Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces Over $20 Million in FEMA Funding to Help Vermont Rebuild and Recover from 2023 Floods

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), today announced the delivery of $20.83 million in federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to support the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) and the City of Montpelier to repair damage caused by severe storms, flooding, and washouts in July 2023.

The federal funding will deliver nearly $12 million in long-overdue funding to support permanent repairs to Montpelier’s City Hall, Fire Department, Police Department Buildings, and Fire Department Sidewalk and Ramp. VTrans will receive an additional $9 million to help rebuild portions of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the Washington County railroad.

“The 2023 floods were brutal, causing long-lasting damage for Vermonters and Vermont communities. This newly released federal funding, totaling more than $20 million, will help repair Montpelier’s hard-hit municipal buildings and state rail and trail infrastructure. Much of this funding was delayed by FEMA for years—it never should have taken so long to get to Montpelier, and is a glaring example of how this agency needs reform. We will continue to fight for the FEMA funding our state needs, and will work with new leadership at the agency to deliver the assistance Vermonters need to fully rebuild and recover,” said the Vermont Delegation.

The federal funding grants announced include:

$11,782,017 to the City of Montpelier to repair severe damage the capital’s City Hall, Fire Department and fire station concrete ramp/sidewalk, and Police Department buildings as a result of severe flooding in July 2023. This funding will help restore these facilities back to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function utilizing current codes and standards, including repairing damage to windows, interior and exterior doors, drywall, insulation, flooring, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, stairs, and more. The project includes a hazard mitigation proposal (HMP) to reduce the risk of future damage by adopting multiple wet and dry floodproofing measures.

$6,168,905.58 to the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) to repair a culvert on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail that was washed away by floodwater in July 2023.

$2,880,995.41 to the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) to rebuild railroad ballast and associated embankments along the railroad in Washington County, which was damaged by flooding in July 2023.

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Bergman's PLOW Storms Act Prioritizes Public Safety Over Burdensome Federal Regulations

Today, Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by Reps. Tony Wied and Pete Stauber, introduced the Protecting Lifesaving Operations during Winter Storms Act, or the PLOW Storms Act, legislation aimed at ensuring snowplow operators and road commissions can keep critical winter response vehicles operational during severe winter weather events.

The legislation addresses growing concerns from road commissions and public works departments regarding increasingly unreliable diesel emissions systems that can force snowplows into reduced-power “derate” modes or sideline trucks entirely during dangerous winter storms.

“For communities across the First District, snowplows are not optional - they are lifesaving equipment,” said Rep. Bergman. “When plow trucks are disabled during winter storms because of federal emissions mandates, lives are put at risk. The PLOW Storms Act restores common sense by ensuring our road commissions have the flexibility and reliability they need to keep roads open, emergency vehicles moving, and families safe.”

The legislative proposal was developed following conversations between Rep. Bergman and road commission leaders in Chippewa County.

Robert Laitinen, Manager of the Chippewa County Road Commission, noted, “The (PLOW Storms Act) is a tremendous step forward that will provide the Chippewa County Road Commission and all other agencies like us the regulatory certainty that we need to be able to modify our existing heavy diesel fleet and to order new units in a configuration that allows us to regain the reliability that we once enjoyed and that the motoring public deserves."

Laitinen continued, "Having multiple plow trucks down during a winter storm event due to unreliable diesel emissions equipment or enduring imposed loss of engine power (derate events) due to overzealous emissions regulations is not simply an inconvenience - in our line of work it endangers many lives. Thank you to Congressman Bergman for having the fortitude to bring this issue to light and for offering a very reasonable and functional solution. This measure, if passed, will be a major improvement in overall public safety for every resident in Michigan and the rest of the snowbelt states.”

The PLOW Storms Act seeks to provide local agencies with greater certainty and operational flexibility to maintain dependable winter maintenance fleets capable of responding effectively during severe snow and ice events.


Beyer, Kelly, Cramer, Coons Introduce Charity Parity Act

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), Senator Cramer (R-ND), and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced the Charity Parity Act, which would allow taxpayers to make direct qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their employer sponsored retirement plans.

Currently, retirement savers can exclude up to $111,000 in QCDs from their gross income annually. However, QCDs must be made directly from an individual’s IRA to eligible charitable organizations. Distributions from employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are not eligible for QCD treatment. Individuals who wish to make charitable contributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to first roll over the funds to an IRA, creating unnecessary costs and additional steps for retirement savers.

The Charity Parity Act would allow direct QCDs from employer-sponsored retirement plans. By doing so, it would ensure retirement savers are treated equitably regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. Eliminating rollover-related fees, financial burdens, and the administrative complexity for savers who would otherwise need to transfer assets from employer plans to IRAs before making a charitable contribution would make it easier to give to charity and in higher amounts.

“Charities provide a critical range of services across the country and have been facing mounting pressures in recent years, both from rising demand and higher prices. While progress has been made in Congress to support the generosity of the American people, further work is needed to put the charitable sector on more stable footing,” said Rep. Beyer. “The Charity Parity Act would reinforce recent bipartisan successes and encourage additional giving by providing equal treatment for savers wishing to donate to charity regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. I want to thank Rep. Kelly, and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and hope to see it enacted into law as soon as possible.”

“Our laws should encourage charitable giving and seek to make such generosity as easy to carry out as possible. Giving to others in need is a hallmark of the American character and part of what makes our country great,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a practical step toward ensuring Americans can contribute and donate to the causes of their choice without issue.”

“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Senator Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”

“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Senator Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”

Original cosponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), both of whom serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Text of the Charity Parity Act is available here.

The legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of charities and other nonprofits, including: American Heart Association; Association of Fundraising Professionals; American Retirement Association; Mental Health America; Salvation Army; National Council of Nonprofits; Independent Sector; The Nonprofit Alliance; National Association of Charitable Gift Planners; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; United Way Worldwide; Infant Crisis Services; Mountain Area Health Education Center; The Church Alliance; Mountain Aging Partners, Inc.; Association of Art Museum Directors.

“The Charity Parity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that empowers seniors to support the causes they care about while strengthening the charitable organizations that help people live longer, healthier lives. By building on the Legacy IRA Act and expanding Qualified Charitable Distributions to include 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, this legislation makes charitable giving more accessible and equitable for retirees. We are grateful to Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer for their leadership in helping nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy for the American Heart Association.

"Nonprofits are America’s backbone, delivering critical services effectively, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities," stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. "Despite this vital role, nonprofits today are facing significant, unprecedented financial challenges that have forced many local organizations to cut back on the services they provide, reduce staff, or even close their doors. I applaud Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for introducing bipartisan legislation to make it even easier for Americans to support nonprofits that provide essential services to their neighbors."

“We thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Cramer and Coons for introducing this important bipartisan bill to expand charitable giving opportunities for retirement-age Americans,” said Michael Kenyon, President & CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “QCDs from IRAs have long been a valuable tool for donors to support causes they believe in, and extending this option to employer-sponsored plans is a commonsense step that will unlock greater philanthropic support. As gift planners, we support policies that reduce friction in giving and empower donors to act on their generosity and leave their legacy. This proposal would do just that.”

“American retirement savers should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to support charitable causes simply because their savings are held in a 401(k), 403(b), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan instead of an IRA,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “The Charity Parity Act builds on the success of SECURE 2.0 by ensuring retirement savers are treated fairly regardless of where they hold their assets, while making it easier for Americans to give back to the organizations and communities they care about most. By reducing administrative burdens, this legislation can help encourage greater charitable giving while strengthening retirement security.”

"The Nonprofit Alliance welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Charity Parity Act. This legislation will allow seniors to make qualified charitable distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts and is an important step toward increasing participation in charitable giving by expanding options to do so. We sincerely thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for their introduction of this timely legislation,” said Shannon McCracken, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance.

“Since its creation in 2006, the IRA Charitable Rollover has helped older Americans use their retirement accounts to make a difference and support the causes they care about. Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer each have a long history of working to advance charitable giving, and Independent Sector applauds them for their continued leadership. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and fees, this commonsense legislation will help more charitable dollars reach their intended target: American communities and our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector.

“Fundraisers work every day to connect generosity with community needs, and the Charity Parity Act removes unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of that generosity. By allowing seniors to give directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, this bipartisan legislation modernizes charitable giving and puts donors—not paperwork—at the center of the process. The Association of Fundraising Professionals strongly supports policies that make it easier for people to give and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities,” said H. Art Taylor, President & CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.


