Durbin Delivers Commencement Address At Lake Forest College

LAKE FOREST - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered the commencement address to Lake Forest College’s Class of 2026 during a ceremony today at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont, Illinois. After being presented with a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree during the ceremony, Durbin congratulated this year’s graduates’ hard work and shared lessons he has learned over more than four decades in public life.

“With family and friends, you are closing one door and opening another,” said Durbin. “Enjoy this summer moment in your life. And perhaps, as you step into your next chapter, one or two of these lessons I’ve learned will help. Congratulations Class of 2026!”

Durbin’s full remarks as prepared for delivery appear below:

Thank you, President Sosulski, for that kind introduction. It reminds me of a memorable experience I had in a Chicago school cafeteria.

A young girl asked me, “Who are you?” I said, “I’m Dick Durbin.”

She asked, “What do you do?” I said, “I’m a United States Senator.”

She responded, “Well good for you.”

In just a few words, that little girl got to the point. I will not match Dr. Seuss in brevity today, but I learned a long time ago that a speech doesn’t have to be eternal to be immortal.

In a public life of more than four decades, let me share with you a few things I learned.

Number One… The late Jack Valenti taught me that every good speech contains six words: “Let me tell you a story.” Nobody likes speeches, but people like stories. I have used this advice to literally put faces on the complex policy issues we debate in Washington.

One that is near and dear to my heart is the Dream Act.

Over the years, I have shared 150 stories of Dreamers on the Senate floor to advocate for these men and women who were brought to the United States as children and grew up believing they were citizens. I believe they should have a path to citizenship they can earn.

By sharing their stories and showing their faces, it becomes much more difficult to demonize these individuals who are small business owners, nurses, teachers, students, and members of our military.

So, let me tell you a story.

Number Two… Success starts with getting in the door. Greg Kelley is an amazing story.

This young African American leader is the President of one of the largest labor unions in Chicago. Last year, I had breakfast with Greg and asked him how he got started in labor politics.

He looked at me and laughed and said, “I started as an intern in your office. Volunteered for your campaign. Worked with members of SEIU over the years and afterwards they asked me to lead their union.”

No surprise.

I believe in the value of internships. I started my career on Capitol Hill as a college intern for Senator Paul Douglas of Illinois.

I will never forget that day in February of 1966 when he agreed to hire me as an intern to work in his office.

As a student from East St. Louis, Illinois, going to work in the office of a U.S. Senator was one of the most exciting things I had ever done. It changed the trajectory of my life.

Over the years, I have had more than 3,000 interns in my Congressional offices. For many of them, getting in the door changed their lives.

Number Three… In life, the little things are often the big things.

Lynn Martin was a Republican Congresswoman from Rockford and a member of George H.W. Bush’s Cabinet.

She told me that she made a practice of sending letters after elections to the losers, not the winners. She said: “The winners will never remember you reached out to them, but the losers will never forget.”

I knew she was right because I lost three elections before I finally won one, and I remember how I felt when I lost.

So, I started sending letters to both Democrats and Republicans when they lost.

I cannot tell you how many candidates told me later how much that letter meant.

When a Republican elected official announced he was resigning due to his battle with an addiction, I called and left him a one-minute voicemail of encouragement.

He sent me a handwritten note eight years later thanking me and telling me he never deleted my voicemail.

Many times, the little things are the big things.

Number Four… The silence of our friends.

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Years ago, I made a statement on the Senate floor which generated a world of controversy. I became a target for many attacks, personal and political.

It was a low point for me, but fortunately many of my friends rallied to my side with phone calls and letters of support.

But many did not.

Don’t miss the opportunity to stand by your friends when it really counts.

Number Five… Keep an eye out for mentors and role models who reflect the best—look for integrity, honesty, and caring.

And never hitch your wagon to a person who cannot say: “I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

People ask me how I’ve survived all these years in Congress.

The short answer is: I was blessed with two of the best political mentors, in former Illinois Senators Paul Douglas and Paul Simon.

They not only taught me the craft of politics, but also the threshold obligation of honesty in public life. Dollar honesty and issue honesty.

Without that North Star to guide you, you can easily get lost. I’ve seen it happen.

I hope I have lived up to their example and passed that lesson along to the next generation of political leaders.

Number Six… The issues that you make the biggest impact on are the ones that affect you personally.

This year marked the 36th anniversary of my landmark legislation to ban smoking on airplanes.

My dad smoked two packs of Camels a day, developed lung cancer, and died at the age of 53.

I was in high school at the time and I made a vow to myself then… I’m going to stay away from cigarettes – they killed my dad.

When I got to Washington, I learned that the tobacco industry was the most powerful lobbying force in town. But I brought a special passion to this fight.

The issue was personal to me and to a lot of people who served in Congress.

Little did I know then that passage of my bill to ban smoking on airplanes was a tipping point in America.

People said, if it’s unsafe to smoke in an airplane, why is it safe to smoke on a train, a bus, in an office building, a restaurant, or a hospital?

And the next thing you know, America changed and the world changed. I was honored to be part of that change.

Now here are two words that you have been waiting for: In conclusion.

At your stage in my life, I had no idea what was next.

I was headed to law school as a default, a fallback if the winds of political fate blew in the wrong direction.

Thirteen years after graduating law school, after losing three elections, I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

I served there for fourteen years before being elected to the Senate, where I served for thirty.

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Yankee from Olympus, once wrote “It is required of a man that he should share the passion of his time at the peril of being judges not to have lived.

I certainly have had my chance to not only observe from a front row seat, but to personally engage in those actions and passions of my time.

Now, it is your turn.

As citizens, as voters, perhaps as elected leaders, your generation faces a political upheaval in America whose outcome will decide after 250 years whether the passions that gave birth to this democracy can endure.

You come to this moment of battle with values honed by family and faith, an education which can give you wisdom, and a weapon that many before you died to protect.

That weapon, your right to vote.

Use it. Don’t waste it.

A fellow once wrote, “the best moments of life are squeezed into a headful of thoughts and a handful of summers.”

With family and friends, you are closing one door and opening another. Enjoy this summer moment in your life.

And perhaps, as you step into your next chapter, one or two of these lessons I’ve learned will help.

Congratulations Class of 2026!

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Ansari Honors Copper Star Coffee in Central Phoenix with Congressional Record Recognition

PHOENIX – On Friday, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) visited Copper Star Coffee to present a statement she entered into the Congressional Record in recognition of their 20th anniversary.

“One of my honors serving as a Member of Congress is the opportunity to submit statements into the Congressional Record recognizing constituents and organizations that strengthen our communities,” said Rep. Ansari. “I was proud to visit Copper Star Coffee and present this recognition in person to celebrate their 20th anniversary and to thank their founders, staff, and supporters for two decades of service, innovation, and community impact in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.”

“Ginger and I are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari for recognizing Copper Star’s contributions to our community,” said Bill Sandweg. “For more than 20 years, we’ve worked hard to make Copper Star a welcoming place for everyone. We look forward to many more years!”

READ TEXT OF ANSARI’S CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Mister Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th business anniversary of a beloved community and coffee institution in Phoenix, Arizona, Copper Star Coffee.

Founded in 2006 by Bill and Ginger Sandweg, Copper Star was built on a simple but powerful idea: if something didn’t exist in their community, they would create it themselves.

At the time, there was no quality coffee spot between their home and Phoenix College, so they set out to build something better: an independent, locally rooted café that reflected the needs and spirit of the Melrose District—a funky and iconic stretch of LGBTQ-owned or oriented establishments.

Copper Star is housed in an old gas station, originally branded as the Copper Star Cafe, which now offers a local drive-thru option for neighbors and continues to serve as a gathering place where artists are showcased, and local culture thrives.

That “do it yourself” ethos continues to define Copper Star to this day. From baking pastries in-house to their bagels, freshly made every morning, their commitment to quality has allowed this small business to power through a recession and pandemic.

But what truly sets Copper Star apart is not just what they make, but how they operate. They have built a business that values people as much as product: paying living wages, maintaining a workplace rooted in respect, and earning recognition as a City of Phoenix Green Business Leader through sustainable practices such as composting and reducing waste. Copper Star also gives back. Most recently, hosting a food drive for St. Mary’s Foodbank when federal funding was cut.

Milestones such as these are the result of vision, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to community. Copper Star Coffee stands as a testament to what small businesses can achieve when they are grounded in purpose and driven by people. Whether through its welcoming atmosphere, support of local vendors, or the simple act of bringing people together over coffee, it has helped strengthen the fabric of Phoenix.

It is my honor to recognize Copper Star Coffee on its 20th anniversary and to thank its founders, staff, and supporters for two decades of service, innovation, and community impact in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.

