable. Californians already struggle to afford doctors’ visits and groceries because of these policies—and now, Trump’s war with Iran is making gas prices skyrocket nationwide. Even worse, the Trump administration is asking for more of Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars to fund their reckless foreign war after already spending billions, all while refusing to spend a dime to bring down the cost of health care. From the gas pump to the doctor’s office, working families are paying the price for Trump’s disastrous policies and costly foreign war. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, protect health care and hold Trump accountable so Inland Empire families can thrive.”

“The anniversary of the ACA is a reminder of how many of our community continue to need the compassionate care the SAC Health provides,” said Dr. Michael Robinson, ACMO, SAC Health. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the ACA as it is essential for the health of our community; it ensures that preventive care remains accessible and that chronic diseases are managed before they become emergencies. It allows us all to work together to care for our fellow human beings. This means that we can continue to focus on high-quality patient care every single day here at SAC Health.”


Alford, Costa, A. Smith Introduce National Ag Day Resolution

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating March 24, 2026, as National Agriculture Day and recognizing the importance of agriculture as one of the most impactful industries in the United States.

Read the text of the resolution here.

“Our farmers and ranchers around the clock all year to feed, clothe, and fuel the world,” said Congressman Alford. “This industry has been recognized on National Agriculture Day for decades, and we’re proud to play our part to ensure our agriculture community continues to receive this honor. Agriculture is the cornerstone of communities across Missouri and all of America. I’m pleased to partner with Congressmen Costa and Smith to get our farmers and ranchers the recognition they deserve.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of our nation, and the hardworking farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and women of the San Joaquin Valley, and across the country deserve our recognition and support every day,” said Rep. Costa. “National Agriculture Day reminds us that food security is a national security issue. Our farmers feed much of the world, strengthen our economy, and protect our country. As a third-generation farmer, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in celebrating their essential role in sustaining our communities and our nation.”

"On National Agriculture Day we celebrate and show our gratitude to America's ag producers for their continued efforts to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and the world. The agriculture industry is the backbone of the economy in communities throughout rural America, including those in Nebraska’s Third District which leads the country in agricultural production. Today, I am proud to partner with Congressmen Alford and Costa to recognize the essential role farmers and ranchers continue to play in America’s success," said Congressman Smith.

The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Rob Bresnahan, Juan Ciscomani, David Rouzer, Andrea Salinas, Pete Sessions, Gabe Evans, Julia Letlow, Rick Crawford, Daniel Webster, Randy Feenstra, Zach Nunn, Austin Scott, Andy Harris, Tracey Mann, Brad Finstad, Mary Miller, Angie Craig, Robert Aderholt, and John Rose.

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Bacon, Meeks Demand Bessent & Rubio Explain Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

Washington, DC -- Representatives Don Bacon and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a bipartisan letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding answers on the Trump administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil.

The lawmakers warned that the move risks undercutting U.S. national security interests by enabling Russia to expand revenue streams used to sustain its war against Ukraine.

A PDF of the letter is here. An excerpt is below.

“...The United States’ existing sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports have helped curtail the Kremlin’s ability to finance its illegal war of choice against Ukraine. Easing sanctions on Russia at this critical juncture, instead of increasing pressure, risks fueling Russia’s aggression and undermining progress we have made to reduce Russia’s global energy leverage…

“The issuing of these licenses and Russia’s subsequent financial gains come on the heels of Ukraine’s most significant territorial gains in years in their fight to reclaim their sovereign territory from occupying Russian forces. In other words, these licenses have provided Russia with an infusion of cash just when it needs it most to reverse Ukrainian progress, allowing it to take advantage of the global rise in energy costs to further fund its illegal war.

“Not only are these licenses helping fund Russian aggression against Ukraine, but they are doing so while Russia reportedly helps the Iranian regime target U.S. forces in the Middle East. On March 17, the Wall Street Journal further reported that Russian-Iranian cooperation continues to increase – with Russia providing modifications to Shahed drones developed from their own experiences using them against Ukraine and sharing satellite imagery to ‘prolong a war that is benefitting Russia militarily and economically.’”

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95 Organizations Urge Support for Buchanan’s Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act

Broad Coalition of Health Care, Aging and Financial Services Organizations Calls on Congress to Provide Financial Relief for Family Caregivers

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, announced that 95 leading organizations led by AARP sent a letter to Congress sharing their support for Buchanan’s bipartisan, bicameral Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act (H.R. 138 / S. 1565) and called on lawmakers to support Buchanan’s bill

The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act would help ease the financial burden on family caregivers by allowing individuals to use tax-free health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts on medical expenses for their parents and loved ones. Currently, caregivers are unable to take advantage of these tax-free accounts unless their parents are classified as dependents for tax purposes. Read more about the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act here.

“Family caregivers make incredible sacrifices to support their loved ones, often while balancing jobs, raising families and managing their own financial responsibilities,” said Buchanan. “As millions of Americans learn every year, caring for aging parents or loved ones can place a significant financial strain on families. With nearly 200,000 seniors in my district alone, caregiving assistance is critical to ensuring families can give their loved ones a dignified quality of life in their golden years. My Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act provides commonsense relief by allowing caregivers to use their own health care accounts to cover a parent’s medical expenses. I’m grateful for the strong support from organizations across the country and will continue working to get this important legislation across the finish line.”

“Family caregivers provide essential care that allows millions of older Americans to live independently, but too often, they’re paying thousands of dollars out of pocket to do it,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would give caregivers more flexibility and financial relief by allowing them to use their health care accounts to cover a parent or parent-in-law’s qualified medical expenses. We urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this legislation and give family caregivers the support they need.”

Leading voices across the aging, health care, disability, financial services and patient advocacy communities signed the letter urging members of Congress to support Buchanan’s Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, including AARP; the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM); the Alliance for Aging Research; the National Council on Aging; the Muscular Dystrophy Association; the Parkinson’s Foundation; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; the American Geriatrics Society; the Caregiver Action Network; and the National Alliance for Caregiving, among many others representing millions of caregivers and patients nationwide.

“The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act is one important way to help provide families with economic relief,” wrote the organizations in the letter. “This legislation would be an important step to help alleviate the financial challenges that millions of family caregivers experience every day, particularly those in the 'sandwich generation’ who are caring for both their parents and their own children.”

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Congress,

We, the undersigned organizations, urge you to enact financial relief for family caregivers by including the bipartisan, bicameral Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act (S. 1565/H.R. 138) in any relevant legislation you advance in the 119th Congress. In the United States, family caregivers provide essential support to their older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, adult children, and other family members or friends so they can live independently in their homes. But the costs can be daunting – family caregivers, on average, spend more than $7,200 out-of-pocket caring for a loved one annually, or about 26 percent of their income.

Nearly half of family caregivers have experienced at least one negative financial impact, such as stopping saving or using up short-term savings, taking on more debt, leaving bills unpaid or paying them late, borrowing money from family and friends, or struggling to afford basics like food. Too often, employed caregivers leave the workforce or reduce their hours due to caregiving, resulting in a loss of income, retirement savings, benefits, and career mobility. The money families spend on caregiving costs helps keep people out of costly institutional settings, like nursing homes, saving taxpayers billions every year.

The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act is one important way to help provide families with economic relief. The bill would allow a family caregiver who has a health savings account, flexible spending account, health reimbursement account, or Archer medical savings account to use the dollars in that account for the qualified medical expenses of a parent or parent-in-law, in addition to the individual’s spouse and dependents, as currently permitted by law. This legislation would be an important step to help alleviate the financial challenges that millions of family caregivers experience every day, particularly those in the “sandwich generation” who are caring for both their parents and their own children.

Family caregivers need support as they take on the costs and responsibilities associated with caregiving. We look forward to working with you to enact the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act. If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Richards with AARP at rrichards@aarp.org.

Sincerely,

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Castro, Garcia, Ramirez, Krishnamoorthi Slam ICE for Targeting Dreamers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) are calling out the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the unlawful and targeted arrests of recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), commonly known as Dreamers, under the Trump Administration.

