Welch Announces Release of $1 Million in Federal Funding to Support Eight Rural Development Projects in Vermont’s NEK

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today announced the delivery of more than $1 million in federal funding, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Rural Development (RD), to support Vermont farmers and small businesses. This announcement follows a months-long effort by the Senator and partners to release the federal funds.

The funding, provided through USDA-RD’s Rural Business Development Grants, will support eight projects in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (NEK) and deliver technical assistance and counseling to small businesses, farmers, and agricultural producers, in addition to creating 120 new jobs.

“President Trump’s disastrous economic agenda has put rural communities in a tailspin—everyday Americans are struggling to stay afloat, and Vermont is no exception,” said Senator Welch. “Vermonters have been waiting on this funding for months. Now that it’s finally here, it will make a world of difference and open doors for farmers and small businesses in Vermont’s NEK by providing assistance and counseling–not to mention creating over 120 new jobs. I’ll continue fighting to bring federal dollars back to Vermont to boost job creation and economic development in every corner of our state.”

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) USDA RD Rural Business Development Grants include:

$200,000 for the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) in Caledonia County to provide technical assistance for the benefit of small businesses in the NEK, including supporting financial management, legal assistance, feasibility studies, and more.

$199,966 for The Center For An Agricultural Economy in Caledonia County to sustain technical assistance activities, including supporting consultation and strategic guidance for small and emerging farms and food businesses in the NEK.

$131,350 for the Newport City Renaissance Corporation in Orleans County to explore the feasibility of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District in downtown Newport. TIF designations help stimulate the economy in underserved areas by providing incentives for developers and funding institutions to supply capital for major infrastructural improvements and projects that draw businesses, residents, and tourists to the area.

$125,000 for the Brighton Community Forum in Essex County to expand its reach and visitor numbers through technical assistance. The funding will support new event creation, establish a steady income stream from implementing performance fees, and create print and digital marketing campaigns in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (NEK).

$116,284 for Vermont Farm-to-School in Orleans County to provide technical assistance for agricultural producers in the NEK. The funding will address truck routing and on-farm pick-up options, leading to added inventory capacity and expanded opportunities to sell projects to wholesale and institutional markets.

$99,942 to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board to provide tailored, one-on-one business coaching and technical assistance to working lands businesses in the NEK. This funding will help small business focused on working lands receive guidance on marketing, administrative and capacity planning to establish and sustain their operations.

$99,725 for the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative in Caledonia County to build business and workforce resilience in the NEK. This funding will enable the NEK Collaborative to plan, promote, and execute its annual NEK summit.

$73,353 for Saint Johnsbury Works! in Caledonia County to provide technical assistance in the NEK, including supporting activities that increase the organizational capacity of small area enterprises.

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Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Bynum, Salinas Announce Over $7.5 Million to Strengthen and Defend Oregon Communities Facing Wildfire Threats

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), announced $7,538,176 is coming to four projects in Oregon to help make communities more resilient to severe wildfires. These investments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will support disaster relief efforts and mitigate wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Oregon.

For years, the Oregon congressional delegation has worked to secure federal resources for Oregonians affected by wildfires. In the wake of the catastrophic wildfires that broke out over Labor Day weekend in 2020, Merkley and Wyden led the charge to push for the rapid approval of the request for federal disaster relief, which was granted, and also successfully urged the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to expedite the initiation and completion of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program for wildfires in Oregon.

“Communities that were devastated by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires must have the resources they need to increase their resilience to future fires. The federal government must do all it can to assist Oregon families and businesses with those efforts,” said Merkley. “You can’t get ready after the fire starts, and Congress needs to ensure our communities can access all possible federal resources to prepare for and mitigate wildfires. As climate chaos fuels longer and fiercer fire seasons, I’ll keep fighting to make sure Oregonians get the support they need to take on devastating wildfires in every corner of the state.”

“Oregonians who worked hard to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after the devastating Labor Day fires need and deserve these federal investments to protect their homes and small businesses going forward,” Wyden said. “I’m glad the teamwork with my colleagues has delivered these resources, and I’ll keep battling for similar funds that support wildfire resilience in communities statewide.”

“As we head into a severe wildfire season, these investments are critical to regional connectivity in times of emergency,” said Rep. Hoyle. “It shouldn’t take this long to find the money to get people’s lives back on track and rebuild smarter. Keeping our Douglas County communications infrastructure strong is a step in the right direction and can make a huge difference in response time and survival rates.”

“Too many Oregonians suffer every year from preventable wildfires,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding ensures that our communities are equipped with all of the resources they need to minimize fire destructions, protect Oregonians, and keep our environment safe.

“Oregonians know how devastating wildfires can be for our communities, families, and local economies,” said Rep. Salinas. “These investments will help us better prepare for future disasters by strengthening critical infrastructure, improving emergency response, and reducing wildfire risk before it turns into tragedy. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to secure these federal resources and will keep fighting to ensure Oregon communities have the support they need to stay safe, resilient, and ready.”

This funding for the grants announced today comes from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which supports state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments developing hazard mitigation plans and rebuilding in ways that reduce or mitigate future disaster losses in their communities following a Presidentially declared disaster. The four Oregon projects funded are as follows:

$3,955,430 for Consumers Power, Inc. for Connected System Protection for Wildfire Mitigation. This project will fund 239 hydraulic reclosers and 10 weather stations throughout Consumers Power, Inc. distribution system to reduce the time and extent of outages. This will enhance the resilience of the community and ensure that access to power will be restored faster during a wildfire event.

$3,186,000 for Douglas County Public Works’ Hazardous Fuels Reduction. This project will fund the upgrade of the existing emergency radio system infrastructure supporting the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications for Douglas County Public Safety, Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. The proposed upgrade will allow each radio tower to continue to function independently, even if unable to communicate to other towers or the mothership, allowing emergency responders in the vicinity of a tower to continue to communicate and respond during emergencies. This project increases resilience and reduces the risk of injuries, life loss, and property damage and destruction, including critical services and facilities.

$219,746 for Consumer Powers, Inc. for Connected System Protection for Wildfire Mitigation. This project will fund the subrecipient, Consumers Power, Inc., management costs to reduce the amount of time in which residents are without power.

$177,000 for Douglas County Radio Infrastructure and Improvement. This project will fund the subrecipient’s (Douglas County) management costs to upgrade the existing emergency radio system infrastructure supporting the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications for Douglas County Public Safety, Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services.

“CPI’s recloser upgrade project will enhance electric reliability across six counties in western Oregon. The project will modernize our system to reduce outage durations and minimize the impacts of winter storms and wildfires. These upgrades will also improve system visibility, enabling faster, more informed response when outages occur. This project would not have been possible without FEMA’s support, and our partnership with FEMA is critical to keeping electricity reliable and affordable for our members,” said James Ramseyer, President/CEO of Consumers Power, Inc.

“Douglas County extends its sincere thanks to Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, and Representative Val Hoyle for their support in securing the final portion of our approved FEMA funding for the Douglas County Radio Infrastructure and Improvement Project. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us strengthen critical communications systems that support public safety across our region,” said Tom Kress, Chair, and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

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Oregon Airports to Receive More Than $3 Million in Federal Investment

Airports receiving federal funds include those in McMinnville, Burns, Florence, Troutdale, Ontario, Corvallis, Lexington, Newport, Tillamook and Gold Beach

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced that 10 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $3.1 million to improve their infrastructure.

“Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.”

“Investing in critical airport improvements such as taxiways, helipads, hangars, and more increases safety and strengthens infrastructure across our state,” said Merkley. “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”

“Regional airports are critical to keeping Oregon connected,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In rural communities like Tillamook, investments in transportation infrastructure give small businesses access to markets and make communities more resilient in the event of a disaster. I'm grateful that this funding will support work at the Port of Tillamook Bay.”

"Small airports are vital for rural Oregonians,” said Rep. Salinas. “They support local businesses and enable emergency responses when our communities need them most. This $1 million investment in McMinnville Municipal Airport will replace aging infrastructure and improve safety for everyone who uses it. I'm proud to help deliver these federal dollars to the airports that keep Oregon connected, and I'll keep pushing to make sure rural communities keep getting the federal investment they deserve.”

"These infrastructure investments across our regional airports in Corvallis, Florence, Gold Beach and Newport are a win for the economic growth of our rural and coastal communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “We rely on these federal dollars to build up our airports' resilience in the face of worsening wildfire seasons."