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Buchanan Announces Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Ireland Cates of Bloomingdale High School in Valrico Named 1st Place Winner

BRADENTON, FL – Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, a district-wide showcase for high school-aged artists. This year, 31 entries were submitted from across the district.

The first-place winner is Ireland Cates, a sophomore at Bloomingdale High School in Valrico. Her artwork, “The Capitol,” will be displayed in Washington, D.C., for one year in the highly traveled corridor between the U.S. Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building.

Second place was awarded to Olivia Fields from Riverview High School in Riverview, with her piece “Production, Consumerism, Stars, and Stripes,” and third place goes to Madelyn Bowers’ “Repetition” from Bloomingdale High School in Valrico.

“I’m incredibly impressed by the talent and creativity showcased by the students who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Buchanan. “Each submission reflected remarkable skill, originality and hard work. Florida’s 16th District is home to so many gifted young artists, and I’m proud to celebrate their achievements.”

An additional component of the annual art competition includes the “Facebook Fan Favorite” Awards. The winning pieces in this category are displayed in the congressman’s offices in D.C., Bradenton and Brandon. The winners are Malik Dante Walker from Sumner High School with “Jammin’ Under the Sun,” Maya Ramos from Parrish Community High School with “Justice for All” and Adam Nuykin from Sumner High School with “Make a Splash.”

The judging panel included several officials from State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota, including: Brenda Harrison, Assistant Professor, Graphic Design/Art Design; Jamie Smith, Associate V.P. Government Relations, Public Information Officer/President’s Office; and Jamie Tracy, Associate Vice President, Academic and Faculty Affairs/Provost and Academic Affairs Office.

More information on the Congressional Art Competition can be found here.

Photos of this year’s winning pieces can be seen here.

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Carbajal Statement on Platform Habitat Fire

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the fire on Platform Habitat.

"I want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard, Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, Santa Barbara City Fire Department, and the Santa Barbara and Ventura County Fire Departments for safely evacuating the crew and extinguishing the fire on Platform Habitat. While we await a full investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential environmental impacts, today’s incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks that offshore drilling poses to our coast. Our community shouldn't have to gamble with our environment, economy, and public health just to pad the pockets of Big Oil. I will continue to fight any plans to expand offshore drilling in our region, and advocate for alternative energy sources like wind and solar. These alternative energy sources are safer, reduce our dependence on volatile global oil markets, and lower energy costs for families."


The Epoch Times exclusive article on Smith's new legislation'House to Vote on Resolution Urging Trump to Confront Xi on China's Political Prisoners'

By Eva Fu and Frank Fang

Published May 11, 2026

The House of Representatives is set to vote on a resolution urging President Donald Trump to make the freedom of political prisoners in China a priority in talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, including during this week’s summit in Beijing.

H.Res.1259, introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, names five individuals that he said were “unfairly punished” by Beijing for exercising freedom of speech and religion.

The vote is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Trump’s two-day trip to China, The Epoch Times has learned.

“Shamefully, the People’s Republic of China currently detains thousands of political and religious prisoners, which include American citizens and the family members of U.S. nationals,” Smith told The Epoch Times.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) (C) discusses the Chinese communist regime's system of forced organ harvesting, at a Heritage Foundation event in Washington on April 7, 2026. Irene Luo/The Epoch Times

He said the resolution calls out the Chinese regime’s “abysmal record of human rights abuses and arbitrary detentions” and urges the U.S. president to raise these concerns at their upcoming meeting.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been waging a war against faith for more than 100 years, with successive Party leaders having launched repeated campaigns to regulate, suppress, and control religious groups in China.

In March, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) again called on the U.S. government to designate China as a country of particular concern over the suppression, which one of the commissioners described as “across the board” and “systematic.”

The five individuals mentioned in the resolution are Chinese pastors Jin Mingri and Gao Quanfu; Gao’s wife, Pang Yu; retired Uyghur medical doctor Dr. Gulshan Abbas; and Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

Jimmy Lai outside West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong, on Sept. 18, 2020. Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times

In May last year, Gao, pastor and founder of a house church called Light of Zion Church, was detained at his home and accused of “using superstitious activities to undermine the implementation of law,” according to the USCIRF.

Two months later, his wife, Pang, another church leader, was also detained. The resolution noted that she has since been “denied access to critical prescription medication.”

Their son, Gao Pu, confirmed the concerns to The Epoch Times.

In two separate X posts on May 10, Gao Pu said the charges against his parents were false and described his mother’s detention—now in its 337th day—as “beyond inhumane” because of her heart conditions, low blood pressure, and severe anxiety.

“My parents are peaceful Christians who have spent their lives serving others, preaching the Gospel, praying for our country, and helping believers across China. They never promoted violence, political extremism, or hatred. Their real ‘crime’ is refusing to place their faith and church completely under CCP control,” Gao Pu wrote.

In October 2025, Jin, founder of another house church known as Zion Church, was detained at his home as part of a broader operation by Chinese authorities that also led to the detention of nearly 30 pastors and church members.

Abbas has been imprisoned for nearly 3,000 days, and her detention is widely believed to be linked to her sister Rushan Abbas’s human rights advocacy activities in the United States.

Rushan Abbas, executive director of the Campaign for Uyghurs, speaks during the China Forum at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington on Oct. 27, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

Lai, an outspoken critic of the CCP and founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison under Hong Kong’s national security law.

More than 100 lawmakers from both parties expressed support for Lai’s freedom in a May 7 letter to Trump.

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

In China, some political prisoners are held incommunicado, leaving their families without any information about their fate or even whether they are alive. One of the best-known examples is prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been missing for more than eight years.

A recent example of China restricting family access to political prisoners is Wang Youmei, a Falun Gong practitioner detained by police in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on April 15. Her daughter, Alisa Zhou, a U.S. citizen and accountant in Maryland, previously told The Epoch Times that the family has been unable to visit Wang while she is in custody.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice grounded in the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Introduced to the Chinese public in 1992, the practice had spread widely by the late 1990s, with official estimates placing the number of practitioners in China at more than 70 million.

In 1999, the CCP launched a brutal campaign to eradicate the practice, believing its popularity was a threat to the CCP’s authority. Since then, hundreds of thousands of practitioners have been detained and subjected to torture, with thousands dying as a result of abuse while in custody, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center. Due to strict censorship in China, the true death toll is hard to determine; it is likely far higher.

The Falun Dafa Information Center, a U.S.-based human rights group, urged Trump to raise nine cases of imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners with immediate relatives in the United States who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Zhou Deyong and his wife, You Ling, in Death Valley National Park, Calif., in January 2021. Courtesy of Zhou You

The nine include Liu Aihua, whose son Steven Wang dances with Shen Yun Performing Arts in New York, and Zhou Deyong, a geological engineer and the father of a Florida resident.

In a letter released on Monday, Smith called for the State Department to set up a priority list of political prisoners to be raised at senior-level diplomatic talks, with both Gao and Zhou included.


The Epoch Times article on CECC letter to President Trump'Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge Trump to Press Xi on Political Prisoners During China Visit'

By Frank Fang & Eva Fu

Published May 11, 2026

Ahead of President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing this week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging him to confront Chinese leader Xi Jinping about political prisoners in China.

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), a bipartisan and bicameral panel, sent a letter to Trump urging him to raise the unjust detentions of Americans, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and their families.

Raising individual cases helps protect American citizens and businesses in China, the letter released on May 11 states. It was signed by the commission’s leadership, including Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the commission’s chair and co-chair, respectively. Other co-signees include CECC ranking members, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.).

“China’s use of hostage diplomacy and transnational repression does not stay within China’s borders—it affects Americans and their families and is used to silence, intimidate, and coerce people beyond China,” Smith told The Epoch Times.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 4, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

In the letter, the lawmakers said that raising the issue at the highest levels is a “low-cost, high-return instrument that raises the price of repression” and “denies the CCP a cheap tool of leverage,” making clear the United States will address “arbitrary detention and family intimidation in the normal course of bilateral relations.”

“It raises the reputational cost to the relationship and affects China’s standing in the world,” Smith said.

The lawmakers named four individuals who are currently detained: Chinese pastor Jin Mingri, Uyghurs Dr. Gulshan Abbas and Ekpar Asat, and U.S. permanent resident Gao Zhen.

Jin was detained in October 2025 at his home as part of a broader operation by Chinese authorities targeting the prominent underground Zion Church, during which multiple church leaders were detained across China. According to the letter, his U.S.-based family “has been threatened in an effort to stop them from raising his case with the White House and the Department of State.”

On May 7, Trump told reporters he would bring up Jin’s case during his meeting with Xi.

In a May 9 Instagram video, Jin’s daughter Grace Jin Drexel, who lives in the United States, thanked Trump, saying his remarks gave her family “tremendous hope.”