In the letter sent to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the members highlight Dreamers’ contributions to society, writing, “More than 530,000 individuals currently maintain active DACA protections nationwide. These young people live, work, and raise families in communities across our country… DACA recipients are screened for public safety concerns and are re-vetted every two years to maintain their status. However, recent communications from your department show a troubling pattern of DHS targeting DACA recipients.”

The members underscored an emerging pattern in which DHS targets Dreamers who have not committed any crime, writing, “DHS targeting and detaining DACA individuals who have complied with every requirement of the program leads us to believe that federal resources are not being directed towards genuine public safety threats. DACA recipients contribute to communities in every corner of America. They are starting families, teaching our children, caring for our sick, and strengthening the communities they have called home their entire lives.”

The members concluded by pointing out the agency’s contradictory figures on DACA arrests, writing, “DHS has provided Congress with contradictory figures on DACA arrests, calling into question the integrity of the agency's record-keeping…It is unclear how ICE arrested more DACA recipients in a nine-month window when compared to an eleven-month window. These inconsistent figures raise serious concerns about the accuracy and reliability of DHS’s reporting to Congress and warrant additional clarification.”


RELEASE: Congressman Michael Cloud Joins Groundbreaking for New CCRTA Facility

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) joined local officials and leaders of the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) yesterday for the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art maintenance facility. The project is made possible by $46.2 million in federal funding secured by Representative Cloud through the Federal Transit Administration, along with an earlier $1.94 million appropriation he secured to fund the facility’s design phase.

Representative Cloud worked closely with CCRTA Board Chair Art Granado and Executive Director Derrick Majchszak to shepherd the investment through the federal funding process. The new facility will replace an aging structure that no longer meets the demands of a growing community.

“This investment is ultimately about people. The RTA has been indispensable in serving its riders, including helping veterans get to medical appointments, seniors reach essential services, and residents commute to work,” said Rep. Cloud.

The modern facility will also bolster the region’s resilience during hurricanes and other emergencies, ensuring CCRTA can continue providing critical transportation services when the community needs them most.


Congressman Cohen Announces a Sickle Cell Disease Research Grant to St. Jude

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Dr. Shannon L. McKinney-Freeman of the Hematology Department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $673,150 for research on stem cell dysfunction in sickle cell disease from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. These types of stem cells – found in every person – give rise to all other types of blood cells. Part of the project’s goals are to develop new treatments for sickle cell disease.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Sickle cell disease is a serious and debilitating illness for a significant number of African Americans in the Mid-South, so I am always pleased to see investments in understanding and treating it. I commend Dr. McKinney-Freeman and St. Jude for undertaking this life-saving work, and wish them every success.”

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Dingell, Raskin Press Administration for Answers on DNA Collection Practices After Threatening Canadian National Seeking Lawful Entry into Michigan

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed the Trump Administration for answers following the detaining of a Canadian national and subjecting him to an unnecessary DNA collection under threat of criminal charges carrying one year in prison. The Canadian national, 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist Kevin Larson, was seeking legal entry into Michigan to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. In a letter to the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Representatives Dingell and Raskin are demanding answers as to why Mr. Lawson was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers after expressing his desire to attend a peaceful protest in Michigan. After complying with the DNA collection out of fear for his safety, he was let go, not charged, and not suspected of any illegal activity.

“We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings,” the lawmakers wrote.

“This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist,” they continued.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Secretary Mullin, Secretary Rubio, and Attorney General Bondi:

This letter is in response to an extraordinary incident on October 18, 2025, in which a Canadian retiree, Kevin Larson, with no known criminal record and no suspected illegal activity, was required to provide a DNA sample under threat of possible jail time while simply attempting to lawfully cross the Blue Water Bridge into Port Huron, Michigan.

On that date, Mr. Larson, a 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist from Ontario attempted to enter the United States lawfully to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. Instead, he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, apparently denied entry based on the nature of his planned activity, and subjected to fingerprinting, a phone search, and a DNA collection. He was explicitly informed that failure to provide a DNA sample could result in criminal charges carrying up to a year in prison. After complying under this threat, he was returned to Canada. Mr. Larson was not charged with any crime and was not suspected of illegal activity.

You may not have heard, but Canada is our major trading partner, our friend, our neighbor, and one of our strongest allies in defending democratic freedom around the world against fascism and authoritarianism. Canadians and Americans regularly cross the border in both directions to shop, work, and visit family. Episodes like this risk undermining that longstanding relationship and are already contributing to a chilling effect on cross-border travel and engagement. This kind of hostile and arbitrary treatment at the border could further damage one of our most important bilateral relationships already battered by President Trump’s vilification of the Canadian people and threats to annex their country.

The informal Canadian boycott of American commerce, travel, tourism, and goods is already killing a lot of American businesses from Michigan and New York to Nevada and Florida, and this kind of authoritarian treatment of Canadian citizens at the border will only make matters a lot worse.

We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings. This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist.

In light of these extraordinary actions by CBP, we request a response to the following questions by April 10, 2026:

•Why was Mr. Larson denied entry to the United States on October 18, 2025?

•What was the legal authority for requiring Mr. Larson to submit to a DNA test under threat of criminal prosecution?

•How did Mr. Larson’s case meet CBP’s criteria for DNA collection, what is the current governing policy, and how is it being implemented at ports of entry?

•How many individuals have had DNA collected by CBP at ports of entry despite not being charged with or suspected of a crime?

•How has Mr. Larson’s DNA been used, and what are the policies governing its storage, access, and retention by the FBI?

•Has Mr. Larson’s DNA been entered into CODIS, and if so, under what authority?

•If the collection was not consistent with CBP policy or legal requirements, what process exists to remove Mr. Larson’s DNA from federal databases?


Rep. Fischbach Honored as "Small Business Deduction Champion" by NFIB

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) has been officially recognized as a Small Business Deduction Champion by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization.

The award recognizes Members of Congress who were instrumental in securing the permanent 20% Small Business Deduction. This critical tax provision prevents a significant tax hike on over 33 million small business owners nationwide, providing the long-term certainty needed for local economies to thrive.

“Making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent was a landmark victory for America’s small business owners, and a culmination of numerous years of hard work,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “We are proud to recognize the lawmakers who paved the way for small business owners to keep more of their hard-earned money and continue creating jobs, growing their operations, and investing in their communities.”


Moore, Carey Lead Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Foster Youth Program

Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Mike Carey (R-OH), both members of the Ways and Means Work and Welfare Committee, introduced the Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust (CONNECT) Act. The Chafee program provides supportive services to foster youth aging out of the system, including housing, education, and employment assistance. This bipartisan legislation calls for the Chafee program to focus on helping foster youth develop healthy, supportive relationships with adults and highlights the role that supportive relationships can play in helping individuals succeed.

“Healthy, long-term relationships are critical to helping young people through life, especially foster youth aging out of the system. When I attended Marquette University, I relied on a village to help me graduate and raise my baby girl. Foster youth face many challenges and healthy relationships with trusted adults are imperative to a successful transition to adulthood, which is a difficult process for anyone, but especially so for foster youth. Our bipartisan legislation recognizes that it often takes a village and supportive relationships should play a central role in helping foster youth reach their full potential,” said Rep. Moore.

“The bipartisan CONNECT Act would empower older foster youth with greater options and increased participation to develop and achieve their personal goals for family reunification, permanent placement, adult independence, or more as they transition into adulthood,” Rep. Carey said. “Additionally, the bill expands options for adult mentorship and peer support services for foster youth and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on these changes to state agencies. I’m proud to support these updates to the Chafee program that will allow foster youths to take a greater role in charting and achieving their individual permanency targets.”

