Case Opposes Funding Measures That Cripple Efforts To Combat High Housing Cost And Weaken Core Environmental Programs

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his Appropriations Committee approved two more of its twelve Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations bills: the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) and the Interior/Environment funding measures.

The FY 2027 T-HUD funding bill proposes a total $92.2 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the U.S. Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a reduction of 8% from current Fiscal Year 2026.

The Interior/Environment bill proposes a total $39 billion for the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Forest Service, and various independent agencies including the National Endowments on Arts and the Humanities, a further reduction of 2% off a steep reduction in FY26.

“In both cases, I could not accept the overall result which is to walk away from key federal programs to assist with top priorities for our country and Hawai’i in affordable housing, transportation, environmental protection and historical and cultural preservation,” said Case. He cited the following examples from the T-HUD measure, which significantly cut or eliminated key programs including:

· The HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the only federal program dedicated to developing affordable housing.

· The Housing Counseling Assistance Program, which helps families obtain, sustain and retain their homes.

· The Continuum of Care Program, which supports local service providers in community-based approaches to rehouse individuals and families and build pathways towards greater self-sufficiency.

· National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts.

· The Asian Pacific American Center, which documents and shares the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the nation’s history.

· The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which help to finance local water infrastructure projects.

“However, I did succeed in incorporating many of my requests that are directed at Hawai’i-specific needs, starting with Native Hawaiian-focused housing programs”, said Case. Specifically:

T-HUD

The bill provides $15 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and $28 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund. The funding represents a significant victory for Native Hawaiian housing programs, which have faced heightened scrutiny and proposed cuts this year, including the President’s proposal to eliminate both programs entirely. By rejecting those cuts, the bill preserves critical federal investments that expand housing opportunities and support Native Hawaiian communities across Hawaiʻi.

The bill also included Case’s request to continue funding for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the helicopter and small aircraft industry through accident investigation, analysis and recommendations to prevent future incidents, including several fatal accidents throughout Hawai‘i. The $175 million provided to the NTSB will help make Hawai‘i safer in response to the many aviation tragedies and accidents endured by the state in recent years.

The bill further includes the following funding requested by Case for programs to improve access to affordable housing in Hawai‘i and nationwide:

· $5 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions.

· $38.8 billion for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, Section 8.

· $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula program, which support state and local government efforts to increase access to affordable housing, community assistance services and jobs.

· $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants, which support emergency shelters, rapid rehousing programs and homeless prevention.

Other transportation and infrastructure programs requested and secured by Case include:

· $372 million for the Maritime Security Program.

· $123 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program.

· $105 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point.

· $21.7 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including $1 million to assess the capabilities of using transponder landing systems in space and weather constrained airports such as those in Hawai‘i.

Finally, through his assignment on the Committee, Case also secured two Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focus on local needs in Hawai‘i:

· $1.8 million for the City and County’s Chinatown Affordable Housing Project. These funds would help to preserve much-needed housing by upgrading mechanical systems, making roof and waterproofing improvements and installing accessibility enhancements.

· $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Department of Education’s Safer Hawai‘i Schools Pilot Program. These funds would enhance the security infrastructure for Ruth Keli‘ikōlani Middle School by helping to build a new security camera system.

The House’s Community Project Funding rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.

Interior/Environment

The bill includes the following requests by Case:

· $5 million for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to respond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds that now face possible extinction. These funds are helping to save numerous endemic birds in Hawai‘i that have been devastated by climate change and avian malaria.

· $4.6 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their communities on the West Coast.

· $80 million for State Fire Assistance, which provides financial and technical support directly to states to enhance firefighting capacity, support community-based hazard mitigation and expand outreach and education to homeowners and communities concerning fire prevention.

· $65 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. These centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate.

· $62 million for State Historic Preservation Offices which help preserve Hawaii’s treasured historic properties.

· $29 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Research Units Program, which includes the Hawai‘i Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.

These two measures are the 8th and 9th of the twelve bills taken up by the House Appropriations Committee to collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026). Both bills now move on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.

A summary of the THUD Appropriations bill is available here.

A summary of the Interior Appropriations bill is available here.

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SocialNews.XYZ article on Smith's CECC hearing'Chinese govt's moves to silence critics in US spark alarm'

By GOPI

Published June 5, 2026

Washington, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Chinese government's efforts to silence critics beyond its borders have come under fresh scrutiny in the US Congress, as lawmakers, state officials and democracy activists described what they called an expanding campaign of intimidation, surveillance and coercion targeting people living in America.

At a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), held on the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, lawmakers argued that Beijing's methods have evolved from domestic repression into what they described as a global strategy of "transnational repression".

Opening the hearing, Co-Chair Representative Chris Smith said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was using a range of tactics, including "detaining family members in China, doxing, the use of spyware, deepfakes, Hong Kong bounties, and illegal police stations right here in the United States."

"Tiananmen cannot be erased," Smith said. "You either stand with the tank man or you stand with the tank. There is no middle ground."

Co-Chair Representative Jim McGovern said China remained "the world's worst perpetrator of transnational repression", citing data from Freedom House showing 319 reported incidents since 2014. He urged Congress to advance the bipartisan Transnational Repression Policy Act, which would establish a statutory definition of the practice and strengthen federal, state and local responses.

Among the most striking testimony came from Arthur Liu, a former Chinese democracy activist who fled China after the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown and later settled in California.