“My father has been in prison for almost seven months for doing nothing more than leading his church in faith,” she said.

Abbas has been imprisoned for nearly 3,000 days, with her detention widely believed to be linked to her sister’s advocacy for Uyghurs in the United States. Asat, a businessman, was sentenced to 15 years in 2020.

Gao, known for his artwork critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), was detained in August 2025. According to the letter, his child, a U.S. citizen, “has been barred from returning home to New York City.”

“In each of these cases, the CCP is not only punishing an individual. It is sending a message both at home and abroad that it can control the lives of people in China and reach into American families and influence conduct in the United States,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers applauded Trump for pledging to raise the case of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong, and praised his commitment to securing the release of “unjustly detained Americans,” such as Nelson Wells, Jr., and Dawn Michelle Hunt, both of whom CECC highlighted in a Smith-chaired hearing in 2024.

The lawmakers also asked Trump to direct the State Department to establish a list of priority cases of political prisoners and individuals facing exit bans, for the purpose of engaging in all senior-level diplomatic engagements with Xi or other CCP leaders.

The letter recommends many names to be added to the list, including human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, and two Falun Gong practitioners, Xu Na and Zhou Deyong.

Xu is one of 11 people imprisoned for sharing pandemic-related information with The Epoch Times. Both Xu, an artist, and Zhou, a geological engineer, were handed an eight-year jail term. Zhou’s wife You Ling and his son Zhou You currently reside in Florida.

“My father is an innocent, kind-hearted man, but these people are going after him like this?” the younger Zhou previously told The Epoch Times, after learning of his father’s heavy sentence.

Smith said the list would help in protecting Americans.


South China Morning Post article on CECC letter to President Trump'Trump urged to raise cases of detained Americans when he meets Xi in Beijing'

By Dewey Sim in Beijing

Published 10:00pm, 11 May 2026

A US congressional commission is pressing President Donald Trump to confront his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping over detained Americans when the leaders meet this week, warning that silence would leave Beijing free to “use human beings as bargaining chips”.

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), in a letter to Trump dated May 7, aired concerns over the growing threat arising from the Communist Party’s use of “hostage diplomacy, coercive exit bans and transnational repression” against US citizens, residents and their families.

“The CCP’s repression does not stop at China’s borders. It is designed to pressure people in the United States, chill speech and advocacy on US soil, and demonstrate that the party can impose costs on Americans and their loved ones with impunity,” it said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

The letter acknowledges Trump’s willingness to directly raise pending cases such as those of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Nelson Wells Jnr and Dawn Michelle Hunt.

It also urges him to raise the cases of Ezra Jin Mingri, a pastor at the unregistered Zion Church, Gulshan Abbas, a retired Uygur doctor, and Ekpar Asat, founder of a Uygur-language website.

“In each of these cases, the CCP is not only punishing an individual. It is sending a message both at home and abroad that it can control the lives of people in China and reach into American families and influence conduct in the United States,” the commission said.

The letter acknowledged Donald Trump’s willingness to directly raise cases including that of former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying. Photo: Felix Wong

Human rights groups have long criticised Beijing for its treatment of minority groups in China and its use of exit bans and detention of American citizens and their relatives.

Beijing has maintained that the imprisonment and travel restrictions it has imposed on Americans were legitimate. Under Chinese law, foreign nationals can be barred from leaving China if they are under criminal investigation or involved in unresolved civil disputes.

Last week, when asked if he would press Xi for the release of Jin, Trump said he would “certainly look into it” and that he “will bring it up”.

“I have gotten a lot of people out. I have gotten a lot of people out of countries including China, people that were hostages,” he said.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CECC – established by the US Congress in 2000 and comprising lawmakers from both parties – is focused on the rule of law and human rights in China and tasked to recommend legislative or executive action to the president and Congress.

The letter, signed by commission chair Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska and co-chair Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, stressed that raising those cases with Xi would signal that the US was ready to defend its principles and citizens against Chinese “coercion”, adding that it was key in Washington’s strategic rivalry with Beijing.

“Raising political prisoner cases at the highest levels is a low-cost, high-return instrument that raises the price of repression, denies the CCP a cheap tool of leverage, and makes clear that the United States will address arbitrary detention and family intimidation in the normal course of bilateral relations,” it said.

“It exposes the repression, censorship and other human rights abuses the party imposes on people in China and undermines the CCP’s claim that its autocratic system offers a superior model of political order and economic development.”

Trump is set to visit China later this week, when he is expected to raise issues ranging from bilateral trade to the war in Iran and Taiwan. He will be the first US president to visit China in almost a decade.

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Trump would use the summit with Xi to air human rights issues – which he said were important to the US – though he cautioned that “it’s most effective to raise them in the appropriate setting”.

The CECC letter echoes a similar push by Republican lawmakers in October, when they urged Trump to confront Xi over detained Americans ahead of their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.


Taiwan News article on Smith-Tiffany letter to Sec. Rubio'2 congressmen urge Lai be given same US visit rights as KMT chair'

By Keoni Everington

Published May 11, 2026 at 16:23

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Representatives Tom Tiffany and Chris Smith on Friday urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to give President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) the same opportunity to visit the US as KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文).

Cheng said on April 20 that members of Congress, think tanks, and overseas Taiwanese groups have invited her to visit the US in early June. Tiffany and Smith responded by sending a letter to Rubio supporting her trip, but “in the interest of fairness,” called for facilitating Lai’s visit.

The lawmakers said US-Taiwan relations are governed by several laws, including the Taiwan Relations Act and the Taiwan Travel Act. They noted that the Taiwan Travel Act makes it US policy to encourage meetings between senior Taiwanese officials and their American counterparts.

They also cited the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, which stipulates that Taiwan’s president “shall be admitted” to the US for discussions with American officials.

The representatives said that, “Whenever visits like these are contemplated by our friends in Taiwan, the Communist Chinese authorities invariably attempt to dictate to the United States who we can and cannot meet with.” They described such pressure as “outrageous interference in our internal affairs” that is “inappropriate and unacceptable,” and they urged Rubio to reject it.

Tiffany and Smith thanked Rubio for his longstanding support for stronger US-Taiwan ties. They also expressed hope that “in the interest of impartiality, you will welcome a visit by Mr. Lai with the same courtesy and respect afforded to the leader of the KMT.”

Letter by Representatives Tom Tiffany and Chris Smith to Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Tom Tiffany image)

This article was published on May 11, 2026 and can be found online at:


Thurs., May 14: Rep. Chris Smith to chair hearing on forced organ harvesting“A Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond”

On Thursday, May 14th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will chair a congressional hearing on the systematic, widespread, and nonconsensual removal of human organs for transplantation—often described as forced organ harvesting or illegal organ trafficking—occurring within the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Reports by researchers, human rights advocates, and medical ethics experts have raised serious concerns that prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, and other political and religious prisoners, have been targeted within a state-enabled transplant system.

This hearing will bring renewed attention to evidence of forced organ harvesting in China, the relationship between religious persecution and transplant abuse, and how international medical, academic, commercial, and government actors have failed to confront or prevent these atrocities.

WHAT: Congressional hearing on what the United States and its allies can do to address this heinous global crime and examine additional steps that can be taken to hold both PRC officials and organ traffickers accountable for their roles in perpetuating it.

WHEN: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM

WITNESSES: (Partial list)

Ethan Gutmann, Senior Research Fellow in China Studies, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation; author of The Xinjiang Procedure and The Slaughter

Ambassador Sam Brownback, Senior Fellow, Pepperdine University; former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom; former U.S. Senator and Governor of Kansas; author of China’s War on Faith

Jan Jekielek, Senior Editor, The Epoch Times; Host of “American Thought Leaders”; New York Times best-selling author of Killed to Order

Kalbinur Sidik, survivor of China’s genocide and eyewitness to forced labor camps

WHERE: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building and livestreamed here

WHO: Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), other members of the Commission, and witnesses

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Dingell Reintroduces Arthritis Awareness Month Resolution

Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) reintroduced a resolution marking May as Arthritis Awareness Month to spur continued conversation and support of the 60 million Americans who are affected by arthritis.

“Arthritis impacts 60 million Americans, including children, workers, and seniors who live every day with chronic pain and mobility challenges,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “During Arthritis Awareness Month, we recognize the resilience of those living with arthritis and recommit ourselves to expanding access to affordable health care, advancing research, and supporting treatments that improve quality of life.”

“An arthritis diagnosis, whether osteoarthritis or an inflammatory type like gout, changes the trajectory of a person's life,” said Steve Taylor, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “From mobility limitations to chronic pain to the sometimes-difficult journey to find the right treatment, arthritis can present a number of challenges to patients and their families. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the information, tools and support they need to manage arthritis and improve their quality of life. Arthritis Awareness Month is a great opportunity to bring more visibility to arthritis and to the resources that can help improve the lives of people impacted by the disease.”