Budzinski Celebrates House Passage of Permanent Year-Round E15

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement following the passage of H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, of which Budzinski is a Democratic lead. The bill would eliminate an outdated regulation restricting year-round sales of E15 and would ultimately expand consumer fuel choices, strengthen domestic energy production, and provide greater certainty for agricultural producers. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

“For years, I’ve championed permanent, year-round E15 as a win for American farmers, energy producers, and consumers. At a time when farmers are under pressure and families are feeling the strain of high gas prices, this legislation delivers much needed relief,” said Budzinski. “Today’s bipartisan action shows what’s possible when we put American energy, rural communities, and working families first. I’m proud to have helped lead this effort and urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill and get relief to the American people.”

Rep. Budzinski has been a leading House Democrat advocating for year-round nationwide E15 sales since being elected to Congress. She engaged in debate on the House Floor earlier today where she outlined the importance of passage of the bill. After introduction of the bill, in March 2024, she joined Reps. Adrian Smith, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Mark Pocan in a letter urging House leadership to pass a legislative solution allowing permanent year-round E15 sales. Later that year, the policy was included in the year-end Continuing Resolution before being removed during final negotiations. Budzinski then led Democratic colleagues in requesting seats on the Rural Domestic Energy Council and testified before the House Rules Committee urging leadership to immediately bring the negotiated agreement to the House floor.

In April, Budzinski also co-led an amendment to include the negotiated E15 language in the 2026 Farm Bill. Although Speaker Johnson pledged separate votes on both the Farm Bill and E15 policy, only the Farm Bill ultimately received a vote.

Today, the Congresswoman was proud to join nearly 100 House Democrats in standing up for new market access for growers and lower gas prices for consumers.


Carbajal, Moore Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support Transit Infrastructure in Mid Sized Cities

U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Blake Moore (R-UT-01) introduced the bipartisan Medium Transit Intensive Cities (MTIC) Authorization Act, a bill to provide more federal support for transportation infrastructure in medium-sized cities. The bill would create a new Medium Transit Intensive Cities (MTIC) category within the Section 5307 transit‑funding program. The program would be modeled on the successful Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) formula but designed for medium‑sized urban areas with 200,000 to 999,999 residents.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

While medium‑sized urban areas often provide transit service comparable in quality and intensity to large metropolitan systems, the current federal funding formula for infrastructure projects does not adequately recognize or reward their performance.

“Many medium‑sized cities on the Central Coast and across the country have strong transit systems that people depend on to get to work, school, and to stay connected with their communities,” said Rep. Carbajal. “But the current federal transit funding framework isn’t adequate for these communities, leaving too many of them without the support they need. My bipartisan bill closes that gap by ensuring we invest in transit systems that serve their riders effectively, no matter the community’s size.”

"Existing transit programs often favor either small or large cities, overlooking medium-sized cities such as Ogden and Layton in Northern Utah. By creating a federal set-aside to reward high-performing transit agencies operating in medium-sized cities, we can ensure that transit agencies are able to meet citizens' needs and make the long-term investments necessary to support growing populations. I’m excited to work with Representative Carbajal to introduce the Medium Transit Intensive Cities Authorization Act to support medium-sized communities that are providing high-quality transit options,” said Rep. Moore.

“Communities shouldn’t be penalized for population growth. The Medium Transit Intensive Cities Authorization Act would ensure that high-performing transit providers who connect people with jobs, school, and opportunity have the resources to do so,” said Jerry Estrada, General Manager of Santa Barbara MTD.

“The Bus Coalition strongly supports the Medium Transit Cities Authorization Act as a smart, targeted step toward a more equitable and performance-driven federal transit program. Across the country, mid-sized transit systems are delivering high-quality, efficient service that connects people to jobs, education, and essential services, yet too often they are disadvantaged by a funding formula that doesn’t fully recognize their impact.

“By creating a Medium Transit Intensive Cities set-aside, this legislation rewards strong performance, encourages continued innovation, and ensures that communities of all sizes have a fair opportunity to compete for federal resources. We commend Congressman Carbajal for advancing a proposal that strengthens mobility, supports economic growth, and better aligns federal investment with real-world transit outcomes,” Ed Redfern, Executive Director of The Bus Coalition.

Under current law, transit agencies in medium-sized regions are effectively measured against—and must compete with—large urban areas with populations over 1 million, which benefit from scale, density, and significantly greater resources. As a result, even high-performing medium-sized transit systems are at a structural disadvantage and are less able to access performance-based funding opportunities available within the existing framework.

The MTIC program would dedicate 1.5 percent of Section 5307 funding to reward transit agencies in these mid-sized regions that meet or exceed performance benchmarks. Metrics such as ridership, service frequency, and service provided per capita would be used to ensure that funding is directed toward systems delivering strong results for their communities.

By aligning incentives with performance, this proposal would:

Reward high-performing transit agencies in medium-sized regions that are often overlooked in the current formula;

Encourage improved service delivery and efficiency, strengthening transit systems nationwide;

Promote equity across urbanized areas by recognizing that strong transit outcomes are not limited to the largest cities;

Support economic growth and mobility in communities that rely on robust transit but lack proportional federal support.

As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Carbajal has long worked to support infrastructure projects on the Central Coast and beyond.

In 2021, Carbajal helped write and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in American infrastructure in nearly a century. Since its passage, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered more than $1 billion in funding to projects up and down the Central Coast.

In July 2025, Carbajal introduced the bipartisan National Infrastructure Investment Corporation (NIIC) Act, which would authorize the creation of a national infrastructure bank. The bank created by the NIIC Act would be authorized to provide loans and loan guarantees to local infrastructure projects, giving local governments another potential funding source in addition to support provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or other federal and state funding sources.


Case Opposes Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill That Slashes Billions For Scientific Research, Technology Development And STEM Education

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his House Appropriations Committee today approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and Related Agencies funding measure.

The measure would provide $80 billion, a $1.2 billion decrease from the current year, for the U.S. Department of Commerce (including the International Trade Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology), the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and more.

Rep. Case opposed the overall bill, warning that its sweeping funding cuts “would weaken programs central to Hawaii’s environmental protection, public safety, civil rights enforcement and economic opportunity.”

Now in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee, Case said the legislation would also scale back critical federal support for conservation efforts, community services, STEM education and assistance for vulnerable populations across Hawai‘i and the nation. Programs significantly cut or eliminated include:

· Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Protection, which safeguards our Hawaiian monk seals, dolphins, false killer whales and green sea turtles.

· Habitat Conservation and Restoration, which helps to restore and maintain crucial ecosystems and watersheds across Hawai‘i .

· Marine Debris Program surveys and cleans up derelict fishing nets and ocean plastics from the reef and habitats at Hawaii’s shores.

· Marine Mammal Commission, which provide science-based oversight of domestic and international policies and actions of federal agencies with mandates to address human impacts on marine mammals, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the humpback whale.

· Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, the leading federal source of criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, which assists a range of initiatives including law enforcement, prosecution and court, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation and technology improvement, and crime victim and assistance.

· Community Relations Service, which offers assistance to communities where disputes, disagreements, or difficulties regarding discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin threaten peaceful relations among citizens.

· Legal Services Corporation, which provides civil legal aid for low-income Americans.

· Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

· Minority University Research Education Project, which focuses on STEM training for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students at our local universities and colleges.

· Minority Business Development Agency, which assists with the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.

Despite these deficiencies, Case secured ten of his Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that specifically focus on local needs in Hawai‘i, with funding for these projects totaling $7.25 million. His successful CPFs are:

· $772,000 for Loko I’a Restoration in Pu’uloa by the University of Hawai‘i. The Pu’uloa estuary (today commonly referred to as Pearl Harbor) once supported 35 highly productive fishponds. After years of watershed degradation, elevated levels of contaminants have led to unsafe seafood consumption and diminished ecosystem function. This project would support a coordinated effort to restore fishponds in Pu’uloa through remediation planning, restoration of fishpond infrastructure and invasive species management.

· $772,000 for the Enhancing Hawai‘i Cargo Security through Advanced High-Energy Cargo Screening Systems Project at the Hawai‘i State Department of Law Enforcement. With these funds, the Hawai‘i State Department of Law Enforcement would develop advanced high-energy cargo screening systems for Honolulu's ports.

