Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Stop Phony Fraud  Crusade to Attack Medicaid Programs Across U.S. States

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded Donald Trump stop his phony crusade against fraud as a disguise to attack Medicaid programs in U.S. states that millions of Americans need to live safe and independent lives.

“Let us be clear: you are not going after the real fraudsters. Instead, under the guise of ‘program integrity,’ you are cutting off vital funding for services that seniors, people with disabilities, and children rely on to survive and thrive in their communities,” Wyden and Merkley emphasized to Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.

The Trump administration withheld $259 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota to go after so-called “fraudsters,” and has sent preliminary letters to four other states indicating they will do the same there. In reality, his administration is undermining Home and Community-Based Services, the program that serves as a lifeline for seniors, Americans with disabilities, and children.

“Without home care, Americans who need long-term services will be forced into nursing homes and institutions—a devastating rollback of civil rights that will ultimately cost taxpayers more. Furthermore, home care agencies and independent care workers, who already operate on razor-thin margins while following the law, will be forced to shut their doors,” Wyden and Merkley continued.

Joining Wyden in leading the letter were U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Joining Merkley as co-signers were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.


Wyden, Merkley, Dexter Reintroduce Bill to Decommission Offshore Oil and Gas Wells, Platforms and Pipelines

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter said today they have reintroduced legislation in the Senate and House that would address the growing threat of abandoned offshore oil and gas infrastructure to marine ecosystems and the environment in Oregon and nationwide as a result of climate change and extreme weather.

The Oregon lawmakers’ Plug Offshore Wells Act would direct the Department of the Interior to submit an annual, publicly available report to Congress on the status of decommissioning offshore oil and gas wells, platforms, and pipelines, in addition to reducing financial burdens on taxpayers by increasing oversight and accountability of Big Oil companies.

“Big Oil has been ditching its responsibilities while profiteering off of our natural resources in this country for too long,” Wyden said. “At a time when oil companies are making record profits, it is not too much to ask that they use some of those profits to clean up many of the messes their profiteering has left behind.”

“Orphaned wells are an environmental catastrophe waiting to explode,” Merkley said. “They pose the possibility of massive damage to the ocean by leaking oil and gas and must be addressed quickly.”

“Abandoned offshore oil and gas infrastructure is a growing threat to our oceans and coastal communities,” Dexter said. “For too long, oil companies have walked away from their responsibilities, leaving the public to foot the bill. This legislation brings transparency and accountability to a system that has let Big Oil off the hook, and it ensures we are protecting both our environment and taxpayer dollars. This bill brings transparency, saves taxpayers dollars, and helps us hold corporations accountable that disregard the health and safety of our people and our planet.”

In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the bill is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). In the House, the bill was led by Dexter and cosponsored by Reps. Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC-AL), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), and Mike Levin (D-CA-49).

Idle and abandoned offshore oil and gas infrastructure increase the chance of oil leaks and pose environmental risks to marine ecosystems, especially as hurricanes and tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico increase in strength and frequency. Delays and defaults in decommissioning offshore oil and gas infrastructure also leave U.S. taxpayers responsible for covering the costs of decommissioning abandoned platforms and wells, an expensive and lengthy process.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), more than 2,700 wells and 500 platforms in the Gulf of Mexico are overdue for decommissioning. The Plug Offshore Wells Act would follow GAO’s recommended steps on how Congress can address the backlog of overdue decommissioning requirements, including instituting new reporting requirements from the Interior Department to Congress on the status of decommissioning.

The Plug Offshore Wells Act is supported by the Center for Biological Diversity, Earthjustice, Natural Resources Defense Council, Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, and the Surfrider Foundation.

A summary of the bill is here.


Wyden, Merkley Slam Trump Administration Over Scheme to Undermine Reproductive Health Care in Oregon, Twelve Other States

Letter follows launch of investigation into states that require health insurance plans to cover abortion care

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden and Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., today slammed the Trump administration over recent news that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched an investigation into 13 states, including Oregon, that require health insurers to cover abortion care.

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, 21 states have banned or severely restricted abortion. Abortion care remains legal in the state of Oregon and remaining other states, 13 of which require insurance companies to cover the cost of abortion care, making it more accessible to low-income women, particularly those in underserved and rural areas. Wyden slammed the Trump administration’s investigation as a politically-motivated attempt to claw back access to reproductive care in states where it remains legal.

“This investigation is a gross overreach of federal authority,” Wyden and Merkley wrote in their letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., and Paula Stannard, the Director of the Office for Civil Rights at HHS. “You are weaponizing your department to target states where reproductive health care remains legal in a blatant attempt to deny women the care they need.”

The text of the letter is here.

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Beyer Statement On Republican Leadership Extending DHS Shutdown

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement after House Republican leadership blocked bipartisan, Senate-passed legislation to fund the law-abiding parts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while negotiations over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue:

“House Republicans had the opportunity to bring a bipartisan, Senate-passed funding bill to the floor and end this unnecessary shutdown. Had they done so, the law-abiding agencies under DHS would be funded, the dedicated public servants who keep our country running – including TSA agents, Coast Guard members, and FEMA personnel – would be paid, and the air travel delays afflicting Americans across the country would be resolved.

“House Republican leadership chose instead to extend the DHS shutdown by advancing legislation that has no viable path to passage in the Senate. They brought forward legislation that prioritizes additional funding for ICE without any meaningful safeguards to address the disturbing pattern of aggressive enforcement tactics that has terrorized communities and resulted in the tragic death of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

“Congress should not approve additional funding for operations that include masked agents breaking into homes and vehicles without judicial warrants. Americans should not tolerate lawless brutality from a federal agency, and ICE should not receive additional funding until these abuses are addressed.

“It is not too late to do the right thing. Speaker Johnson can still bring the Senate-passed bill to the floor, reopen the law-abiding entities of DHS, and ensure that public servants are paid. He should.”


Budzinski Statement on House Republicans Continuing the Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after House Republicans refused to take up bipartisan legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and pay workers at the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Last night, House Republicans put their extreme agenda before the livelihoods of federal workers and the Americans who depend on them for essential government services.

“We had a common-sense, bipartisan plan that passed the Senate unanimously. It would have made sure TSA agents, Coast Guard members, and FEMA workers got paid. It was a plan Democrats had been demanding for weeks – and I was ready to support it.

“But House Republicans wouldn’t even bring it up for a vote. Instead, they pushed a nonsensical bill they knew had no chance of passing the Senate. Their choice to continue the shutdown leaves countless public servants without pay for a seventh week in a row.

“To those who have continued to show up every day despite missing your paychecks: thank you. Your dedication kept our skies secure and our waters safe. I promise Democrats will do everything we can to deliver the relief you deserve.”

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Finstad Votes to Fully Fund Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) released the following statement after voting in support of legislation that would extend current funding levels for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through May 22, 2026:

“For forty-two days, Senate Democrats have put our national security at risk by withholding DHS funding because they would rather cause chaos than enforce our country’s immigration laws.

“We’ve done our job in the House, having now voted four times to fund DHS in its entirety. I supported this legislation which will ensure all of DHS, including immigration enforcement and border patrol, are fully funded, while also restoring pay for the federal workers who have had to pay the price of this reckless shutdown.

“This funding bill allows DHS to return to normal operations and ensures our nation’s law enforcement agency has the full resources to protect our homeland. If Senate Democrats are serious about working out our differences and coming to an agreement, this legislation gives us the opportunity to have that discussion. I urge them to pass it and end the political games.”


Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes Against Republican DHS Funding Bill That Fails To Address Lawlessness of ICE, CBP

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted against H.Res.1142 – Rule deeming the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7147. This legislation funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until May 22, 2026 without making reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after federal agents have arrested and killed U.S. citizens, entered homes without judicial warrants, and used excessive force against people across the country.

“The Homeland Security funding bill presented to the House falls far short of addressing Americans’ legitimate concerns about the Trump administration’s increasing lawlessness and brutality,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Democrats have demanded that the Trump administration follow the Constitution, have proposed a number of common-sense reforms, and have offered legislation to fund other DHS agencies including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Coast Guard while negotiations on immigration enforcement activities continue. Republicans have rejected all of these measures, including complying with the Constitution. This year, Americans have witnessed immigration enforcement agents kill American citizens with impunity, and they are demanding better. House Republicans have so far refused to do better, and continue to bring the same bills to the floor that they know have no viable path forward.

“Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House,” Congresswoman Fletcher continued. “To earn my vote, they must present a funding bill that meets the moment, curbs this administration’s abuses, and demonstrates that no agent or agency of the United States government is above the law.”

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Fletcher signed a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 7481, legislation to immediately fund all of DHS except for ICE and CBP.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 213-203 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.


House Republicans Would Rather Play Political Games than Fund Our Government

“The Senate passed legislation unanimously to fund the TSA, Coast Guard, Secret Service, and FEMA.

This bipartisan legislation would give Congress more time to negotiate ICE and CBP reforms without denying critical services funding and workers’ paychecks. But instead of bringing that legislation to the House Floor, Speaker Johnson would rather obstruct and deny workers their paychecks. As Members of Congress, we are elected to work together to solve our most pressing issues.

I am calling on House Republicans to govern and take up the Senate’s unanimous legislation.”


Joyce Votes in Favor of Reopening Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7147, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026. This bill reopens and fully funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through May 22, while longer-term negotiations continue

“The Department of Homeland Security has gone without funding for roughly half of Fiscal Year 2026, an unacceptable amount of time as we face threats at home and abroad. This is yet another shutdown caused by my colleagues across the aisle, who have refused to fund DHS despite having reached a funding agreement in January. Congress’s job is to serve the American people, and holding up this funding for political points is irresponsible.”

“It is Congress’s duty to ensure that federal employees are paid while they work hard to safeguard our nation. The bill I voted for fully funds DHS to ensure critical missions and personnel are resourced and ready. Keeping my constituents safe is my top priority, and I will not allow Congressional inaction to put that at risk.”

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Rep. Kiggans Votes to Fund DHS, End Shutdown Impacting Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) voted to pass a continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at FY25 levels for an eight week period. This CR will fund DHS in its entirety and, if passed in the Senate, will end the 42-day partial government shutdown that has left more than 100,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and 18,500 essential emergency staffers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unpaid.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Now is not the time to return to failed border security policies that put our communities at risk—and unfortunately, the Senate’s DHS bill would do exactly that. We must fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and ensure the dedicated Americans, including our Coast Guard and TSA agents, serving within the agency can do their jobs without the uncertainty of missed paychecks. I urge the Senate to pass a 60-day continuing resolution while working with the House to fully fund DHS!”

Watch Rep. Kiggans’ video after the vote here.


Larsen Supports Bipartisan Bill to Pay Public Servants

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“I support the bipartisan Senate bill to pay Coasties, TSA agents, CISA experts, FEMA staff and other DHS employees who do important work protect our country. Unfortunately, House Republicans have rejected that and chosen to continue to force public servants to work without pay and Americans to wait in line for hours to catch a flight.

“Since the beginning of this shutdown, I have fought to pay DHS staff and require ICE to follow the same rules as every state and local law enforcement agency. This fight is not over. I continue to honor and thank the DHS employees who have missed a paycheck and continued to show up to serve their fellow Americans.”

Yesterday, Rep. Larsen voted no on a bill to fund DHS, ICE and CBP through May 22, 2026. The bill passed the House by a vote of 213 to 203.

Rep. Larsen is cosponsoring legislation to fully fund FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, TSA and every other agency within DHS except ICE, CBP and the Office of the DHS Secretary. He is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Rep. Larsen supports negotiating a full-year funding bill for ICE, CBP and the office of the DHS Secretary that creates accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities.

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BREAKING: Pressley-Led Effort to Extend Haiti TPS Secures Majority Support, Moves To Floor Vote

Discharge Petition Reaches 218 Signatures Needed to Move Forward

WASHINGTON – On Friday, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s (MA-07) discharge petition to force a House vote on extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti successfully met the 218-signature threshold to move forward with bipartisan support. The motion, which would require the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years, is set to be voted on within the coming weeks.

“The success of this discharge petition is a testament to our collective organizing and the strength of our broad, diverse movement to affirm the humanity, dignity, and safety of our Haitian siblings,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “Throughout the nation, Haitians are parents, workers, caregivers, faith leaders, business owners, and children who are deeply rooted in our communities, essential to our economy, and are shamefully at risk of being deported to an island grappling with a devastating humanitarian crisis. Today we are a critical step closer to saving lives and delivering the protections they deserve. The House must vote on this and I urge all of my colleagues to strongly support.”

Congresswoman Pressley serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country. She has stood in vigorous defense for Haitian communities and all immigrant neighbors amid Trump and ICE’s attacks against immigrant communities.

Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress pushing back against Trump’s threats to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.

In March 2026, Rep. Pressley joined Haitian faith leaders and advocates to urge the Supreme Court to affirm the lower courts’ rulings that deemed Trump’s push to terminate Haiti TPS unlawful.

In February 2026, Rep. Pressley applauded a federal judge’s ruling to temporarily block Trump’s move to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. Ending TPS for Haitians would leave over 350,000 Haitian nationals at risk of deportation, many of whom reside in the Massachusetts 7th congressional district.

In January 2026, Congresswoman Pressley, alongside Senator Markey, held a field hearing on the importance of extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. She documented this testimony in the legislative record. Footage from the hearing is available here and photos here.

In January 2026, Rep. Pressley also organized a press conference in D.C. in January to sound the alarm on the harm of terminating TPS for Haiti on seniors and the U.S. care economy.

On June 28, 2025, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s abominable termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti effective September 2nd, 2025.

On June 5, 2025, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s executive order that bans citizens of 12 countries, including Haiti, from traveling to the United States, and places partial restrictions on citizens of seven more nations.

On March 18, 2025, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 62 of their colleagues in the House and 23 of their colleagues in the Senate in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding the Trump Administration redesignate and extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, which the administration recently canceled on questionable legal authority:

On February 20, 2025, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Yvette Clarke (NY-12), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

On April 23, 2024, Rep. Pressley, alongside Co-Chairs Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), led a group of 50 lawmakers urging the Biden Administration to redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), pause on deportations back to Haiti, extend humanitarian parole to any Haitians currently detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s detention centers, end detention of Haitian migrants intercepted at sea, and provide additional humanitarian assistance for Haiti.

On April 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs led a letter to House Ways and Means Committee leadership emphasizing support for the early renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts, commonly known as HOPE/HELP.

On April 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Haitian-led activists, organizations, and a directly impacted person in Haiti for a press call urging federal action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

On March 27, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and her colleagues on the Massachusetts congressional delegation in urging the Biden Administration to expedite visa processing for Haitians, particularly for relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

On March 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Cherfilus McCormick and Yvette Clarke issued a statement on the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

On March 6, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the recent jailbreak and State of Emergency in Haiti.

On December 8, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke urged the U.S. Department of State to withdraw U.S. support for an armed foreign intervention in Haiti and encourage negotiations for a Haitian-led democratic political transition.

On December 6, 2022, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s extension and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

On December 1, 2022, Rep. Pressley, Rep. Cori Bush, and Rep. Mondaire Jones led 14 of their colleagues on a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Department to extend and redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

On August 17, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings, Yvette Clarke, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), called on President Biden to appoint a new Special Envoy to Haiti, a position that has remained unfilled since September 2021.

On May 31, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Reverend Dieufort Fleurissaint, chair of Haitian Americans United, published an op-ed in the Bay State Banner in which they called on the Biden administration to withdraw support for de facto ruler of Haiti, Ariel Henry, and instead support an inclusive, civil society-led process to restore stability and democracy on the island.

On May 26, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Andy Levin (MI-09), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), led a letter to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Power urging her to act to ensure food security in Haiti.

In February 2022, Reps. Pressley, Judy Chu (CA-27), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to CDC Director Walensky demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more. Days later, Rep. Pressley once again called on the Biden Administration to reverse the Title 42 Order and other anti-Black immigration policies.

On March 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Mondaire Jones called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky to fully end Title 42, cease deportations of people to Haiti and affirm their legal and fundamental human right to seek asylum.

On February 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley joined Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 100 House and Senate colleagues in urging President Biden to reverse inhumane immigration policies – such as Title 42, originally introduced under the Trump Administration – that continue to disproportionately harm Black migrants.

On February 14, 2022, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more.

In April 2022, she joined her colleagues at a press conference reaffirming her support for President Biden’s decision to end Title 42. Full video of her remarks at the press conference is available here. Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden Administration’s end of Title 42 in a statement in April 2022.