Arthritis Awareness Month is a nationwide initiative led by the Arthritis Foundation to educate the public on the impact of this condition, which affects nearly 60 million Americans and is a leading cause of disability. It focuses on raising funds for research, promoting early diagnosis, and encouraging low-impact physical activity to manage symptoms. Arthritis affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S., including working-age adults and over 300,000 children.


Dingell, Landsman Lead Bill to Improve Access to Early Breast Cancer Detection

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) introduced a bill to ensure low-income women can access comprehensive breast examinations at no cost. The No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act will help women – regardless of their income – get timely access to comprehensive breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs.

“This legislation lowers health care costs for women on Medicaid to better ensure that no one is forced to delay or forgo care because they cannot afford it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is critical. But too many patients still face financial barriers to follow-up exams like MRIs and ultrasounds. By removing these costs, we can make sure that every woman has access to timely, lifesaving care,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“No woman should have to delay or go without a necessary breast exam because it’s too expensive. Our bill will make a huge difference with early detection, so women can get the care they need faster,” said Congressman Landsman.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women enrolled in Medicaid, many screening mammograms are covered, but they can still face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic exams and supplemental imaging.

To ensure there are no financial barriers to breast cancer detection and care, Congresswoman Dingell and Congressman Landsman introduced the No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act – legislation that requires diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations, including diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, are covered under Medicaid.

Read the bill text HERE.


Dingell, Moolenaar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Chinese Vehicles from U.S., Protect American Auto Industry and Workers

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act. The legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.

“This bipartisan legislation will ban Chinese vehicles from coming into our country and undercutting our workers through massive government subsidies, unfair trade practices, and slave labor. I am not interested in repeating the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country while politicians told workers globalization would somehow magically work itself out. America can compete with anyone in the world when there’s a level playing field because there is nobody better than the American worker. Auto workers are facing uncertainty, but I am certain about one thing: the future of the American auto industry must be built by American workers,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

Modern vehicles integrate advanced communications technology capable of collecting and transmitting vast amounts of sensitive data, including location, operational data, and personal information. In some cases, the vehicles can also be remotely accessed and controlled. China now exports nearly 8 million vehicles annually, approximately twice the volume of any other country. The country’s automotive companies operate under Chinese law that forces them to cooperate with China' s state security and intelligence services upon demand.

"The American auto industry is vital for jobs, national security, and the future of America’s manufacturing base. China cheats in every industry, and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components, and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of business. In some cases, Chinese companies, including CATL and BYD, use slave labor to undercut the fair wages of hardworking Americans. These companies should not be allowed to do business in America, and their products shouldn’t be in our cars or threatening our infrastructure,” said Congressman Moolenaar.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act builds on the work of two administrations. In 2019, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency with respect to foreign threats to America's information and communications technology supply chain, establishing the legal authority for the federal government to act. The Biden Administration used that authority to finalize regulations in January 2025 prohibiting connected vehicle software and hardware linked to China and Russia. The Connected Vehicle Security Act expands those protections in statute.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act would:

Prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into U.S. commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by a covered foreign adversary country, effective January 1, 2027;

Prohibit connected vehicle software and hardware linked to covered foreign adversaries, with software prohibitions effective January 1, 2027 and hardware prohibitions effective January 1, 2030;

Cover China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran;

Direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a declaration of conformity process, authorization and waiver procedures, and a binding ruling and advisory opinion mechanism for industry compliance;

Establish civil penalties of at least $1.5 million for each violation of the law.


As Federal Courts Threaten Telehealth Access to Abortion Pill, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and Congressman Pat Ryan Reintroduce Legislation To Protect It

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18) introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act to reaffirm that mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill, was appropriately approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that this approval preempts any state law seeking to prohibit or restrict access to the abortion pill.

“More than 25 years ago, the FDA approved mifepristone as safe and effective,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. "That science has not changed. What has changed, however, is the relentless effort by anti-abortion activists to use the courts to do what they could not do legislatively: ban abortion across the country, one medication at a time.

“The Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act makes clear that the FDA’s authority is real and that no state can override it to deny women access to reproductive freedom,” continued Congresswoman Fletcher. “I am glad to introduce this important legislation with Congressman Pat Ryan, and I will continue fighting to protect reproductive freedom for women in Texas and across our country.”

“I risked my life in combat to protect fundamental American freedoms. That includes a woman’s right to choose. These deeply personal and private medical decisions should be made by women, their health care providers, and their families, not by extremist judges or politicians,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Mifepristone is a safe and effective medication that has been prescribed by doctors for more than two decades. These efforts to undermine the safety of abortion medication have nothing to do with science or medicine and everything to do with radical groups whose only goal is a national abortion ban. This legislation ensures we not only protect abortion access for women in New York and across the country but also the doctors who use telemedicine to prescribe medication abortion.”

Mifepristone was approved as safe and effective by the FDA in 2000. Medication abortions account for more than 50 percent of the abortions performed in the United States.

The Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act has received endorsements from Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Reproductive Freedom For All.

Congresswoman Fletcher is Vice Chair and Whip of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and has led several efforts to protect access to abortion. In the 117th Congress, her bill to protect the right to travel between states to obtain an abortion, the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 8297, passed the House. She is also an original cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which establishes a statutory federal right to abortion free from medically unnecessary restrictions.


Reps. Foushee and Tonko Lead Push to Hold Gambling Industry CEOs Accountable for Social Harms Affecting Young Americans

WASHINGTON, DC (May 11, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), alongside bicameral lawmakers, sent a letter to the CEOs of several sports-betting and prediction market companies urging them to take immediate action to address the growing normalization of online gambling and the harms these platforms pose for young Americans. The letter follows recently published research from Common Sense Media highlighting the need for lawmakers to act to protect young adults and kids from the significant risks associated with the rise of online gaming and betting.

“We are particularly alarmed by the rapid normalization of online gambling among younger Americans and the targeting of this demographic through predatory advertising,” the lawmakers wrote. “Aggressive advertising campaigns, coupled with partnerships between prediction markets and major media outlets––including CNN, CNBC, Dow Jones, and Yahoo Finance––have made it easier for younger Americans to fall victim to a culture of ‘everything is gambling.’”

“This is not limited to prediction markets. To remain competitive, traditional sports gambling platforms have dramatically expanded their digital footprints. Bet365’s “Winning Is Everything” campaign alongside promotions from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics during March Madness reflect an industry-wide race to capture new customers,” the lawmakers continued. “Recent polling underscores growing concern among the public about the impact of these platforms on younger users. A Morning Consult survey found that 77 percent of Americans believe that prediction market platforms could increase gambling-related harm among young adults, while 73 percent said that describing bets as ‘contracts,’ ‘swaps’, or ‘futures’ makes it difficult for younger consumers to recognize the associated risks.”

“Although the legality of prediction markets and online sportsbooks remains contested across at least 30 active lawsuits, the harm to young Americans is not,” the lawmakers concluded. “Some of your companies have announced or considered new policies including stronger age verification processes, family accounts to identify excessive behaviors, and problem gambling self-assessments. We acknowledge these steps (...) But ultimately, they are insufficient.”

The letter was sent to the CEOs of ten companies across the sports-betting and prediction market industries. The companies that received the letter were Bet365 Group Limited, BetMGM Inc., FanDuel Group, Fanatics Inc., Caesars Entertainment, SidePrize LLC, DraftKings Inc. Polymarket, Kalshi Inc., and Robinhood Markets Inc.

The letter demands written responses from the companies, including:

Disclosure of any regulatory action, fines, or settlements that have been brought related to underage access, predatory advertising, or consumer protection violations.

Transparency around user demographics including what percentage of active users are between the ages of 18 and 24, and how much revenue is generated by users in that age group.

Clarification of what safeguards are currently in place by the companies to prevent access by individuals under the age of 18.

Internal policies governing the placement of advertisements on these platforms with substantial under-21 audiences.

The letter was signed by Reps. Foushee, Tonko, McCollum, Mullin, and Sen. Blumenthal.


Congressman Maxwell Frost and Members of House Oversight Committee Announce Investigations and Legislation To Address ICE Abuse of Holds in Local Jails

ORLANDO, FL — Today, May 11, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Ranking Member Robert Garcia, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and members of the House Oversight Committee, alongside local leaders and immigration advocates, hosted a press conference in Orlando to announce the launch of new investigations and introduced the No Illegal Captivity and Extensions (NICE) Act, aimed at ending U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s (ICE) practice of holding detained immigrants indefinitely without charges.

During the press conference, members outlined concerns about due process, civil rights, and the growing role of local jails in federal immigration enforcement.