“Youth in foster care consistently share how isolating the experience can be, and how peer support and strong family connections can create lifelong bonds. We’re grateful that Representative Moore and Representative Carey listened to young people and reflected their recommendations in the CONNECT Act, creating meaningful pathways to lasting relationships and engaging youth as true partners in the permanency process,” said Celeste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub.


Congressman Hamadeh Celebrates Release of Dennis Coyle by Taliban

WASHINGTON D.C. - On Tuesday, March 24, Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler confirmed that Dennis Coyle, a Colorado resident whose family hails from Arizona, has been released by the Taliban.

In February, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) demanded the immediate release of Dennis, whom the Taliban had been holding in Afghanistan since January 2025, in solitary confinement without charge or due process.

At the time, Congressman Hamadeh noted that the United States has entered a new era when it comes to bringing Americans home under President Trump's leadership. Today’s news proves that the Trump administration has made release of American hostages and detainees a top priority.

“Today I join Dennis's family, friends, and my fellow citizens in finally celebrating his long awaited return to American soil. His agonizing and unacceptable captivity is over. When I met Dennis' family, who were relentless in their pursuit to see Dennis again, I vowed to use every tool available to bring him home” said Congressman Hamadeh. “America First means no Americans left behind. I’m grateful to President Trump and his diplomatic team for delivering on that promise and bringing Dennis home safely to his family.”

As an emissary of the Peace Through Strength agenda, Congressman Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Reserve Intelligence Oﬃcer recently travelled to Syria to meet with President al-Sharaa to discuss the return of Kayla Mueller's body to her family in Arizona. He also successfully advocated for Elizabeth Tsurkov's recent release by Hezbollah in Iraq, where she survived 903 days of captivity.


Houlahan Leads Pennsylvania Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Prevent Plastic Pipeline Tragedies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, on the third anniversary of the deadly explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) led ten bipartisan Pennsylvania colleagues in introducing the Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act. The Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act legislation will help to prevent future pipeline accidents caused by hazardous legacy plastic piping including Aldyl A—the material linked to the 2023 West Reading explosion. Original cosponsors include Representatives Dan Meuser, Madeleine Dean, Mike Kelly, Mary Gay Scanlon, Ryan Mackenzie, Chris Deluzio, Brendan Boyle, Brian Fitzpatrick, Dwight Evans, and GT Thompson.

“Three years ago, our community lost seven beloved neighbors and friends in West Reading,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “We cannot undo that tragedy, but we can, and must, ensure it never happens again. This legislation follows the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations, requiring operators to identify and address dangerous legacy piping to increase accountability, protect public safety, and prevent future loss of life.”

Background: The 2023 explosion in West Reading, Pennsylvania killed seven workers, injured eleven, and displaced families, marking one of the deadliest pipeline accidents in recent U.S. history. The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) final report found that widespread historic plastic piping and incomplete records meant operators could not reliably identify vulnerable Aldyl A assets, preventing proper mitigation. The Board also emphasized that Aldyl A’s documented failure history, combined with the severity of the West Reading explosion, presents an ongoing safety risk. NTSB recommended that the Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Materials Administration (PHMSA) advise operators to inventory plastic assets exposed to elevated temperatures, identify them during maintenance and construction, mitigate risks that could lead to degradation, and address risks including by replacing or remediating them. Aldyl A has a long-documented history of “poor performance relative to brittle-like cracking” including numerous PHMSA warnings about the material dating back to 1999. Despite these repeated advisories, federal regulations do not require a systemwide inventory and replacement of high-risk plastic pipeline infrastructure.

Over the past two decades, other Aldyl A-related incidents have caused significant harm. In November 2024, a home explosion in South Jordan, UT killed a 15-year-old child and displaced families. Earlier incidents include explosions in Cupertino and Roseville, CA in 2011, which prompted PG&E to commit to replace 1,200 miles of the material, and a 1996 explosion in San Juan, PR, which killed 33 people and injured 69 others. These tragedies underscore the longstanding and ongoing risks posed by legacy Aldyl A piping across the country.

The Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act implements the NTSB’s recommendations to address safety concerns by requiring:

Proper Inventory and Reporting: Ensures pipeline operators identify Aldyl-A components and report total mileage to PHMSA within three years.

Safety and Integrity Program Updates: Requires state programs certified by PHMSA and operators’ integrity management programs to account for pipelines made of older plastics with known safety issues, ensuring risks are considered in monitoring, maintenance, and future repair or replacement efforts.


34 Former Military Members Were Put on Deportation Track in the Past Year

Originally published in the New York Times

Written by Eileen Sullivan

The Trump administration began deportation proceedings for 34 former members of the military over the past year, according to federal data obtained by The New York Times, after immigration authorities were directed to ignore previous guidance that gave service members and their relatives more deference.

The 34 are among 125 former service members who were arrested over immigration violations over the past year, according to the data. Officials also placed 248 relatives of former military members into deportation proceedings.

The actions represent a break from policies in recent years, including under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s administration, which made it less of a priority to detain and deport members of the military who committed crimes. The Biden administration also avoided targeting for immigration enforcement family members of people who had served.

But the Trump administration rescinded that policy last year, arguing that no one should be protected from the law, which says immigrants who are convicted of certain crimes may be deported.

The Department of Homeland Security did not answer questions, including about whether any of the veterans or family members detained over the past year were ultimately deported. It defended its policy and said no one was exempt from the penalties of violating immigration law.

In a high-profile example of the new policy, Sae Joon Park left Hawaii for South Korea in June under the threat of deportation, even though he had not lived there since he was seven years old. Mr. Park, who earned a Purple Heart for his service, joined the military after high school and was deployed to Panama in 1989, returning with a disability and undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the following years, he was convicted of drug possession, served two years and then missed a bail hearing, which sent him back to prison.

While he was serving his second prison stint, a judge ordered that he be deported. When he was released, he fought his deportation orders and was allowed to stay in the country, according to a Hawaii news report, as long as he stayed out of further trouble and regularly checked in with immigration officials.

Last May, however, an immigration officer told him he would be deported if he did not leave on his own.

Lawmakers and immigration advocates have argued that this new policy does little to make the country safer and insults people who put their lives on the line for the nation.

“Donald Trump’s way of thanking our veterans for their service is by targeting and deporting them and their families,” Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, said in a statement on Monday.

The data was disclosed in a Feb. 18 letter from the Homeland Security Department to Democratic lawmakers, including Ms. Warren. It covered the period between Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 26, 2026.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement publishes annual data on arrests and deportations of immigrant military members. In the 2024 fiscal year, the government said it arrested 24 immigrant members of the Armed Forces for immigration violations, but did not say whether that number included active duty, former members or a combination of both. The Trump administration arrested 125 former members of the military for immigration violations during its first year.

Only U.S. citizens and green-card holders can join the military. And doing so can expedite a green-card holder’s path to citizenship. The first Trump administration and the current one issued policies that required a longer wait to be eligible to apply. The number of green-card holders who served in the military and applied for citizenship declined significantly during President Trump’s first term.

According to federal data, as of July 31, 2025, there were 26,708 active duty immigrants and another 20,350 in the Selected Reserve and National Guard. Veterans Affairs did not respond to a question about the current number of immigrant veterans. In 2022, there were 115,000 immigrant veterans, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.

Military recruiters continue to trumpet the U.S. policy that promises a swift path to citizenship for immigrants who join the armed services as well as temporary protection for their family members. Spouses, children and parents of immigrant veterans and active duty members can apply for temporary permission to stay in the country.

Now some relatives are afraid to apply for the benefit out of fear that doing so will turn them into a target for deportation. The agency does not regularly track military family members placed in deportation proceedings, so it is not clear how the number compares to previous years.

The Trump administration has targeted other groups of immigrants who were previously not considered priorities for enforcement, including undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for decades and have no criminal records.


DHS Response to Houlahan, Members of Congress Reveals “Unacceptable” Trump Admin Proceedings Against Veterans, Military Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and other lawmakers, secured new data obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealing that the Trump Administration has attempted to deport hundreds of veterans and their family members after promising immigration protections at the time of recruitment. The new data also reveals that, in some cases, the Trump Administration has targeted veterans, their families, and service members’ families for deportation even after they have applied for Military Parole in Place.