“Making it easier to get where you need to go keeps our economy strong and makes everyday life more convenient,” said Rep. Bynum. “Regional airports connect our communities, small businesses, and ensure Oregonians don’t have to drive hours just to access reliable transportation. I am proud to work with my colleagues to secure this critical funding for Oregon.”

“Investments in small airports are invaluable and will pay dividends for Oregonians in the years to come,” said Rep. Dexter. “This funding will support critical improvements to the Troutdale Airport, a key hub for the Port of Portland and our regional economy. I will keep working to bring federal dollars into high-value projects in our community.”

The awards totaling $3.14 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:

$1 million to the city of McMinnville for McMinnville Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone to help pilots; to build 12,500 feet of perimeter fencing and 10 gates.

$417,996 to the city of Burns for Burns Municipal Airport to build a new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building

$400,338 to the city of Florence for the Florence Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone and segmented circle navigational aid for pilots

$289,000 to the Port of Portland for Troutdale Airport to reseal 13,000 feet of existing taxiways and joints

$274,708 to the city of Ontario for Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad

$245,950 to the city of Corvallis for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,300-foot north taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area

$160,332 to Morrow County for the Lexington Airport to replace the precision approach path indicator for a runway; to replace and relocate the existing precision approach path indicator for another runway

$137,000 to the city of Newport for the Newport Airport to build a new 5,250-square-foot non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage

$137,000 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for the Tillamook Airport to build a new fuel farm by adding two fuel tanks and two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type

$78,063 to the Port of Gold Beach for Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement; to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement

“The City of McMinnville greatly appreciates the continued federal financial support of safety and security improvements at the McMinnville Municipal Airport,” said airport manager John Paskell. “This important project provides for a significant security upgrade by adding nearly three miles of perimeter security fencing and adds an additional level of safety for pilots by installing a supplement wind cone on the Runway 4 end of the airport’s primary runway. As a developing regional general aviation airport, and as a significant economic asset and job creator in the community, continued federal infrastructure investment in airports is critical in ensuring their viability well into the future, particularly for airports in smaller communities like McMinnville. Those airport improvement dollars go a long way and help protect and preserve the airport’s financial self-sufficiency while also improving the facility.”

“This federal investment is crucial as it ensures our airport infrastructure remains fully functional year-round, which is vital for emergency response and general aviation access in Eastern Oregon,” said Burns City Manager Brenda Engebretson.

“The City of Florence is excited to receive this FAA funding to support the Beacon & Wind Cone Replacement Project at the Florence Municipal Airport,” the city said in a statement. “This project will help to improve essential airport safety infrastructure, as well as support safe and reliable aviation facilities that serve local and regional users. The Florence Municipal Airport is an economic driver for our area that provides a valuable space for commerce, emergency response, and recreational uses. The City of Florence is grateful for the continued support of this regional asset. “

“Ensuring safe and efficient operations is the Port’s top priority, and this federal investment will help to maintain taxiways at Troutdale Airport,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We are grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued support for our projects to meet the diverse transportation needs of our region.”

"The recent FAA award for the Lexington Airport to upgrade our precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), is a major win for a small regional airport like ours,” said Morrow County Commissioner Gus Peterson. “This system will allow us to continue to serve our users with improved safety and efficiency as well as allow us to be able to potentially expand in the future. Morrow County is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve our small but important regional airport."

"We’re grateful to see this investment in Morrow County," said Morrow County Commissioner David Sykes. "Upgrading the lighting systems at the airport is a common-sense move that keeps our pilots safe and ensures one of our important local assets stays in good condition."

“Securing funding for a new hangar is significant investment in the future of Newport Municipal Airport,” said Lance Vanderbeck, Newport Municipal Airport Director. “This project will enhance our ability to serve pilots, aircrafts, and improve overall efficiency and safety. Through this funding, we’re better positioned to meet demand and ensure the airport remains a reliable asset for our community."


Wyden, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Decision to Block Funding for Fentanyl Detection Strips

Letter follows HHS guidance blocking use of federal funds for harm reduction tools

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today led 10 of his Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to reverse new guidance issued this week that ends the ability of federal grant recipients under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to use federal funding for test strips that detect fentanyl and other illicit drugs and help reduce overdoses and drug-related deaths.

“Your actions will directly undermine the work of law enforcement and put lives at risk,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Doing away with this mainstay of overdose prevention runs directly counter to this administration’s own promises to crack down on the addiction epidemic in the United States. We demand that you reinstate this funding before American lives are lost as a direct result.”

Because of the efficacy of fentanyl test strips, many state and county health authorities and law enforcement entities nationwide rely on them for counter-fentanyl strategies. In addition to fentanyl test strips, the Trump administration also ended funding for test strips that detect xylazine and medetomidine, both powerful veterinary sedatives, which are increasingly found in illicit fentanyl and contributing to overdose deaths.

In their letter, the senators further noted that less than five months ago, Donald Trump signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act into law with strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate, which expressly provides that federal grant funding be used for harm-reduction tools like test strips.

Joining Wyden in sending the letter were Senators Chris Coons, D-Del., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Ed Markey, D-Mass., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Tina Smith, D-Minn.


Wyden Secures Commitment to Release Classified Surveillance Opinion Before FISA 702 Debate

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., secured a commitment today from the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee to declassify a crucial opinion by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court regarding violations of Americans’ constitutional rights.

“Today the Senate proved that security and liberty aren’t mutually exclusive. I secured a commitment from the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee to ensure the declassification of a FISA court opinion revealing abuses of Americans' rights,” Wyden said. “The more Americans know about these abuses, the more they demand real reforms. I’ll be using the next 45 days to put on a full-court press for real safeguards for Americans’ rights.”

The text of the letter from Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., to the Director of National Intelligence and Acting Attorney General is below:

“Earlier this month, the Department of Justice delivered to Congress a classified Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) opinion and order dated March 17, 2026.

Under the law, your offices are currently conducting a declassification review for the purposes of making this FISC opinion and order publicly available, consistent with the protection of sources and methods, as soon as practicable. In order to inform the Senate debate on reauthorization of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, we expect that this declassification review will be completed, and the FISC opinion released publicly, within 15 days.”

Video of Wyden reading the text of the letter into the Congressional Record is here.

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows government surveillance of intelligence targets overseas, but also scoops up vast quantities of Americans’ communications in the process. The NSA, FBI and other federal agencies can then end-run the Fourth Amendment and read those communications without a warrant or any court order whatsoever.


Young, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Highlighting Chinese Threat to America’s Strategic Interests

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a resolution affirming concern over the growing threat China poses to America’s national security and economic prosperity at a pivotal moment for U.S.-Chinese relations. The resolution calls for a continued and steady focus on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, protecting American workers and businesses from unfair economic practices, maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, supporting allies and partners, preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and advancing human rights and democratic values.

In addition to Young, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also introduced the resolution.

The resolution states that the United States should address the security, economic, technological, diplomatic, and strategic threats posed by China as a top foreign policy priority. It also calls for the United States to:

Sustain and strengthen deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific

Protect U.S. economic interests against predatory trade practices

Maintain American leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other foundational technologies

Reaffirm U.S. commitments to allies, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines

Preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait

Strengthen support for partners facing military, economic, and gray zone coercion

Counter China’s influence in multilateral organizations and standards-setting bodies

Advance democratic norms, human rights, openness, and civil society in the Indo-Pacific and beyond


STATEMENT: Gottheimer Statement on Court’s Extremist Attack on Women’s Health Care Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 2, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“The Fifth Circuit’s reckless decision to block the mailing of mifepristone, a safe, FDA-approved medication that millions of women rely on, has turned back the clock on progress and ripped away the rights of millions across the country to make personal and private medical decisions. This ruling ignores decades of science and will force women, especially those in underserved and rural communities, to travel long distances or go without care altogether.

Let’s be clear: without access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare, women will die. I will always oppose any attempt by those sitting on the bench or sitting in Washington who want to roll back the clock on the right to choose and stand between a woman, her doctor, and her faith when making personal healthcare decisions. We need to stop the far-right extremist war on women’s healthcare and protect access to safe, legal reproductive care, no matter where someone lives. As a proud member of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to ensure every woman has the freedom to make her own health care decisions without government overreach.”