This targeted investment will enhance the state's ability to interdict illegal fireworks, weapons, narcotics and other contraband, while also strengthening Hawaii's first line of defense against invasive species and other biosecurity threats entering through commercial freight pathways.

· $772,000 for the Food Analysis Research and Extension Lab at the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. This funding would establish the Food Analysis Research and Extension (FARE) Lab, which will serve as a hub for standardized data necessary to support local farmers and food innovators. The FARE Lab will use national standards to document differences across local species and cultivars that serve as staple foods in the diets of people living in Hawai‘i and the broader Pacific.

· $772,000 for the Marine Finfish Hatchery for Stock Enhancement Project at the Hawai‘i State Department for Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources. This project would establish the first state-operated marine finfish hatchery on Oahu at the Division of Aquatic Resources Anuenue Fisheries Research Center to support the protection, restoration and sustainable management of reef fish populations.

· $772,000 for the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Project at the Honolulu Police Department. This project will use automated drones and intelligent surveillance cameras to improve emergency response. The system will include drone launch stations, secure storage, maintenance areas, and real-time video streaming so drones can arrive at incidents within minutes.

· $772,000 for the Waikiki Flood Watch Test Project at the University of Hawai‘i. This project would develop a cyberphysical testbed that would transform how Hawaii predicts and responds to flooding. Unlike traditional systems that rely on rainfall alone, this platform captures the full picture of compound flooding, including sensors, computer models, digital twins and AI alerts to provide faster and sharper predictions of floods in Waikiki. By providing earlier and more actionable guidance to city and state emergency managers, the project strengthens preparedness, reduces risk to businesses and residents and helps safeguard one of Hawaii's most vital coastal communities, while demonstrating best practices for similarly situated communities nationally.

· $772,000 for a Critical Incident Response Apparatus for the Honolulu Police Department. This apparatus is a vital asset that enhances the Honolulu Police Department's rescue and recovery capabilities across the island of Oahu. Designed as a shield and barricade tool for rapid deployment, CIRA provides critical protection for the public and first responders during emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters, hazardous material incidents, terrorist attacks and other large-scale critical events.

· $772,000 for the Hawai‘i Port Resilience and Coastal Erosion Study at the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. This study would address vulnerabilities from coastal erosion and changing sea conditions impacting Hawaii's commercial ports by enhancing a digital twin model with wave modeling, vulnerability assessments, drone-based pier inspections and bathymetric surveys to advance resilience planning for Hawaii's maritime system.

· $772,000 for the Applied Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Research Laboratory at the Hawai‘i Pacific University. This project would establish a laboratory to conduct hands-on, applied research focused on securing AI systems, strengthening AI-enabled cyber defense and defending against AI-driven cyberattacks, while developing practical tools, testing environments and implementation guidance tailored to Hawaii's defense contractors and critical infrastructure operators.

· $300,000 for the Security Water Quantity and Quality in the Ala Wai Watershed Project at the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The Ala Wai watershed is currently heavily invaded by Miconia, an invasive plant that increases the propensity for erosion and landslides by limiting understory growth, destabilizing soil and decreasing water absorption. With these funds, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife will manage the invasive plant throughout the Ala Wai watershed by establishing field crews to remove the invasive plant, data management staff and coordinator positions.

The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here.

Other provisions which Case requested and were included in the measure to fund the Department of Justice include:

· $762.5 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The COPS program provides funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

· $148 million for grants to reduce the sexual assault kit backlog.

· $48 million for the Anti-Methamphetamine and Anti-Heroin Task Forces.

“Rising crime, both related and unrelated to gun violence, is of great concern to us all, and must be combatted at all levels of government,” said Case. “State and local law enforcement need increased assistance from our federal government to address crime at the state and local level.”

“The funding I secured in the bill will help local and state law enforcement to not only investigate and prosecute crime but will also go to prevention and education programs to stop crime before it happens.”

Case also won support to fund various science initiatives, including:

· $26 million for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, which enhances the research competitiveness of Hawai‘i by strengthening STEM capacity and capability.

· $92.5 million for the Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes program to support the maintenance and needed repairs at the Atmospheric Baseline Observatories, including the Mauna Loa Observatory where the famous Keeling Curve proving rapid climate change was developed.

· $33.5 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program.

· $6 million for Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas, which supports Papahānaumokuākea and our Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale sanctuaries.

· $56 million for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which supports our Hawaii’s Pacific Island (Pac) IOOS. PacIOOS provides easily accessible coastal and ocean observing and forecasting to increase ocean safety and protect public and environmental health.

· $20 million for the Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments program, which provides vital research that allows communities to prepare for and respond to long-term shifts in weather patterns, resource availability and coastal conditions.

· $34 million for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, which includes support for education and restoration of coastal and marine habitats in He‘eia.

· $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaiʻi that promotes healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development.

Provisions which Case secured to promote commerce in Hawaiʻi include:

· $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. This public-private partnership has centers in all 50 states, including Hawaiʻi, dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers.

· $1 million for the Minority Business Development Agency specifically for the Native American Business Development Program that awards grants to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities qualified to provide business, financing and technical assistance.

· $3.5 million for the Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism position, which Case worked to establish in the Visit America Act to drive a cohesive federal response to the challenges facing the industry.

This measure is the fifth of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026).

Despite Case’s opposition, the bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.

A summary of the CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations bill is available here.

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U.S. Rep. Castor Announces $10.9 Million Federal Grant for TPA Improvements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced a $10,992,431 federal grant for Tampa International Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The funding will support the reconstruction of airport infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. Specifically, this award funds the first phase of a larger project to repave 9,100 feet of existing taxiway and 8,300 feet of existing runway.

“Investing in Tampa International Airport means investing in Tampa Bay’s economy, tourism industry and good-paying local jobs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “These federal funds will help modernize airfield infrastructure at TPA by repaving taxiways and runways, improving reliability and efficiency for the millions of travelers and businesses alike that rely on TPA every year. Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the world, but to keep it that way, we must ensure that the airport keeps pace and is constantly modernizing.”

“We’re grateful for the continued strong support from U.S. Representative Kathy Castor and our congressional delegation, as well as the FAA, in helping fund critical infrastructure improvements at Tampa International Airport,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens. “TPA serves as a key economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, and as passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that this repaving project moves forward in a timely and efficient manner. This Airport Improvement Program grant will help us modernize and maintain our airfield infrastructure, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for our passengers and airlines while supporting the continued growth of our region.”

Castor has championed federal infrastructure investments across Tampa Bay to improve roads and bridges, strengthen airport infrastructure and support Port Tampa.


“America will not be silent while the CCP imprisons the innocent”House unanimously passes Smith resolution urging Trump to raise cases of political prisoners in China during impending meeting with Xi

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) debates on the House floor in support of his H.Res.1259, "Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping."

Today, by a margin of 414-0, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)’s resolution, H.Res.1259, which urges President Trump to highlight the cases and call for the release of political prisoners in the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—including Pastor Jin Mingri; Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife, Pang Yu; Dr. Gulshan Abbas; and Jimmy Lai—during his upcoming meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping in Beijing. During the floor debate on the legislation, Smith delivered the following remarks:

Mr. Speaker, I—like many in the House and Senate—thank President Trump for requesting that Xi Jinping release Jimmy Lai and other women and men who are gravely sick.

Hundreds of innocent Americans languish in Chinese prisons today, including Nelson Wells of New Orleans and Dawn Michelle Hunt from Chicago. At a hearing I chaired in September 2024, “Bringing Home Americans Detained in China,” we heard heartbreaking stories from their families and loved ones. I’ve introduced legislation (HR 5491) to create a comprehensive strategy to obtain their release. According to the Foley Foundaton, more United States nationals are wrongfully detained in China than in any other country.

This resolution is also about Pastor Ezra Jin, founder of Zion Church, detained and denied needed medical care. It is about Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, detained for peaceful religious leadership. It is about Dr. Gulshan Abbas, serving a 20-year sentence because her sister, Rushan Abbas, dared to tell Congress the truth about the CCP’s genocide against Uyghurs. The CCP imprisoned one sister to silence another. That is hostage-taking, plain and simple.

And this resolution is about Jimmy Lai, the courageous founder of Apple Daily, imprisoned because he defended freedom of the press, democracy, and the rule of law in Hong Kong. His son, Sebastien Lai, testified in 2023 at a hearing I chaired in the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that his father is “still speaking truth to power and refusing to be silenced,” even though “he may die in prison.” That testimony should haunt us—and move us to action. Jimmy Lai should not spend one more night in a Hong Kong prison.