The new data came in response to the lawmakers’ recent investigation, which Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL) co-led with Representative Houlahan and Senator Warren.

In April, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rescinded its long-standing policy of considering military service a “significant mitigating factor” when deciding whether to pursue immigration enforcement and issued a new policy that is far less protective of service members and their families. Even so, the military has continued to recruit new service members with the promise of immigration protections that have now been weakened or eliminated.

The new data reveals that in the first year of the second Trump administration:

ICE arrested 125 veterans, nearly two-thirds of whom did not have an active criminal warrant;

ICE attempted to deport 282 veterans and family members, who have long been offered protection from immigration enforcement under other administrations; and

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has used its 2025 policy on issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) to refer over 100 immediate relatives of veterans for deportation after denying them the ability to fix their immigration status through Military Parole in Place (MPIP).

"Those who wear our nation’s uniform deserve the protections of the law, regardless of where they were born,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran. “Non-citizen servicemembers have answered the call to defend our country, and they deserve respect and due process in return. The Trump Administration has failed to provide these servicemembers with the very freedoms they fought to protect. That is unacceptable. I urge USCIS to reverse course and remember the promise we made to those who raised their right hand."

“Donald Trump’s way of thanking our veterans for their service is by targeting and deporting them and their families,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump administration must be held accountable for this betrayal.”

“It's absolutely unconscionable that the Trump Administration is targeting our nation’s immigrant servicemembers, Veterans and their family members in their aggressive and overreaching deportation efforts,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army veteran. “There is no higher betrayal to our heroes than to be deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend—but this is what happens when Trump cruelly chooses to implement policies more rooted in hate than in logic.”

“The Trump Administration is betraying our military by deporting immigrant veterans,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “Wearing our country’s uniform in service is an ultimate sign of patriotism, and military service has rightfully protected immigrants from deportation for decades. The dozens of immigrant veterans who the Trump Administration has detained or deported deserve to be reunited with their loved ones, brought back, and issued an apology. This practice must be halted immediately. DHS, hands off military families.”

“We make a sacred promise to every patriot who serves our country in uniform: we will stand by you and your family,” said Representative Maggie Goodlander. “Betraying that promise by going after veterans is dishonorable and dangerous. We need full transparency and real accountability — now.”

A copy of the response received from DHS is available here.


LEADER JEFFRIES: “WE’RE FIGHTING FOR HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARE”

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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


Joyce Bills to Conserve the Great Lakes Pass House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Dave Joyce (OH-14) applauded the passage of his bills, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Reauthorization Act and the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act. Congressman Joyce introduced both of these pieces of legislation at the beginning of the 119th Congress, and they were passed as part of a larger legislative package titled the American Water Stewardship Act. This package now heads to the Senate for consideration.

The GLRI Reauthorization Act would reauthorize critical funding for conserving the Great Lakes, set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, for another five years through FY 2031. The BEACH Act provides funding to help state and local governments test, monitor, and identify contamination in recreational waters, such as the Great Lakes.

“Growing up on Lake Erie, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for what the Great Lakes provide for the communities that surround them. Since joining Congress, I’ve consistently advocated for policies that protect and promote these national treasures,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force. “Both of these bills drive critical funding to programs that have been protecting and preserving the Great Lakes for decades, and I am incredibly proud to see them advance through the House. I want to thank Chairman Graves and Representative Stauber for their support in passing this legislation.”

“This bipartisan legislative package reauthorizes several important long-standing EPA programs and includes two key initiatives spearheaded by Congressman Joyce,” said Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “I want to commend Congressman Joyce for being a leader in Congress on these issues and on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 and the BEACH Act. These are critical to the Great Lakes Region, and I want to thank him for working with my Committee to get this bill done and passed through the House of Representatives.”

“The Great Lakes are not only national treasures, they are economic powerhouses that strengthen jobs, tourism, and communities across our region,” said Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08). “Protecting the Great Lakes has always been a top priority of mine, so I am proud to champion this bipartisan bill that keeps these precious natural resources and other American waterways safe, beautiful, and clean for generations to come. I thank Congressman Joyce for his strong support of this legislation.”

“The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a critical investment in the long-term health, resilience, and economic vitality of the Great Lakes region,” said Erika Jensen, executive director of the Great Lakes Commission, a government agency representing the eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces in the Great Lakes basin. “The passage of this bipartisan legislation reaffirms our shared commitment to protecting the world’s largest freshwater system for generations to come. The Great Lakes Commission applauds Rep. Joyce and our other congressional partners for their continued recognition that safeguarding the Great Lakes is essential to the communities, ecosystems, and industries that depend on them.”

“Reauthorizing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a winner for millions of people in the Great Lakes region,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “We thank Congressman Joyce for his bipartisan leadership to extend the program for another five years. The GLRI is essential to the restoration of the Great Lakes, protecting our drinking water, public health, economy, and habitat. Federal Great Lakes funding works and scaling back investments will only make the problems worse and more expensive to solve.”

Background:

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is critical in cleaning up the Great Lakes and waterways and addressing problems that directly impact public health and safety. The Initiative has focused on stopping the spread of invasive carp and other invasive species, restoring the coastline, and preventing future contamination. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $4.1 billion to fund 8,000 projects throughout the Great Lakes region.

Congressman Joyce also led the effort to reauthorize the GLRI during the 116th Congress. His legislation, which reauthorized the program from FY 2022 through FY 2026, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in January 2021.

The BEACH Act was established in 2000 to require the EPA to develop guidelines for testing, monitoring, and notifying the public of possible coastal recreation water problems, such as contamination, and provide grant funding to state, local, and tribal governments to protect beachgoers from contaminated water at coastal beaches, including the Great Lakes. Funding is used to develop and implement beach monitoring and notification programs.

This bill reauthorizes the BEACH Act program at $30 million for FY2026 – FY2031, retaining the previously authorized level, and expands eligible uses of BEACH Act grants to include the identification of sources of contamination. BEACH Act funds are currently eligible for monitoring and notification of contamination, but not for source identification. Adding identification of sources as an eligible use of funds will help address the root causes of a contamination issue that BEACH Act funds are already being used to monitor. It also expands the eligible testing locations to include shallow recreational waters adjacent to beaches where children and the elderly typically play and swim, and are therefore more at risk of contamination.

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Congressman Kennedy Formally Requests Federal Investigation into Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam in Letter to New DHS Secretary

Kennedy Renews Calls for Accountability to Newly-Confirmed DHS Secretary Mullin

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) sent an oversight letter to the newly-confirmed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, demanding an immediate and comprehensive federal investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam in Buffalo, New York. This letter comes after Kennedy’s initial request demanding that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem initiate an investigation. Kennedy has also secured a state-level inquiry into this tragedy from New York Attorney General Letitia James.

“The tragic death of Mr. Shah Alam demands answers and a thorough federal investigation,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26). “A man who fled persecution, who was nearly blind and unable to communicate in English, was abandoned in the dead of winter to fend for himself. While there is a new Secretary at DHS, this tragedy underscores a deeper, systemic culture of cruelty that cannot be ignored. I will not relent in demanding accountability from this administration, including Secretary Mullin, until we have a complete accounting of what happened and clear assurances that no family will ever have to endure such a preventable loss again.”

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

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

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

See the full text of the letter below:

The Honorable Markwayne Mullin

Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC 20528

Dear Secretary Mullin,

As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Representative for Buffalo, New York, I write to request that you initiate an immediate, transparent, and complete investigation into the death of Mr. Nurul Amin Shah Alam that occurred in Buffalo in February 2026.