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LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “WE WILL STOP THE MAGA POWER GRAB AND PUSH BACK AGAINST THEIR EFFORTS TO RIG THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s PoliticsNation, where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to fight back against Republican attempts to decimate Black and Latino representation in Congress as part of their effort to rig the 2026 elections.

REV. AL SHARPTON: We start off with the Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives, the Honorable Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, thank you for coming on and starting this special session of PoliticsNation. Let’s start with context tonight. With this week’s Supreme Court ruling, what changed for Black and minority voters in states with histories of voter discrimination, like of course, Louisiana?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, great to be with you, Rev. It was a very unfortunate decision, to say the least, in terms of this Supreme Court conservative right-wing majority detonating the Voting Rights Act, which is going to make it more difficult, particularly in states in the Deep South, for African American communities to elect the candidate of their choice. The notion that this Supreme Court majority concluded that we don’t have to worry about racial discrimination any longer and that partisan gerrymandering is of more important value than making sure that we actually protect communities from racial gerrymandering is extreme. And so we’re going to work hard to do what we have to do, one, to make sure we take back control of the House along with the Senate and then to aggressively move toward dismantling the right-wing attack on our democracy, beginning with passing the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, several House seats held by Democrats were already in danger due to recent gerrymanders at Trump’s demand. Congressmembers Don Davis in North Carolina and Vicente Gonzalez in Texas have been listed among the most vulnerable because of new, more Republican-tilted maps. And just since the Court’s decision this week, Louisiana has suspended its House primaries to give Republicans the time to redraw a new map. In Florida, Republicans just passed a new map that creates up to four more GOP seats. And the Governors of both Tennessee and Alabama have called special legislative sessions next week to fast-track redistricting. Leader Jeffries, what’s being done to ensure that Black and Latino representation, specifically in the form of Confederacy, doesn’t just disappear because of this rule?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, important to note that every single one of the seats that Republicans have targeted to date before the Callais decision have been seats held by Black or Latino representatives in Congress. The five seats in Texas that were targeted were held by three Latinos, Vicente Gonzalez, Henry Cuellar and Greg Casar, and two African Americans, Marc Veasey and Al Green. Then, of course, they’ve targeted one seat in Missouri, the seat currently held by Reverend Congressman Emanuel Cleaver—we’re going to make sure he’s reelected. They’ve also targeted, in North Carolina, as you indicated, the seat held by Don Davis, another African American. We’re going to make sure that he is reelected as well. And then, in Florida, a handful of the seats that they’re targeting are currently represented by an African American in South Florida and a Latino in Central Florida. And so, they’re not even trying to hide the fact that, in addition to trying to rig the midterm elections, they want to decimate Black and Latino representation in Congress. We’re going to battle them politically. And we’re also going to make sure, as we’ve done in places like California and Utah and most recently in Virginia, that we push back aggressively so that republicans can’t create a numerical advantage for themselves in order to artificially hold on to power in the aftermath of the midterm elections.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, for months, you pressed blue states to respond to Republicans’ redistricting push. California, of course, responded to the opening shot from Texas last year. Virginia responded last month. And this week, you said Democrats will now be prepared to respond in states even like New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ll now push ahead with redistricting. You added Illinois, Maryland and Colorado will be in play as well. November is very close, Leader Jeffries. Are you confident what’s happening can be counted in time for your Caucus to retake the House?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re going to take back control of the House. And understand, Rev., as you know, we’re only three seats short. That’s a historically close margin. When we took the House back in 2018, we were 24 seats short. And of course, in that cycle, we were able to flip a total of 40 seats. This time around, we only have to net three, which is why Republicans are panicking right now because they failed the American people on the economy, on healthcare, on this reckless and costly war of choice. And Democrats have been making clear to the American people we are the party that’s going to focus on driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption wherever it’s found in the Congress, in this Supreme Court and certainly as it relates to this administration. Now, a large part of the battle that needs to be fought is going to be post-2026 because this Supreme Court decision, as wrong-headed and awful as it is, came late in the cycle. And so, the Republicans are limited in the damage that they can do effective 2026. However, we’ve got to make sure that we’re prepared to push back aggressively as we approach 2028, which is why, as you’ve indicated, we’re ready to go in New York, in New Jersey perhaps, in Colorado, certainly in places like Illinois and Maryland and in Washington State. Those are going to be the opportunities that we will have to once again ensure that we stop the MAGA power grab and push back against their efforts to rig the midterm elections this time around, which we’ve done, and push back against any efforts into the future, which we’ll have to do in connection with 2028.

REV. AL SHARPTON: And I might add that they’re underestimating that many of our Black representatives are in districts where many whites have voted for them. We’re not dealing with a constituency that whites have not supported the best candidate Black or white. We’re talking about where they’ve tried to eliminate the possibility of Black representation. But, I must bring this up—

LEADER JEFFRIES: Absolutely. Right, right. Go ahead, Rev., sorry.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Last night—I have to bring this up—last night, the President posted a year-old image of you holding a baseball bat, writing on his Truth Social platform, quote, ‘Low IQ Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is nothing but a thug and he is a danger to our country.’ End of quote. Now, that follows these comments from Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, where he uses what seems like a very specific cadence to mock you in the midst of this redistricting fight. Take a listen.

RECORDING OF RON DESANTIS: We gonna do maximum warfare against Republicans. Florida Republicans, you F around, you gonna find out, all this stuff. And you know, what I said was, listen, and he’s like, oh, if you do the redistricting, we’re gonna take out all your Members, we’re going to do all this stuff. And what I’ve said was go ahead, make my day.

REV. AL SHARPTON: Leader Jeffries, what message are these, in my opinion, openly racist attacks sending, coming from the very same GOP leaders attacking every aspect of Black representation right now?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, their responses certainly speak for themselves in terms of the moral depravity of it all. And listen, they fail. Ron DeSantis is a failed Governor, failed presidential candidate. He’s a disaster. The cost of living is skyrocketing out of control in Florida. Nobody can get homeowners insurance. And gasoline, because of Trump’s war, is through the roof. And so, you know, these people have decided that they want to launch ad hominem attacks now. Of course, Donald Trump probably doesn’t even know what that means. But the reality of it is they cannot distract from the fact that they’ve just failed. And the American people, I’m confident, are going to make a decision not based on personal attacks against me or other Members of Congress. They’re going to make a decisions based on who actually is ready to do the job to make their life better. And as far as I’m concerned, the voters will have the last laugh in November and then we’re going to get to work. And we certainly are going to hold these extremists accountable. And, you know, Ron DeSantis sounded like a fool. He’s embarrassing himself, Rev. I mean, that’s not a Brooklyn accent. I don’t know what kind of accent that was, but at the end of the day, we’ll keep the pressure on them. They’re just big mad because they never thought we would forcefully respond to their efforts to rig the midterm elections by gerrymandering maps all across the country. We responded forcefully, immediately, strongly and, as a result, they now found themselves down, not up, as it relates to a redistricting battle that they once thought was going to net them ten, twelve or fifteen seats. We’ve completely wiped that off the map.

REV. AL SHARPTON: All right, many thanks for kicking us off in this special PoliticsNation tonight. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you again.

Full interview can be watched here.


Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ Statement on Republican Farm Bill

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) released the following statement in regards to voting NO to the Republican-led Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567):

Congresswoman Nikema Williams said:

“The Republican Farm Bill ignores the millions of working families struggling to keep food on the table—the kids going to school hungry and the parents skipping meals to afford healthcare. It also leaves our 1890 land-grant HBCUs stuck with stagnant funding, even as inflation drives up costs and demand for their services grows. These institutions are pillars of education, research, and opportunity in our communities, and they deserve real investment—not neglect. As Trump’s trade war, tariffs, and inaction on affordability strain family budgets, Republicans are choosing to cut SNAP benefits that keep people fed while shortchanging the very institutions that help communities build a path forward.”


Congressman Van Drew Responds to Spirit Airlines Shutdown, Applauds Relief Efforts, Highlights Atlantic City Airport Readiness

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after the sudden shutdown of Spirit Airlines and the announcement of federal relief measures to assist impacted passengers and employees.

"The Department of Transportation is working with major airlines to cap fares and help stranded passengers get where they need to go, while also opening doors for Spirit employees to find new opportunities across the aviation industry," said Congressman Van Drew. "That is the right approach to stabilize things quickly and protect people caught in the middle of this situation. Here at home, we are prepared. Atlantic City International Airport is in a strong position, and I want to recognize the South Jersey Transportation Authority for doing the work ahead of time to handle challenges like this. Allegiant and Breeze are already positioned at Atlantic City and ready to step up and expand services where needed. I will do anything I can to help. My office is in contact with stakeholders, and we are focused on making sure South Jersey families and workers are supported every step of the way."