Like Sebastian, Jimmy Lai’s daughter, Claire, has bravely and tenaciously and prayerfully advocated for her dad’s release. Claire told the AP last December that her dad “just wants to reunite with his family. He wants to dedicate his life to serving our Lord, and he wants to dedicate the rest of his days to his family.” Claire and Sebastian’s love for their father is inspiring beyond words.

For decades, the United States has seen that naming prisoners works. It can improve prison conditions. It can secure access to lawyers, family, and medical care. It can save lives. And yes, it can lead to releases—especially when it is done by the President.

That matters. It matters to their families. It matters to every prisoner of conscience languishing in a cell because he or she dared to pray, publish, speak, worship, or advocate for fundamental freedoms. And it matters to the Chinese Communist Party, because autocrats listen when the President of the United States names names.

But silence does the opposite. Silence tells the jailer no one is watching. Silence tells the prisoner the world has moved on. Silence tells Beijing that hostage diplomacy, coercive exit bans, and transnational repression can be normalized. We must not normalize it.

Senator Rick Scott and I led a letter last week, signed by over 100 Congressional colleagues, asking the President to continue pressing for Jimmy Lai’s release. We said, in pertinent part:

“The humanitarian case for Mr. Lai’s freedom is urgent and undeniable. He is a devout Catholic and successful entrepreneur who has already spent five years in detention, much of it in solitary confinement. His health has declined in custody, and prolonged isolation and inadequate prison conditions only increase the risk of permanent harm.

“Mr. Lai’s family is understandably anxious about his deteriorating health condition. His family, his friends, and supporters, have indicated that if he is released, he will leave Hong Kong and withdraw from public life. It is a clear, practical path forward that reunites a family and prevents this case from becoming an irreversible tragedy—and an enduring symbol of repression that will echo far beyond Hong Kong.

“Mr. President, we greatly appreciated that you have discussed this case personally with Xi Jinping in the past, and in light of the urgent health concerns, we urge you to do so again.

“Now is a key time to re-emphasize the case, not only given Mr. Lai's age and health, but also because this will be the first time you are meeting with Xi Jinping since the Hong Kong legal proceedings against Mr. Lai came to an end...”

This resolution reaffirms America’s commitment to defending political and religious freedom and advocating for those unjustly detained for exercising fundamental freedoms.

Mr. Speaker, this is not a partisan issue. It is a matter of American leadership, American credibility, and American security. When the CCP threatens families in the United States to silence advocacy here at home, that is not just repression over there—it is intimidation aimed at us. Today, the House should speak with moral clarity and strategic purpose.

Name the prisoners. Confront the hostage-taking. Make clear that America will not be silent while the Chinese Communist Party imprisons the innocent and reaches across borders to threaten their families.

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Save Jersey article on Smith's advocacy for Jimmy Lai'Chris Smith Urges Trump to Press China on Political Prisoners Ahead of Summit'

By The Staff

Published May 13, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Donald Trump prepares for a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, bipartisan pressure is mounting for the administration to prioritize human rights and the release of political prisoners held by the Chinese Communist regime.

Leading that effort is New Jersey’s Congressman Chris Smith (R, NJ-04), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Smith revealed this week that more than 100 lawmakers have backed a letter urging Trump to demand the release of imprisoned Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai during talks with Beijing.

Speaking on LiveNOW from FOX and EWTN News Nightly ahead of the summit, Smith praised Trump for continuing to raise Lai’s case and said there is overwhelming bipartisan support behind the effort.

“There is solidarity—it’s bipartisan in the House and the Senate—backing the President’s request to release Jimmy Lai on humanitarian grounds,” Smith said.

Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has been imprisoned since 2020 under Hong Kong’s controversial national security law. International human rights advocates have warned that Lai’s health has deteriorated significantly while in custody.

Smith said the situation is becoming increasingly urgent, citing Lai’s age, medical conditions, and reportedly harsh prison treatment. He urged Trump to continue pressing for Lai’s immediate humanitarian release during negotiations with Xi.

The New Jersey congressman also highlighted the plight of other prisoners detained by the Chinese government, including Christian pastor Pastor Ezra Jin, whose case has drawn concern from religious freedom advocates.

Smith has long been one of Congress’s most outspoken critics of the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights abuses, particularly its treatment of political dissidents, religious minorities, and pro-democracy activists.

The renewed congressional push comes as Trump seeks to balance ongoing economic and geopolitical tensions with China while also projecting a tougher stance on human rights issues that many lawmakers say previous administrations failed to adequately confront.

For supporters of Lai and other political prisoners, the upcoming summit represents a critical opportunity for the United States to apply direct pressure on Beijing at the highest level.

Watch below:

This article was published on May 13, 2026 and can be found online at:


The Asahi Shimbun article on Smith's advocacy for Jimmy Lai'U.S. Lawmaker Calling for Jimmy Lai's Release Expresses Hope for Summit: "A Golden Opportunity"'

U.S. Representative Chris Smith speaks to the press. — March 24, 2026, Washington. Photo by Shotaro Hata.

By Sotaro Hata

Published May 13, 2026 at 9:51 AM

On May 11, U.S. President Trump indicated his intention to raise the case of Jimmy Lai (78)—the founder of the now-defunct Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily, who is currently imprisoned following his conviction for violating the Hong Kong National Security Law—during an upcoming summit meeting. Representative Chris Smith (Republican), a U.S. House member who has long advocated for Lai, spoke with The Asahi Shimbun ahead of President Trump’s visit to China.

A House member for 46 years, Rep. Smith serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee and has dedicated his efforts to issues of international cooperation and human rights. In March, he invited Lai’s daughter, Claire, to attend the President’s State of the Union address.

Rep. Smith praised Apple Daily—known for its editorial stance critical of the Chinese Communist Party—as a "voice of integrity and good faith." He condemned Lai’s conviction as "unjust," citing the fact that the verdict was based on charges stemming from his journalistic work and his meetings with U.S. government officials, through which he advocated for sanctions against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments.

Furthermore, he stated, "Now that a guilty verdict has been handed down, it is highly desirable that he be released on humanitarian grounds and allowed to return to his family."

China: Hong Kong’s Judiciary Is an "Internal Affair"

Since Lai’s arrest, Rep. Smith has actively lobbied both the previous Biden administration and the current administration to provide U.S. support for his cause. On May 7—as President Trump’s visit to China drew near—he organized an open letter signed by members of both the House and Senate, urging the President to raise the issue of Lai’s release during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Last December, following Lai’s conviction, President Trump remarked that the verdict was "extremely disappointing." He also revealed that he had "asked Mr. Xi to consider his release." When asked why Mr. Trump has chosen to raise the issue of Mr. Lai, Mr. Smith explained that it stems from "Mr. Trump's humanitarian convictions."

Jimmy Lai (center) being arrested by the Hong Kong Police in Hong Kong on April 18, 2020. — AP

However, securing the release of a convicted individual directly implicates the judicial systems—and the "face"—of both China and Hong Kong; consequently, it is widely believed that it will not be easy for the Chinese side to make such a concession. While acknowledging that China "may not necessarily heed our pleas," Mr. Smith noted that if the Chinese side were to demonstrate a positive gesture regarding Mr. Lai, it would present "a golden opportunity for Mr. Xi to declare to the entire world that China possesses a conscience."


HR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, and HR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick ActSmith bills on stem cell research, Lyme disease pass out of Energy & Commerce’s Health Subcommittee, head to full committee markup

Two critical public health reauthorization bills authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)—HR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, and HR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick Act—today passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health, where they now head to the full committee markup slated for next week.

“I am grateful to the Subcommittee on Health, especially Chairman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), for advancing these critical, life-enhancing bills to assist the millions of Americans suffering from chronic health conditions,” said Smith.

HR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025

“HR 5160 will authorize more than $280 million over five years for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory, ensuring that two collaborative programs can continue providing treatments and therapies derived from ethically-sourced stem cell lines,” stated Smith, the author of the original law (the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 – PL 109-129) that created those programs and connected patients with genetically-matched, ethically-gleaned stem cells.