In September 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Velázquez led 54 of their colleagues on a letter calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and provide humanitarian parole protections for those seeking asylum. The lawmakers’ letter followed the Administration’s resumption of deportation flights to Haiti as thousands of Haitian migrants continue to await an opportunity to make an asylum claim at the border.

In September 2022, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues on the House Oversight Committee in demanding answers regarding the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback and pushing to Biden Administration to end the ongoing use and weaponization of Title 42.

On July 7, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Andy Levin (MI-09), Val Demings (FL-10) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.

On November 21, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren led the Massachusetts congressional delegation on a letter to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) calling on them to coordinate with the government agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to assist newly arrived families from Haiti.

On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley, and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings (FL-10), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Andy Levin (MI-09) issued a statement following the kidnapping of American and Canadian missionaries in Haiti.

On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the civil rights complaint filed by Haitian families demanding a federal investigation into the heinous actions perpetrated by federal officials at the border.

On October 22, 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), sent a letter to Troy A. Miller, the Acting Administrator of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), demanding a briefing and answers regarding press reports of the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback.

On September 17, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) led 52 of their colleagues calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and take urgent action to address the concerns of the Haitian Diaspora after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti.

On August 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) released a statement regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti.

On July 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling on him to take a series of steps to support the Haitian diaspora amid ongoing political turmoil in Haiti.

In July 2021, the Reps. Pressley, Clarke, Demings and Levin issued a statement condemning the assassination of President Moïse and calling for swift and decisive action to bring political stability and peace to Haiti and the Haitian people.

In May 2021, on Haitian Flag Day, Reps. Pressley, Levin, Clarke and Demings announced the formation of the House Haiti Caucus, a Congressional caucus dedicated to pursuing a just foreign policy that puts the needs and aspirations of the Haitian people first.

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Walkinshaw Statement on CISA Employees Reinstated After Being Wrongly Targeted by Trump's DHS

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) issued the following statement after employees at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were reinstated and cleared of all wrongdoing following their wrongful suspension by Trump's Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“I’ve been demanding answers after CISA staff were punished by Trump’s DHS and CISA leadership for simply doing their jobs.

I pressed CISA’s Acting Director this week to make this right.

Today, those employees were cleared of wrongdoing and invited back to work.

Nonpartisan civil servants should never be targeted for political reasons.”

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Rep. Whitesides Honors Santa Clarita in Annual Congressional Hockey Challenge, Raises Money for Charity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. George Whitesides participated in the annual Congressional Hockey Challenge, which pits federal lawmakers and congressional staff from across the political spectrum against lobbyists representing a broad array of interests.

Rep. Whitesides wore a Santa Clarita Lady Flyers jersey during the game to honor the local team after tragedy struck two months ago. While on the way to the Western Girls Hockey League Playoffs tournament, a snowplow collided head on with one of their team vans, injuring five players and killing Manny Lorenzana, the father of one of the players. They went on to win the championship.

The Congressional Hockey Challenge has been running since 2009 and raises money for charity each year. The proceeds go to charities that expand the accessibility of ice hockey, allowing for more people to enjoy the sport. Since its inception, the game has raised over $1 million for hockey charities across the country.

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Cantwell Celebrates Light Rail Extension Across Lake Washington

“We want the Sonics back. We DON’T want to pay $30 to park.” Crosslake Connection adds two stations, creating first-ever direct light rail link from Eastside to Seattle

SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined local leaders and elected officials to celebrate the grand opening of Link’s Crosslake Connection.

“All the young innovators want one thing: They want to be close to Sound Transit,” said Sen. Cantwell. “And who can blame them? Because mass transit is now making life more affordable. It is 22.7 miles from Downtown Redmond to Sea-Tac airport. For a car getting an average gas mileage, that's about a gallon of gas -- and because of President Trump's illegal war now we're paying $5.50 a gallon, which we can't afford, but Sound Transit is delivering you with just $3 for a move across the lake.

“So -- we want the Sonics back. We don't want to pay $30 to park. We want the World Cup to be a success, and we want the first-ever floating bridge with a light rail system that goes across it and we're here to celebrate.

“So thank you engineers at WSP. Thank you to the UW engineering and engineers for making this possible. And thank you to the federal support which, Sound Transit has received $4 billion in federal grants in the last decade and is the largest single user of federal subsidized loan programs, which has saved Puget Sound taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by this success.”

The Crosslake Connection adds new 2 Line stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island. Trains will leave from the new stations every eight minutes during peak hours.

2 Line will now run from Downtown Redmond to Lynnwood City Center. With the 1 Line also running along the I-5 Corridor, combined 1- and 2-Line headways will mean trains arrive every four to five minutes between the International District/Chinatown and Lynnwood City Center stations.

Judkins Park Station is in the center of I-90, near residential neighborhoods, several major bus routes, and the I-90 trail. The location makes it easy for local residents, transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists to meet the train. Travel time to Westlake is just 10 minutes.

Mercer Island Station is near the Mercer Island Park-and-Ride and Mercer Island Town Center. People walking or cycling can access the station from the nearby Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail. Travel time to Downtown Bellevue is just 10 minutes.

As Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee chair from 2021 to 2024, Sen. Cantwell worked to increase funding for transit programs by 50% to $89.9 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $8 billion over 5 years for the CIG Program to fund transit expansion projects across the country. However, transit funding is at risk as Congress considers a surface transportation reauthorization this year, with the Trump Administration considering the complete elimination of transit funding.

A transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks at today’s grand opening is HERE; photos are HERE.

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As No Kings Protests Take Place Nationwide, Gillibrand Announces Bill To Ban Sitting Presidents From Plastering Their Name Or Likeness On Federal Property And Currency

Today, as Americans across the country protest the Trump administration’s corruption and chaos as part of the third No Kings Day of Nonviolent Action, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced that she will be introducing new legislation to bar the use of a sitting U.S. president’s name, image, likeness, or signature to decorate or designate federal property, assets, or currency.

“In America, we do not bow to kings,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our president should be focused on bringing down grocery prices, making health care affordable, and ensuring every family can get ahead, not using their position to boost their own personal brand. It is time that we institute this ban and make sure that our government serves the people, not one person’s ego.”

This bill, which Senator Gillibrand plans to introduce in the next Senate working period, would include prohibitions on actions such as hanging banners with a sitting president’s face on the side of federal buildings; naming a class of warships after a sitting president; tacking the sitting president’s name onto the name of an existing federal building; depicting a sitting president on a federally issued commemorative coin; or placing a sitting president’s signature on U.S. paper currency.

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SENATORS MCCORMICK AND FETTERMAN ANNOUNCE $600 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO REPLACE DELAWARE RIVER BRIDGE AND IMPROVE PA TURNPIKE

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $600 million to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) through the FY 2025 Bridge Investment Program. The funding will advance the PA Turnpike/I-95 Interchange Program by replacing the existing 1956 Delaware River Bridge, a critical crossing connecting Bucks County, Pennsylvania to Burlington County, New Jersey.

“This $600 million investment is one of the most consequential infrastructure commitments in Pennsylvania’s history, and we are proud to have fought to secure this funding by writing directly to Transportation Secretary Duffy to make the case for why the Delaware River Bridge deserves federal investment,” said Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman. “The Delaware River Bridge is not just a Pennsylvania asset; it is a backbone of our national freight and passenger transportation network. This funding will make it safer and more resilient for the commuters, families, and businesses that depend on it every single day.”

The Delaware River Bridge currently carries more than 67,000 vehicles daily, with truck traffic accounting for approximately 16 percent of total volume. Given this heavy demand, the bridge’s existing four-lane configuration is no longer sufficient to meet the capacity needs of the I-95 corridor, one of the busiest and most economically vital highway corridors in the United States. The project will widen the bridge to align with surrounding approach roadways and accommodate projected long-term traffic growth, while also addressing critical infrastructure risk, enhancing travel reliability, improving safety, and bolstering flood resilience.

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After Years of Investment, Murray Celebrates Historic Crosslake Connection at Grand Opening

Murray has fought to fund and secure Sound Transit’s future since its inception; in its earliest years, Murray’s role as the top democratic appropriator for transportation funds was critical to the establishment of Sound Transit and its earliest expansions

Today, Murray continues to be Sound Transit’s chief advocate in Congress, delivering major federal investments year after year and beating back continued attempts to defund public transit at the federal level

Murray is the delegation’s only member with direct jurisdiction over discretionary federal transportation funding

Murray: “After years of wondering: When is light rail coming to Bellevue? Families finally have their answer—about every 8 minutes!”