Liu told lawmakers he believed political persecution had ended when he arrived in the United States. That changed in 2021, when the FBI warned him that a Chinese operative was allegedly tracking him and seeking personal information about him and his daughter, Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

"The FBI told me to watch out for my surroundings and be careful," Liu testified.

He said agents informed him that a suspected Chinese spy would monitor his movements, place a GPS tracker on his vehicle and attempt to obtain passport information.

"I was terrified for the safety of Alisa when she goes to Beijing to compete for the United States of America," Liu said.

Anna Kwok, board chair of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, described what she called an intensifying campaign against pro-democracy activists living in the United States.

After testifying before Congress in 2023, she said Hong Kong authorities issued a HK$1 million bounty for her arrest. She said she subsequently received threats online and faced intimidation during protests held in San Francisco during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States.

"Feeling safe is a privilege," Kwok told lawmakers. "I am among hundreds of thousands of rights defenders in America who live every single day knowing we are being watched and threatened."

She also described the imprisonment of her father in Hong Kong, saying authorities had used family members as leverage against activists abroad.

State officials told the commission that local governments were increasingly taking steps to counter perceived Chinese influence operations.

Eliot Bostar, a Nebraska state senator, outlined a series of laws enacted in his state to address foreign influence, protect critical infrastructure and combat transnational repression.

"The People's Republic of China is a threat to every state and every community in our country," Bostar said.

Stephen Cox, counsel to the Governor of Alaska and a former US attorney, argued that state authorities have a growing role to play because threats increasingly intersect with consumer protection, technology and infrastructure issues.

"Consumers are on the front lines of our geopolitical conflict with China," Cox said.


Rep. Smith, Assemblyman McGuckin meet with GAO to discuss progress of report on whether the U.S. military weaponized ticks with Lyme disease

Rep. Smith and Assemblyman McGuckin with top leaders from the GAO.

Rep. Chris Smith and NJ Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin today met with top leaders from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to discuss the progress of their investigation—mandated by Smith’s amendment to the FY26 NDAA—into whether the Cold War-era Department of Defense (Department of War) ever used ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents.

“Today’s meeting was highly encouraging and eye-opening,” said Smith. “The GAO is in the process of fully and faithfully implementing the investigation required by my legislation, bringing us closer to the truth of how Lyme disease came to be so pervasive.”

The GAO report, once completed, will include an exhaustive review of experimentation and potential weaponization of ticks conducted by the military and federal government between the period of January 1, 1945 and December 31, 1972.

During the meeting, Smith urged the GAO to review different DOW files and documents relating to Fort Detrick in Maryland and other military installations throughout the country.

“Tick-borne diseases are exploding throughout the country, and New Jersey has one of the highest Lyme rates in the United States. In 2025 alone, New Jersey recorded 5,211 cases of Lyme disease,” stated Smith, a leading lawmaker and advocate for Lyme disease research, prevention, and identification.

“The findings of this report could provide valuable insights into how Lyme disease came to be so common and chronic over the years, potentially leading to the identification and development of new treatments and therapies that could significantly improve Lyme patients’ quality of life and care,” Smith continued.

“If the report determines that the U.S. government did not play a role in the proliferation of Lyme disease, we can close this chapter. But, if the GAO uncovers that the spread of Lyme disease was, in fact, enhanced by U.S. bioweapons specialists, we will be equipped with even more information and evidence to help us find a cure for this debilitating illness.”

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Donalds and Moskowitz Release Bipartisan Hurricane Preparedness for Floridians

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) released a bipartisan public service announcement (PSA) urging Floridians to prepare now as hurricane season gets underway. The PSA covers critical preparedness steps every Floridian should take before a storm strikes, including assembling a disaster supply kit, understanding evacuation zones, and knowing the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.

"Protecting Florida communities is a shared duty that transcends any political divide. The safety and security of all Floridians is paramount, especially as we enter this hurricane season," said Congressman Byron Donalds. "I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Moskowitz, in urging all Floridians to take proactive steps today. Don't wait for a storm. Prepare today: get 7 days of supplies, know your evacuation route, and stay ready.”

“Hurricanes don’t care whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican; they hit everyone,” said Congressman Jared Moskowitz. “That’s why I’m proud to join Byron Donalds to deliver this message together. Floridians should not wait until a storm is on the radar to start preparing. Get your kit ready, have seven days of supplies, know your evacuation zone, and download the FEMA app today.”

The PSA urges Floridians to take the following steps before a storm arrives:

● Assemble a disaster supply kit that can last you seven days, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.

● Know your evacuation zone and follow instructions from local emergency management officials.

● Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours; a warning means they are expected within 36 hours.

● Have a plan for pets. Know where you can take them, pack food and supplies, and make them part of your evacuation plan. Not all shelters accept pets; you must plan where you'll bring your pets ahead of time. Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred kennels and facilities, and make a plan to ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.

● Download the FEMA app for real-time weather alerts and nearby shelter locations.

● Businesses should plan to protect employees, maintain communications, and secure property before a storm hits.

Floridians are encouraged to stay informed through their local emergency management office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

To watch the PSA, click


Rep. Estes Introduces Bipartisan Digital Services Tax Resolution

U.S. Representative Ron Estes (KS-04) introduced a bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 1340, expressing strong opposition to Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) and other extraterritorial tax measures levied by foreign nations that unfairly target and discriminate against American companies and workers.