As you may know, Mr. Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee with legal status, was reported missing on February 19, 2026, shortly after his release by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Shah Alam was largely blind and did not speak English, coming to the United States on December 24, 2024, after fleeing persecution in Burma, where Rohingya people have faced systemic oppression and genocide. According to publicly available information, on February 19th, DHS agents took Mr. Shah Alam from Erie County custody. Upon receiving notification that he, in fact, held legal status to be in the United States, DHS personnel transported him to a closed Tim Hortons coffee shop miles from his family’s residence. According to his family, Mr. Shah Alam had a severe disability, could not read, write, or use a phone, and could not communicate independently. Despite these significant occupational challenges and the inability to find shelter or safety on his own, DHS abandoned Mr. Shah Alam at an unsafe location in the middle of winter, without proper care or clothing, and without his family to ensure his safety. Tragically, several days after he was reported missing, Mr. Shah Alam was found dead on the night of February 24th, miles away from the coffee shop. This tragedy raises serious questions about DHS’s involvement in the circumstances surrounding Mr. Shah Alam’s death, particularly given that DHS personnel were responsible for his release, as well as broader questions regarding the treatment of detained refugees in the U.S. legally.

Following Mr. Shah Alam’s death, DHS claimed that Mr. Shah Alam accepted release from custody at the coffee shop, which they referred to as a warm and safe location.[1] However, contrary to DHS’s account, all facts indicate the shop was closed. Further, Mr. Shah Alam was not properly clothed and did not have the ability to directly communicate his wishes or needs. New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who is conducting a state-level investigation into the tragedy, has stated that “there is no reason to credit [DHS’s] account on the basis of known facts. Our information indicated that Mr. Shah Alam did not speak English, that the Rohingya dialect he spoke is exceedingly rare, and that the Tim Hortons location in question was closed for the night. The federal authorities’ unreliable account only raises further questions.”[2]

In the aftermath of Mr. Shah Alam’s death, Members of Congress sent letters to your predecessor, Secretary Kristi Noem, urging the Department to conduct a full and transparent investigation to address inconsistencies surrounding DHS’s account of the death and provide justice for the Shah Alam family.[3] However, to date, DHS has not provided Members of Congress with the requested information about the case, nor have they initiated an investigation into a preventable death.

In light of these glaring discrepancies and to begin to establish trust in communities across the country, it is essential that DHS commit to a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Shah Alam’s death. To that end, I respectfully urge you to provide answers to Mr. Shah Alam’s family, the American people, and the thousands of refugees who call the United States home.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions, I welcome your call.

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Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition!

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide visual arts competition for high school students to recognize and encourage artistic talent. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Winners are recognized both in their congressional district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

Our office's theme this year will be "America’s 250th Birthday". We want the winner's artwork to tell Capitol visitors what Massachusetts means to the American story — past, present, or future.

Guidelines:

The Congressional Art Competition is open to high school students. Students should submit an entry in the congressional district in which they reside, not where they attend school (if located in a different congressional district.) Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted.

Artwork must be two-dimensional and can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Work entered must be in the original medium (not a scanned reproduction of a painting, drawing, etc.) Artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the duration of the exhibition. Students should only submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.

Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission. In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed. Each Member of Congress will be required to submit a Letter of Support confirming that the Member has determined that the winning artwork adheres to the Commission’s policy.

Accepted mediums for two-dimensional artwork:

Paintings (Oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.)

Drawings (Colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.)

Collages (Must be two dimensional)

Prints (Lithograph, silkscreen, block print, etc.)

Mixed Media (Use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.)

Computer-generated art

Photographs

Student Information and Release Form:

To enter, please complete the Student Information and Release Form. The form requires a description of the artwork, which should be detailed, clearly identifying the major elements of the work. For example, “self-portrait” or “a picture of two people” would be unacceptable, since many artworks would fit those descriptions. The following is an example of a useful description: “A painting of two people; the person on the left wears a green sweater and khaki pants; the person on the right wears a black shirt and a striped skirt. A dog sits at their feet.”

The second page of the Release Form contains a legal release and a certification that the artwork is original in design and execution. The student, an art teacher, and a parent or guardian must sign where appropriate. Entries without signed originality certifications and artwork releases may not be accepted.

A TYPED copy of the Student Information and Release Form, signed by the student, teacher, and parent or guardian, must be securely attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece. If this is not completed and attached, the student’s submission will not be considered.

Artwork Submissions and Student Release Forms should be scanned and emailed to: ma08artcompetition2026@gmail.com by April 24, 2026


Mast moves to designate PBI as Trump International Airport

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced legislation to rename “Palm Beach International Airport” (PBI) in West Palm Beach, Florida to “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” with “DJT” as the new location identifier.

“President Donald J. Trump’s impact on our nation will transcend our time—a historic legacy of dedication and commitment toward the American people. He’s called Palm Beach County ‘home’ for many years, and this designation reflects our gratitude for his public service and leadership,” said Rep. Brian Mast.

The bill formally redesignates PBI as “Donald J. Trump International Airport” once enacted, directing appropriate federal agencies and references to adhere to that new designation. Additionally, the bill specifically calls for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to coordinate with the relevant organizations involved with location identification, such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to update the airport’s code to “DJT.”

Palm Beach County’s commercial airport serves as a crucial economic driver for the region, visited by millions of travelers each year. This proposal will reflect the region’s close ties to the President and his longstanding presence in South Florida.

The bill will be considered by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure before it can reach the House floor for a vote.


Speaker Johnson: America Will Win the AI Race

WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks at the 5th annual Hill and Valley Forum to discuss the House’s commitment to unleashing the full potential of American Artificial Intelligence.

“We have to move at the speed that victory demands. Inaction is unacceptable. And while the window for American AI leadership is open, it will not stay open indefinitely,” Speaker Johnson said. “As the Speaker of the House and ultimately somebody who's going to help spearhead this effort in Congress, this is our commitment in a simple summary: simplify and streamline where we can, regulate only where we must, and pave the way for American dominance.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

Read Speaker Johnson’s remarks below:

It's really great to be back to Hill and Valley, and I want to thank the visionaries who had the idea of this, the whole team for making this the powerhouse gathering that it is. We look forward to it. It's an honor. It's my great honor to share this stage with so many leaders and visionaries in American technology over the years. Hill and Valley has been a real catalyst, as you know, for bridging the divide between government and industry. And it's never been more important than it is right now, especially as AI demands more and more of our focus and our attention.

As you know, when this conference began, AI was just becoming a part of the mainstream consciousness on the Hill. We were starting to understand what this meant for our constituents and our public policy in the future of our country.

In just a few years, our national conversation has shifted dramatically from evaluating and exploring the potential of AI to establishing the foundation of a now widespread AI use and what that foundation will rest upon. The Trump Administration has really done an excellent job, and I think you all recognize that bringing AI to the forefront of our national discourse and debate. Of course, the brain trust of so much of that and the Administration is David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, a truly unmatched team, and we thank them for their service. But there's a lot of members in the Cabinet and in the Administration who are deeply involved and concerned and really cheering this along. And certainly that's true in the House.

When President Trump took office, he gave us all the monumental task. He said: we have to make America the world leader in artificial intelligence. He compared this competition to the dawn of the Space Age and that fateful era in American history. And just as back then the challenge of this generation will require a reinvigoration of American science and technology. We have to do that if we're going to harness its highest and most noble ends here in Congress.

We want to ensure American AI is the gold standard of the future, and we intend to do that. America will win the AI race. We will win it if two things happen, if government resists the siren song of control and if industry steps up as our patriotic partner. I think we can do both of those things today.

I wanted to just speak very briefly about what Congress is delivering on this front, on our commitment to unleash the full potential of American AI, and of course how we can do better for the future.

Since, taking back the White House in Congress, Republicans got right to work. The voters gave us unified government—the White House, the Senate, and the House in our party—and Republicans got to work to restore common sense in every area of public policy. Immediately upon taking office, President Trump made great strides to reestablish American energy dominance and unleash our full potential.