Local sheriffs and jails across the country have increasingly become a critical component in implementing President Trump’s mass arrest and deportation agenda, with Central Florida playing a key role in these efforts. The announcement also comes on the heels of Orange County’s recent decision to revise its federal agreement to limit the detention of immigrants to 48 hours.

Click here for a one-pager on this legislation.

“Following today’s oversight visit to Central Florida, it’s clear that communities across the country must follow Orange County’s lead in rejecting these horrific detention practices that have happened here in Orlando. It’s time to put an end to ICE’s abuse of local jail agreements,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “That is why today, alongside Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia, I am introducing the No Illegal Captivity and Extensions (NICE) Act to close the loopholes that allow ICE to prolong detention without due process and continue operating without accountability, because there is nothing ‘nice’ about separating families, denying due process, and treating human beings without basic dignity.”

“Oversight Democrats are committed to exposing and confronting the abuses happening here in Florida,” said Oversight Ranking Member, Robert Garcia. “From our conversations with local advocates and attorneys, it’s clear that what is happening in Orlando — and across the state — is incredibly serious. Some of the worst abuses are happening under Governor Ron DeSantis’ watch. What we heard today about how people are being detained, shuffled in and out of facilities, and stopped by multiple agencies should outrage every Floridian and every American. No one should be subjected to a system that strips them of their dignity and due process.”

In addition to the legislation, Congressman Frost and Ranking Member Garcia sent three letters: one to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Senior ICE Official Todd Lyons requesting more information on immigration detainers, and letters to the CEOs of Akima and GEO Group seeking details about the inhumane conditions on buses contracted by ICE.

Click here to read the letters.

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Fulcher Co-Sponsors Major Richard Star Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after co-sponsoring the Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102.

“As a nation, we must always stand by and support our Veterans. I am honored to co-sponsor the Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that when a Veteran has to retire early due to combat or combat-related injuries, they receive both their disability benefits and the full retirement pay that they have rightfully earned. I urge this legislation to be taken up, passed, and enacted swiftly,” said Congressman Fulcher.

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REPS. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ AND ROBERT GARCIA INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING 200 YEARS OF OFFICIAL U.S.-PERU RELATIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Robert Garcia (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Peru, introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating 200 years of official diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Peru.

The resolution recognizes two centuries of enduring friendship, shared values, and expanding cooperation between the United States and Peru since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1826 - one of the earliest such relationships between the United States and a South American nation.

As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Peru, Representatives Gimenez and Garcia have worked to strengthen congressional engagement with Peru and to advance a forward-looking bilateral partnership rooted in democratic governance, economic opportunity, and regional security.

Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez said, “Our partnership with Peru is not just symbolic, it is strategic and rooted in shared values, mutual interests, and a clear commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Together, our nations are tackling the most pressing challenges of our time, from transnational crime to strengthening resilient supply chains across the hemisphere. As we mark this bicentennial milestone, we have a real opportunity to deepen and modernize this alliance with a trusted partner, and to advance stability, security, and prosperity in our region.”

"As the first Peruvian-American elected to Congress, I’m proud of the 200 years of friendship that we have built between our country and Peru," said Congressman Robert Garcia. "The American-Peruvian community has contributed so much to this country and that deserves to be recognized. I'm proud to recognize this important milestone and continue building on our partnership."

The Embassy of Peru in the United States welcomed the introduction of the resolution, noting that it reflects broad bipartisan support in Congress for a strategic and forward-looking U.S.-Peru partnership.

Read the full House Resolution HERE.

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ICYMI: Gottheimer Op-Ed in the New York Times on Democrats’ Double Standard on Antisemitism

On May 10, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer published the following Op-Ed in the New York Times:

Opinion | I’m a Democrat. My Party Has a Double Standard on Antisemitism.

Find the full text of the piece below:

In 2017, Democratic leaders denounced the white supremacists who marched in Charlottesville chanting “Jews will not replace us.” In 2022, Democrats took Donald Trump to task for having dinner with Nick Fuentes, an antisemite and a white supremacist. Across the Democratic Party’s ideological spectrum, right-wing hate is consistently condemned.

But today, too many Democrats are noticeably and shamefully silent when antisemitism comes from the far left — at a moment when the Anti-Defamation League is reporting a surge of antisemitic incidents in the past three years.

It’s a glaring double standard.

Consider the response to — really, the embrace of — Hasan Piker, a prominent left-wing commentator with millions of online followers. He referred to Orthodox Jews as “inbred” and said “America deserved 9/11,” both statements he halfheartedly walked back. He said that Hamas — a designated terrorist organization that has killed Americans and taken Americans hostage — is “a thousand times better” than Israel, America’s ally, which he called a “fascist settler colonial apartheid state” — a statement he stands by. None of this should be waved away as mere edgy commentary. Mr. Piker traffics in antisemitic and anti-American extremism that has been met by silence from many on the Democratic left.

Sadly, we’ve seen several prominent Democrats appear on his show and even campaign with him, granting his views legitimacy.

I’ve spoken to congressional colleagues who have privately told me that many things Mr. Piker has said are disgusting. Yet they’ll say nothing about it in public, even as they rightly rush to condemn President Trump for his unending barrage of offensive comments and social media posts. I understand that speaking up isn’t easy — if you do, there are many on the left who will heckle you in public and troll you online. But whether we’re elected officials, candidates, organizers or activists, we should remember that our constituents don’t expect us to take the easy path. It takes far more courage to stand up to those who have long claimed to be in your corner than to oppose your political opponents. That’s what principled leadership is all about. But we’re not always seeing it.

At their recent party convention, Michigan Democrats nominated a candidate to run for a seat on the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents who had shared a social media post praising the former leader of Hezbollah as a martyr and another post that invoked age-old antisemitic tropes by referring to Israelis as “demons” who “lie, steal, cheat, murder and blackmail.”

Last month, most Senate Democrats voted for two measures that would have blocked sales of military equipment to Israel, with some arguing that among the reasons for their votes was their assessment of Israel’s human rights record. Is this turnabout a legitimate departure from decades of American foreign policy? Or — more likely — is it a politically convenient stance that coincides with a small but vocal and growing segment of the political left making opposition to support for Israel a new litmus test?

If this is now the standard for supporting military aid and arms sales, then Democratic members of Congress should at least be consistent. Do they also believe we should block weapon sales to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey, given the history of human rights abuses in those countries?

The Democratic condemnation piled on Israel’s government is overwhelming in comparison to other allies. It’s also louder than Democrats’ condemnation of Iran’s regime for the slaughter of thousands of Iranians in December and January. Israel has been decried by some leading Democrats as an “apartheid” state. But I haven’t heard any of them claim apartheid when it comes to how women and L.G.B.T.Q. people are treated across the Middle East.

One Democrat, a very likely presidential hopeful, recently argued that Israel can afford its own security and that Israelis don’t need America’s “financial aid” — even though Israel has been a stalwart partner in America’s fight against Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations. Wouldn’t the logical extension of that point of view mean that we should also pull our military installations out of well-resourced allied countries like Germany, Japan and Kuwait?

Democrats have justly denounced the Trump administration for its broadsides — in some cases, threats — toward some of America’s closest allies. But many increasingly excuse, or join, feverish denunciations of Israel, our longstanding, democratic and strategic ally.

When we’re talking about which allies to support or which communities we defend, our principles shouldn’t shift.

When Mr. Trump lashes out at Pope Leo XIV in ways that millions of Catholics rightly find deeply offensive, none of us should look the other way. When a Republican congressman tries to dehumanize Muslims, we should all speak up. When Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson use hateful rhetoric, they should be rebuked. The same should go for Hasan Piker. Everyone has a right to express his or her views, however repugnant those views may be. But Democratic leaders have the same right — and a duty — to challenge them.

There should be one response to those who express hatred toward any American: condemnation. Hate is hate. It doesn’t get a pass because it comes from your side of the aisle.

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Hayes Leads House Democrats In Condemning Proposed Reorganization of Food, Nutrition, And Consumer Services (FNS)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), was joined by House Committee on Agriculture Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) and 47 House Democrats in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins condemning efforts by the department to reorganize, relocate, and rename the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNS) mission area.

“Millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, depend on the federal nutrition programs administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to put food on their tables. SNAP, WIC, school meals, and after-school and summer nutrition programs require a deeply experienced, well-staffed agency to function. At a time when food prices remain elevated, and families across the country are struggling, this reorganization moves in exactly the wrong direction,” wrote the Lawmakers.

“FNS has already lost nearly 30 percent of its workforce since the start of this administration, primarily due to the dismissal of probationary employees, deferred resignation, and early retirement offers. This reorganization will accelerate that attrition further, leaving critical nutrition programs even more dangerously short-staffed at precisely the moment when they are needed most. These disruptions are likely to be long-lasting, as relocation to new geographic areas will create additional challenges for recruiting and retaining a strong workforce.”