The resolution highlights that several countries - including France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria, and the United Kingdom, have already implemented DSTs, while others such as Poland and Belgium are actively considering them. These taxes deviate from established international income tax systems by targeting a company’s gross revenue rather than its net income, regardless of whether the business has a physical presence in that country.

Congressman Estes Resolution is co-led by Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and co-sponsored by Reps. LaHood (IL-16), Panetta (CA-19), Moran (TX-01), and Schneider (IL-10).

“Free and fair trade relies on international cooperation, mutual respect, and legal certainty,” Rep. Estes said. “DSTs are designed to unfairly penalize American innovation, creating a hostile environment of double taxation and market distortion that harms not just our premier tech companies, but also the U.S. small businesses and consumers who rely on them. This resolution sends a clear message: the United States will use every trade and tax tool at our disposal to protect our workers and businesses from discriminatory foreign overreach.”

“The U.S. should be rule makers, not rule takers, in the growing global digital economy. Digital trade is far more than just a technology issue. It is fundamental to our modern economy, supporting millions of American jobs and growing Washington state’s technology, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors,” Rep. DelBene said. “This resolution urges the U.S. to oppose digital service taxes that undermine the competitiveness of our digital sector and defend the high-quality jobs it supports.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues on this resolution to show strong bipartisan support for multilateral engagement to address the rise of digital services taxes and other similar taxes that blatantly target U.S. companies,” Rep. Schneider said. “We must stand together as members of the Ways and Means Committee to work with our global partners and ensure a fair playing field for U.S. companies.”

“As co-chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, I have witnessed firsthand how fair and effective digital trade rules directly correlates to the success of manufacturers, farmers, and small businesses across Illinois’ 16th District,” Rep. LaHood said. “We must remain aggressive in using the necessary tools to combat unfair foreign digital trade policies that are in direct contradiction to our values and seek to undermine American businesses.”

“Multiple reports have made clear that other countries' digital service taxes unfairly discriminate against the United States, violating principles of free and fair trade and undermining existing international agreements,” Rep. Panetta said. “I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in strong opposition to these harmful taxes that target American digital businesses and hurt their customers. We must build an international consensus against these taxes which undermine fundamental tax principles and fairness.”

"Foreign governments that single out American companies for discriminatory taxation are undermining free and fair trade. This resolution puts Congress on record demanding they stop,” Rep. Moran said. “I'm proud to join Representatives Estes, LaHood, DelBene, Panetta, and Schneider in sending that message clearly and with one bipartisan voice."

This resolution aligns with past investigations conducted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Those investigations concluded that DSTs are explicitly structured to discriminate against U.S. digital companies, are unusually burdensome due to retroactive applications, and violate prevailing international tax and trade agreements.

Congressman Estes’ resolution emphasizes that while sustained U.S. trade engagement has previously compelled some trading partners to withdraw or rethink these taxes, continuous vigilance and a united legislative front are required to safeguard the competitiveness of the United States economy.


Rep. Fallon Statement in Response to HASC Passage of FY27 NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the House Armed Services Committee’s 44-12 vote in favor of passing the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman, Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) commented:

“The United States is at a critical juncture in history. With the ever-looming threats posed by near-peer adversaries, we must ensure that our military has the resources and support necessary to defend our nation and American interests. For this reason, I am proud to join my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee in passing the FY27 NDAA. This critical piece of legislation strengthens our defense industrial base, invests in key technologies, and secures our supply chains while taking great strides to deliver on President Trump’s historic $1.5 trillion defense budget.”

“As Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I will always prioritize our military’s greatest resource–the men and women in uniform who dedicate their lives to defending our nation. The FY27 NDAA focuses on improving servicemember quality of life, including a seven percent pay raise and authorizing additional resources to recruiters to maintain the remarkable turnaround we have seen in recent years regarding recruitment and retention levels. This package dedicates much-needed funding to ensuring that the American warfighter has the support needed to prevail on the battlefield of today and tomorrow.”

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Finstad Applauds Committee Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement following the full committee markup of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027:

“In revitalizing America’s industrial base, enhancing quality of life for our servicemembers, and lowering barriers for small businesses, giving them greater opportunities to innovate and be a part of our supply chains, this FY27 NDAA delivers and builds upon critical components of Peace Through Strength,” said Rep. Finstad. “I was proud to support the Committee’s passage of this crucial, bipartisan legislation, and look forward to getting it to the House Floor.”

Finstad continued, “Included in the Chairman’s Mark, the Committee’s proposed $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, was the National Guard Relief Act, legislation I introduced to designate the National Guard Relief Foundation as a military welfare society, ensuring our National Guard Members and their families have assistance in times of need. I am grateful to see this legislation move forward and will continue working to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers who work tirelessly to protect this great nation.”

“Thanks to Congressman Finstad’s leadership, the FY27 NDAA designates the National Guard Relief Foundation as an official Military Relief Organization – a critical policy that will support National Guard members facing difficult circumstances,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. “He’s been a strong advocate for servicemembers, military families, and veterans in Minnesota and across the country. I look forward to working together to revitalize our defense industrial base, restock the Arsenal of Freedom, and reinforce our national security.”

Also included in the FY27 NDAA is language from Congressman Finstad’s legislation, the Strategic Transparency Act, ensuring that the United States remains equipped with the information necessary to respond to China’s growing influence and evolving military capabilities.

Congressman Finstad authored 14 provisions and numerous amendments within this year’s NDAA that strengthen our overall national defense, such as:


Rep. Jimmy Gomez Votes to Pass Crucial Support for Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement after helping pass the Ukraine Support Act:

“I voted for this legislation to continue America’s support for the Ukrainian people as they defend their homes, their families, and their right to live free from Russia’s invasion.