“Uninterrupted funding and support for these programs will save more lives, as stem cell treatments have been used to treat, and even cure, more than 75 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia,” Smith continued. “I urge the Committee and House Leadership to quickly advance this much-needed reauthorization, and I look forward to seeing it be signed into law.”

HR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization

Smith’s second reauthorization that passed out of the Health Subcommittee, the Kay Hagan Tick Act (HR 4348), will provide continued funding for Lyme disease research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

“Specifically, this bill will allocate $10 million for the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence, allowing the agency to conduct comprehensive research on tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, and thoroughly train public health professionals on how to prevent, identify, and treat tick bites, as well as track the pathogens they spread,” said Smith.

Smith, a longtime leader in the national fight against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, also explained that his Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization provides $20 million to states in regions where Lyme or other tick-borne disease outbreaks are more likely, enabling such states to work with the federal government to quickly identify, cauterize, and respond to vector-borne disease outbreaks.

“Lyme and other tick-borne disease infections are exploding in the United States – in 2025 alone, my home state of New Jersey recorded 6,098 cases of vector-borne illnesses, with 5,211 of those solely attributed to Lyme,” stated Smith, who, since 1993, has authored comprehensive amendments and legislation to improve research, federal collaboration, and the lives of those suffering from Lyme disease.

“Today, the Health Subcommittee recognized the critical threat that Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses pose to our Nation’s health and well-being. The federal government must do more to help the hundreds of thousands of Americans suffering from these debilitating conditions, and this legislation provides the proper vehicle to do so.”

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The New York Times article on Smith-Scott letter to President Trump'Activists, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Call for Release of Jimmy Lai and Dong Yuyu'

By Catie Edmondson

Published May 13, 2026

Human rights activists, lawmakers and family members are calling on President Trump to press China’s leader, Xi Jinping, for the release of Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy media mogul, and Dong Yuyu, a prominent Chinese journalist, at the summit in Beijing.

Supporters have framed the meeting as a critical opportunity for Mr. Trump to use his leverage to win the freedom of prominent members of the press and religious leaders who have been jailed, amid a broader crackdown by the Chinese government to eliminate dissenting views.

Mr. Lai, 78, was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison, in the culmination of Beijing’s yearslong effort to undercut the Hong Kong publisher whom it blamed for leading major antigovernment protests in the city nearly seven years ago.

Jimmy Lai at his home in Hong Kong in 2020. He was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison after Beijing blamed the Hong Kong publisher for leading the city’s major protests nearly seven years ago. Credit...Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times

“President Trump has mentioned his commitment to freeing my father a number of times,” Claire Lai, Mr. Lai’s daughter, said on Newsmax on Wednesday night. “Of course I know it’s not an easy task, but I believe if anyone can do it, President Trump can.”

Mr. Dong, 64, is a prolific editor and writer who has expressed support for the rule of law and constitutional democracy. In 2024 he was sentenced to seven years in prison on espionage charges. He was recently diagnosed with what appears to be lung cancer, adding urgency to calls for his release.

“Dong Yuyu requires immediate attention for a fast-growing lung tumor and a host of other medical concerns,” Beh Lih Yi, the Asia-Pacific director for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement. “His advanced age and the harsh conditions of his imprisonment make this an imperative.”

Supporters also hope Mr. Trump will push for the release of Jin Mingri, a Christian pastor who also goes by the name Ezra and was detained in China last October as part of a major crackdown on Christians in the country.

It remains to be seen whether Mr. Trump and other U.S. officials will present their Chinese counterparts with a list of detainees or prisoners they would like released. But Mr. Trump has said he will press the cases of Mr. Lai and Mr. Jin. He acknowledged in Washington earlier this week that winning Mr. Lai’s release could be difficult.

Mr. Trump said Mr. Lai had “caused a lot of bedlam.”

“It’s like saying to me, ‘If Comey ever went to jail, would you let him out?’ Might be a hard one for me,” he added, referring to James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director, whom Mr. Trump has repeatedly attacked and was indicted last month over a social media post.

He said Mr. Lai had “tried to do the right thing” and added “I’ll bring him up again.” Mr. Trump has appeared primarily focused on economic deals with China, showing less appetite for wading into the human rights issues that U.S. presidents have raised at previous summits in Beijing.

When President Joseph R. Biden Jr. met with Mr. Xi in California in 2023, he “raised concerns regarding PRC human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong,” according to a U.S. readout of the summit. President George W. Bush said in 2008 that he “constantly” discussed human rights and political freedom with the Chinese leader, Hu Jintao.

Mr. Trump is also facing calls from several Republican members of Congress, many of them longtime China hawks, to press for Mr. Lai’s freedom. Late last week, more than 100 lawmakers, including the Senate majority and minority leaders, implored Mr. Trump in a bipartisan letter to use the summit to call for Mr. Lai’s release.

The lawmakers — led by Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey and Senator Rick Scott of Florida, both Republicans — urged a renewed appeal for Mr. Lai, citing his declining health and the fact that this is Mr. Trump’s first meeting with Mr. Xi since Mr. Lai’s legal proceedings concluded in March.


The Hill article on Smith's H.Res.1259'House unanimously passes resolution urging Trump to secure release of detainees in China'

By Sudiksha Kochi

Published May 13, 2026 at 6:58 PM ET

The House on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution urging President Trump to push to secure the release of five people detained in China.

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), passed the lower chamber by a vote of 414-0.

It states that Trump “should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People’s Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.”

Trump arrived in China on Wednesday for a high-stakes meeting with President Xi Jinping. The meeting marks the first state visit to China since Trump’s last trip in 2017.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom notes that Jin was detained in October of last year for his “Christian activity” and role as pastor of the Zion Church. The commission also notes that Chinese authorities accused Gao, pastor of Light of Zion Church, of “using superstition to undermine law enforcement” and his wife, Pang, of “fraud based on the church’s collection of voluntary tithes.”

Abbas has been detained in China since 2018. Ziba Murat, her daughter, and Rushan Abbas, Murat’s aunt, have long publicly said they believe Dr. Gulshan Abbas was detained in retaliation for Rushan Abbas’s activism against China’s treatment of Uyghurs, including mass incarceration and forced labor.

And Lai, a high-profile Hong Kong business magnate and democracy advocate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chinese officials back in February.

The resolution urges Trump to “seek verifiable proof of life and access to independent legal counsel, family communication, and medical care for such detainees.”

Smith argued in floor remarks earlier this month that “this is not a partisan issue.”


Higgins, Nehls Legislation to Protect American Shrimpers from Taxpayer-Funded Foreign Competition Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after the House passed H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act. Higgins introduced the bill in March 2025 alongside Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX). The legislation directs the United States to oppose taxpayer-funded projects that bankroll foreign shrimp farming and processing. Read the bill text here.

“Domestic shrimpers have been undercut by foreign competitors who often receive U.S. taxpayer dollars by way of international financial institutions. This legislation orders an end to American subsidization of foreign seafood production,” said Rep. Higgins. “I will not stop fighting for Louisiana agriculture. If I had full control, I’d stop all or most imported seafood and rice. One day at a time though, we’re winning because we’re in the fight.”


ICYMI: Rep. Cline Introduced Legislation to Counter CCP Infiltration of Federal Agencies


Krishnamoorthi and Cloud Lead Bipartisan Push to Ban Congressional Stock Trading and Prediction Market Trading

Representative Krishnamoorthi Press Release | May 12, 2026

Lawmakers urge House leadership to adopt ethics reforms through House rules package to restore public trust and prevent conflicts of interest.

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) led a bipartisan group of House lawmakers on Monday in calling on Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to adopt new House rules prohibiting Members of Congress, their families, and congressional staff from trading individual stocks and participating in prediction markets. Additional signers of the letter included Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Elijah Crane (R-AZ), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Josh Riley (D-NY), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Chip Roy (R-TX), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY).

In a letter to House leadership, the Members urged immediate action to strengthen congressional ethics rules and address growing public concerns about lawmakers using privileged information for personal financial gain. The lawmakers argued that Congress should move quickly to adopt clear and enforceable standards through the House rules process.

“We are writing to urge immediate changes to the rules package for the 119th Congress to include a clear, enforceable ban on Members, their families, and staff trading in individual stocks and in prediction markets,” the Members wrote. “If such changes are not adopted in the current Congress, we urge that these provisions be included in the rules package for the 120th Congress.”