We all know the amount of energy required to power all these data centers and meet our national demands is truly enormous. True dominance will require a comprehensive and coherent approach, and we're keenly aware of that. That means unleashing natural gas and oil and nuclear and coal and reversing the green energy failures of the last administration. We also need to further streamline permitting and cut back red tape, all that had choked off nearly all energy and industrial development for far too long. And we've been doing that and we have much more yet to do.

Real progress has been made, and chief among our accomplishments is the Big Beautiful Bill, the Working Families Tax Cut. As you know, with this legislation, Republicans enacted the largest tax cuts in US history, and we also infused the legislation with so many pro-growth policies that will help job creators and entrepreneurs and innovators in this room, the people in this room, are going to benefit greatly from full expensing for domestic R&D and new capital investment, removing friction that has slowed the build out of America's AI infrastructure.

We're also working to ensure the best of American technology actually reaches America's warfighters. The reality is that commercial innovation moves far faster than government's procurement cycle, and we all know that. And that's why more than ever before, we're prioritizing the agility and the adaptability of our national defense. This year's NDAA reflects that commitment with new rules that ensure our investments in defense reach the builders and innovators in this room at a speed commensurate with the very real threats that we face. It also expands our commitment to integrate AI across the military operations, logistics, mission critical applications. We'll all see more adoption across the spectrum, and we know that's very important for the future.

And finally, Congress and the White House have been working together to deliver commonsense, pro-innovation framework for AI. And this moment of strategic significance, I believe three things are required from Congress and maybe you'll agree. The first thing is we have to deliver a single national framework that protects children, safeguards communities, supports creators, and avoids a patchwork of state regulations. We recognize that that constant shifts in policy don't just confuse the market. They run contrary to our national interest; to succeed, you all need confidence that tomorrow's rules are going to be coherent and consistent and follow common sense iterations of the rules that we establish today. And that's why Congress will utilize existing structures to establish safeguards and rules of the road, so to speak, without smothering the whole marketplace with red tape.

Second thing that Congress needs to do, I believe it's our duty to ensure our national security and wellbeing. And we know it's possible to expand the American AI stack to friends and allies, while also ensuring it stays out of the hands of America's adversaries and rivals.

And finally, the third thing is we have to move at the speed that victory demands. Inaction is unacceptable. And while the window for American AI leadership is open, it will not stay open indefinitely. As the Speaker of the House and ultimately somebody who's going to help spearhead this effort in Congress, this is our commitment in a simple summary: simplify and streamline where we can, to regulate only where we must and pave the way for American dominance. In a nutshell, that's our objective.

As Congress is prepared to hold up on our end of this bargain and to win the AI race and to support the new industrialization of America, this deal, of course, requires a second party. And that's where all of you come in. America's system of free enterprise guarantees every company in this room the right to allocate your resources as you see fit. And as Republicans, we believe that to our core. It's a core principle. What we ask is that the choices you make advance America's interest too, the country's interest. We've seen what happens when American industry optimizes it's the bottom line above all else. It's ultimately self-defeating when an American company optimizes only for quarterly results. We've seen what can happen when we hinder America's ability to build at home, when we cede rare earth processing, and we build supply chains dependent on adversarial nations.

So, all we're asking is a very simple, simple request: build here. We'll set the conditions to make that happen, and we hope that you'll direct your investments that way. As President Trump himself has said very simply, we need American tech to be “all in for America.” The data centers, the chips, the infrastructure. We need it here on American soil employing American workers. And I know that's all of your intent, your desire.

To that end, we're asking you to invest in the American workforce. It's a win-win win all the way around. And that means advancing technology that allows Americans to get their hands dirty, from ships and turbines to grid infrastructure and advancing manufacturing. Every company has a right to act in its own best interest, of course, but the most sustainable success reinvests in the country and the people which made that growth possible.

And finally, another request, or maybe the last one, is to keep American technology. American Congress is committed to giving you the tools to compete globally, and we trust that you'll use those tools responsibly. That means utilizing the incentives we've implemented to rebuild the industrial bedrock of our nation. We can't afford to fall into the same mistake of offshoring America's future nor should we. Talent, capital and computing that sustained and strengthened here in America benefits our people. And it ensures the future is one that's built with and on American technology. We're asking you—our builders and innovators—to accept some minor constraints relative to competitors in foreign countries. But I've always believed that some minor friction from high standards is at the heart of operating in a nation that is built upon the highest principles. And ultimately, American AI and broader innovations have the power to make our country stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before. And we're convinced that it will, but that's only if we see America as more than just a financial vehicle and only if we pioneer as patriotic stewards of this incredible country.

I'll just close with this thought about this anniversary that we're celebrating this year. We're, we're celebrating the 250th anniversary, the birthday of the greatest, most successful, most powerful, most free, most benevolent nation that has ever been in the history of the world. It's an exciting time to be alive, but I'm not surprised by some who are a little more pessimistic. Some Americans, as you know, feel a bit uneasy about all this. They feel uneager to embrace the future. Trust is built over time and it's forged through commitments. I love what President Trump is doing with the Ratepayer Protection Pledge and his roadmap for AI. And through your companies demonstrating responsible good faith stewardship. That's how trust is built with the people.

To some people this may seem impossible, but it in all of history, complacency and fear have always been America's only limitations. We think of times in the past, like when President Kennedy endeavored to put a man on the moon. He didn't say, “We're going to study the feasibility of lunar travel.” He said, “We choose to go to the moon.” The finish line was our choice, and by the end of the decade, we sprinted across it. Other American feats of science and engineering have started similarly with Americans who dared to lift their sights higher. The Wright brothers persisted even as our own government was funding their competitor. The French declared the Panama Canal an impossible feat, but we built it in a decade. And the American founding itself was an act of irrational confidence that began with a bold declaration of self-evident truths. In each case, America's superior conviction in our faith, in God's providence, and in our exceptionalism won the day.

So today, usher in America's Golden Age means understanding that if we don't maintain the patriotism and the mindset that made us this extraordinary exceptional nation, then we won't be owed the future. So, this year, as we celebrate our semiquincentennial, let's embrace the new challenges of our generation as we chart the course for the ones who will follow us. I am absolutely convinced that we are all going to succeed in this mission together, and we're excited to be partners in that endeavor. Thank you all for all you do, thank you for being in Washington, and thank you for this great honor. God bless you.

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Congressman Moran Applauds $80 Million Army Investment in Red River Army Depot

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) applauded the Department of the Army’s announcement of an $80 million contract awarded to Hadrian Automation Inc. to launch the first phase of an Advanced Automation Manufacturing project at Red River Army Depot (RRAD) in Bowie County.

The investment will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the region, accelerate production of critical components for next-generation weapons systems, and solidify East Texas as a critical hub in America’s defense manufacturing network.

“This is exactly the kind of bold investment our national security demands—an innovative factory of the future—and I am proud it’s happening right here in Northeast Texas,” said Congressman Moran. “This $80 million investment is a reflection of the confidence in RRAD’s capacity to support the future of America’s defense. Our region has the infrastructure, the expertise, and the commitment to get this done. I look forward to seeing RRAD lead the way in modernizing how our Army equips our warfighters.”

Support from the Army

“To maintain a decisive edge, we must overhaul how we build and sustain our equipment,” said Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. “This contract is a prime example of how we are leveraging commercial innovation to build a more robust and efficient industrial base that will deliver advanced capabilities to the warfighter faster and more reliably than ever before.”

“We are collaborating with industry, other military services, and academia to achieve maximum capacity and learn how best to implement advanced manufacturing at every echelon,” said Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command. “Advanced manufacturing is a foundational capability that supports building ready combat formations across the Army, and we must build and leverage our organic capability, as well as that of industry.”

Background

For more than 80 years, Red River Army Depot has stood as one of the U.S. Army’s most vital logistics and maintenance installations. Located in Bowie County, RRAD is a cornerstone of the Army's Organic Industrial Base (OIB), the network of government-owned facilities that keeps American warfighters equipped and ready. RRAD also serves as a major employer of skilled workers across the East Texas region.