Former Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl in 2022: “Murray enabled the start of the light rail system in Puget Sound.”

**Livestream from KING5 HERE**

***PHOTOS and B-roll HERE***

Seattle, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, attended the grand opening of the Sound Transit Link Light Rail Crosslake Connection. The Crosslake Connection is the highly anticipated and long awaited unification of the 1 Line and 2 Line, finally connecting Bellevue and Redmond to Seattle, Lynnwood, Sea-Tac Airport, and Federal Way. A marvel of engineering, the Crosslake Connection is the first light rail line in the world that goes over a floating structure. New stations will open at Judkins Park and Mercer Island and existing stations in Bellevue and Redmond will see increased frequencies and connections to the region. Trains will run every 8–15 minutes, from 5 a.m. to midnight, with service as frequent as every 4 minutes where the 1 and 2 Lines overlap between Seattle and Lynnwood– the most frequent transit service in the state.

“After years of wondering: When is light rail coming to Bellevue? Families finally have their answer—about every 8 minutes!” said Senator Murray. “We are building the best light rail system in America and as a leader on the Appropriations Committee, I have been fighting for this project every step—and every dollar—of the way! I still remember some pretty tough times a couple decades ago fighting alongside Joni Earl to ensure there was a future for Sound Transit. That future is here. And it even came with some futuristic marvels of engineering! Folks, we are going to be able to ride the world’s first train on a floating bridge—that is pretty cool. Sound Transit is delivering the most ambitious expansion of public transit in America—and I am going to keep fighting to make sure Congress funds it.”

MURRAY LED EFFORTS TO DIRECTLY FUND THE EAST LINK EXTENSION: Since the project’s inception, Murray has led the effort, as the delegation’s only member with direct jurisdiction over discretionary federal transportation funding, to secure and protect resources for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program and ensure the Link Extension’s federal cost share is met. Murray also secured a $14 million TIGER Grant for the connection in 2013. The project has also received $74.7 million from FTA and the Federal Highway Administration, including: $17.6 million for right-of-way, $5 million for the pedestrian bridge at Redmond’s Overlake Village Station, $52.1 million of FTA formula funds, and $3.8 million of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and Surface Transportation Block Grant funds.

Murray, along with her colleagues, also helped deliver a $1.33 billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan in 2015.

MURRAY BEATS BACK DRASTIC HOUSE GOP CUTS TO PUBLIC TRANSIT, ONCE AGAIN PROTECTS THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC TRANSIT IN PUGET SOUND: This year, House Republicans wanted to defund federal public transit, Senator Murray pushed back and led efforts to safeguard critical federal funding that helps transit agencies like Sound Transit keep pushing forward with ambitious public transit expansion projects. In the government funding bill Trump signed into law on February 3, 2026, Senator Murray secured$1.7 billion for the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program—rejecting House Republicans’ proposal to slash CIG funding by 98 percent. The legislation includes new provisions to force the Administration to execute the CIG program, including a table detailing which projects to fund at what amount, and requires DOT to make allocations according to the table no later than 120 days after enactment. Murray’s efforts to protect the CIG program will help ensure Sound Transit can continue to rely on federal funds to support its West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma Community College, and Everett extensions. As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murray helps author and negotiate all government funding bills.

SOUND TRANSIT’S LONGEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE SUPPORTER: Murray helped secure some of Sound Transit’s very first federal funding. Most notably, Murray led the fight in Congress during Sound Transit’s earliest and most challenging days to ensure the initial construction of light rail could become a reality, and she went on to secure billions for Sound Transit in the years to come. 2001 in particular was a time when a loud chorus of local leaders were pushing the community to pull the plug on Sound Transit, citing greatly increased costs and a scathingly critical report from the Bush administration’s Department of Transportation, including a Seattle Times editorial urging Puget Sound to “Face reality; pull plug on light rail.” Senator Murray never gave up on Sound Transit and fought to save light rail in Puget Sound. Former Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl wrote, “In 2001 Sound Transit had been identified for a $500 million federal grant to start light rail construction. At the same time, Sound Transit announced that the light rail project’s cost and schedule were severely underestimated. Sen. Murray used her clout as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee to put a hold on the grant (so it didn’t get reallocated to another property) while we righted the ship…Murray enabled the start of the light rail system in Puget Sound.”

DURING PANDEMIC, MURRAY DELIVERED EMERGENCY RESOURCES TO KEEP TRAINS RUNNING: Murray championed a provision in the Fiscal Year 2023 spending bill to secure $115 million in additional funding for Sound Transit, as transit agencies like Sound Transit grappled with challenges due to the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and inflation. This language was authored by Murray and included in the FY23 omnibus appropriations bill, the culmination of nearly two years of Senator Murray’s efforts to secure additional relief for transit agencies.

Murray was joined at the grand opening ceremony by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA); Katie Wilson, Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Member; Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member; Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair; Dow Constantine, Sound Transit CEO and former King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair; Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair; Teresa Hutson, Microsoft Vice President and Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Vice Chair; Greg Nickels, Former Sound Transit Board Member and Former Seattle Mayor; Monty Anderson, Seattle Building Trades Executive Secretary; and other local leaders.

Murray spoke at the grand opening of the East Link starter line in Bellevue in 2024, and attended the groundbreaking in 2016.

Senator Murray’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:

Thank you. I am so excited to be with you to celebrate the Crosslake Connection! And let me just say: we are building the best light rail system in America. As a leader on the Appropriations Committee, I have been fighting for this project every step—and every dollar—of the way!

It is always incredible to see just how far Washington state is making those federal dollars go, and in the case of Sound Transit—I mean that literally!

Because with the new connection you can now take the two line all the way from Redmond to Lynnwood! Today, when we open the doors to these new stations, we are also opening countless doors to families who can now travel around the Puget Sound region—and specifically across Lake Washington—easier than ever!

No traffic, and your hand never has to touch a steering wheel! You can actually look out and appreciate the lake—and that beautiful view of Mt. Rainier—as you cross it!

After years of wondering: When is light rail coming to Bellevue? Families finally have their answer—about every 8 minutes!

But there is a NEW question people are going to start asking: With so many options at their fingertips, where do they want to go next!?

Starting today, you can take light rail, from a dinner in downtown Bellevue, to an evening show across the lake at the Paramount or 5th Avenue Theatre. Workers in Redmond can take light rail from the office to the Chinatown International District to meet friends for hot pot or boba or to Lumen Field—to catch a hawks game! Families can head here to Judkins Park and enjoy the many parks in the area, or go to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.

With this light rail extension, just about wherever you are, you can find just about whatever you’re looking for only a couple stops away! No fuss, no traffic. Just tap your card or your phone and go.

This expansion connects students to their campuses, workers to their jobs, families to loved ones, and so much more. Investing in public transit is investing in opportunity and connection—it’s worth it!

Let me just say, looking at this crowd, I see so many partners I’ve worked with to keep this project on track over the years. I still remember some pretty tough times a couple decades ago fighting alongside Joni Earl to ensure there was a future for Sound Transit. That future is here. And it even came with some futuristic marvels of engineering!

Folks, we are going to be able to ride the world’s first train on a floating bridge—that is pretty cool.

So, I’ll end by saying: Sound Transit is delivering the most ambitious expansion of public transit in America—and I am going to keep fighting to make sure Congress funds it.

Everyone knows, it’s been a long road to get here today. But from now on—getting here will just be a short ride on the light rail!

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Balint and Wyden Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Journalists Against Unreasonable Government Searches

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced a bill on Friday to strengthen privacy protections against unreasonable government searches and seizures that could chill reporting critical of the government. The bill follows Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) raiding the home of a Washington Post reporter.

“This is the most corrupt administration in history, and we only know that because journalists have been doing the tireless work of delivering truth and transparency to the American people,” Balint said. “A free press serves an essential role in our democracy, which is why it is protected by our Constitution. We need to close the loopholes that have allowed administrations to strong-arm and intimidate journalists, and I am proud to work with Senator Wyden to do just that.”

“My father was a journalist who escaped Nazi Germany. He taught me you can’t have a functioning democracy without a free press,” Wyden said. “Our bill sends a clear message that government agents have no business seizing the notes and electronic devices of reporters who are just doing their jobs. Congress must once again step up to protect journalists against attempts to intimidate reporters and chill sources who could blow the whistle on government wrongdoing.”