The letter points to bipartisan efforts already underway to restrict congressional stock trading and notes that the Senate recently updated its own rules to prohibit Senators and Senate staff from participating in prediction markets. The lawmakers warned that the House should not fall behind in addressing clear ethical concerns and restoring public confidence in Congress.

“Members of Congress are privy to information the average hard-working American is not, so we should end both the appearance and reality of conflicts of interest and special privileges for elected officials,” the lawmakers continued. “The House of Representatives should not lag behind the Senate in closing obvious avenues for conflicts of interest and the appearance of corruption.”

The Members emphasized that the reforms are about protecting the integrity of Congress and ensuring Americans can trust that lawmakers are serving the public interest rather than their own financial portfolios.

“These reforms are not partisan; they are about restoring trust in Congress as an institution,” the lawmakers wrote. “Members from across the political spectrum have heard the same message from our constituents: they want clear rules that prevent lawmakers from personally profiting from nonpublic information or from the outcomes of the very processes we oversee.”


Rep. Clyde Applauds Lanier Parks Local Access Act in Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement in response to a recent announcement that Hall County Parks & Leisure will assume the management of 11 additional recreation sites along Lake Lanier through a new partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE):

“I’m thrilled to see my successful legislative effort in action for the Ninth District,” said Clyde. “Last year, I offered a simple yet effective solution to help keep Lake Lanier parks open for residents and visitors alike. Due to my hard-fought efforts, this measure was signed into law by President Trump through the appropriations process — delivering a critical win for our beloved Lake Lanier and surrounding communities. I applaud Hall County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ partnership, and I look forward to these additional recreation sites remaining open, safe, and well-maintained for years to come.”

On January 23rd, President Donald J. Trump signed H.R. 6938, the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, into law. The spending package included Congressman Clyde’s legislation to protect and improve Lake Lanier’s recreation sites.

Due to Rep. Clyde’s hard-fought efforts, the FY26 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill included a provision (Sec. 109) that allows local partners that manage multiple recreation sites at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works project to spend collected user fees across all sites they oversee at that project, rather than being limited to using the fees only at the specific site where the funds were collected.

The measure mirrors Rep. Clyde’s Lanier Parks Local Access Act, which aims to incentivize local governments to manage recreation sites on civil works projects like Lake Lanier.

Background

Last year — just days ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the USACE Mobile District, which oversees Lake Lanier, announced the temporary closure of 11 Corps managed recreation sites due to staffing shortages.

Weeks later, Rep. Clyde introduced the Lanier Parks Local Access Act to help keep Lake Lanier’s parks and boat ramps open by incentivizing local governments to manage more sites.

Less than one year later, Rep. Clyde’s measure was signed into law by President Trump through the FY26 appropriations process and utilized by Hall County to manage 11 additional sites on Lake Lanier, including seven that were temporarily closed ahead of Memorial Day last year.


Rep. Crane Applauds Release of Federal Funding for Arizona Health Care and Tribal Infrastructure

Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the release of federal grants for the Arizona Department of Emergency & Military Affairs, the Arizona Department of Health Services, Dignity Community Care, Dignity Health, the Havasupai Tribe, HonorHealth, and Valleywise Health.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) welcomed the announcement, which reimburses major health care operations, strengthens statewide emergency response capacity, and supports critical infrastructure across Arizona.

Stakeholders throughout Arizona will receive more than $282 million in federal support. These funds reimburse the hiring of medical personnel, the purchase of essential supplies and equipment, diagnostic testing, temporary medical infrastructure, alternative care facilities, post-acute bed reserve programs, and statewide emergency food distribution operations.

Today’s announcement also includes more than $5.5 million for the Havasupai Tribe to address severe damage caused by flash flooding in 2024. The plan covers the replacement of four damaged bridges, with the new structures designed to withstand major flood events, including 100-year scenarios. Additional funding protects the Tribe’s ancestral burial grounds through new fencing and the installation of erosion-control systems to secure culturally significant sites.


Congressman Cuellar, Ambassador Flores Bermúdez Address Human Smuggling Networks Following Laredo Rail Yard Deaths

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) met today with Ambassador Roberto Flores Bermúdez of Honduras to discuss regional issues affecting both the United States and Central America, including the ongoing investigation into the deaths of Mexican and Honduran nationals found inside a shipping container at a Union Pacific rail yard in Laredo.

During the meeting, Congressman Cuellar and Ambassador Flores Bermúdez discussed the dangers posed by human smuggling networks operating across the U.S.-Mexico border and throughout Central America as authorities continue investigating the incident as a potential human smuggling event.

“As a representative for border communities, I see firsthand how decisions made across the region directly impact families in South Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I spoke with Ambassador Flores Bermúdez about the need for heightened cooperation between the United States, Honduras, and our regional partners to combat human smuggling networks, strengthen border security, and prevent further loss of life. I pray for the families mourning the loss of their loved ones. May God grant them comfort in sorrow and peace in His loving embrace.”

Congressman Cuellar and Ambassador Flores Bermúdez also discussed broader regional issues, including migration trends, economic development, trade, and cooperation between the United States and Honduras on security and economic growth.

Congressman Cuellar continues working with federal, state, and local partners to keep South Texas communities safe, strengthen border security, and address the criminal networks that exploit individuals for profit.

Hoy, el congresista estadounidense, el Dr. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), se reunió con el embajador de Honduras, Roberto Flores Bermúdez, para conversar sobre temas regionales que afectan tanto a Estados Unidos como a Centroamérica, incluido la investigación en curso sobre las muertes de ciudadanos mexicanos y hondureños encontrados dentro de un contenedor de carga en un patio ferroviario de Union Pacific en Laredo.

Durante la reunión, el congresista Cuellar y el embajador Flores Bermúdez discutieron los peligros que representan las redes de tráfico de personas que operan a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México y en toda Centroamérica, mientras las autoridades continúan investigando el incidente como un posible caso de tráfico de personas.

“Como representante de las comunidades fronterizas, veo de primera mano cómo las decisiones que se toman en toda la región impactan directamente a las familias del sur de Texas,” dijo el congresista Cuellar. “Hablé con el embajador Flores Bermúdez sobre la necesidad de fortalecer la cooperación entre Estados Unidos, Honduras y nuestros socios regionales para combatir las redes de tráfico de personas, reforzar la seguridad fronteriza y prevenir una mayor pérdida de vidas. Rezo por las familias que hoy sufren la irreparable pérdida de sus seres queridos. Que Dios les conceda fortaleza, consuelo en medio del dolor y que encuentren consuelo en su infinita misericordia.”

El congresista Cuellar y el embajador Flores Bermúdez también discutieron temas regionals más amplios, incluidas las tendencias migratorias, el desarrollo económico, el comercio y la cooperación entre Estados Unidos y Honduras en materia de seguridad y crecimiento económico.

El congresista Cuellar continúa trabajando con socios federales, estatales y locales para mantener seguras a las comunidades del sur de Texas, reforzar la seguridad fronteriza y combatir las redes criminales que explotan a las personas con fines de lucro.

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Congresswoman Dean Files Amendments to Restore Gun Violence Prevention Programs & Community Safety Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) — member of the House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee — filed amendments to Congressional Republicans’ fiscal year 2027 funding bill to reinstate funding to prevent gun violence, support law enforcement, and protect the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein.

After the FY26 funding bill cut $200 million from for Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIP) programs, Congresswoman Dean introduced an amendment to restore this critical support in FY27. CVIP programs give states and local law enforcement the resources and freedom to address crime at the local level. In Pennsylvania, CVIP programs have helped decrease gun homicides by 46% since their 2022 peak. Governor Shapiro is leading efforts statewide to address the program deficits due to federal cuts.

Additionally, Congresswoman Dean also introduced an amendment to reestablish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms’ Demand 2 program. The Demand 2 program helps law enforcement trace guns used in crimes by imposing additional reporting requirements on firearms dealers whose guns have been traced to criminal activity. In 2025, the program was shuttered and dealers who qualify no longer needed to report information on used guns they have purchased to ATF hampering law enforcement efforts to reduce gun violence and gun trafficking investigations. Without Demand 2, more than 100,000 guns annually would not have been traceable.

“Our obligation as the Appropriations Committee is to ensure our congressional funding upholds justice, democracy, and the rule of law. The FY27 funding bill proposed by my Republican colleagues not only weakens gun violence prevention programs — intervention that we know works — it also guts funding for law enforcement,” Rep. Dean said. “My amendments would ensure that communities have the resources they need to keep residents safe.”