The contract was awarded to Hadrian Automation Inc. under a Commercial Solutions Opening posted in January 2026, with an initial value of $39.2 million and a total cumulative value of $80 million. The investment will establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Texarkana focused on producing components for weapon systems, including small unmanned aerial systems, with work scheduled for completion by March 2027.

For more information, see the Department of the Army's release here.

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Griffith Announces $132,885 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $132,885 grant. The funding supports research into obesity and insulin sensitivity. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The scientific community relies on dedicated research efforts to study obesity.

“This HHS grant for more than $132,000 helps Virginia Tech develop clinical research on obesity for the scientific community.”

BACKGROUND

This funding is supported by a Research Scientist Development Award. According to the National Institutes of Health, Research Scientist Development Awards support intensive, supervised career development experiences.

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.

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Pressley, Jeffries Hold Republican Healthcare Crisis Roundtable, Slams Republicans Ripping Away Healthcare to Support War, ICE Abuse

Convening Marked 16th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act Signed into Law

Press Conference Video (YouTube) | Photos (Dropbox)

BOSTON – On the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) held a critical convening with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and healthcare providers and advocates, faith leaders, and individuals impacted by ACA cuts about how Republicans are ripping away healthcare while pouring money into war and ICE kidnappings.

“Republicans’ manufactured healthcare crisis is making people sicker, poorer, and less safe. Meanwhile Republicans are pouring money in to a war and funding the rogue ICE agents attacking our neighbors,” said Rep. Pressley. “Sixteen years ago, the Affordable Care Act was enacted to address barriers to healthcare and helped people access essential healthcare coverage—and Republicans are rolling back these gains every day by gutting essential programs like Medicaid and forcing families to choose between refilling medications and paying rent. While Trump can somehow find $2 billion a day for war, we’re demanding that he and Republicans put people over profit and support life-saving healthcare. It was an honor to be joined by healthcare providers and advocates, faith and community leaders, and impacted individuals here in the Massachusetts 7th. We will continue using every tool we have to fight for our neighbors’ health and dignity.”

“In Washington, you can either choose to make policy progress or inflict policy violence. And what Donald Trump and Republicans have been doing is inflicting policy violence on the American people. They have cut healthcare for tens of millions of Americans and can’t seem to find a dime to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Instead, they used that money to give a $75 billion slush fund to fund Donald Trump’s mass deportation machine and are spending billions of dollars a day to drop bombs in a reckless war of choice in the Middle East,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “House Democrats believe that in the wealthiest country in the history of the world, not a single person should go without access to high-quality healthcare. We will continue to emphasize healthcare, not warfare, and make clear for the American people our commitment to push back aggressively against the toxic policy choices that Republicans continue to impose.”

Joining Rep. Pressley and Leader Jeffries at the convening were Rev Willie Bodrick of Twelfth Baptist Church, Rev Mariama White Hammond, Dr. Guy Fish of Codman Health Center, Michael Curry of MA League of Community Health Centers, Dr. Ellana Stintson at Mass General Brigham, Dr. Thea James at Boston Medical Center, John Barros, Cabo Verde community leader and former Chief Equity Officer for Boston, Carolyn Villers, Executive Director of Mass Senior Action and an elder impacted by ACA cuts.

Press conference footage is available here and photos from the event are available here.

Rep. Pressley has been a champion for essential health care coverage and the extension of ACA tax credits. Additionally, as immigrant communities have been under siege by the Trump administration, Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in pushing back and defending our immigrant neighbors. Rep. Pressley has also condemned Trump’s endless war on Iran, demanding an end to the attacks and killing of U.S. servicemembers and innocent civilians.

In January 2026, Rep. Pressley applauded Democrats forcing House passage of legislation to extend life-saving Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and protect healthcare for millions. On the House floor, Rep. Pressley implored Republicans to save healthcare for families across the country, including her constituent Deborah, whose family’s monthly payments would double should the ACA tax credits expire.

In December 2025, in a powerful floor speech, Rep. Pressley condemned Trump and Republicans’ attacks on healthcare and abortion access, and demanded Speaker Johnson bring a vote to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies to the House floor immediately.

In November 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she assailed the Republican spending bill, which would cause healthcare costs to skyrocket and force families to choose between healthcare and food. Congresswoman Pressley vowed to keep fighting to save healthcare for communities in the Massachusetts 7th and across the country.

In November 2025, Rep. Pressley slammed Republicans for harming families across America by shutting down the government, unlawfully cutting food assistance, and jacking up healthcare costs. Congresswoman Pressley also questioned witnesses about the harmful, misleading stereotypes pushed by Republicans about who relies on federal programs like the Affordable Care Act, SNAP, and Medicaid.

In October 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning Republicans after they chose to shut down the government rather than work with Democrats to protect families and save healthcare for millions.

Just days into last fall’s government shutdown, Rep. Pressley held an emergency convening in Boston to highlight the harm of the shutdown to MA-07 constituents – federal workers, patients, advocates, and more.

Just hours before the Republicans shut down the government, Rep. Pressley rallied with advocates, colleagues, and impacted folks to demand Republicans protect healthcare and keep the government open

Congresswoman Pressley stood in solidarity with workers and families who would be impacted by the government shutdown.

Rep. Pressley also joined an all-day event with House Democrats to hold the line against Trump and Republicans’ efforts to rip away healthcare from millions of Americans.

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Rep. Sara Jacobs Leads Oversight Push of DoD’s $210 Million Purchase of Cluster Munitions from Israeli-Government Backed Company

Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led an oversight push of the Pentagon’s $210 million purchase of cluster munitions from an Israeli government-backed company. In a letter cosigned by several of her colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee, the lawmakers demanded answers about why the Department of Defense has purchased cluster munitions and whether it plans to continue doing so.

Read the Letter Here

The lawmakers wrote:

Dear Secretary Hegseth:

We write to request detailed information regarding your Department’s reported purchase of $210 million in XM1208 cluster munitions from Tomer, Ltd. On September 30, 2025, your Department awarded an indefinite delivery/quantity contract with a ceiling value of $829.1 million to Tomer. This contract, which was first publicly reported in February 2026, is for the manufacture, testing, and production of the 155mm High Explosive Advanced Submunition XM1208 projectile—a cluster munition.

Cluster munitions are explosive weapons that indiscriminately disperse dozens to hundreds of submunitions over broad areas. The XM1208 cluster munition scatters nine submunitions that in turn explode to release around 1,200 tungsten steel fragments, fragments that have been found to disproportionately maim and kill children. The wide-area scope and imprecise targeting of cluster munitions make limiting their use to lawful military targets extraordinarily difficult. These weapons are among the most deadly weapons types for civilians, who accounted for 89% of recorded casualties from cluster munitions in 2024.

Cluster munitions also pose risks long after conflict. Many lack reliable self-destruct mechanisms and have failure rates ranging from 2 to 40 percent, leaving large areas contaminated with unexploded bomblets. These remnants not only endanger civilian populations — especially children, who accounted for 71% of deaths from cluster munition remnants in 2022 — but also pose grave risks to U.S. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel. Our world-class technicians are often deployed after conflicts to clear these hazards in partner nations.

Beyond raising serious safety concerns for civilians and U.S. personnel, this purchase departs from longstanding U.S. practice and international consensus. Cluster munitions are banned from 111 States, including most NATO allies. The United States last used cluster munitions in combat in 2003, aside from a single strike in Yemen in 2009. No American company currently produces them. At the same time, the United States has been the world’s leading supporter of efforts to clear unexploded cluster munitions, and has endorsed the landmark Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.

We request detailed information on why the Department of Defense has purchased cluster munitions and whether it plans to continue doing so. Specifically, we request written responses to the following questions:

Why did the Department purchase cluster munitions? Under what circumstances would the Department use or transfer the purchased munitions?

Why did the Department execute a no-bid contract for the munitions in question?