Gallego, Kelly Introduce Bill to Protect Federal Workers’ Credit During Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced legislation to protect federal workers’ credit histories during a government shutdown. The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would prevent harm to credit ratings because of missed or delayed payments when federal workers aren’t getting paychecks, helping ensure federal workers are not financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

“In the past six months, Republicans have forced two of the longest government shutdowns in history. At a time when Americans are already struggling with rising costs, federal workers shouldn’t have to worry about their credit taking a hit because they’re not getting paid,” said Senator Gallego. “This bill protects hardworking public service workers from long-term financial damage during shutdowns they didn’t cause.”

“Federal workers shouldn’t be punished by a government shutdown that isn’t their fault,” said Senator Kelly. “Earlier this month, I met with Phoenix TSA officers working without pay. They shared how the financial strain they were dealing with—including missed payments—hurt their credit scores. That kind of damage can follow you for years. I’m taking action to make sure the people who keep our country running aren’t hurt by Washington’s dysfunction.”

“AFGE is profoundly grateful to Sen. Mark Kelly for introducing the Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026, a much-needed bill to temporarily protect the credit ratings of federal employees during government shutdowns. The sad reality is that all-too-frequent agency funding lapses can permanently harm federal workers, long after the government eventually reopens. Simply giving people backpay, as current law requires, does nothing to undo the undeserved damage to their credit ratings, their good name, and their dignity. Senator Kelly’s bill hits pause on negative credit information during periods when feds are still working hard for the American people while drawing zero-dollar paychecks. We urge swift Congressional passage of the bill,” said Dr. Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE).

“Federal workers work hard to keep this country running and they’re still being punished because of government shutdowns that aren’t their fault. For them, falling behind on bills because their paycheck stopped shouldn’t hurt their credit standings, sometimes for years after a shutdown ends. We appreciate Senator Kelly for listening to NFFE members and taking a commonsense step to protect workers from lasting financial damage, and we’re proud to support it,” said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).

“We have been showing up to work since November without a paycheck, then only partial checks and it has taken a real toll,” said Pascual Contreras, a TSA officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “I am three months behind on rent, and my credit score has dropped by more than 200 points. That has put our plans to buy a home out of reach. It’s not fair that something out of our control can impact our financial future like this. I’m grateful to Senator Kelly for listening and working on a solution.”

A month after the Senate passed funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and more components at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the House finally passed the same bill and ended the DHS shutdown.

For 76 days, thousands of federal workers missed paychecks, putting them at risk of missing payments on mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit cards, and more. Even a single missed payment can significantly lower a consumer’s credit score, leading to higher interest rates, reduced access to credit, and long-term financial strain.

The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would allow federal workers who have been without pay during a shutdown to protect their credit. Specifically, the bill would:

Prohibit consumer reporting agencies from reporting adverse information on the credit report of federal workers during a government shutdown and for 30 days after the end of a shutdown as workers’ pay is restored;

Require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to notify consumer reporting agencies when federal agencies enter and exit shutdown status;

Allow federal workers to correct adverse information already on their credit report.


CNN: ‘We are killing them all over again’: Critics say history is being erased as Trump reshapes narratives at national parks

When tourists see a statue of Gustavus Cheyney Doane, a 19th-century explorer, at a Grand Teton National Park visitor center this spring, a marker beneath it that used to be there will now be missing.

It had asked visitors: “How do we acknowledge the good and bad of a figure?” pointing out that Doane’s expedition led to the designation of the first national park – but also that he helped lead a massacre of at least 173 members of the Piegan Blackfeet – an act he bragged about throughout his life.

Its removal was cited in a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior, which manages the country’s national parks, as one of many changes wrought by President Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order directing the agency to “take action” against public content that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”

The Trump administration argues the order ensures that American history is portrayed in a positive light. But critics say it is erasing elements of the nation’s past.

“We are killing them all over again,” said Tom Rodgers, a member of the Blackfeet Nation who is known as One Who Rides His Horse East, referring to victims of the massacre, which he called one of the “most despicable historical experiences” for Native Americans.

“I think we’re at a point in our country where people think that if you tell half the truth, you’ve told all the truth, and that in itself, is a lie,” he said. “It’s Orwellian.”

As the country heads into peak tourist season, evidence of the administration’s unprecedented cultural overhaul will be on display at national parks around the country. The removal of the words at Grand Teton is one of at least 45 changes that were carried out under the executive order, according to Save Our Signs, an advocacy group that tracks changes to National Park Service displays.

For example, in California’s Muir Woods National Monument, signs on the contributions of Native Americans and women have been removed, including a note informing visitors that John Muir once referred to indigenous people using racist language in his diaries and ignored “the genocide they survived.”

“This contributes to an idea that indigenous people don’t belong in parks,” the sign once said.

The administration has also taken aim at warnings about climate change, a factor that impacts monuments placed in natural landscapes.

At South Carolina’s Fort Sumter National Monument, a sign that included details on the looming impacts of climate change, including information on how “rising seas could inundate most of the fort’s walls and flood the historic parade ground” has been removed in its entirety.

The Interior Department told CNN that at Fort Sumter, it “acted to replace materials that were not grounded in real science with information that is accurate, evidence-based, and aligned with how the world actually works.”

Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, a display on George Mason, a founding father, has removed references to him “paradoxically” owning slaves despite being a champion of “individual rights.”

The removals come as America enters a moment replete with opportunity to reflect upon its history, with celebrations to commemorate its 250th birthday throughout this year.

The Trump administration’s efforts have drawn backlash from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, including the February lawsuit from a coalition of conservationists and advocates citing the Doane and other sign removals. It accused the administration of “mounting a sustained campaign to erase history and undermine science.” The case in Massachusetts is still pending.

The Interior Department told CNN: “This effort is not about removing history. It is about ensuring taxpayer-funded displays present history in a balanced, factual and appropriate manner that reflects America’s full story, including its extraordinary achievements and its challenges.”

Experts and local park leaders were consulted “as appropriate” for removal decisions, it said, and argued that the directive “strengthens public trust and helps visitors better understand the complexity of America’s story.”

Widespread removal

Following Trump’s executive order, the Interior Department ordered a review of content such as exhibits, films, pamphlets and signs at national parks.

The department also directed NPS to encourage national park visitors to submit comments on signs, including whether they notice any “negative” messaging about “either past or living Americans.”

If an item was deemed to be “inconsistent” with Trump’s executive order, it could be removed or replaced.

According to an internal NPS database seen by CNN, hundreds of displays were flagged for review.

The array of content flagged included a diverse set of items deemed as potentially disparaging to Americans “past or living.”

Items marked for review include books for sale about slavery, displays about the forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and a film about 19th century mill workers in Massachusetts.

While it does not say which were removed, it contains notes that reflect how widely department guidance was interpreted.

One flagged display recalled abolitionist Elijah Parish Lovejoy’s killing. “This document states a ‘mob murders’ an abolitionist. Does this denigrate the murderers?” the comment asks. It suggests rewording the inscription to “Abolitionist editor Elijah Lovejoy is murdered for his views.”

A panel at a National Park in St. Croix is flagged with a note saying it “discusses the slave trade and its connection to the sugar industry which some may find disparaging or inappropriate.”

The sign below Doane’s statue was flagged with a comment noting that it was “temporary” and could be removed “as necessary.”

The Interior Department contended that the database was “edited before being inappropriately and illegally released to the media in ways that misrepresented the status of this effort,” but did not specify what was changed.

“Employees who altered internal records and leaked in an effort to hurt the Trump administration will be held accountable,” the agency said in a statement.

A source familiar with the database confirmed the accuracy of its contents to CNN, and that the changes were only in formatting.

Kym Hall, a former NPS regional director who retired in October 2024, told CNN that she has heard from current agency staff that they are burned out and demoralized after being required to carry out sign changes and removals.

“That’s the recurring theme … ‘This isn’t what I signed up for because this isn’t who we are as an organization,’” Hall said of her conversations with friends and former colleagues.

Advocates push back

Since the removals began last summer, several national park advocates have been pushing back against the administration’s claims that it is restoring the truth.

“We do great damage to ourselves, our own souls when we seek to control a narrative that is not true,” Rodgers told CNN.