Under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980, the government cannot search or seize journalists’ documentary or work-product materials, except in certain narrow circumstances. Congress passed that law out of concern about the chilling effect of government raids on the press, and required the government to use less intrusive methods. Unfortunately, the law contains numerous loopholes that have been exploited across presidential administrations. The government never needs to prove an exception to the law before obtaining a search warrant, or even mention that the law exists. Even if a judge finds that a search or seizure is illegal under the Privacy Protection Act, the government can still use those illegally obtained materials in court.

Balint and Wyden’s bill would strengthen protections for journalists and close these loopholes. The Privacy Protection Updates Act would:

Require the government to disclose the existence of the Privacy Protection Act and prove that an exception applies, if the government wants to search or seize a journalist’s materials with a warrant.

Maintain the existing exception for exigent circumstances, but establish a new process for mandatory judicial review within 48 hours of the emergency seizures of a journalist’s materials to determine whether the search or seizure was justified.

Create a process for suppression of journalist records that are illegally searched or seized.

Clarify that the Privacy Protection Act applies to journalist records stored on the cloud.

The Privacy Protection Updates Act is endorsed by the Committee to Protect Journalists, Demand Progress, Freedom of the Press Foundation, and Protect the 1st Foundation.

“Free people rely on a free press, and the press is only free if it is unrestricted by government spying and intimidation. Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint’s update to the Privacy Protection Act is a much-needed safeguard that removes incentives to ransack the notes and sources of reporters. This bill corrects the law to ensure that the government cannot suppress free journalism and speech,” said Bob Goodlatte, former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Senior Policy Advisor for Protect the 1st.

“Ignorance of the law is no defense, unless you're a prosecutor looking for a warrant to ransack a journalist's files. At least six times in recent years -- most recently, the raid of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson -- prosecutors seeking such warrants have failed to disclose to judges that, subject to a few narrow exceptions, they're illegal under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980. By the time the judge figures it out, it's too late -- the journalist's sources are compromised, and they can't publish any stories or investigations stored on seized devices. We commend Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint for recognizing this intolerable status quo and taking action to give the PPA some teeth and protect journalists' ability to inform the public. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have opposed journalist surveillance in the past and we hope this bill receives the enthusiastic bipartisan support it deserves,” wrote Seth Stern, Chief of Advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation.

“The Privacy Protection Updates Act is what it looks like to take press freedom seriously. This necessary bill transforms a well-intentioned but outdated law into a modernized framework for a free and independent press with real consequences—establishing a powerful exclusionary rule, requiring greater transparency from the government in warrant applications, and ending the weak damages-only civil remedy that left journalists unprotected. Press freedoms are too vital to be left to the government's honor system, especially when the White House keeps eroding our core civil liberties. We thank Sen. Wyden and Rep. Balint for their leadership and urge all members of Congress to get behind this needed bill,” said Kate Oh, Special Advisor at Demand Progress.

“The government needs guardrails to prevent overreach. Reforms to the Privacy Protection Act will strengthen protections, enabling journalists to do their job and keep the public informed,” said Katherine Jacobsen, U.S., Canada, and Caribbean Program Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The one-pager of the bill is here.

The full bill text is here.

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Booker Applauds $600 Million Federal Award to Replace Delaware River Bridge Connecting New Jersey and Pennsylvania

NEWARK, NJ — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) applauded the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) award of $600 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program to replace the Delaware River Bridge connecting Florence, New Jersey, and Bristol, Pennsylvania. The Delaware River Bridge Replacement Project is the third phase of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Interstate 95 Interchange Program. The project will modernize a 70-year-old bridge that carries nearly 70,000 vehicles each day and serves as a critical link between two major metropolitan regions.

Booker strongly supported the joint application from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, including submitting a letter to the FHWA during the Biden Administration urging federal investment in the project. In his September 2024 letter, he underscored the bridge’s deteriorating condition, its 2017 fracture and emergency closure, the growing traffic demands on the corridor, and the urgent need for a safer, more resilient structure with full shoulders and expanded capacity.

“This is a major win for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the millions of people and businesses that rely on this corridor,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Replacing this aging bridge will strengthen regional connectivity, improve safety, and free up state resources for other urgent transportation priorities. I’m proud to have supported this project and grateful for the strong partnership between the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.”

“Part of making government work means 21st Century infrastructure that works for New Jerseyans,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “The Delaware River Bridge is a critical link for drivers and freight traffic alike. Like so much of the aging infrastructure we’ve relied on in this region for decades, it needs replacing and modernization. That will not only allow people to get to work and commute efficiently, and avoid frustrating closures, it will keep significant freight traffic flowing to grow our economy and lower costs. I want to thank Senators Booker and Kim and our entire Congressional Delegation for bringing $600 million home to help ensure this project gets done.”

“I want to thank Sen. Booker, Sen. Kim, Congressman Conaway, and other elected leaders from both sides of the Delaware River for supporting the efforts of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to replace this bridge by advocating for this grant,” said New Jersey Turnpike Authority Executive Director Kris Kolluri. “The bridge is 70 years old. When a fracture was discovered in a truss in 2017 and the bridge had to be closed to traffic for more than six weeks, we were reminded of just how important a role this bridge plays in the mobility of the region. The Turnpike Authority and the PA Turnpike Commission have been working together to plan for its replacement. This federal grant is an important step toward accomplishing that goal.”

“This federal investment will have a significant impact for South Jersey and our entire region,” said Congressman Herb Conaway. “For too long, this critical Delaware River crossing has operated with real safety and reliability concerns—something commuters, first responders, and small businesses know all too well. I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Booker, Senator Kim, and partners on both sides of the river to help deliver this funding, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure this project is completed efficiently and with the urgency our communities deserve.”

The $1.47 billion project will be financed with funds from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and Pennsylvania, with the federal award covering a substantial share of the remaining cost. Once complete, the new bridge will restore the crossing to a state of good repair, improve freight movement along the East Coast, and enhance long-term resiliency in the Delaware River floodplain. The FHWA’s Bridge Investment Program, created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funded this project and was allocated $40 billion over 5 years for bridge projects. This $600 million grant award for the Delaware River Bridge is one of the largest grants ever awarded to New Jersey, outside of the Gateway Program.


Senator Collins Attends Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta

Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos

AUGUSTA, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show at the Augusta Civic Center. Hosted by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) in partnership with The Maine Sportsman, the 44th annual show featured dozens of vendors, along with educational exhibits and family activities celebrating Maine’s outdoor heritage.

“It was a great day at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show in Augusta yesterday visiting with so many Mainers who love to hunt, fish, and spend time outdoors with their families,” said Senator Collins. “These activities are such an important part of Maine’s heritage and support rural businesses and communities across our state. I will continue working with sportsmen and women, as well as conservation leaders across the state, to help ensure our outdoor way of life remains strong for future generations.”

In Fiscal Year 2023, Senator Collins secured $700,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to support SAM’s research and planning related to expanded hatchery production of salmonid fish in Maine.

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SUNDAY SHOW WATCH: From Homeland Security to Iran, Senator Kim is Sick of Americans Paying for Trump’s Failures

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning on CNN’s State of the Union, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) addressed the top failures of the Trump administration as their chaos, lies, and corruption leave Americans waiting in hours-long lines at the airport and paying for a war they do not want in Iran.

Notably, Senator Kim followed an interview between Jake Tapper and Trump’s “Border Czar” Tom Homan who dodged a question pointing out the obvious: if President Trump could pay TSA agents this whole time, why is it now just now happening. The Senator made clear: “Tom Homan did an excellent job of dodging your question…Well, I know the answer to that. The American people know. It’s because he didn’t care about them. He cared about ICE. He cares about his efforts to antagonize and assault the American people in our communities.”WATCH AND SHARE

Watch the full interview here

We Cannot Have American Boots on the Ground in Iran

Responding to ongoing reports that President Trump is considering deploying another 10,000 ground troops to the Middle East, Senator Kim shared: “This is, honestly, one of the most consequential moments that I’ve ever seen in my time in government…I worked on the ground as a State Department officer embedded with the military in Afghanistan. I worked on the counter ISIS fight. I want to take a moment to make a direct call to President Trump and Congressional Republicans saying, we cannot have American troops on the ground in Iran.”