“For years, Ukrainians have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of violence, displacement, and loss while continuing to fight for their country and their future. Abandoning them now would reward Vladimir Putin’s aggression and send a dangerous signal to authoritarian leaders around the world.

“The United States is stronger when we stand with our allies and support people fighting for freedom, security, and self-determination.”


Rep. Gomez Slams Senate Republicans for Passing $70 Billion Immigration Enforcement Slush Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement in response to Senate passage of Republican immigration enforcement bill:

“In the dead of night, Senate Republicans advanced a bill that would hand Donald Trump another $70 billion to expand his mass deportation agenda and supercharge ICE and CBP without accountability or meaningful reform.

“I’ve been inside these detention facilities because I fought to get inside them. After the Trump administration illegally blocked Members of Congress from conducting oversight, I sued them and won in federal court so we could continue carrying out inspections and expose what is happening behind closed doors.

“What I’ve seen and heard has stayed with me. I’ve met with families torn apart by these policies, children separated from their parents, spouses terrified their loved ones will disappear into a detention system, and people being held in dangerous and inhumane conditions. As the son of immigrants, those conversations hit close to home. No one should fear that a trip to work, school, or church could end with their family being ripped apart.

“Instead of reforming a broken system, or investing in lowering the cost of housing, childcare, and healthcare for working families, this bill gives ICE and CBP billions more to expand Trump’s mass deportation operation with even less accountability.

“I will vote no, and I will continue fighting in Congress, in the courts, and on the ground to defend the dignity, safety, and constitutional rights of every person.”


One Year After Trump's Attempted Federal Takeover in Los Angeles Rep. Jimmy Gomez Conducts Oversight Visit at ICE Detention Facility

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) conducted an unannounced oversight visit at the B-18 federal detention facility in Los Angeles, marking one year since President Trump deployed federal forces to Los Angeles and dramatically escalated immigration enforcement operations across the region.

The visit comes as Rep. Gomez continues ongoing oversight efforts aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper treatment of individuals held in federal custody.

"For the past year, I've worked to hold the Trump administration accountable for its actions in Los Angeles," said Rep. Gomez. "When the administration tried to block congressional oversight, I fought back in court and won. Since then, I've continued using my lawful oversight authority to monitor conditions inside detention facilities and ensure the public gets answers."

Over the past year, Rep. Gomez has repeatedly sought information about federal immigration enforcement operations and detention conditions in Los Angeles. After being denied access to facilities where individuals were being held, Gomez challenged the administration's restrictions in court and successfully secured the right to conduct oversight visits.

Since then, Gomez has conducted multiple inspections of federal detention facilities, meeting directly with detainees, reviewing conditions inside facilities, and pressing federal officials for answers regarding the treatment of individuals in custody.

One year after federal forces were deployed to Los Angeles and immigration operations intensified across the region, Rep. Gomez continues to conduct oversight on behalf of the communities he represents and to ensure federal agencies remain accountable to the public.


House Armed Services Committee Adopts Goodlander-Led Bipartisan Amendment to Strengthen Military’s Right to Repair Its Own Equipment

Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act would strengthen America’s military readiness and save taxpayers billions.

Washington, D.C. — Tonight, the House Armed Services Committee adopted a bipartisan amendment led by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) to strengthen the Department of Defense’s ability to repair and maintain its own equipment.

The amendment establishes a clear default framework for acquiring the technical data and repair rights needed to sustain military systems, helping improve readiness and reduce wasteful spending.

“I offered this amendment for a very straightforward reason: to vindicate a principle that is both common sense and deeply American — that our servicemembers should have the tools and the ability to fix and maintain the equipment they rely on to accomplish their missions,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “For decades, our military has been forced to operate under a broken system that makes even routine repairs unnecessarily difficult, threatens readiness, and costs taxpayers billions of dollars. This amendment cuts red tape, closes loopholes, and helps ensure our warfighters can do the jobs we’ve asked them to do.”

“Right to repair is in the final House version of the NDAA, and every service that asked us for it is going to get it,” said Congressman Harrigan. “When you are contemplating a protracted conflict in a far-off contested environment, where access to contractors may be limited and rapid organic maintenance is critical to mission success, this is a readiness requirement, not a nice to have. We owe this to the warfighters, we delivered, and I am proud to have fought for it alongside Congresswoman Goodlander.”

The amendment builds on longstanding concerns raised by military leaders across the services regarding restrictions that prevent the Department of Defense from repairing equipment it has already purchased.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has testified that military right-to-repair policies would reduce reliance on contractors, lower maintenance costs, and lead to long-term cost savings. Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, has called current repair restrictions “not sustainable” and “dangerous,” while Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach has stated that “the ability to repair our own equipment is an important part of increasing readiness in many weapon systems.”

The military right to repair is supported by hundreds of small businesses across the country, which argue that expanding repair rights would increase competition, strengthen the defense industrial base, and keep our military mission-ready.

“This is about military readiness, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and empowering the men and women who serve our country,” Goodlander said. “Our military leaders have been remarkably clear: they need the ability to repair and maintain their own equipment. Congress should listen to them. Tonight’s vote is an important step forward, and I look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Harrigan and our colleagues in the Senate, Senator Warren and Senator Sheehy, to get this measure across the finish line.”