Rodgers — who was part of the effort that renamed Mount Doane in Yellowstone National Park to First Peoples Mountain — accused the administration of attempting to “spin” Doane’s legacy with the sign removal at Grand Teton.

The administration is “erasing half of the narrative” Elizabeth Villano, a co-creator of the Muir Woods sign, wrote in a LinkedIn post in response to the sign changes there.

Pushback has brought mixed success.

Last month, a federal court blocked the NPS from going forward with plans to replace slavery-related exhibits at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia. Critics said that the new panels sanitized the exhibition, which was erected to recognize individuals enslaved by George Washington.

Democrats in the House and Senate have sent letters to Interior Department leadership as recently as April, asking for further clarity about the agency’s review.

The Interior Department has not responded to letters from Democrats in Congress, according to the offices of Sen. Martin Heinrich and Reps. Sharice Davids and Jared Huffman.

The meaning of history

Huffman also expressed alarm at the cultural overhaul taking place just months ahead of the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. “Actual history is getting whitewashed and censored from national parks and museums,” Huffman said at a February hearing, “We should honor the 250th anniversary of America by telling the truth.”

Alan Spears, a senior director at the National Parks Conservation Association, told CNN: “This notion of needing to restore truth and sanity to American history is one of the largest red herrings in American history. It’s trying to resolve a problem that doesn’t really exist, that never really existed.”

The White House defended the removals. In a statement, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told CNN that Trump “is honoring our country’s extraordinary heritage and restoring a sense of national pride.”

“The President has put an end to the radical left’s divisive and inaccurate characterization of our nation’s history, which infiltrated our national parks and museums, and is restoring truth and sanity,” she said.

But the course of history changes, Rodgers, the Blackfeet Nation member, noted: Those in charge now won’t be in power forever, “and there will be a time and a place of our choosing to rectify this,” he said.


Senator Kim Advances Caregiving Mission During Visits to Middlesex County

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Today, Senator Kim spent time in Middlesex County, visiting Menlo Park, Edison, and New Brunswick to meet with some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities including seniors, Veterans, and people with disabilities and their caregivers. Senator Kim used the day to hear from Middlesex residents, business owners, and local leaders on how he can best support their needs at a federal level and used this trip to advance his caregiving mission to bring care to all.

“Being on the ground in Middlesex today gave me an opportunity to have face-to-face conversations to help me better fight for seniors, Veterans, and the disability community to get the care they need,” said Senator Kim. “It was exciting to see so many ready to join me in this fight to bring care to all, and I look forward to coming back to Middlesex to continue the work.”

Senator Kim started his morning by touring the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, a center in Edison that received $2.9 million dollars in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) this year after Senator Kim successfully secured the federal funding in coordination with Congressman Frank Pallone. Throughout the tour he learned more about their senior recreation programs, social services, and classes, and discussed ways this center will use the CDS funding to better the lives of Edison seniors.

Senator Kim then traveled to the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home, a dedicated nursing home for the Veteran community that provides 24/7 quality healthcare. Joined by New Jersey’s first Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, Vincent Solomeno, Senator Kim toured the facility and spoke with residents.

“Every day, the team at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park demonstrates an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to the Veterans, Veteran spouses, and Gold Star family members who call our facility home,” said Vincent Solomeno, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. “Ours is a five-star facility, among the best in the state, and we are grateful to the frontline healthcare heroes, residents, and volunteers who make this such a special place.”

In the afternoon, Senator Kim spent time at the Abilities Expo at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center to meet withpeople with disabilities, caregivers, and advocates from across the state. An annual event, Senator Kim also met with disability groups including the New Jersey Council on Development Disability, Disability Rights New Jersey, NJ Statewide Independent Living Council, and the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.

“Abilities Expo is dedicated to advancing independence by connecting the disability community with leading-edge products, services and education. It’s a powerful platform for discovery, learning and access to solutions that improve quality of life,” said Katy Roberts, Managing Director of Abilities Expo.

To mark the start of Small Business Week, Senator Kim ended his day with a small business roundtable discussion in New Brunswick. Senator Kim heard about the impacts and specific challenges minority small business owners have faced during President Trump’s second term, including how Trump’s tariff policy has impacted their ability to source products, keep competitive pricing, and hire staff.

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Chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees Release Statement on U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Germany

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, R-Ala., Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“We are very concerned by the decision to withdraw a U.S. brigade from Germany. Germany has stepped up in response to President Trump’s call for greater burden sharing, significantly increasing defense spending and providing seamless access, basing, and overflight for U.S. forces in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The reality remains even as allies move toward spending 5% of GDP on defense, translating that investment into the military capability needed to assume primary responsibility for conventional deterrence will take time. Prematurely reducing America’s forward presence in Europe before those capabilities are fully realized risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin.

Rather than withdrawing forces from the continent altogether, it is in the US interest to maintain a strong deterrent in Europe by moving these 5,000 US forces to the east. Those allies there have made substantial investments to host U.S. troops, reducing costs for the U.S. taxpayer while strengthening NATO’s front line to help deter a far more costly conflict from ever beginning.


Gluesenkamp Perez Statement on DHS Funding Vote

This week, Congress ended the longest shutdown of any federal agency in our nation’s 250-year history. It accomplished nothing it set out to accomplish, and Americans deserve a clear account of why.

In July 2025, Republicans used their monopoly control of Washington to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which gave ICE roughly $75 billion and CBP roughly $65 billion through reconciliation, outside the normal appropriations process, with funding available for four years. I vehemently opposed that bill. Walling off that much money from annual oversight was a grave mistake, and the consequences were predictable: masked federal agents, needless deaths of American citizens, and shockingly aggressive removals of non-criminal illegal aliens.

In January, I voted for a bipartisan DHS funding package that included real reforms and guardrails on ICE. It was not perfect, but it was the last real chance Congress had to attach accountability to this agency before the next election. My Democratic colleagues in both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees supported this negotiated bill before rescinding that support.

Congressional Democrats rejected that deal and refused to fund DHS, demanding a broad list of reforms and accountability for ICE. The Administration countered with five reforms, including body-worn cameras, limiting civil immigration enforcement at sensitive sites and enforcing visible officer identification – but Democratic leadership refused.

That bet did not pay off, and it was never going to. ICE and CBP were already funded for years through the Big Beautiful Bill. Withholding annual appropriations was never going to constrain their behavior. What it did do was burn the only leverage we had to write guardrails into law.

Republicans will now use another partisan procedural move to pre-fund ICE and CBP for the remainder of the President’s term, with none of the reforms that were on the table in January. Funding will again sit outside the annual appropriations process, which means Congress will have less oversight of immigration enforcement, not more, through the end of this administration.

We cannot become blind to the balance sheet of what we win and what we lose in any given fight.

I voted to restore DHS funding more than once. I value the work the men and women of that department do. I do not believe walking away from a deal with guardrails, in pursuit of a better deal that was never coming, is how you protect the communities most affected by ICE’s behavior. It is how you lose them.

I held this position through death threats, threats against my family, and threats against our livelihood. I would hold it again. A glass half full is better than an empty one.

It is a charming lie, a seductive lie, that a broken thing is below our dignity to fight for or fix. But I strongly affirm that fighting to fix a broken thing is not a flaw of Congress – it’s the whole damn point.


Smith Applauds $280 Million in FEMA Relief for Missouri Hospitals

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) today celebrated the announcement of $280 million in FEMA Public Assistance grants to Missouri hospitals for increased costs they endured during COVID-19. Among the recipients are two cornerstone health facilities in Southeast Missouri — Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston and Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau — receiving roughly $2 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

Congressman Smith said, “Missouri hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and took on enormous costs to keep their communities safe and healthy. Requests for this public assistance were slow-walked under the Biden Administration, but the Trump Administration and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin delivered for Missouri hospitals and those who depend on them. Missouri Delta Medical Center and Southeast Hospital are lifelines for rural communities across Southeast Missouri, and this funding will provide meaningful relief to offset the increased costs they absorbed. I’m proud to see this relief finally reach the hands of the hospitals that earned it.”

Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston serves as a critical access point for health care across the Bootheel, a region with some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the state. Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau is the largest hospital in the region and a vital resource for patients across Southeast and South Central Missouri. Both facilities shouldered significant financial burdens during COVID-19 while continuing to provide essential care to their communities. These funds will provide relief for the additional costs incurred during that time and allow these hospitals to get back to a better place financially.