WATCH AND SHARE (Also on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Substack, Bluesky, Threads)

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Ansari on Iran War: ‘It is Terrifying That We Have A Mentally Deranged Leader Here In The United States Putting The Rest Of The World In Such Danger’

‘If This Isn't Managed Carefully, A Country Of 90 Million People Could Very Well Fall Into Civil War’

WASHINGTON – Since the start of Trump’s illegal war with Iran, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the first Iranian American Democrat in Congress, has been sharing her unique perspective and highlighting how this administration’s reckless war is putting Americans, Iranians, and the entire region at risk.

See coverage below.

Amanpour: War May Leave Iranian People ‘In an Even Worse Position,’ Says U.S. Congresswoman

Rep. Ansari: “Here's the issue: Donald Trump is a wannabe dictator and authoritarian here in the United States. He doesn't want democracy for the American people … We don't even know what the exact objective of this war is. But I can tell you in briefings that I have been a part of, I've directly asked this question. Is there a plan for a democratic transition in Iran? And it's been made very clear to me that that is not a part of the mission. Meanwhile, Americans are seeing gas prices go through the roof. There are American troops on their way to the Middle East. It's largely unpopular among the American population. And we're seeing devastating consequences across the region. So it is terrifying that we have, really, a mentally deranged leader here in the United States putting the rest of the world in such danger.”

BBC World Service

Rep. Ansari: “It was, you know, undeniable to me that from the beginning that Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu do not have good intentions or a plan as it pertains to the Iranian people. But I also am very empathetic and recognize that Iranians, especially inside the country and most importantly inside the country, felt that they could not overthrow this regime without international support. Unfortunately, that international support is being led by two, you know, warmongering … maniacs in my opinion, who actually don't care about what their future is … Again, we do not see clear rhetoric from the president. There's evidence to show he's already getting bored with this. Troops are well on their way, and American service members have already died. The American population does not have an appetite for troops on the ground. There's only 7% support for U.S. troops on the ground in Iran. That is abysmal.”

ABC This Week: Iranian American Rep. Ansari: ‘We need an off-ramp quickly’ to end Iran war

Rep. Ansari: “I think everybody's reaction, including my parents, to that news is joyful, not a classic joyful, right, because you're talking about somebody's death, but there's a feeling of hope that comes with it. Maybe now something can happen. Maybe now, you know, this is the beginning of the end. I think immediately they are worried about, you know, their concerns have always been Iran, Balkanizing essentially, and the borders of the country changing because there are so many different ethnicities and groups, and not all, you know, good actors and interests around Iran. But also, that it could become a failed state. And if this isn't managed carefully, a country of 90 million people could very well fall into civil war. And I think that has been their concern from the beginning and my concern as well.”

NOTUS: Rep. Yassamin Ansari Says Trump’s War With Iran Is ‘Wildly, Wildly Illegal’

Rep. Ansari: What's different about the regime in Iran with the Islamic Republic is that it's not just one person. The Ayatollah being killed, while it is very much worth celebrating, that doesn't mean the regime has changed, or the regime has fallen. Though Donald Trump said something of that sort, that is not at all the case … So the challenge now is what happens next? Who is in charge now? There's already been another Ayatollah who has been appointed, and there's a lot of concern that, again, the next iteration of this regime will be even more harderline than they were prior.

IN PRINT

The New York Times: War Stirs Mixed Feelings for the Only Iranian American Democrat in Congress

[Megan Mineiro, 03/13/26]

When Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, the only Iranian American Democrat in Congress, learned in the early morning hours of Feb. 28 that the United States was dropping bombs on Tehran, her first call was to her parents.

They had fled Iran decades ago to escape the government led by hard-line religious clerics. So she felt a rush of hope, but also unease, when she learned that the opening salvo of the U.S.-Israeli assault had killed the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei …

She said that her family had discussed for decades when Iranians might finally topple the country’s tyrannical government, and that they wondered if that moment had arrived. But she was also deeply concerned about Mr. Trump’s unilateral move to start a war that she calls “illegal,” and worried that he might eventually align himself with a new leader who would continue to oppress the Iranian people while acquiescing to the American president’s demands…

The Washington Post: For Iranian American lawmaker, darkness hangs over a season of hope

[Elahe Izadi, 03/28/26]

The strong scent of beef kebab and ghormeh sabzi — a stew of herbs and fenugreek considered a national dish of Iran — wafted down the hallway of the Longworth House Office Building on Tuesday, leading to the small office of Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Arizona).

The freshman lawmaker, who is the first Iranian American Democrat elected to Congress, was hosting a modest open house to mark Nowruz, the Iranian new year …

Celebrating Nowruz has become somewhat of a hallmark of Ansari’s time in public office. While on the Phoenix City Council, she helped found an annual city-sponsored festival. Last year, just months into her first term in Congress, she introduced a resolution to mark the holiday and establish March as Iranian American Heritage Month.

Her celebrations are different this year. There is no big Phoenix festival. “We decided maybe it’s not the best time,” she said. But Ansari still wanted to mark the occasion on the Hill, a modest effort to educate her colleagues and their staffers about Persian culture.

“Iran and Iranians have always been living under the shadow of what people think about Iran because of the regime,” she said. Even well-intentioned people, she said, may only associate Iranians with what they see on the news — a grim picture of an oppressive government that kills its own citizens and proclaims “Death to America.” So taking a moment to spotlight the culture — the food, the dance, the art, the traditions, the history — that’s “where you can really understand the humanity of a group of people,” she said.

Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more.

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CORREA PRESENTS $2M TO CITY OF SANTA ANA FOR CHEPA’S PARK RENOVATION

SANTA ANA, CA — Today, U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) presented a $2 million check to the City of Santa Ana for renovations and upgrades to historic Chepa’s Park. Funding will be used to demolish and reconstruct a new community center and other improvements at Chepa’s Park, including a new basketball court, new landscaping, picnic areas, site lighting, new playground equipment and accessible pathways.

“Chepa’s Park and the surrounding Logan Barrio neighborhood has played a pivotal part in Mexican-American history in Santa Ana. I sought to honor that history by making this federal investment,” said Rep. Lou Correa. “Through upgrades and renovations, this park can continue providing a place for community members of all ages to come together for generations to come, and I look forward to seeing the transformation the City makes with this space.”

This money for Chepa’s Park is part of the FY2026 community project funding that Rep. Correa secured for California's 46th Congressional District, which totaled more than $13.3 million overall.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Lou Correa for securing $2 million in funding to help us reimagine and revitalize Chepa’s Park,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. “This project will restore a beloved neighborhood space in the historical Logan neighborhood - an early center of the Mexican-American community in Santa Ana - that will serve generations to come. The renovation project is a reinvestment in the people who call Logan home and demonstrates the City’s commitment to improve the quality of life of everyone in Santa Ana.”

“Just as the City of Santa Ana honored Josephine ‘Chepa’ Andrade’s legacy of community advocacy by naming this park after her, we are now honoring her work with a historic investment in Chepa’s Park,” Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza said. “The Logan Barrio deserves clean, safe, modern parks and amenities that can be enjoyed by every family and resident.”

Chepa’s Park is described as a “tiny refuge” in Logan Barrio, one of Santa Ana’s oldest Mexican-American neighborhoods. Established before Orange County was incorporated, Logan Barrio was also one of the few areas where Mexican Americans were permitted to purchase homes in the early 1900s. Chepa’s Park was developed after Josephine “Chepa” Andrade rallied her neighbors and took to city hall to fight the proposal of a new road that would dissect their neighborhood. She, along with other residents, turned the three open lots into a small park. Members of the Andrade family were present during today’s check presentation.

“The new community center, playgrounds, basketball court, and picnic areas that will be built at Chepa's Park will serve as a reminder of Chepa’s legacy of advocacy for the ever-resilient Logan neighborhood,” Councilmember Phil Bacerra said. “These improvements will enhance community gatherings and recreation at Chepa’s Park, and it will shine even brighter as the gem of Logan neighborhood.”

Video of the event can be seen here.

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Emmer Leads Minnesota Republican Delegation in Opposing Federal Funding of Transit Lines

WASHINGTON – On March 27, 2026, Congressman Emmer led the Minnesota Republican delegation in sending a letter to the leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) on eliminating federal funding for the Blue Line Light Rail Extension (Blue Line) and the Northern Lights Express (NLX). These are two unnecessary financial burdens that would be a complete misuse of taxpayer funds.

“These transportation projects are not only unpopular, but also unsuccessful and a waste of taxpayer dollars,” said Congressman Emmer. “Minnesotans have real needs when it comes to transportation, but projects like these take funding away from projects that will improve road safety, decrease traffic, and keep up with Minnesota’s growing communities. We are committed to spending our tax dollars responsibly and making sure they go toward projects that will better Minnesota.”