As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture, Congresswoman Hayes has been a champion in the fight to end hunger in the United States and globally. Congresswoman Hayes introduced the Restoring Food Security for Farmers and Families Act to repeal the $187 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that was enacted as part of H.R. 1. Additionally, she led her colleagues in sending a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting the agency produce a report assessing the effects of Trump Administration policies on the delivery of international food aid.

The letter is signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Sanford Bishop Jr. (GA-02), Nanette Barragán (CA- 44), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Adriano Espaillat (CA-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jesús García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Lucy McBath (GA-06), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), James McGovern (MA-02), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Josh Riley (NY-19), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).


FW: Dear Colleague on Combating Voter Suppression and the GOP Gerrymandering Scheme

Dear Colleague:

I write in connection with the vicious Republican assault on the right to vote, free and fair elections and Black political representation in the South.

Over the weekend, the American people celebrated the love and support of mothers throughout the nation. At the same time, Republican extremists spent the last few days applauding their ongoing effort to rig the midterm elections based on two egregious judicial decisions dripping with far-right partisanship.

We remain undeterred.

The cost of living is out of control, grocery bills are skyrocketing, gas prices are surging, healthcare has been ripped away from millions and a reckless war of choice is raging in the Middle East. Donald Trump is deeply unpopular and Republicans have failed to make life better for the American people. Instead of changing direction, GOP extremists are scheming to change the electoral composition of districts throughout the country.

Republicans only hold a three-seat majority in the House of Representatives. This is the narrowest margin of any party since 1930. During Donald Trump’s first midterm election in 2018, House Democrats flipped 40 seats. To take control this Fall, we only need to flip a fraction of that total. That is why right-wing extremists have been in full panic mode since they passed their historically unpopular One Big Ugly Bill last July.

Our effort to forcefully push back against the Republican redistricting scheme will not slow down. We are just getting started.

Led by the Congressional Black Caucus and national civil rights groups, Democrats are battling Jim Crow-era racial gerrymandering throughout the Deep South. Simultaneously, there is pending litigation in Virginia, Florida, Missouri and Wisconsin. States like New York, Maryland, Colorado, Washington and several others are taking steps to decisively respond to what the U.S. Supreme Court has unleashed.

Given the highly unfavorable political environment confronting House Republicans, the extremists will not meaningfully benefit from their scandalous gerrymandering scheme. Quite the opposite. Democratic enthusiasm and resolve have grown more intense. Even after being aided and abetted by blatantly undemocratic court decisions, the failed GOP majority will not be able to gerrymander themselves back into power.

Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives in November.

In the majority, we will fight to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and clean up corruption wherever it is found. Our agenda will decisively address dramatic electoral, campaign finance and judicial reform. Finally, in connection with the ongoing Republican effort to cheat in advance of the 2028 election, we will bury the GOP gerrymandering scheme with a massive Democratic redistricting counteroffensive.

On Thursday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m., in partnership with House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle, we will host a Caucus-wide briefing to discuss the steps Democrats are taking to advance the largest voter protection effort in modern American history. We will ensure the people decide who controls the Congress, not MAGA extremists desperate to rig the midterm elections.

Thank you for your continued leadership as we march onward to victory.

Sincerely,


Congressman Kennedy Secures $850,000 for the City of Tonawanda’s Kohler Pool Project

Kohler, Which Loses Half a Foot of Water Each Night, Dates Back to 1950s and is in Severe Need of Repair or Replacement to Ensure Continued Access to Swimming Facilities in City of Tonawanda

Kohler Pool is a Vital Resource for Families Without Pools - Teaching Kids Water Safety Skills, Providing Summer Jobs for Teens, Opening Access to Healthy Recreation

CITY OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined today by City of Tonawanda Mayor William Strassburg to announce $850,000 in federal funding to kickstart the City’s Kohler Pool project. Kohler, constructed in the 1950s, is in dire need of repairs or replacement in order to ensure that the Tonawanda community maintains access to summer swimming facilities. During the summer season when the pool is fully filled, it loses approximately half a foot of water each evening, requiring refilling and unnecessarily straining the city’s water resources. Kohler Pool is centrally located in the City, providing access to the nearby Tonawanda Youth Center and to the Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns’ Newman Family Clubhouse. Kennedy’s funding represents the first public funding committed to the Kohler rehabilitation and reconstruction project. With Tonawanda hosting three bodies of water in the Niagara River, Ellicott Creek, and the Erie Canal, providing youth with access to a safe place to swim is vitally important to prevent dangerous activities.

“Every child deserves access to safe, clean, accessible swimming facilities, regardless of zip code,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Swimming skills save lives and stay with children throughout their lives as they grow into adulthood. This funding represents a significant public investment in ensuring Kohler Pool gives future generations a place to cool off during the summer, puts some spending money in the pockets of teen lifeguards, and anchors a vibrant hard-working community.”

“I wish to thank Congressman Kennedy for his support,” said City of Tonawanda Mayor William Strassburg. “The pool is an asset to our community and serves hundreds of residents on a daily basis. Without this investment, the future viability of the pool was in doubt.”

“I thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for obtaining this much needed funding for the City of Tonawanda and our Kohler pool,” said Second Ward Councilmember Chris Fisher. “Swimming is a fundamental skill that children of all ages can learn and explore at a public pool. Congressman Kennedy knows the importance of having access to a public pool and it shows with this funding. The children, and adults, of the City of Tonawanda will get to continue the use of a high-quality and affordable public swimming pool thanks to Congressman Kennedy.”

“Progress like this and partnerships with our Legislators is vital to the success of our City and growth in our community,” said Fourth Ward Councilmember Jason Voisinet.

“This will help us fix infrastructure issues that have been neglected,” said Dave Fronczak, Superintendent of Public Works. “It is work that needs to be completed to keep the pool open and operational.”

“I commend Congressman Kennedy for securing this federal investment for the City of Tonawanda and for continuing to push this project forward,” said Senator Jeremy Zellner. “Kohler Pool has been an important part of this community for generations, and this long-awaited investment is a major step toward restoring a space that local families and residents rely on every summer. In a city surrounded by water, places like Kohler Pool do more than bring the community together, they also help kids learn important water safety skills and provide families with a safe, accessible place to gather during the warmer months.”

“Robust recreation facilities are essential to the quality of life in a community, and pools especially are invaluable assets,” said Assemblyman Bill Conrad. “Swimming offers families a path toward better wellness and greater comfort in the heat of summer, and in our region, so rich with natural waterways, it's critical that we offer people of all ages safe, affordable access to swimming lessons. Kohler Pool is a site with great history and even greater potential, and I'm thrilled that Congressman Kennedy is partnering with Mayor Strassburg and the City of Tonawanda to deliver this much-needed funding for its replacement. We all benefit from an investment like this – and I have no doubt that City residents and Western New Yorkers will be reaping the rewards of it for generations to come.”

“Access to safe, modern recreational spaces is essential to the health and well-being of our communities, and this investment in the Kohler Pool Replacement Project is a major win for the residents of the City of Tonawanda,” said Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi. “I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for continuing to deliver critical federal resources to Western New York and Mayor Strassburg for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the city.”

"Thank you Congressman Kennedy,” said Tonawanda resident Amanda Shepler. “Kohler Pool has been the highlight of a classic Tonawanda summer since 1957. This funding will help us to keep it open for another 70 years of summer fun."

Pending further funding sources, construction is slated to begin in 2027.

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Landsman, Dingell Lead Bill to Improve Access to Early Breast Cancer Detection

Cincinnati, OH – This week, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced a bill to ensure low-income women can access comprehensive breast examinations at no cost.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women enrolled in Medicaid, many screening mammograms are covered, but they can still face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic exams and supplemental imaging.

To ensure there are no financial barriers to breast cancer detection and care, Congressman Landsman and Congresswoman Dingell introduced the No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act – legislation that requires diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations, including diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, are covered under Medicaid.

The No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act will help women – regardless of their income – get timely access to comprehensive breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs.

Congressman Landsman:

“No woman should have to delay or go without a necessary breast exam because it’s too expensive. Our bill will make a huge difference with early detection, so women can get the care they need faster.”

Congresswoman Dingell:

“This legislation lowers health care costs for women on Medicaid to better ensure that no one is forced to delay or forgo care because they cannot afford it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is critical. But too many patients still face financial barriers to follow-up exams like MRIs and ultrasounds. By removing these costs, we can make sure that every woman has access to the timely, lifesaving care.”

Read the bill text here.