Latta Recognizes Students Accepted to Military Service Academies at the 180th Fighter Wing

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) recognized students from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District who have been accepted to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies during a ceremony at the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard. Each student was nominated by Congressman Latta and has received an appointment to the Class of 2030 at their respective academy.

“It was an honor to nominate these students to our nation’s service academies. I was privileged to spend the afternoon celebrating Adam, Jack, Michele, and Eli as they begin this new chapter in their lives. I thank each of these students for their commitment to serve our great nation, and I am confident they will thrive at their respective academies,” said Latta.

Students honored at today’s event and their respective appointments:

Adam Buell, U.S. Military Academy

Pandora Gilboa High School

Jack Buell, U.S. Military Academy

Pandora Gilboa High School

Michele Smith, U.S. Air Force Academy

Avon High School

Eli Chevalier, U.S. Naval Academy

Mohawk High School


Schatz Leads Group of 9 Senators In Introducing Resolution Commemorating World Press Freedom Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of nine senators in introducing a resolution recognizing growing threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of independent journalism in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.

“A free press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy – and it’s vital that we protect and defend it, at home and abroad,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The growing attacks on independent journalism are alarming, particularly given the many crises and conflicts happening globally. People rely on journalists to understand what’s happening in their own communities and make sense of the world. In turn, journalists go to extraordinary lengths, often at great personal risk, to report the truth. Unfortunately, we continue to see journalists lose their lives, be thrown in jail, or be threatened with lawsuits just for doing their jobs. Suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists is the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. Anyone who believes in democracy and freedom ought to be unreserved and unequivocal in our support for the free press.”

Schatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The resolution is supported by PEN America.

“Being a journalist is more dangerous today than at any time in history. World Press Freedom Day is not only a celebration of the world’s intrepid journalists, but a reminder that journalists—and the free press at large—are under attack,” said Senator Welch. “We’re calling on Congress to remember the lives of journalists killed while reporting, and recommit to defending press freedom in our own country and around the world.”

“On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the journalists who go to extraordinary lengths to bring the truth to light,” said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “As democratic values and institutions are being threatened around the world, I’m proud to join my colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the freedom of the press.”

“A free and independent press is the bedrock of our democracy, and an essential feature of democracies around the world. Editors and journalists risk threats, detention, and even death to keep citizens informed and hold public officials to account,” said Senator Bennet. “Now more than ever, we recognize and celebrate their contributions to maintaining our system of government, and their efforts to extend the same freedoms we enjoy at home to those still denied them abroad.”

Press freedom has faced a staggering global decline in recent years, and Senator Schatz has led bipartisan efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists worldwide.

A copy of the bill text is available here.

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WATCH: Sen. Schiff Debunks Trump’s Claim that Iran War is Over, Slams Administration’s Weaponization of the U.S. Justice System on NBC’s Meet the Press

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to debunk President Trump’s false claim that his Iran War is consistent with the War Powers Act and not a violation of the Constitution, while laying out the price the American people have paid for the war at the gas pump and in the lives of U.S. service members.

Schiff also slammed the Trump administration’s continued weaponization of the Justice Department under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, deriding the “seashells case” brought against former FBI Director James Comey as evidence of Blanche’s attempts to win Trump’s favor and nomination.

In addition, the Senator said that Democrats need to fight fire with fire on redistricting while reiterating his commitment to seeing Democrats pass a national ban on gerrymandering in the wake a Supreme Court decision this week that gutted the Voting Rights Act and resulted in calls by Republican state legislatures to embark on a new round of partisan redistricting.

View the full interview here.

Key Excerpts:

On the unconstitutional Iran War and Trump’s claim it is over for purposes of the War Powers Act:

[…] This war was unlawful and unconstitutional from the start. We didn’t have to wait 60 days to reach that conclusion, because under the Constitution, only Congress can initiate a war or authorize a war or declare war. The only exceptions are if the United States is attacked or there’s an imminent threat of attack, then the president can take action in the near term. That’s when the 60-day clock begins if there’s a legitimate reason to begin the war at the start. And there wasn’t here. This is a war of choice, which has now brought a terrible cost in 13 service members who lost their lives, scores of others injured, many seriously injured. Highest gas prices now in years. It’s pushed inflation up to a high in several years. And of course, the opportunity cost is that we can’t invest in hospitals and health care and things that would improve the quality of life for Americans.

On Trump’s weaponization of the Justice Department:

[…] I was a prosecutor for almost six years. I never saw such a weak case. And I think Kristen in the future in the Department of Justice, if anyone ever suggests bringing a case this weak, there will be a new name for it. They will be called seashells cases. Are you telling me we should bring another seashells case? I think this case is likely to be thrown out even before it goes to a jury. It will absolutely be thrown out by the jury. But the fact that we’re spending time on a seashells case, and the top leadership of the Justice Department is so focused on it means they’re not focused on violent crime cases. They’re not focused on rape cases and child trafficking, their focus no, on James Comey and seashells. And it’s the American public that suffers.

On the priorities of the Blanche Justice Department:

[…] We’re seeing indictments, as we saw in New York, dismissed against a corrupt mayor or mayor facing corruption cases or allegations because he’s willing to help the president on an unrelated issue, like immigration. I’m talking about the former mayor of New York here. These kinds of abuses mean that the department isn’t going after oil companies that are price gouging. It’s not going after companies that are abusing consumers. It’s not protecting us from monopolistic conduct in the market. It is instead focused on the president’s agenda of retribution, and that’s a terrible use of resources and a terrible precedent to set.

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Press Releases

Rep. Aguilar Delivers $1 Million to Modernize Redlands Park, Improving Safety and Accessibility

Upgrading the recreational park will benefit the surrounding neighborhoods and the larger community by expanding and improving outdoor resources and facilities

REDLANDS, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,000,000 in community project funding for the City of Redlands’ Texonia Park Modernization Renovations project. The grant funding will support much-needed renovations to the amenities in the widely used Texonia Park, improving community safety and accessibility.

Once complete, renovations will include a new off-street parking lot, all-inclusive playground structure, restroom facilities, park lighting, new walking paths, sports fields, an updated picnic area and group reservation spaces. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.

“Whether it’s on the playground, the soccer field, or the jogging path, Inland Empire families need a safe and fun place to spend time outdoors and enjoy our beautiful state,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m proud to deliver this funding for Redlands to upgrade Texonia Park’s amenities and ensure that people in our community can enjoy them for years to come. I will keep working in Congress to deliver resources that make our region an even better place to live and raise a family.”

“The addition of $1 million from the congressional Community Project Funding, thanks to the efforts of Congressman Aguilar’s office, will go towards the development of a new inclusive playground, that will provide a space designed for children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, to play, explore and interact,” said Mayor Mario Saucedo, City of Redlands. “This was a project that former Mayor Aguilar initially championed when he was a member of the Redlands City Council from 2006 to 2014.”

As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.


Press Releases

Rep. Aguilar Requests Nearly $50 Million in Funding for 20 Community Projects in the Inland Empire

The 20 projects help tackle pressing issues like affordable housing, public safety, job training and healthcare

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced 20 Community Project Funding requests for the Inland Empire totaling $49,739,093 that were submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations, on which Rep. Aguilar serves. If approved, this funding would directly fund local efforts to create job training and research programs, strengthen water and flood infrastructure, improve public safety, reduce crime, increase affordable housing, upgrade roadways and transportation and expand healthcare services.

“One of my top priorities is delivering federal resources to help Inland Empire families thrive,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I requested nearly $50 million to improve our region’s safety, healthcare and affordable housing options. I am proud to advocate for these initiatives on behalf of San Bernardino County residents and I will continue working tirelessly to lower costs and make life better for the people in our community.”

In February 2026, Rep. Aguilar began accepting applications for Community Project Funding for up to 20 projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding.

The following Inland Empire projects are included in Rep. Aguilar’s FY 2027 requests:

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)

Project Name: Loma Linda University Community-Based Interdisciplinary Education, Research and Service-Learning Center

Project Requestor: Loma Linda University

Requested Amount: $1,250,000

Summary: The funding will develop a Community-Based Center for Interdisciplinary Education, Research, and Service Learning, providing students with state-of-the-art simulation, community research and service-learning experiences to help meet community healthcare needs.

Project Name: San Bernardino Mobile Command Post

Project Requestor: City of San Bernardino

Requested Amount: $1,950,000

Summary: The funding will support the purchase of a modern, technologically-advanced mobile command post to reduce crime and improve the city’s safety and emergency response.