What specific needs require the Department to purchase XM1208 munitions?

Does the Department intend to continue purchasing cluster munitions? If so, does the Department plan to do so indefinitely?

Has the Department ever purchased cluster munitions from a foreign government or company?

Please describe the current status of the U.S. cluster munitions stockpile.

What is the current status of the U.S. policy to avoid production and use of cluster munitions?

What does the Department assess to be the dud rate of XM1208 munitions? Please describe the testing conditions used to ascertain that dud rate.

We respectfully request this information and documentation no later than April 3, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your response.


After No Response, Reps. Sewell and Davis Blast Treasury on Growing Delayed Refund Crisis

Today’s letter follows an unanswered request for information about 1.4 million notices of delayed tax refunds

Washington D.C. — Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (IL-07) are fighting for information for taxpayers who have received notices of their refund being delayed, despite Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent refusing to answer even simple questions on the topic. During the Ways and Means Committee hearing with IRS CEO Frank Bisignano , the lawmakers requested a copy of the notice and were sent an altered version for a reason yet to be discovered.

By ignoring yesterday’s, March 23, deadline to furnish more information, Bessent and the Trump Administration are making it clear that they don’t care about the fate of the 1.4 million taxpayers currently affected by these delays—a number that has been growing at a clip of 300,000 taxpayers per week.

“During a recent hearing, we requested a copy of the notice, state-by-state data on the notices sent, and an answer as to when the processing clock begins to run for taxpayers who respond to the notice,” the lawmakers reminded Bessent. “However, we only received an altered version of the notice cleared by the Department of the Treasury (Treasury). The altered version is different from both the actual version sent to taxpayers and the version we obtained from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). We are troubled by the differences.

Sewell and Davis continued: “Our first and foremost concern is that taxpayers could face a 10-week wait for their paper refunds. This is not clearly stated on the notice. Nor does it warn taxpayers that a paper check could take another six weeks beyond the 30 days given to respond.”

The lawmakers highlighted how, “the IRS has no publicly established process for taxpayers who lack an online account to request a timely check. The IRS telephone number provided in the notice does not connect to a live assistor. Instead, an automated recording notifies callers to set up an IRS online account. By listing a telephone number, the notice gives taxpayers a false impression that they have the option to request their refunds by phone.”

Sewell and Davis continued by laying out the discrepancies between the actual notice being sent to taxpayers and the altered notice received from Treasury.

Treasury has until April 6, 2026, to stop standing in the way of Congress’s oversight responsibility and provide more information.

Read the full letter here.

In March of 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14247, mandating electronic payments of tax refunds. Last year, the National Taxpayer Advocate reported that over 10 million individual taxpayers received their refunds by paper check and may be unbanked, have impairments, or face systemic or geographic challenges that make providing electronic deposit information difficult. As a result, this year, more than 1.4 million taxpayers have received notices from the IRS that their refunds are being held and delayed, some by more than 2 months, because they did not provide the required banking information.

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Rep. Sykes’ Leadership Helps Pass Bipartisan Water Protection Bill in the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in favor of the American Water Stewardship Act, bipartisan legislation to protect clean water, restore waterways, and safeguard public health, as it passed in the House.

The package includes the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, which Rep. Sykes co-leads. The act reauthorizes an EPA grant program that helps states and local governments monitor water quality at coastal recreational waters and notify the public when conditions are unsafe. The legislation also expands the program to allow communities to identify sources of contamination.

The bill also includes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025, for which Rep. Sykes is an original cosponsor. The initiative supports efforts to restore habitats, improve water quality, and protect the largest freshwater system in the world.

“Clean water is a human right, and this bill helps protect Lake Erie and other waterways for families, communities, and businesses in Northeast Ohio,” said Rep. Sykes. “Investing in our water is an investment in our health, our economy, and our future.”

The American Water Stewardship Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.


Rep. Dina Titus’s Bill to Modernize ACPAC Passes the House

Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01)’s ACPAC Modernization Act passed the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. The Congresswoman’s legislation would add a representative for ticket agents to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC). The ACPAC Modernization Act will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The ACPAC is a federal advisory body established by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012 for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Department of Transportation for improving consumer protections in air travel. As required by its chartering statute, the current ACPAC membership comprises one representative each from U.S. airlines, airports, consumer groups, and State or local governments.

The ACPAC Modernization Act would expand its membership to include a representative for travel agents, better reflecting consumer relations with those entities and ensuring a more streamlined, customer-friendly travel experience. Travel agents build their business on their unmatched expertise leading with the wants and needs of travelers and thereby will provide valuable insight into ACPAC’s work.

“Ticket agents, including 2,700 travel advisors in Nevada, generated $1 billion in sales in 2024 and play a critical role in Las Vegas’s tourism industry,” said Rep. Titus. “I am proud that my ACPAC Modernization Act passed the House with bipartisan support and encourage my colleagues in the Senate to send this commonsense bill to the President’s desk. My legislation will help DOT better protect travelers’ interests and support our travel and tourism economy. When we prioritize consumer protection and the passenger experience in aviation, everyone wins.”

“Travel advisors are an integral part of the travel ecosystem, serving both as advocates for their clients and as key contributors to the broader marketplace,” said Zane Kerby, American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) President and CEO. “We are grateful to Rep. Dina Titus for introducing and championing this important legislation. Today’s action brings us closer to ensuring advisors’ real-world expertise helps inform the policies that directly affect both travelers and the businesses that support them.”


Rep. Vasquez Demands Increased Funding for Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) to Boost Local Law Enforcement and Combat Crime and Terrorism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 24, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a letter — joined by 104 lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — to the Appropriations Committee requesting $55 million in funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program. RISS program funds are utilized by 94 law enforcement agencies across New Mexico to arrest violent criminals, get illegal drugs off our streets, resolve criminal investigations, and ensure officer and public safety.

“For many local law enforcement agencies in New Mexico, especially in our rural communities and smaller towns, RISS funds make the difference between solving a crime or a criminal walking free,” said Vasquez. “From Cibola County, where Sheriffs used RISS to apprehend a serial burglar, to Los Lunas, where the Police Department used RISS to provide detective training, this program is a direct investment in making New Mexico safer.”

Over the last ten years, officers leveraging RISS services have arrested more than 21,000 offenders and reported more than $2.3 billion in narcotics, property, and currency seizures (a 500% return on federal investment). RISS provides local law enforcement with investigative assistance, case support, and training on relevant topics such as human trafficking and mental health issues.

The program has broad support among law enforcement leaders.

“RISS is a nationwide program that assists law enforcement in many ways, from forensic investigations to deconfliction to ensure officer safety,” said Chief Steven Hebbe,

President of the New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police. “The impact on smaller agencies across the country, which lack the resources complex cases demand, has resulted in solving many serious cases and delivering justice to victims. RISS is a program that deserves to be spotlighted for its success, at low cost, in aiding law enforcement and enhancing public safety."

Rep Vasquez is an ardent supporter of New Mexico’s state and local law enforcement agencies.

Vasquez has supported over $9 billionfor state and local law enforcement, ensuring they have the resources they need to combat cartels and support crime victims.

He has also fought to bring federal grant money back home to the district to make New Mexico communities safer. Recent grants secured by Rep. Vasquez include:

$1.06 million for the Albuquerque Police Department to deploy public safety video infrastructure across the city by integrating new cameras with the “Real Time Crime Center” to strengthen crime prevention, intervention speeds, and investigation efforts.

$500,000 for Bernalillo County to acquire advanced public safety hardware and software, including license plate readers, gunshot detection technology, and GIS upgrades, to improve law enforcement efficiency and crime response times.

$250,000 for the Carlsbad Police Department Renovation Project to renovate the Police Department’s Main Station, performing infrastructure upgrades to accommodate essential technology equipment.

Representative Vasquez also recently introduced the bipartisan Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act to ensure that law enforcement agencies’ use of drones and counter-drone technology are keeping pace with rapidly evolving threats to public safety and national security.

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