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U.S. African Development Foundation Referred for Investigation for Fraud & Corruption

Today, the Department of Justice confirmed receipt of my letter calling on Attorney General Todd Blanche to investigate serious allegations of fraud, corruption, and whistleblower retaliation within the U.S. African Development Foundation.

The allegations involve former USADF President Travis Adkins and finance official Mathieu Zahui, who are accused of steering contracts to associates, misusing taxpayer funds, and concealing misconduct from the agency’s board. Whistleblower Jasmine Battle reported these activities and was allegedly retaliated against after coming forward.

The DOJ must fully investigate all potentially involved parties, review whether additional charges are warranted, and ensure strong protections for whistleblowers exposing corruption within our federal government.


Rep. Stephen F. Lynch Introduces Legislation to Protect Mail-in Voting Against Unlawful Trump Interference

Rep. Lynch Introduces Legislation to Protect Mail-in Voting Against Unlawful Trump Interference

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) introduced the Vote by Mail Protection Act (H.R. 8666) to protect the right of Americans to vote by mail against unlawful executive overreach by President Trump. This legislation will invalidate the executive order recently issued by President Trump that would severely restrict mail-in voting. The bill will also prohibit the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to implement the order.

After casting a mail-in ballot himself in a Florida special election in March, President Trump promptly issued Executive Order 14399 to prevent other Americans from also voting by mail. In violation of constitutional provisions that clearly vest the sole power to regulate federal elections in the individual states, the order transfers control over voting eligibility and mail-in voting regulations to the Executive Branch. It also forces the non-partisan, independent United States Postal Service to exceed its traditional public service mission by directing the agency to determine which mail-in votes will be counted and refuse the delivery of any ballot cast by otherwise eligible voters if they are not named on newly created federal voter lists.

“While President Trump continues to propagate false claims about “the mail-in ballot hoax” and how “elections can never be honest with mail-in ballots/voting,” his unlawful executive order will actually undermine election integrity by disenfranchising senior citizens, veterans, overseas service members, disabled voters, and other American citizens who rely on mail-in voting to exercise their fundamental right to vote,” said Congressman Lynch. “The Vote by Mail Protection Act will invalidate this latest illegal action by President Trump to rewrite election rules for political purposes and ensure that eligible Americans can cast their ballots by mail - just like he regularly does,” added Congressman Lynch.

As a member of the House Democratic Litigation Task Force, Congressman Lynch is also working with fellow Members of Congress to challenge the executive order in federal court on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and will disenfranchise senior citizens, veterans, overseas service members, and other eligible voters. He is supporting litigation brought by state officials, civil rights organizations, pro-democracy advocates, and other voting rights stakeholders who have filed suit to block the executive order. Congressman Lynch supported previous litigation, which challenged a 2025 Trump executive order that similarly sought to change state election procedures, leading a federal judge to permanently invalidate key sections and find that the “President has no relevant constitutional power on which to rely.”

The Vote by Mail Protection Act is endorsed by Public Citizen, the National Association of Letter Carriers, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, and the National Association of Postal Supervisors.

Original cosponsors of the Vote by Mail Protection Act include Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Robert Garcia (CA), Congressional Postal Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL) and Chris Pappas (NH), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA).

Read the text of the Vote by Mail Protection Acthere.

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Menendez, Crockett, and Ramirez Call for Investigation, Demand FAA Stop Helping ICE Hide Secret “Ghost Flights”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressmembers Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03) are leading a group of 32 colleagues in demanding that the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) work with Congress to stop allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) to hide deportation flights from the public.

The Representatives expressed alarm that ICE is misusing the FAA’s Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (“LADD”) program—a privacy tool meant for private, non-commercial aircraft—to keep ICE’s deportation flights secret from both the public and Congress. The letter also raised alarms regarding inhumane conditions on these flights, particularly concerning the use of full body restraints such as the WRAP for prolonged periods of time and the lack of evacuation plans for individuals in restraints.

“ICE operates in near secrecy, avoiding congressional oversight and making it almost impossible for families to track their loved ones and our casework teams to track our constituents and give them the help they need,” said Congressman Menendez. “We are demanding the FAA work with Congress to expose ICE’s abuse of FAA programs and safety conditions on board deportation flights because our neighbors deserve to feel safe and be treated with basic decency.”

“Immigration enforcement agencies should not be able to operate in the shadows while families are left searching for answers about their loved ones,” said Congresswoman Crockett. “Earlier this year, I introduced the TRACK ICE Act to crack down on these so-called ‘ghost flights’ and restore transparency and accountability to immigration enforcement operations. Reports of ICE abusing FAA privacy programs to shield deportation flights from public scrutiny — alongside deeply disturbing accounts of inhumane conditions on these flights — demand immediate oversight and answers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in demanding answers from the FAA and pushing for greater transparency and accountability in these operations.”

“There are so many painful examples of DHS’s abuses and brutality that cannot be refuted. The reported use of cruel and inhumane tools -- like the Wrap -- to oppress, torture, and injure immigrants during flights should've raised alarms all over the Federal Aviation Authority,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “As members of Congress, it is our obligation to conduct oversight, especially when other agencies and departments turn a blind eye to violations of our rights that put us all at risk.”

“Since President Trump took office in January 2025, we have seen a drastic increase in ICE’s air operations. From January 20 to December 31, 2025, deportation flights increased by 84 percent compared to the same period in 2024, largely due to IAO’s expansion of subcontracted charter flights carried out by companies such as GlobalX, Eastern Air Express, Avelo Airlines, World Atlantic, Eastern Air, OMNI Air, Kaiser, and Key Lime Air,” the Members wrote. “This intentional shift towards industrialized, large-scale deportation through a network of private contractors makes accountability increasingly difficult to enforce. Concerningly, information regarding these flights is nearly impossible to find, which undermines congressional oversight and prevents the public from understanding the scope and conditions of these flights.”

“These concerns are compounded by numerous accounts of inhumane and inadequate safety conditions on IAO flights, including prolonged restraint, inadequate access to food and water, lack of medical care, and unsanitary environments,” the members continued.

“ICE’s deportation flight program underpins the Trump Administration’s aggressive and dangerous enforcement agenda,” the Members concluded. “The FAA has an obligation to ensure these operations do not occur beyond the reach of safety standards, transparency, and accountability. We urge you to swiftly bring these operations into the light and work with Congress to ensure oversight of ICE’s air operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The Members are demanding answers to specific and detailed questions which can be viewed in the letter.


ICYMI: Indiana Rep. Mark Messmer in the Washington Examiner: “Southern Indiana Mining is Powering American Prosperity”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Indiana Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) was recently featured in the Washington Examiner with an op-ed highlighting the importance of southern Indiana’s mining industry, mine safety, workforce development, and American energy independence.

In the piece, Rep. Messmer discusses Indiana’s role as one of the nation’s leading coal-producing states and the vital contributions Hoosier miners make to powering the American economy and supporting the nation’s industrial base.

Rep. Messmer additionally highlighted the importance of workforce development and modern mining education programs at schools like the Vincennes University Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, the location of the House Education and Workforce Committee’s field hearing in Fort Branch, Indiana.

Read the full text of the Washington Examiner op-ed at the link here or below.

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Southern Indiana mining is powering American prosperity

By Rep. Mark Messmer

In Indiana, we are familiar with the important impact of the mining industry. We rank among the top 10 coal-producing states, and the industry contributes over $750 million annually to the Hoosier economy. We are proud that our miners play a pivotal role in our economy, as well as in America’s national security, by helping power the United States industrial base each and every day.

The stark reality is that the mining industry is not just a crucial source of energy, but also an important job producer in this country, powered by the strength and hard work of American laborers.

The mining industry powers our country’s energy grid, contributes to critical infrastructure needs, and secures the raw materials that keep our economy thriving and competitive. But the real measure of its success is not how much product is produced, but rather the health and safety of the miners who put their lives on the line each day. This requires workplace protections and safety standards to be observed with the utmost intensity.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, helps ensure the rules and regulations protecting miners are properly followed. Through regular inspections, updated safety standards, and consistent enforcement, MSHA works to ensure no corners are cut and no precautions are ignored.

However, the best ideas and solutions should not come from someone sitting behind a desk in Washington, D.C., but rather from those in the field who have firsthand experience with what can go wrong, why it happens, and how injuries can be prevented. MSHA collaborates with miners, operators, engineers, and industry leaders who all bring important perspectives to the table.

Unfortunately, that kind of balance and teamwork was missing from some recent agency decisions. The Biden-Harris administration’s 2024 silica rule was intended to address a real concern shared by everyone involved, protecting miners from harmful dust exposure. But the way this rule was written and implemented failed to achieve its intended goals.

Instead of embracing practical solutions like job rotation or flexible compliance strategies, the rule imposed rigid, one-size-fits-all requirements that have created unnecessary burdens for miners and operators alike. In fact, it resulted in costly overreach and unnecessary redundancy.