Project Name: AI-Enhanced Geospatial and Architectural Modeling Lab for Community Hazard Resilience

Project Requestor: University of Redlands

Requested Amount: $1,248,600

Summary: This funding will create a Community Resilience Digital Modeling Lab to train city planners and emergency responders to better prepare for and respond to natural disasters using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

Project Name: City of Redlands Body-Worn Camera Modernization and Replacement Initiative

Project Requestor: Redlands Police Department

Requested Amount: $2,835,863

Summary: This funding will enhance the Redlands Police Department’s body-worn camera and drone programs and create a system to manage digital evidence and share data with justice partners, strengthening efficiency, transparency and public trust.

Project Name: Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy’s Youth Justice Resilience and Reentry Initiative

Project Requestor: Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy

Requested Amount: $1,000,000

Summary: The funding will provide supportive services to incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated youth aimed at improving public safety, treating trauma and reducing recidivism rates for gang involvement, substance abuse and other crimes.

Project Name: Colton Police Department Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) Project

Project Requestor: Colton Police Department

Requested Amount: $700,000

Summary: This funding will create a Computer‑Aided Dispatch and Records Management System to strengthen community safety and emergency response by streamlining call handling, improving police response and providing real-time situational updates.

Project Name: Health Workforce Training Center: AI-Powered Language Proficiency Program

Project Requestor: California University of Science and Medicine

Requested Amount: $1,000,000

Summary: This funding will establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Health Workforce Training Center to provide scalable clinical communication and language proficiency training for healthcare workers across the Inland Empire.

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Project Name: City of Rialto’s City Well 3A Arsenic Treatment Facility Project

Project Requestor: City of Rialto

Requested Amount: $4,110,208

Summary: This funding will support the construction of an arsenic treatment facility to restore a critical local drinking water supply for Rialto residents and meet federal drinking water standards.

Project Name: Mill Creek Groundwater Recharge Facility Overflow Upgrades Project

Project Requestor: San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District

Requested Amount: $2,720,000

Summary: This project will increase groundwater storage of the San Bernardino Basin to improve local water sustainability, support economic stability and growth and enhance public access and safety at the Mill Creek Groundwater Recharge Facility.

Project Name: Wastewater Lift Station SCADA Modernization and Improvement Project

Project Requestor: City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department

Requested Amount: $1,700,000

Summary: This funding will upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure and address technology vulnerabilities by integrating SBMWD’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, helping to prevent costly environmental or public health issues.

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS)

Project Name: Expansion of Dental Access Project

Project Requestor: SAC Health

Requested Amount: $6,000,000

Summary: This funding will support the purchase of dental equipment and expand dental services at SAC Health’s Brier Campus, strengthening the Inland Empire’s healthcare infrastructure and improving access to oral health services for underserved communities.

Project Name: Bloomington Community Health Campus Improvement Project

Project Requestor: Community Health Systems, Inc.

Requested Amount: $2,625,225

Summary: This funding will renovate and expand the Bloomington Family Wellness Center to provide behavioral health and substance use disorder services, enhancing community access to quality healthcare and reducing emergency room visits.

Homeland Security

Project Name: Rialto Channel Improvements Project

Project Requestor: San Bernardino County

Requested Amount: $5,000,000

Summary: This funding will improve the Rialto Channel’s stormwater capacity and reduce flood risk in Downtown Rialto, protecting homes, businesses, public facilities, and transportation corridors from damage during major storms.

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD)

Project Name: Arrowhead Grove 132 Units of Affordable Housing Redevelopment Project

Project Requestor: Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino

Requested Amount: $4,000,000

Summary: This funding will renovate and build 132 new affordable and workforce rental housing units in one of San Bernardino’s most chronically impoverished neighborhoods.

Project Name: Renovation for Workforce Development and Business Incubator Project

Project Requestor: City of Rancho Cucamonga

Requested Amount: $4,000,000

Summary: This funding will transform the historic d’Ellena Winery into a training center for hospitality jobs, creating career pathways for in-demand hospitality, food and beverage and event management jobs.

Project Name: Commerce Way – De Berry Street Gateway Connector Project

Project Requestor: City of Grand Terrace

Requested Amount: $4,500,000

Summary: This funding will build a road connecting Commerce Way to De Berry Street and linking to Taylor Street, enhancing roadway safety and improving access to Interstate 215, local businesses and nearby housing developments.

Project Name: San Bernardino International Airport City Creek Bypass Channel Drainage Improvements Project

Project Requestor: San Bernardino International Airport Authority

Requested Amount: $2,469,997

Summary: This funding will construct a new channel design between Victoria Avenue and the Twin Creek channel to permanently reduce flood risks, improve public safety and protect critical infrastructure and downstream communities.

Project Name: SBVC Legacy Village – Phase 1 Student & Workforce Housing Infrastructure Project

Project Requestor: San Bernardino Community College District

Requested Amount: $1,200,000

Summary: This funding will help build Legacy Village, a student success and workforce preparation hub with 500 housing units, improving housing stability and education access in the Inland Empire.

Project Name: San Bernardino Street Lighting and Public Safety Improvement Project

Project Requestor: City of San Bernardino

Requested Amount: $2,000,000

Summary: This funding will replace about 3,000 wired LED streetlights with off-grid streetlights across the city, improving safety and reducing costs by eliminating the need for emergency repairs.

Project Name: Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line Operational Reliability and Safety Improvements Metrolink Project

Project Requestor: Southern California Regional Rail Authority

Requested Amount: $679,200

Summary: This funding will upgrade technology along the Metrolink San Bernardino Line to improve system safety and reliability and provide riders traveling to and from San Bernardino with real-time service information.


Congressman Baird Congratulates 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after announcing Bristol Presley, a student at Crawfordsville High School, won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District. Her painting, Grandma and Grandpa’s Road, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

“I am pleased to congratulate Bristol on winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Baird. “Her painting showcases the beauty of Indiana’s rich agricultural landscape, and she should be incredibly proud of her work. Every year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition that showcases outstanding artistic talent that exists in our district, and this year was no exception. I also want to thank every student who participated in this year’s competition, and I encourage all eligible students to participate next year.”

Winner: Bristol Presley

School: Crawfordsville High School

Artwork Title: Grandma and Grandpa’s Road

Type: Acrylic Painting

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Carter successfully fights to extend red snapper season

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) released the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries issuance of four exempted fishing permits (EFPs) to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.

According to the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, red snapper populations are the healthiest in history, rendering the current burdensome and overreaching federal policy severely restricting recreational fishing unnecessary. Georgia’s recreational fishing industry has long struggled under federal fisheries data that limit access and impose heavy-handed restrictions, often set by bureaucrats far removed from our coastal communities. State management is a common-sense approach that allows tailored conservation and fishing policies to fit local needs.

Georgia's red snapper season will now be from July 1st to August 31st.

“As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I’m proud to have tirelessly advocated for this win and am thrilled to bring home a proper red snapper fishing season to Georgia’s outdoorsmen and women,” said Rep. Carter. “Representing over 100 miles of pristine coastline, I grew up understanding that Georgia's anglers are the experts best equipped to set conservation and fishing policies that protect fish stocks and our way of life, not Washington bureaucrats. I applaud President Trump and his use of common-sense governing, protecting anglers’ right to reasonably harvest and properly manage our resources.”

“Friday’s announcement is a significant and long-overdue victory for Florida’s anglers,” said Rep. John H. Rutherford (R-FL). “For too long, overly restrictive federal management and flawed data has limited access to a healthy and abundant fishery. This expanded recreational red snapper season reflects a data-driven approach that recognizes both the strength of the red snapper population and its importance to Florida's economy and our way of life. As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I look forward to continuing to work with Governor DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to fight for recreational anglers in Northeast Florida and Make Fishing Great Again.”

“As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I applaud the decision by President Trump and his administration to approve all South Atlantic state permits for the 2026 Red Snapper season. This marks a major step forward for North Carolina’s fishermen and coastal businesses,” said Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC). “For years, rigid federal rules have meant one- or two-day red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic even as they are plentiful in our waters. That makes no sense for our coastal economy or for conservation. Following the decision, we can use up-to-date, local data to protect the red snapper population while allowing anglers in the South Atlantic more predictable and responsible fishing opportunities.”