BACKGROUND:

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander and Congressman Pat Harrigan co-led a bipartisan military right-to-repair amendment during today’s markup to address a longstanding military readiness challenge.

Today, qualified servicemembers are often prevented from repairing mission-critical weapons systems and equipment because contractor-imposed restrictions require repairs to be performed by the original manufacturer. These limitations can delay maintenance, undermine readiness, and increase costs for taxpayers.

The amendment will strengthen the Department of Defense’s ability to obtain the technical data and information needed to repair and maintain military equipment while establishing clearer requirements for contractors seeking more restrictive rights.

Expanding military right to repair will improve readiness, increase competition within the defense industrial base, and save taxpayer dollars by reducing reliance on sole-source maintenance arrangements and costly contractor repair services.

Senior Leaders across the Army, Navy and Air Force have all expressed support for strengthening the military’s ability to repair and maintain its own equipment, including in response to repeated oversight questions from Congresswoman Goodlander.

Last year, Goodlander and Harrigan worked together to advance right-to-repair provisions during House Armed Services Committee consideration of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The Senate Armed Services Committee also included significant right-to-repair language, but those provisions were ultimately not included in the final FY26 NDAA. The final law did include an important first step requiring the Department of Defense to develop and implement a digital system to track, manage, and assess technical data related to covered systems and verify contractor compliance with technical data requirements. The FY27 amendment builds on that progress by helping ensure the Department can obtain the information and rights necessary to sustain and maintain the equipment it purchases.

Military leaders across the services have repeatedly warned that repair restrictions can increase costs, delay maintenance, and harm military readiness. In the Senate, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Sheehy are leading a bipartisan effort to advance similar right-to-repair provisions, reflecting growing bipartisan and bicameral support for reform.

Goodlander, a former Navy Reserve intelligence officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee, has consistently pressed senior defense leaders on the need to strengthen military readiness, increase competition, reduce waste, and ensure servicemembers have the tools they need to maintain and repair the equipment they rely on to accomplish their missions.

The amendment was adopted by the House Armed Services Committee during consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, marking a significant step forward in the effort to strengthen military right-to-repair protections.

Watch the full House Armed Services Committee debate on Congresswoman Goodlander’s bipartisan military right-to-repair amendment HERE.

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Rep. Grijalva Introduces Amendments to Address Harmful SNAP State Cost-Shift Driving Arizonans Off Food Assistance

473,793 Arizonans, including 205,223 children, have lost SNAP benefits

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva introduced two amendments to the FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill to address harmful impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Arizonans losing access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The OBBBA imposed new financial penalties on states that administer SNAP if they exceed a 6 percent payment error rate. The State of Arizona estimates those penalties could cost the state between $100 million and $300 million annually.

Importantly, the SNAP payment error rate does not measure fraud, abuse, or misuse of the program. Instead, it measures whether households received the exact benefit amount for which they were eligible under SNAP's complex eligibility rules. The error rate includes both overpayments and underpayments. Compounding the problem, USDA has not publicly released internal methodology it uses to calculate these error rates, making it difficult for states to object to their calculations.

Since the passage of the OBBBA last July, 473,793 Arizonans, including 205,223 children, have lost SNAP benefits—the largest decline in SNAP participation of any state and roughly a 50 percent reduction in enrollment. In April, Rep. Grijalva first raised the alarm of the significant decline in SNAP enrollment in Arizona.

"To help pay for reckless wars overseas and tax breaks for the wealthy, this administration is taking food off the tables of working families trying to feed their children,” said Rep. Grijalva. “We know that eligible Arizonans – including children – have been kicked off SNAP because of this policy. This provision was never about preventing fraud. It is a backdoor attempt to slash food assistance by pushing astronomical costs onto states, which is exactly what’s happening. I will continue to adamantly oppose any unnecessary cost-shifting by USDA to the states."

Rep. Grijalva's first amendment would require USDA to calculate SNAP payment error rates in accordance with existing federal regulations, which specifically excludes administrative deficiencies such as a missing application or overdue recertification, from the payment error rate. Her second amendment would require USDA to publicly disclose the methodology it uses to calculate those error rates, providing states with the transparency needed to address inconsistencies from USDA. Unfortunately, the amendments were not accepted in the final version of the bill passed by House Republicans on Thursday evening.

The following organizations joined Rep. Grijalva in highlighting the need to abandon this harmful provision of the OBBBA:

"The House Agriculture Appropriations bill fails to provide the transparency states will need as they prepare to implement the harmful SNAP cost-share requirements in H.R. 1,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “Without amendments that would have mandated USDA to share information about how it calculates SNAP Quality Control and Payment Error Rates, states will be left without critical information that reveals how potential penalties may be assessed. This creates insurmountable uncertainty as they prepare for new financial obligations, while still administering a program that millions of people rely on to put food on the table."

“Arizona is in a hunger and food affordability crisis,” said Drew Schaffer, Executive Director of the William E. Morris Institute for Justice. “Families and kids are going without food because of H.R. 1, including its penalties that hurt state budgets. We need government leaders to step up and make sure food assistance reaches Arizonans. That should be everyone’s highest priority right now. Getting food assistance to people is the core purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. H.R. 1’s poorly designed use of the federal payment error rate to shift SNAP costs and burdens to states is harmful.”