Background

Congressman Emmer and the rest of Minnesota’s Republican delegation are committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. The combination of nominal ridership and huge capital cost makes these projects an irresponsible use of taxpayer funds.

The Blue Line Light Rail Extension project, with a projected budget of $3.2 billion, has seen weekly ridership expectations continuously revised downward. For example, on the current Blue Line plans, the projected number of weekday riders was 27,000, but updated projections are less than half of that, at just 12,500. The project is expected to go over budget and its construction will cause serious traffic disruptions for Minnesota motorists.

The Northern Lights Express commuter line, as proposed, would run from Duluth to St. Paul. With a price tag of $600 million, Minnesota taxpayers will be on the hook for significant costs. So far, $116 million of tax dollars have been allocated for this project. With the large balance remaining, the project will rely heavily on federal grants for its completion.

Congressman Emmer led Minnesota’s Republican delegation in sending a similar letter in May of 2025, requesting that the THUD Subcommittee provide no funding for three transit projects, the Blue Line, the NLX, and the Northstar Commuter Rail. Eight months after the letter, the Northstar Commuter Rail project died.

You can read this most recent letter in its entirety here.

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Congresswoman Fischbach in Fergus Falls

Willmar, MN - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) was in Fergus Falls recently. She met with Fergus Falls Mayor Anthony Hicks, city staff, and representatives from Vistal and Moore Engineering. The group shared information about current legislation that would benefit employees who work for companies that have employee stock ownership (ESOP). ESOP is a program that allows employees to be directly invested in the companies that they work for. The group also discussed some of the recent infrastructure funding that Congresswoman Fischbach has secured for the district. They thanked her for her work getting those dollars to communities that truly need them to improve their basic infrastructure. Congresswoman Fischbach supports smaller communities and will continue to make sure rural areas have the resources they need.


Huizenga Announces Nearly $14.5 Million Investment in Battle Creek VA

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving $14,497,160 to modernize, repair, and improve buildings on its campus as part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program. In January, the Trump Administration announced the largest NRM allocation ever at $4.8 billion. The NRM program funds one-time maintenance projects for facilities, equipment or infrastructure that are not part of routine, recurring maintenance. These projects include significant maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery.

Specifically, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving funding that enhances HVAC systems, improves overall building safety, replaces elevators in multiple buildings across the campus, and installs two additional sump pumps.

“I am glad to see these important investments being made to improve infrastructure, safety, and care at the Battle Creek VA,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Our veterans deserve the best care available and that can’t happen unless we invest and make improvements to the facilities where our veterans receive care.”


Brownley and Bilirakis File Bill to Protect Foster Care Kids’ Access to Critical Mental Health Treatment

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act of 2026—commonsense, bipartisan legislation to ensure vulnerable children do not lose access to essential mental health care because of a bureaucratic technicality.

Children in the foster care system have often endured severe trauma, abuse, or neglect. Many rely on specialized, around-the-clock care to begin healing. Congress recognized this need when it passed the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (FFPSA), which created Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs)—high-quality, trauma-informed settings designed to provide comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to children with the most complex needs. But due to a technical interpretation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), many of these programs are being treated as Institutions for Mental Disease (IMDs) simply because they serve more than 16 individuals. As a result, children placed in these appropriate, clinically recommended settings can lose access to Medicaid coverage for the very services they depend on. In plain terms, this means that a child who has already experienced significant trauma could be denied care—not because it isn’t needed, but because of how a facility is categorized on paper.

The Bilirakis-Brownley bill fixes this problem by ensuring that QRTPs are not unfairly classified as IMDs, as long as they meet the rigorous standards and accreditation requirements established under FFPSA. This targeted solution preserves accountability while ensuring that children can continue receiving the care they need, when and where they need it.

“Children in foster care deserve stability and consistent access to the mental and behavioral health services that support their well-being,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “Yet because of how certain programs are classified, children placed in clinically appropriate settings can lose access to Medicaid coverage for the very care they rely on. That is a failure of our system. This legislation fixes that gap, strengthens continuity of care, and ensures foster youth can access the services they need without disruption. We have a responsibility to ensure no child’s health, stability, or future is put at risk by outdated policy, and to make sure every child has the support they need to thrive.”

“No child should lose access to critical mental health care because of a bureaucratic definition,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Most children who enter the foster care system have already experienced unimaginable trauma. The last thing we should do is put up barriers to the care that can help them heal. This legislation ensures continuity of care in the settings best equipped to meet their needs. I am proud to work in a bipartisan manner to fix this unintended roadblock and ensure these children receive the support and services they deserve.”

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Whip Clark: Trump “Has Absolutely Betrayed” The American People

NEW YORK, NY — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined MS NOW's The Last Word, where she slammed Donald Trump’s continued choice to betray "the three pillars of what he ran on.” Below are excerpts from the conversation:

On Millions Showing Up to “No Kings” Rallies:

"It's remarkable to see the energy. That people still see the hope that they can have a country that reflects them and a government that prioritizes them and works for them.

"And as they look at Donald Trump, they are seeing a fundamental break of the three pillars of what he ran on. First, that he was going to lower costs on day one. Second, that he was going to release the Epstein files. And third, that there would be no new wars.

"He has absolutely betrayed that trust, and our country, and the presidency by violating and breaking all of those promises and putting the hard working people of this country — who are really just trying to get a little breathing room in this economy — in harm's way.

"What I hear from my district and throughout the country is that, for small businesses, this time is harder than the pandemic. I did not think I'd hear restaurant owners ever saying a time was as hard as that. But between the tariffs, a lack of a workforce, fear of an immigration crackdown for people who are in this country legally, and now a dollar more they're paying a gallon for gas, it is really a betrayal of the American people by this president."

On the High Cost of Trump’s Reckless War:

"It was small businesses that were hit first because they don't have the ability to have huge storage to buy in advance. And so some of what we're going to see around prices is still coming from the bigger outlets and retailers ... at the height of these tariffs many of them expressed: 'I know I'm going to close. It's just, will it be April or May or June when I have to close my doors?' And these are the backbone of our Main Streets. It is how we keep our economy moving.

"And then you add on the costs of shipping and trucking and just the cost of getting to work — which we've heard from so many TSA agents simply not being able to afford to fill up their tank and drive to work because of the skyrocketing cost of gas. And you add that to what people are contending with, with housing and groceries and utility bills, and it's a recipe for disaster.

"All the answers are in front of Donald Trump. And he keeps choosing to take people's health care for tax cuts for the billionaire class. To go to a war of choice without explanation, strategy, or exit plan — driving, further, costs up.

"And we are contending now with the cost of gas. But we are soon going to be contending with an even higher cost of groceries as we have a fertilizer crisis also brewing in the Strait of Hormuz.

"So all of this is, it's just adding so much pressure on American families — 60% of whom we know are already having a hard time meeting the basic needs of their kids."

On the American People Making Their Voices Heard:

"Some of the angriest people that I've met are our veterans. Our veterans who know what it means to go to war. Know what it means to say goodbye to your family. Know the pressure that puts on the family left behind, and have lost friends, and really understand the sacrifice that this president just treats so glibly.

"Turning this conflict into some sort of video game? These are real people. We are asking our sons and daughters to make the ultimate sacrifice. And for what? For what? The American people are owed an explanation of what we are doing there. And they're owed a government that works for them. And a president who promised to lower costs has made everything harder and more expensive. And that's where this deep sense of betrayal is coming from.

"But the hope for me is that we are seeing not only this massive protest on Saturday and all the No King rallies leading up to it, but what we are seeing at the ballot box. That we are seeing record numbers of people coming out and voting for people who will put their interests first.

...

"This is what we're seeing across the country, and it is a sign that people understand what is at stake, and they are making sure that they are expressing their voice in every way they can and will be there in November at the ballot box as well."

To watch the full interview, click HERE.