We should not have to choose between protecting workers and preserving livelihoods. We can do both, but only by creating policies grounded in reality, not radical ideology.

The House Education and Workforce Committee is holding a field hearing right here in southern Indiana at the Vincennes University Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, a school that trains the next generation of miners.

At the hearing, we will present the facts about mining and allow experts to answer questions and explain the work being done to protect workers and strengthen the industry. Members of Congress participating in the event will also have the opportunity to step into a mine simulator on campus and tour the Peabody Mine in Francisco, Indiana.

Today’s miners are highly trained operators of advanced technological systems and intricate equipment. Virtual reality training tools, simulation-based learning, and continuous reskilling are essential to keeping workers safe and providing hands-on experience in a secure environment while they learn their trade.

America’s miners deserve nothing less than our full commitment to their safety. That means strong and effective oversight from MSHA, smart policies that balance innovation with practicality, and a continued focus on training and workforce development.

With this practical approach, we can ensure we are doing everything possible to educate the next generation of mining engineers, protect good-paying jobs, and grow an industry that remains vital to the prosperity of the United States of America.

Mark Messmer is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Indiana’s 8th Congressional District.


Griffith to Support Slain Ninth District Officer, Statement on National Police Week

The United States of America observes National Police Week from May 10, 2026, through May 16, 2026. As part of the weeklong observance, officers killed in the line of duty will be honored. This includes Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Jeremy Hall, who was killed by an inmate attack in November 2025. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Officer Hall served the River North Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, with professionalism, integrity and courage. Ninth District communities and Virginia law enforcement continue to grieve his tragic loss and honor his service.

“In DC this week, Congress will vote on a resolution that memorializes Officer Hall and all law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. Their names will also be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, where Officer Hall’s contributions to the Virginia Department of Corrections and his local communities will be forever honored.

“The Ninth District of Virginia is served by dedicated law enforcement professionals. They meet a variety of challenges, support safe communities and work for our protection. On this National Police Week, I thank Ninth District law enforcement officers and their families for their sacrifices.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith’s Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record that honors Officer Hall can be found here.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on a series of bills to honor and help law enforcement agencies:

- H.R. 5625 – Cashless Bail Reporting Act

- H.R. 6260 – Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025

- H. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers (Rep. Griffith is original co-sponsor of resolution)

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Neal Requests GAO Report on Private Credit in Retirement Plans

WASHINGTON, DC— As alternative investment vehicles become more readily available, Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review the impact that investing in private credit has on retirement plans. While the Administration rolls more regulations back on investments historically associated with wealthier investors, Neal is fighting to ensure American workers’ best interests are at front of mind, not Wall Street’s pockets.

“Because private credit operates outside of the relatively strict and transparent regulation of public credit and banking regulations, we have concerns about the reliability of valuations for these assets and the exposure of plan participants’ retirement savings to an unknown level of risk, Ranking Member Neal wrote to GAO. “Given the significant responsibility that plans and plan participants face in selecting investment options to grow and safeguard their retirement savings, and the known and unknown risks of investing in private credit, we would like GAO to answer the following questions.”

Ranking Member Neal has been out front in the fight to protect retirement savings. In 2024, GAO released a similar report requested by Neal that analyzed the impact of cryptocurrency in 401(K) plans.

Read the request to GAO HERE.

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House to Consider Nunn Resolution Honoring Law Enforcement During National Police Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives is set to consider a resolution led by Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) expressing support for the men and women of law enforcement and rejecting policies that put officers and the communities they serve at greater risk.

“Iowa’s sheriffs, deputies, and officers run toward danger every day to keep families safe across our communities,” said Rep. Nunn. “No matter the situation, they answer the call, and they deserve both recognition and support from Congress.”

Law enforcement officers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country. According to the FBI, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers were assaulted in the line of duty in 2024, the highest rate in a decade. Departments are also stretched thin by a deepening recruitment and retention crisis. In a 2024 International Association of Chiefs of Police survey of more than 1,150 agencies, 65% reported being forced to cut services or eliminate specialized units because of staffing shortages, up from just 25% in 2019. Across Iowa and the country, that means fewer officers on patrol and slower response times for the families who depend on them.

“As proud as I am of the bipartisan solutions we’ve led to increase funding for local departments in Iowa, I’m equally concerned by the rhetoric and actions of some on the far-left who make law enforcement’s job harder,” continued Rep. Nunn. “From calls to defund the police to sanctuary policies that block local officers from cooperating with federal authorities, these decisions put the lives of officers and local communities in harm’s way. This Police Week, the House has a chance to make clear that we stand with the men and women in uniform, and against the rhetoric and policies that put them at risk.”

The resolution expresses Congress’s appreciation for the men and women of law enforcement and recognizes the sacrifices they make to protect and serve. It also brings attention to the daily acts of service that go beyond an officer’s typical law enforcement duties and frequently go unrecognized. The resolution is set to be considered on the floor of the House this week during National Police Week, which runs May 11–17.

Text of the resolution can be found here.

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Nunn Secures $2 Million Investment to Modernize DMACC Campus and Expand Workforce Training

“As Iowa’s economy evolves, our classrooms and training programs need to evolve with it,” said Rep. Nunn. “Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, transportation, or public safety, this investment will help equip the next generation of Iowa workers with the skills, hands-on training, and career pathways Iowa employers need filled right now.”

Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The award, funded through Economic Development Initiatives, will support construction of a new 120,000-square-foot academic facility on DMACC’s Ankeny campus.

Once complete, the new facility will replace aging academic buildings that are more than 50 years old with modern classrooms, upgraded technology, and dedicated workforce training space designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. The project will expand capacity in critical fields, including manufacturing, transportation, and public safety, while also enhancing student support services and creating more opportunities for career-connected learning.

This investment builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader efforts to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline and expand access to career and technical education opportunities across the state. In 2024, Rep. Nunn secured a $1 million federal investment for DMACC’s Transportation Institute Education Center to help train the next generation of CDL drivers and address workforce shortages in Iowa’s transportation industry.

Rep. Nunn is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act, legislation crafted to expand apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers.

“Our new, $34-million facility marks a powerful investment in opportunity, in innovation, and in the skilled hands that build and power our communities,” said Dr. Liang Chee Wee, Interim President & CEO, DMACC. “Our students represent the next generation of professionals who will keep our economy running. This facility will give them the learning opportunities they deserve to rise to the challenge in their respective fields. We are thankful to Representative Zach Nunn for securing funding for this important project.”

“This facility is more than just infrastructure; it is a premier training hub designed to sharpen student skills through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Jenny Foster, Executive Academic Dean for Manufacturing, Engineering, & Transportation, DMACC. “By investing in these modern, real-world learning spaces, we are ensuring our workforce is prepared to meet the demands of industry and build a stronger economic future for our entire community.”

“This investment is not just about a building. It is about responding to the community needs of medical and emergency services across the state,” said Dr. Jeannie McCarville-Kerver, Executive Academic Dean for Health Science & Fitness and Public & Community Services Pathways, DMACC. “This building will have advanced simulation labs and modern training environments that mirror the real emergencies our responders face every day. With expanded space and updated technology, we can train more students, more efficiently, and more effectively than ever before.”

“For companies like Ruan, the fields that this center will support — diesel, HVAC, building trades, and fire science — support the infrastructure, transportation, and services that businesses across Iowa rely on every day,” said Brad Gehring, Vice President, Procurement & Asset Management, Ruan Transportation Management Systems. “This center will strengthen the connection between education and workforce needs, and that benefits students, employers, and Iowa’s economy. Representative Nunn’s work to secure this $2 million investment reflects the kind of practical support that helps communities grow and industries stay competitive.”

“The need for a state-of-the-art facility to train future firefighters and EMS providers is evident,” said Jonathan Lund, Fire Chief, Des Moines Fire Department. “The growth that the Des Moines metro has experienced has been rapid, and the demand for high-quality candidates to apply for jobs in the fire and EMS sector will only continue to increase.”

“Congressman Nunn’s commitment to Iowa’s workforce, this community, and to DMACC specifically has been unwavering, and today is a direct result of his hard work on our behalf. Congressman Nunn, we are truly grateful,” said Mark Holm, Polk County Supervisor.

“Thank you to Congressman Nunn for securing this $2 million grant for DMACC and Iowa’s future workforce,” said Jill Altringer, Polk County Supervisor. “DMACC plays a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers that keep our communities and economy moving forward. This new academic facility will give the next generation of Iowa workers the modern classrooms, technology, and hands-on training opportunities they need to succeed.”

The project has received strong support from workforce partners, employers, community leaders, and education advocates across central Iowa. Construction is expected to support DMACC’s long-term campus modernization efforts through 2030.

Photos of the press conference are available here.

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