"Arizona has become the clearest warning sign of what happens when federal policymakers shift costs and complexity onto states instead of protecting families’ access to food,” said Joseph Palomino, Director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. “Nearly half a million Arizonans — including more than 205,000 children — have already lost SNAP, not because they stopped needing help, but because a harmful policy is making it harder for eligible families to stay connected to the assistance they need. Payment error rates are not a measure of fraud, and they should not be used as a pretext to punish states, drive people off food assistance, or take food off the tables of Arizona families.”


Congressman Rogers Applauds House Passage of Federal Funding Bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration

Includes Nearly $3.4 Million for Morgan County Emergency Services Facility

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers voted for the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The comprehensive federal funding bill supports America’s farmers, invests in rural development programs, bolsters food and drug safety, and protects nutrition programs for those who need it the most.

Congressman Rogers announced that his Community Project Funding request for nearly $3.4 million for a Regional Emergency Services and Training Facility in Morgan County was also approved in the bill.

“The health and safety of the American people are at the heart of this funding bill, by supporting our farmers, protecting our supply chains and strengthening nutrition programs. SNAP and WIC benefits are a lifeline for many families in Eastern Kentucky, and this bill reflects our work with the Trump Administration to ensure food aid will always be available to American citizens who qualify for them, by cutting the waste, fraud and abuse that threatens the programs’ sustainability. We also boosted Child Nutrition programs and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors in this bill to strengthen the safety net,” said Congressman Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee. “This bill also makes critical investments in rural development programs, rural broadband, the electric loan program and homeownership loan program. Making our rural communities stronger, makes America stronger – that’s why I was proud to secure nearly $3.4 million in this bill to support Morgan County’s first responders and emergency operations.”

The legislation maintains House Republicans’ commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers and consumers. It also invests in critical research programs to address emerging pests and diseases, prevents taxpayer dollars from funding climate hubs, discrimination against Americans based on traditional marriage beliefs, and wasteful Biden-era spending.

The federal funding bill now moves on to the Senate for consideration.

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.


Rogers, Barr Applaud Trump's Investment in Kentucky Coal to Create Jobs, Lower Costs

SOMERSET, KY — U.S. Congressmen Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Andy Barr (KY-06) applaud President Trump's historic investment in Clean, Beautiful Coal. President Trump infused nearly $1 billion in federal funds into coal projects across the nation, including $124 million in Kentucky.

The two recipients in Kentucky are Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) and Duke Energy Kentucky. These funds will go to upgrade and modernize coal-fired power plants in Boone, Lawrence, and Pulaski Counties. These plants have kept the lights on in hundreds of thousands of Kentucky homes for years, and this funding will help ensure they can continue doing so for many years to come. The announcement delivers on the commitment President Trump and Congressman Barr have made to restore American energy dominance, defend Kentucky coal jobs, and keep reliable coal-fired power powering homes across the Commonwealth.

“Coal is not just part of Kentucky’s past, it is a key to our future,” said Congressman Barr. “Clean, beautiful, Kentucky coal can be a centerpiece of America’s energy dominance, create good paying jobs, and help us win the race for AI against China. President Trump understands all of this, and I commend him for taking another step to end the Obama-Biden war on coal.”

“President Trump is a champion for coal and that is a huge win for Kentucky’s coal country,” said Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY-05). “Coal keeps the lights on, keeps food on the table and will drive down our energy rates. This investment in EKPC and the Cooper Station in Pulaski County, is a game changer, and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership.”

“EKPC wants to thank President Trump and his Administration for this investment. This will support creation of good-paying jobs while maintaining reliable, low-cost electric service here in Kentucky,” said EKPC President and CEO, Don Mosier.


Congressman Hamadeh’s NDAA Amendments Aimed at Improving Quality of Life for Service Members and Arizona’s Superior Status on National Defense Pass

WASHINGTON D.C. - On Tuesday, Congressman Abraham Hamadeh proudly supported the advancement of numerous amendments that will improve the quality of life for our nation’s warfighters and secure Arizona's status as a premiere hub for National defense industries in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Hamadeh offered amendments to be considered during the NDAA markup process today that will have a positive impact on our Service Members’ quality of life, preserve our nation’s history, improve ballot security for military members, and boost Arizona’s economy.

Combat Pay Protection Act

No American Left Behind Act

No Equipment Left Behind Act

Military and Veterans Fuel Discount Act (co-led by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-CA)

Critical Minerals Mining Workforce Development Act

AZ Hermosa Mine Domestic Antimony for Defense Production Capability Pilot Program

Maverick Act

Veterans and Servicemembers Treatment-Resistant PTSD Emerging Treatment Review Act

Make American Guns Again (MAGA) Act, by Rep. David Taylor, R-OH

Keeping Returning Servicemembers and Pets Together

Ending Endless Witch Hunts on Warriors, with Rep. Eli Crane, R-AZ

Securing American Firms & Expertise in Services (SAFE Services) Act, co-led with Rep. Cory Mills, R-FL

Brandon Act Implementation, led by Rep. Gil Cisneros, D-CA, and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-VA

Review of Secure and Timely Voting under UOCAVA for Deployed Servicemembers and Dependents

Accelerating Luke Air Force Base / Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield Turnaround

Addressing Locality Pay Disparities in Yuma County

Promoting Basing Retention for Phoenix Goldwater Air National Guard Base KC-135 Refueling Tankers

Planning for Safe and Secure Joint-Use AZ Airfields at Fort Huachuca and MCAS Yuma