Strengthening Ties with Canada, Kennedy Secures More Than $1 Million for UB’s Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains

New Initiative from UB, With Funding Secured by Kennedy, Will Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses to Assess Cross-Border Opportunities and Tap Into Regional Capacity on Both Sides of the Border

Initiative Will Help to Build a More Competitive and Inclusive WNY Economy, Emphasizing Region’s Strengths

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced today that he secured $1.03 million in federal funding for the University at Buffalo’s Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains. Operating under the School of Management, the initiative will help small- and medium-sized businesses successfully navigate complex cross-border logistics and implement effective reshoring strategies to bring manufacturing back to our region. By leveraging the region’s proximity to Canada, as well as state-of-the-art resources like UB’s Empire AI, the Center will deploy faculty-led, student-supported teams to work directly with regional firms. They will analyze global supply networks, assess costs associated with labor, energy, and tariffs, and prototype localized supply chains rooted in Western New York’s strengths. In December 2025 alone, more than $5.7 billion in trade crossed the Niagara River.[1] Due to market volatility and tariffs, trade between Canada and the United States decreased in 2025, with goods imported from Canada down by 7% and goods exported to Canada down 3.8%.[2] Kennedy and UB’s initiative aims to jumpstart cross-border trade, create jobs, and strengthen local businesses.

“Our region’s future is intrinsically linked to its relationship with Canada, and we cannot afford to let that opportunity languish," said Congressman Kennedy. “With roughly 60% of Canada’s population within 500 miles of the City of Good Neighbors, and with tens of billions of dollars crossing the Niagara every year, it’s critical that we strengthen our ties with our Canadians neighbors to create good-paying local jobs and ensure the long-term viability of our region’s economy. I’m excited to see the results that the bright minds at UB can achieve, and I look forward to building more connections with our Canadian friends.”

"Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Kennedy, the University at Buffalo is advancing cross-border supply chains that are vital to Western New York’s economy,” said UB President Satish K. Tripathi. “By leveraging our world-class research, advanced analytics and the ingenuity of our faculty and students, we can translate knowledge into practical solutions that enhance manufacturing and foster robust economic growth. This federal support enables UB to deepen our collaboration with companies navigating complex networks, further reinforcing our region as a hub of innovation in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”

“In today's volatile global supply chains, small businesses face challenges in choosing the best mix of domestic sourcing, imports and export opportunities to maintain profitability, while also enabling local economic growth,” says Ananth Iyer, Dean of the University at Buffalo School of Management. “We appreciate the federal investment in a cross-border Center of Excellence that can bridge the gap between the School of Management-led analysis and data integration and practical small business specific business needs. Such activities align with our goal to engage for impact by creating opportunities for our students and faculty to solve real-world problems that can increase Western New York’s economic growth.”

“The University at Buffalo’s Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains is an exciting initiative that serves small and medium sized businesses with cross-border logistical and strategic support,” said Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “With today’s political climate, this kind of support is essential to keeping these businesses growing. I want to extend my thanks to Congressman Kennedy for providing this much needed funding, and to the University at Buffalo for continuing to innovate.

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said “This investment in the University at Buffalo’s Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains is a smart, forward-looking step for our regional economy. I want to thank Congressman Kennedy for securing this critical funding to help local businesses unlock new cross-border opportunities, strengthen partnerships with our Canadian neighbors, and create good-paying jobs here at home. By leveraging our unique position as an international gateway, we’re ensuring Western New York remains a hub for innovation, trade, and economic growth.”

Buffalo Niagara Partnership President and COO Grant Loomis said "As our region recovers from supply chain and trade disruptions, it is critical that we strengthen our domestic manufacturing capabilities and leverage our proximity to Canadian trading partners. This investment will provide much-needed assistance to businesses facing supply chain challenges. The BNP thanks Congressman Kennedy and the University at Buffalo for their efforts to bring this project to life."

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said “This investment demonstrates what we in Buffalo know to be true — our identity and economy are linked to the state of our cross-border relationship with Southern Ontario. At a time when anti-Canadian sentiment is coming out of Washington, this is a reminder that Buffalo will always value a strong relationship with Canada and the shared success it brings. Supporting the University at Buffalo’s Center of Excellence means giving our small and mid-sized businesses the tools they need to grow, create jobs, and help our region compete in a global economy. I thank Congressman Kennedy for delivering this funding and for continuing to invest in Buffalo’s economic future.”

As global trade becomes increasingly volatile, building reliable supply chains closer to home is essential for economic security and growth. The Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains will help to ensure that Western New York’s manufacturing sector remains strong for years to come.

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[1] https://www.bts.gov/newsroom/north-american-transborder-freight-increased-12-december-2025-december-2024


Lawler, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Strengthen Credit Data Accuracy and Protect Consumers

Washington, D.C. – 3/30/26… Last week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), members of the House Financial Services Capital Markets Subcommittee, introduced the Fair Credit Reporting Reseller Accuracy Act, legislation to improve the accuracy of consumer information shared by data resellers and strengthen protections for individuals.

This legislation adds a new requirement under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that requires credit report resellers to follow procedures to ensure “maximum possible accuracy,” a standard already applied to credit bureaus.

“Consumers deserve confidence that the information being handled by the middlemen who pass along credit data takes reasonable steps to ensure accuracy before sharing that information. The credit data used in these decisions can shape the course of someone’s life, from whether they can buy a home, to land a job, to secure a loan, and it needs to be accurate. Americans shouldn’t be penalized by bad information they didn’t create,” said Congressman Lawler.

“This is about fairness and accountability. When inaccurate credit information gets passed around, it’s hardworking families who pay the price. Our bill ensures transparency for families when they go to do things like buy a car or a home. This bipartisan bill will protect Jersey families and make sure they're never penalized for someone else's mistake,” said Congressman Gottheimer.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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


Reps. McBath & Williams, Sens. Ossoff & Rev. Warnock Upgrading Drinking Water Infrastructure in College Park

Atlanta, GA — U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Nikema Williams (GA-05), alongside Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, are delivering resources to help remove lead pipes from College Park's drinking water infrastructure.

The group is delivering $2,134,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on January 23. This effort brought Republicans and Democrats in Congress together to help the City of College Park upgrade its drinking water infrastructure. The Federal resources will help the city replace lead pipes with ductile iron pipes, improving drinking water quality for families.

“Some of College Park’s most well-established residents are threatened by corroding and failing lead pipes,”McBath said. “We owe it to these residents to bring overdue federal investments back to their community to ensure they don’t have to worry about access to clean drinking water. I am grateful to my colleagues in the Georgia delegation for working together to deliver this funding to College Park.”

Congresswoman Nikema Williams said: “When Georgian families turn on their faucet, there shouldn’t be a question about the safety of their water—especially not in the wealthiest country in the world. I’m proud to have brought $2,134,000 back to College Park and secured clean, safe, and dependable drinking water with my Georgia colleagues.”

“Clean, safe, healthy drinking water is not a luxury — it’s a necessity,” Sen. Ossoff said. “That’s why we brought Republicans and Democrats together to upgrade water infrastructure in College Park.”

“In a nation as rich and powerful as ours, there is no reason any community should have to worry about the quality of their drinking water.” said Senator Warnock. “I am proud to have worked alongside my Georgia colleagues to provide these critical upgrades, and peace of mind, for the College Park community.”


McIver Files Third Circuit Brief Asking for ICE Case to be Dismissed

NEWARK, N.J. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and her legal counsel filed a brief in support of her appeal with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia. The brief focuses on major constitutional questions around legislative immunity as McIver continues to fight to protect her constitutional and statutory authority to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the rest of the executive branch.

McIver is appealing the decisions by the district court, declining to dismiss the case that was filed against her by then-interim U.S. Attorney, and Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Alina Habba.

The brief filed today argues that the Trump Department of Justice cannot prosecute McIver for doing her job, nor can it selectively prosecute her because of her opposition to the administration’s mass deportation agenda. The brief also details the lies peddled by DHS in press releases and social media posts that falsely describe McIver’s actions on May 9.

“As the brief clearly lays out and as I have demonstrated from the beginning, I went to Delaney Hall to do my job. ICE interfered with that work, and then DHS lied about why I was there. They have continued to lie about this case at every turn, but their lies will not deter me—I will keep fighting to expose how this administration is hurting people,” said McIver. “I am not backing down, even as this administration tries to intimidate me. The people of New Jersey are entitled to vigorous representation. Donald Trump will not take that away.”

McIver and counsel filed the brief Monday evening. The government now has 30 days to respond. Amicus briefs in support of McIver are due April 6th.

The politically motivated charges against McIver stem from a May 2025 oversight visit McIver conducted of an ICE detention center in her district. She is the only member of Congress under indictment by the Trump Department of Justice for performing constitutionally protected oversight of ICE and faces up to 17 years in federal prison.