Finally, Congresswoman Dean filed an amendment to protect the identities of survivors and victims of Jeffery Epstein. The passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act mandated the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified materials related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The public deserves to know this information, yet House Appropriation Committee members are concerned that the DOJ has not fully removed or redacted survivor and victim personally identifiable information (“PII”) from the publicly released documents. This amendment would require the DOJ to remove all PII within 30 days of enactment.

“The safety ensured by these amendments extend to the survivors of years of grotesque sexual abuse committed and orchestrated by Jeffrey Epstein. I cannot begin to grasp the pain, stress, and anger that comes with the DOJ carelessly forcing survivors to relive their trauma publicly on their website,” Rep. Dean said. “This amendment has been drafted for survivors, with their input, and has their support. It does not even begin to make amends for the harm caused by that, but getting their information off the DOJ’s website is step one.”

Read the full text of Congresswoman Dean’s amendments here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

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DINGELL TO FOX NEWS: Americans Should Be Worried About President Trump’s China Summit

As President Trump arrives in China for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is calling on the president to keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. or let Chinese car companies disrupt the American auto industry.

“The president must keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. This is not about hostility toward the Chinese people or opposition to trade. It is about protecting American workers, safeguarding supply chains, defending privacy, and preserving America’s long-term economic independence,” Congresswoman Dingell wrote in a new op-ed for Fox News. “Sometimes the strongest dealmaking strategy is knowing when to walk away — because a bad deal with China that undercuts American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and communities would cost the United States far more than it would gain.”

The new op-ed from Congresswoman Dingell follows her bipartisan legislative efforts alongside Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, on the Connected Vehicle Security Act. The legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.

Congresswoman Dingell’s op-ed can be found HERE and below:

Americans should be worried about President Trump’s upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Recent musings out of the White House sound like President Trump may be willing to allow Chinese manufacturers to produce in the U.S. This is a serious threat to both our economic and national security, and something many of us in the Congress – in a rare bipartisan effort – will fight with all our might. These days, when you can get both sides of the aisle to agree on anything, it’s usually a sign that something should be done.

That is true for the new bipartisan legislation I am leading alongside Congressman John Moolenaar to ban Chinese car companies from doing business here to disrupt our manufacturing economy, put American auto workers out of a job, and put our national security at risk.

For decades, the United States embraced globalization under the assumption that deeper economic integration would be mutually beneficial and create American jobs. Free trade was the cry of billionaires, economists, and corporate leaders. The reality is far from what was predicted. America has witnessed entire industries be destroyed and hollowed out. Steel mills closed, semiconductor production moved overseas, suppliers built in Asia, Mexico and around the world and manufacturing communities from Michigan to Pennsylvania lost jobs that once supported middle-class families.

China does not play under the same free-market rules that America does. Their global dominance rose because no one competing with them is playing on a level playing field and the global marketplace is at a significant disadvantage. Chinese companies receive massive subsidies from their government (the Chinese Communist Party), preferential financing, intellectual property advantages, manipulated currency, and strategic direction from Beijing. Allowing those same firms to produce inside the United States will give a geopolitical adversary leverage over America’s economy from within.

Nowhere is this concern more urgent than in the auto industry. Modern vehicles are no longer simply cars and trucks — they are rolling computers. Autonomous and connected vehicles continuously collect enormous amounts of information, including location data, driving patterns, camera footage, mapping information, and personal information tied to drivers and passengers. Vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and software that track where Americans live, work, worship, seek medical care, and send their children to school. While these metrics are essential for improving safety and innovation, we must also protect this information from our adversaries.

I led more than 70 Democrats in the House in warning the administration that Chinese-connected vehicles engage in extensive data collection and transmission, including GPS locations, driving behaviors, and in-car conversations. I warned that this data, if routed to servers controlled by Chinese entities, will ultimately be accessed by the Chinese government under its national security laws.

That possibility alarmed not only my Democratic colleagues who signed my letter to the president, but the over 50 Republican colleagues in the House who signed a similar letter. We are all warning that any effort to lower barriers for Chinese automobiles or otherwise facilitate their entry into the U.S. market would pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, workers, and national security. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are also urging President Trump to maintain existing bans and close loopholes that could allow Chinese vehicles assembled in Mexico or Canada to enter the United States through USMCA trade provisions.

Industry leaders themselves are sounding the alarm. Ford CEO Jim Farley recently warned that allowing Chinese automakers into the U.S. market would be "devastating" for domestic manufacturing and raised concerns about the enormous amount of data collected through cameras and connected vehicle technologies.

This is ultimately about resilience and sovereignty. A nation that cannot produce its own critical goods — or protect the data generated by its citizens — cannot fully control its own future. The United States should welcome fair competition and international investment from partners who share democratic values and market principles. But when it comes to strategic industries central to national security, economic stability, and personal privacy, America must ensure the next generation of manufacturing and mobility is built by companies committed to America’s interests — not controlled by an authoritarian rival.

The president must keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. This is not about hostility toward the Chinese people or opposition to trade. It is about protecting American workers, safeguarding supply chains, defending privacy, and preserving America’s long-term economic independence. Sometimes the strongest dealmaking strategy is knowing when to walk away — because a bad deal with China that undercuts American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and communities would cost the United States far more than it would gain.


Dingell, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Tax Credit to Offset Early Expenses for New Families

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce a bipartisan tax credit to offset early expenses for new families. The Supporting Newborn Parents Act would create a newborn tax credit, in addition to the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC), to help new families cover the significant costs associated with welcoming a child. In the United States, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care alone can cost families thousands of dollars, and expenses during a child's first year of life can exceed $17,000. This legislation would provide targeted relief to help ease the financial burden on parents during one of the most important and expensive times in their lives. In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the legislation is led by U.S. Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), and David Valadao (R-CA-22).

The Supporting Newborn Parents Act would:

Create a standalone tax credit of up to $2,000 for families welcoming a newborn child, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Ensure low- and middle-income working parents can qualify for the credit, with benefits increasing alongside earned income.

Allow families to receive the credit either as part of their annual tax refund or as an advance payment shortly after a child is born.

Give parents flexibility to calculate eligibility using either their current-year or prior-year income.

Align eligibility rules and income thresholds with the Child Tax Credit to simplify administration and avoid sudden benefit cutoffs.

Adjust the credit amount over time to account for inflation.


Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Eminent Domain Action of Mt. Cristo Rey

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration has filed an eminent domain suit for possession of nearly 15 acres of land at Mt. Cristo Rey:

“Mt. Cristo Rey's cultural and religious significance is central to our region. Seizing this community asset in order to build a border wall is consistent with the Trump administration’s blatant disregard for what communities like ours value.

“There are a number of other ways to provide border security. Instead, the Trump administration prefers to destroy this sacred site.

“I support the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces in their opposition to the federal government’s actions to degrade a site so significant to our shared identity, and I have reached out to my New Mexico colleagues so we can collaborate on ways to save this site.”


Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández and Kat Cammack Announce Bipartisan Partnership to Combat Workplace Sexual Misconduct in Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Kat Cammack (FL-03) along with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) today announced a bipartisan partnership between the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Republican Women’s Caucus to combat workplace sexual misconduct in Congress. The two Caucuses will work together to identify reforms and solutions to make Congress a safer work environment for women and all survivors.

As the Chairs of the Democratic and Republican Women’s Caucuses in the House, Rep. Leger Fernández and Rep. Cammack were designated by Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson respectively to lead this bipartisan effort. Next steps and any proposed reforms will be done in coordination with House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25), who will both participate in this effort in an ex-officio capacity.

“All women deserve a safe working environment—including the brilliant public servants who work in Congress. That’s why the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Republican Women’s Caucus are partnering to address the procedural and cultural problems that have led to pervasive sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill. Together, we will push for bipartisan changes to make the reporting process faster and more accessible and increase education and training resources, prioritizing staff and survivors at every step. This effort builds on the work of members of the DWC, who have pushed for better support and protections for survivors for years. We bring that expertise and dedication to this partnership," said Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03).

“It is sickening that Congressmen sexually harassed and assaulted women staff instead of treating them with the respect they deserved. We know these women are not alone—women across America have been sexually assaulted and harassed by men at work who think they will never face any consequences. We will continue to stand with survivors, break the silence, and fight for a future free of sexual misconduct—in Congress and everywhere across this country.”