Ensuring MCAS Yuma Fighter Pilot Range Modernization

Re-Securing Goldwater Range Radio Funding for Safety

Davis-Monthan Compass Call Aircraft Mission Expansion

Finally Planning to Fill Yuma Proving Ground’s Pole Line Road Potholes

National Guard Counter-Drug Schools Funding Increase

Pentagon Plans to Stop Cartel Fuel Smuggling

Requiring Cost-Benefit Analysis Before Moving A-10 Training Mission from Davis-Monthan; Establishing Framework for A-10 Training, Testing, Sustainment, and Transition (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)

A-10 Mission Autonomous and Non-Traditional Capability Experimentation (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)

Tucson AMARG Boneyard: Recoverable Storage Aircraft Regeneration Plans

A-10 Demonstration Team Reconstitution Authorization (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)

A-10 Foreign Partner Transfer and Recoverable Status Report (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)

A-10 Combat Employment, Relevance, and Modernization Report (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)

Making Small Business Discoverable for Defense Production

Deer Valley-Made Jam-Resistant Group 3 Drone Research

Glendale-Engineered F-35 Power and Thermal Modernization

Modernizing Mesa-Built AH-64E Apaches

Northern Arizona University-US Army Autonomous System Resilience Development

Phoenix-Made Swarming Ground Drone Acquisition Strategy

Mesa Next Generation Artillery Munitions Factory Acquisition Strategy

Utilizing University of Arizona Cislunar Domain Awareness Leadership

Chandler / Deer Valley-Made Attritable Jet-Powered Aircraft

Investment in Peoria-Made Next Generation Ballistic Plates for Soldiers

Securing AZ-Made Batteries for Military Base Security

Scottsdale-Developed Open Suite Standards for Military Vehicles

Tucson Tech Park Drone-Killing Lasers

Chandler / Deer Valley Mobile UAS Launch Capabilities

Flagstaff Automated Characterization and Classification of Space Objects

Arizona-Made Hypersonics Strategy

Reserve Component Low-Dollar Sustainment Procurement Reform

AZ Reserve and Guard Travel Reimbursement Fairness

AZ National Guard Dump Truck Modernization

Puerto Rico Power Projection and Training Opportunities

Evaluation of Side Folding Intermodal Shipping Container Systems

Expanding the U.S.-Israel Counter-Tunnel Partnership

Scaling Production of Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Scaling Production of Low-Cost Munitions

Maximizing Space-Based Computing for Satellites

Human Domain Awareness for Special Operations and Civil Affairs


RELEASE: HILL PUSHES TO PRESERVE LITTLE ROCK LANDMARK

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) yesterday introduced H.R. 9148, the Scipio Jones House Assessment Act. If passed, this bill would require the Department of the Interior (DOI) to do a special resource study of the Scipio Jones House with a report to Congress three years after enactment. The study would lay the groundwork for preserving the house and potentially bringing it into the National Park System.

Rep. Hill said, “Scipio Jones is one of the most important figures in American civil rights history, and a proud Arkansas native. He saved 12 men from death row, took their case all the way to the Supreme Court, won, and changed constitutional law for every American who has ever stood accused. While I’m grateful to the City of Little Rock for helping to save this landmark, I’m concerned that the Scipio Jones property continues to be vacant and to deteriorate, and I’m proud to lead the effort to restore it in a way that honors this great Arkansan's legacy.”

Background

Specifically, this bill would evaluate:

The national significance of the study area,

The suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Historic Landmark and affiliated area of the National Park System.

The feasibility of making the home an extension of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

Alternatives for preservation and protection of the study area

Cost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives.

In 2020, Rep. Hill's bill to permit a portrait of Scipio Jones to be displayed at the Little Rock post office that bears his name was signed into law. The portrait, painted by Arkansas artist Wade Hampton, was unveiled at the post office in February 2022.

About Scipio Jones:

Scipio Africanus Jones, who was born to an enslaved person in 1863, attended Walden Seminary (now Philander Smith University) and then attended Bethel Institute (now Shorter College), earning his bachelor’s degree in 1885. In 1889, Jones passed the bar and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Arkansas in 1900 and by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1905.

After the horrific massacre of Black Americans in Elaine, Arkansas, in 1919, Scipio Jones defended 12 wrongly accused Black men who had been charged with murder and condemned by all-white juries.

Despite the Elaine Massacre being described as a "race riot," most of the victims were Black and most of the aggressors were white. With his clients already facing execution, Jones fought their convictions in both state and federal courts. An appeal was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the accused had been denied due process of law. After reviewing the case, the Supreme Court agreed and overturned the convictions. Moore v. Dempsey changed the nature of the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause. The landmark ruling allows federal courts to hear and examine evidence in state criminal cases to ensure that the defendants’ constitutional due process rights are protected.


U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle to host telephone town hall focused on Oregon’s wildfire season

Meeting to feature Oregon State Fire Marshal Marianna Ruiz-Temple who will talk about what to expect and how to prepare

EUGENE, OR — Congresswoman Val Hoyle will hold a Wildfire Telephone Town Hall on June 8, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT, featuring Oregon State Fire Marshal Marianna Ruiz-Temple.

The event, which is open to constituents who register in advance, will focus on the current wildfire outlook as Oregon heads into what experts are calling a “severe and difficult” wildfire season. Congresswoman Hoyle will provide an update on actions she is taking in Congress to address wildfire-related challenges, while Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple will share updates from the state and offer tips on wildfire preparedness and response.

Constituents will have the opportunity to ask questions of both Congresswoman Hoyle and Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple during the event.