“This announcement marks a huge, long-overdue win for South Carolina’s fishermen and coastal communities,” said Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC). “I appreciate President Trump for putting commonsense back into red snapper management after years of federal mismanagement that sidelined our fishermen and hurt our coast. As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I’ve been fighting for state-led management, better data, more access, and longer seasons, and now we’re finally seeing results. This is a major step forward for every coastal community in South Carolina.”

“This is an exciting time for Georgia anglers and a major step forward. For years, access to red snapper has been extremely limited. This EFP gives anglers a real opportunity—two full months, to enjoy red snapper fishing. However, this opportunity comes with a responsibility, if anglers want longer, more reliable seasons, we need better data—and that comes directly from them. Reporting through an electronic app is how anglers can help shape the future of red snapper fishing. While we acknowledge the anticipation, the rollout of the Georgia Red Snapper Project will come in phases. Look for a detailed website to go live May 15th. Georgia DNR encourages all offshore anglers planning to harvest Red Snapper in 2026 to stay tuned,” said Doug Haymans, Director of GADNR’s Coastal Resources Division.


CHAMPAIGN: Budzinski Hosts Roundtable With Immigration Groups and Local Leaders

CHAMPAIGN, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened her third roundtable discussion with local leaders and immigration nonprofit and advocacy organizations. The conversation focused on immigration enforcement activity across Central and Southern Illinois and how elected officials, community organizations, and local leaders can work together to better support affected residents.

“Today was an important opportunity to come together as a community and learn how we can protect our immigrant neighbors. We heard powerful stories from people directly impacted, from organizations doing this work every day, and from local leaders ready to take action,” said Budzinski. “We also discussed the harsh realities inside detention centers across the country and the reforms I’m pushing for – mandatory in-person medical evaluations, stronger sanitation standards, unannounced inspections, and more – to ensure people are treated with dignity.”

The conversation included representatives from the following organizations: Ashrei Foundation, Community Legal Access Workshops, Congolese Community of Champaign County, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services, Immigrant Services CU, Immigration Action Committee for League of Women Voters, Immigration Legal Clinic from Western Illinois Dreamers, Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services, Migrant & Immigrant Community Action Project (MICA), New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA, The Immigration Project, and The Refugee Center.

Budzinski has continued to advocate for common-sense reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. Most recently, she became a cosponsor of the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act, legislation aimed at strengthening oversight and improving conditions for individuals held in federal immigration custody.

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The New York Sun article on Smith's TLHRC hearing'Free Speech on the Brink as South Korean Government Suppresses Criticism of Pyongyang'

By Donald Kirk

Published May 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM ET

Free speech is in jeopardy in South Korea under the left-leaning government that took power in Seoul nearly a year ago. A former American air force intelligence officer and a member of the academic council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, Tara O, described the loss of freedom in Korea at a congressional hearing recently conducted by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on rights in both North and South Korea.

“There are more and more restrictions on freedom in the Republic of Korea — restrictions on freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and other freedoms,” Ms. O told the commission. Increasingly, Ms. O said, “the measures to suppress freedom are being codified into laws, and now they are even trying to change the constitution.”

Ms. O’s comments reflected the widespread impression that the left-leaning president, Lee Jae-myung, who took over in a snap election a year ago after the impeachment, ouster, and jailing of his conservative predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, has infringed on the rights of individuals who oppose concessions or dialogue with North Korea.

South Korea's president, Lee Jae-myung, campaigning at Seoul, on May 1, 2025. Suh Myung-geon/Yonhap via AP

“And who are the people so focused on eroding freedom in South Korea?” Ms. O asked, rhetorically. “They are pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP), pro-Korean Workers’ Party (in North Korea), anti-ROK, anti-U.S. and anti-Japan. They now control the majority of the levers of power in South Korea.”

Ms. O had the support of Representative Chris Smith, co-chairman of the Lantos Commission, named for the late congressman Tom Lantos, a Hungarian who survived the Holocaust and founded the congressional human rights caucus, which was named after him after he died in 2008.

Mr. Smith accused Mr. Lee’s government of taking “steps that have had the effect of constraining human rights advocacy related to North Korea.” Among them, he said, were “halting government-sponsored broadcasts into North Korea” and “supporting legislation that allows police to block activists from sending information such as leaflets and digital media into North Korea.”

Such actions, Mr. Smith said, “directly affect the ability of civil society – especially defector-led organizations to carry out one of the most effective forms of engagement within the North Korean people: the transmission of information.”

No one feels these views more passionately than the president of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, Suzanne Scholte, who for more than 30 years has been waging what appears to be a losing struggle on behalf of human rights in North Korea.

Now is “the most challenging time in the history of the North Korean human rights movement,” she said at the hearing and then again at a confab at Washington in which North Korean defectors described the horrors they endured before getting out of North Korea.

In Seoul, Koreans repeatedly say that the South Korean regime is probably less willing to confront North Korea on human rights than at any time in recent years. Newspapers rarely report on the issue while refraining from direct criticism of Mr. Lee and members of his government.

Ms. Scholte remained optimistic, noting that the government at least has not stopped defectors from broadcasting for two hours each day from Seoul into North Korea on Free North Korea Radio, One defector, Park Sang-hak, conceded he’s not able to send balloons over North Korea, dropping leaflets exposing the cruelty of the regime as he did before the rise of the Lee government.

These days, defectors and their advocates have almost as much trouble being heard in South Korea as in North Korea. Conservative newspapers that once criticized ruling officials and their policies are afraid to speak up while the government pleads for dialogue with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un.

“To help understand the scope of the problem,” Ms. O observed at the hearing, “it’s useful to point out that the major media in South Korea do not report in the news on massive rallies where people call for defending South Korea or a strong alliance with the U.S.”

Signs saying “CCP Out,” calling for the Chinese Communist Party to cease its covert activities and get out of South Korea, appear at rallies but not in the newspapers. Charges of election fraud are constantly heard in Seoul but not reported.


Higgins Introduces Legislation to Close “Made in America” Loophole in Law Enforcement Body Armor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC) today introduced the Ballistic Armor Made in America Act, legislation that ensures body armor sold to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as “Made in America” actually contains domestically produced ballistic fibers.

Under current law, armor containing foreign-made fibers can be marketed and sold to law enforcement as “Made in America” without agencies and police departments knowing the difference. While the Department of War (DOW) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already prohibit the use of foreign fibers for warfighters and front-line personnel, the bill would extend those same protections to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and state and local law enforcement. Read the text here.

Rep. Higgins said, “Federal law enforcement should wear ballistic armor made in America, not China. This is a national security issue, as well as a matter of integrity in government procurement. As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, I will continue to stand with the Thin Blue Line.”

Rep. Harrigan said, “Law enforcement officers are buying body armor they believe is made in America, and in too many cases, they are wrong. Chinese fibers are being woven into these products, stamped with a Made in America label, and sold to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. That is a national security risk, and a betrayal of the people protecting this country. This bill ends it. Full transparency on where these fibers come from, and not a single federal dollar going to armor that does not meet the standard.”


RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Reintroduces the You Own the Data Act (YODA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 4th, Congressman Michael Cloud reintroduced the You Own the Data Act (YODA), reaffirming personal ownership of user data, prohibiting companies from collecting and selling private data without consent, and giving Americans tools to protect their privacy.

Big Tech has commodified personal data as a product to be sold for profit. YODA prohibits companies from requiring users to surrender their data as a condition of service, limits data collection to what is reasonably necessary to provide the requested service, and bans tracking cookies without explicit user authorization.

To give the law teeth, YODA empowers both the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorneys General to pursue enforcement action. It also creates a private right of action, allowing any individual to bring a civil suit against companies with annual gross revenues of $50 million or more.

“The Constitution protects Americans’ right to private property and privacy from unwarranted searches and seizures. That principle doesn’t disappear the moment you open a browser,” said Rep. Cloud.


Rep. Clyde Congratulates JCHS Twins on U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointments

GAINESVILLE, GA — Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored Jackson County High School seniors Colton and Mattox Couch during a signing ceremony celebrating their appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Rep. Clyde proudly nominated the Couch twins for the prestigious appointments.

On Friday, Jackson County High School hosted family, classmates, friends, and school leaders to recognize Colton and Mattox Couch’s achievements and commitment to military service. After delivering remarks highlighting their accomplishments, Congressman Clyde presented Colton and Mattox with Congressional Certificates of Congratulations and Pledges of Commitment for signature.