"No woman — regardless of party, title, or position — should ever feel unsafe in her workplace. Period,” said Republican Women’s Caucus Chair Kat Cammack (FL-03). “As Chair of the Republican Women’s Caucus, I am proud to be leading a bipartisan effort alongside the Democratic Women’s Caucus to take a hard look at the systems, reporting mechanisms, and workplace culture on Capitol Hill surrounding sexual harassment and assault. This effort has the support of Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries because this issue transcends politics. It’s about dignity, accountability, and ensuring that every person who comes to work in the People’s House is treated with respect and protected from abuse. The reality is that coming forward is extraordinarily difficult. Fear of retaliation, damage to careers, public scrutiny, and institutional pressure often silence victims long before justice has a chance to speak. We cannot claim to support women while ignoring the very real barriers that prevent them from reporting misconduct in the first place. Yes, bad actors must be held accountable and removed when warranted. But if we are serious about fixing this problem, we also have to confront the environment that allowed the behavior to occur, persist, or be concealed. Accountability cannot begin and end with punishment after the fact. It must include prevention, transparency, education, and systems people can actually trust. Congress should set the standard — not lag behind it. This effort is about restoring confidence that Capitol Hill is a workplace where professionalism, respect, and safety are non-negotiable. Every staffer, intern, employee, and Member deserves that.”

“Led by Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Kat Cammack, the principled effort to end sexual violence and harassment in Congress has the complete and unequivocal support of the House Democratic Caucus,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “All women and survivors working on Capitol Hill and in district offices throughout the country must always be treated with dignity and respect. We support an ironclad policy so we can bring about a safe, professional atmosphere for all Congressional staff members. I am thankful for the efforts of all the members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and look forward to the urgent work that must be done by this bipartisan group to end sexual violence and harassment.”


Finstad Releases Statement Following House Authorization of Year-Round, Nationwide E15

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, legislation which would authorize the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 fuel:

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to delivering year-round, nationwide E15 for our farmers, rural economies, and consumers,” said Rep. Finstad. “I am extremely proud of our work to pass this commonsense, win-win solution that will provide much-needed certainty to our fuel supply chain. I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same and quickly pass this legislation.”


Rep. Valerie Foushee Introduces War Powers Resolution To End Trump’s Illegal, Immoral War With Iran

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, introduced a War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s illegal war with Iran.

“Trump is plunging our country into another forever war that has already claimed the lives of American servicemembers, killed thousands of civilians, and wastes taxpayer dollars every single day. We cannot continue to stand by as Republicans lie and claim our government cannot afford to provide our communities with healthcare or fully fund SNAP, all while spending billions on a war the American people never asked for,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Though the White House brands Trump as the ‘President of Peace,’ the facts are clear: Trump has escalated U.S. military involvement in Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran. This Administration has fostered little-to-no change while endangering innocent lives and further destabilizing entire regions. Congress has a moral obligation to end this illegal war immediately.”

According to Professor Linda Bilmes of the Harvard Kennedy School, the war with Iran costs America two billion dollars each day and will cost at least one trillion overall. In comparison, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill cuts SNAP by $187 billion through 2034, and cuts just over $1 trillion from Medicaid and ACA marketplaces respectively.

Congresswoman Foushee cosponsored the bipartisan War Powers Resolution introduced by Reps. Khanna and Massie in June of 2025. She voted in favor of passing Rep. Massie’s War Powers Resolution in March of 2026, and in favor of passing Rep. Meeks’ War Powers Resolution in April of 2025.

Congresswoman Foushee is also a cosponsor of the Block the Bombs Act, Rep. Nydia Velazquez’s War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s military blockade of Cuba, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s War Powers Resolution to stop the U.S. military from further assisting the Israeli government’s hostilities in Lebanon.

Congressional Progressive Caucus members Reps. Balint, Garcia, Garamendi, Dexter, Huffman, Jayapal, and Khanna have previously introduced War Powers Resolutions.


Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Leads Bill to Protect Generational Farms

May 13, 2026

WASHINGTON D.C. — Last month, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced the bipartisan No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act to remove capital gains on the sale or exchange of a farm between family members provided that the land stays in agricultural production.

“The health of our nation is married to the wealth of our soil and generational stewardship – this bill recognizes that traditional financial models like 30-year mortgages are out of sync with the long work of building healthy soil,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “When a loved one dies and ag land is split up to pay tax bills, it disrupts the generational work that it takes to build healthy soil. We can’t treat land like any other financial asset, as though we’re just dividing nickels and dimes, and expect good results.”

Under current law, if a farmer were to sell their land to a child and retire, the transfer would incur steep capital gains taxes of up to 20 percent. The Congresswoman’s legislation changes this by excluding agricultural land transfers between parents, children, and spouses from capital gains tax so long as the land continues to be used for farming, timber, and other agriculture activities. This bill will make it easier for farmers to sell down to their kin, keeping more farms with families – not strip malls. The bill includes protections to encourage long-term family ownership while deterring short-term speculation.

The bill would:

Allow the sale or transfer of family farms to qualified family members without the seller being subject to capital gains tax;

Prevent immediate resale to developers or corporations through a 10-year anti-flip rule;

Preserve the seller’s original tax basis during the 10-year holding period to ensure deferred gains are taxed if the property leaves the family;

Provide a step-up in basis to fair market value if the farm remains within the family for at least 10 years after the initial transfer.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez previously introduced the HOMEGROWN Soil Health Act to support small, generational farm ownership and long-term soil health. She also introduced the bipartisan Farmland Security Act to increase oversight of foreign ownership of American farmland, the PACA Act to help producers improve soil health and build extreme weather resilience, and the Agricultural Right to Repair Act to ensure farmers can repair their equipment where, how, and when they want.

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Gooden Cracks Down on Mexican Rail Crews Operating Inside U.S.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the Protecting American Railroad Workers Jobs Act, legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows foreign rail crews to operate deep into the United States—undermining American jobs and weakening border security.

Under current policy, foreign rail crews can bypass crew changes and safety inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border, taking work from American crews and creating vulnerabilities for drug smuggling. This bill restores long-standing protections by requiring trains entering the U.S. from Mexico to stop at the border for mandatory crew changes and safety checks.

“This America-First bill puts an end to Mexican exploitation of U.S. rail standards that threatens American railroad jobs and border security,” said Congressman Gooden. “Freight moving through the United States should be operated by workers legally authorized to work here and held to American safety standards.”

Specifically, the bill:

Requires crew interchange at the U.S.–Mexico border before trains continue operations in the United States.

Ensures trains operating domestically are staffed by workers legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Strengthens safety oversight for cross-border rail operations through federally required testing and clear operating standards.

The bill was featured in an exclusive article by the Washington Reporter.


Goodlander Joins Letter Urging President Trump to Address Skyrocketing Energy Prices

Washington, D.C. – This month, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined a letter with her colleagues in the Lowering Costs Caucus urging President Trump to immediately address the energy affordability crisis straining household budgets across the country. The members highlighted how the Trump administration’s policies, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) and chaotic tariffs, are driving these skyrocketing costs.

“More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade,” the Representatives wrote in part.

“Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet,” the Representatives continued. “Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices.”

Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) led the letter. Congresswoman Goodlander joined alongside Reps. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01).

The full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear President Trump,

We write as members of the Lowering Cost Caucus to urge your Administration to take immediate action to provide American consumers with relief from skyrocketing energy prices. Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet.

American families have been saddled with an energy affordability crisis. More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade.

In 2026, gas prices have soared more than 30 percent. The national average sits at $4 per gallon, up over a dollar since February. This is the most significant jump in gas prices in six decades. This reality–in conjunction with tariffs raising the cost of imported goods by nearly seven percent, and domestic goods by almost five percent–is untenable and places a significant strain on communities throughout the nation. In addition to rising prices at the pump, global market oil shortages have jacked up the price of jet fuel by over 14 percent compared to this time last year. Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in fewer flight options, increased fares, and other fees for Americans. This will inevitably limit our constituents from traveling for work or leisure, as well as being there for their loved ones during significant life events such as weddings or funerals. Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices.

We share the goal of lowering costs for all Americans, and that includes taking swift action to lower gas and energy prices. The Lowering Cost Caucus stands ready to work with our colleagues in Congress to bring immediate relief to families across the nation, and we encourage your Administration to support these efforts. Thank you for your time and attention to this pressing matter.

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