All constituents of Oregon’s 4th Congressional District are encouraged to sign up ahead of time using the information below. Participants must sign up by Monday June 8th to guarantee participation in this event:


Huffman, Dexter Expose USDA Official’s Conflicts of Interest as GOP Chairman Shuts Down Ethics Question

The scandal lands as Trump's cuts leave the Forest Service gutted heading into a dangerous fire season

Washington, D.C. – At a Federal Lands Subcommittee oversight hearing yesterday, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) pressed Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz on Under Secretary Michael Boren's conflicts of interest and the advisors with personal ties to Boren now embedded in agency leadership.

When Democrats laid out evidence that one of those advisors may have misled federal ethics officials, Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) intervened to stop the chief from answering.

Boren, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, oversees the Forest Service. His ethics agreement requires him to stay away from matters involving the Sawtooth Conservation and Recreation Alliance, a private property rights group of wealthy landowners that he helped found and that has clashed repeatedly with the agency over his Sawtooth National Forest properties. The point of that rule is simple: a public official should not make decisions that put themselves before the American people.

In his opening statement, Huffman said the administration is following the President's playbook of corruption. He said Boren “appears to have planted his own yes men in the agency to give him a clear path to influencing decisions that impact his own properties in the Sawtooth National Forest,” and that “despite ethics guidance, he has used his wealth to silence his detractors by relaunching a dormant SLAPP suit against two seniors for having the audacity to speak out” against a controversial airstrip he built within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. against his unpermitted airstrip in a national forest years ago.”

Under questioning, Huffman asked Schultz directly whether he and Boren had ever discussed the Sawtooth National Forest. Schultz conceded they had, telling the subcommittee, “It's possible that we have. I can't say for certain that we haven't... we definitely talked about Sawtooth before he came into this job.”

Dexter pressed the chief on the advisors now shaping the agency from the inside, noting that the Forest Service has forced out experienced scientists while installing political appointees with personal connections to Boren, including a senior advisor who is Boren's neighbor and a member of the same organization Boren is barred from working with. Schultz confirmed that three of his advisors have personal connections to Boren, though he maintained they report to him rather than to the Undersecretary.

Dexter then moved to enter four documents into the record: Boren's ethics recusal, two ethics documents for fellow SCRA leader Ken Verheyen, and an annual report filed with the Idaho Secretary of State on May 8, 2026. Together, the documents show that Verheyen told USDA ethics officials that his SCRA leadership ended in September 2025, which left his ethics guidance silent on the group, while the Idaho filing eight months later still listed him as a director. Both cannot be true. Democrats asked Schultz to commit to determining which one and reporting back within a week. Lying to a federal ethics official violates federal law and can carry criminal penalties.

Before the chief could answer, Chairman Tiffany cut in, declared the question out of order, and told Schultz he did not have to respond. The documents were entered into the record, and the chairman moved to close the hearing.

Background

Over the past year, the Trump administration has moved on several fronts that weaken the Forest Service and put the lands it protects at risk. President Trump is rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening nearly 59 million acres of national forest to logging and new road construction, a giveaway his Agriculture Secretary announced last June. His administration moved to hand the Superior National Forest watershed next to the Boundary Waters to a foreign mining company, tearing up protections that took years of science and public input to build, and Congressional Republicans cleared the way by ramming a resolution through the House and Senate. And the administration is forcing through a reorganization that shutters research facilities and relocates the agency's headquarters to Salt Lake City.

The damage falls hardest on the communities that depend on these forests. Under Trump, the agency has shed roughly a quarter of its workforce since the start of 2025. It treated about 35% fewer acres for hazardous fuels in 2025 than the year before, the brush-clearing work that keeps fires away from homes, even as forecasters warn 2026 could be one of the worst fire years on record. Republicans spent the hearing praising these moves while families across fire country are left with a weaker agency heading into a dangerous summer.


Ranking Member Huffman and Senator Markey Statement on Arctic Refuge Lease Sale

Washington, D.C. – House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today issued a statement on the Trump administration’s lease sale for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which offered nearly 700,000 acres of sacred and sensitive lands within the Refuge for sale to oil and gas companies. The auction raised only $3.74 million, with two entities winning bids—one of which is the state development agency for Alaska. No oil majors placed any bids.

“This fact that this auction even took place is both an insult and an injury, but its result should definitively prove that drilling in the Arctic should be taken off the table forever. Even though this auction was an embarrassment for the Trump administration and anyone arguing that this will raise money for the American public, this is still an injury to the Gwich’in people, who hold the Arctic Refuge sacred, and to the Alaska Native people and wildlife who depend upon the health and integrity of the Refuge for their survival. And it’s an insult to our entire country, by sacrificing and selling off America’s public lands for pennies on the dollar—a pointless use of the incredible Arctic as a piggy bank for polluters. The Arctic Refuge lease sale is a raw deal for the American public, and any development in the Refuge would be a devastating loss for the Gwich’in and the Arctic ecosystem.”

The first sale in 2021 generated less than one percent of projected revenue, while the second in 2025 received zero bids. Republicans have repeatedly tried to use Arctic drilling to help offset tax breaks for the wealthy. Trump’s first billionaire giveaway — the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — mandated lease sales in the Arctic Refuge that the Congressional Budget Office estimated would generate $1.8 billion. Those projections proved wildly inaccurate. The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill repeated the same scheme, requiring more lease sales to pay for tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy, with the same failed result.

On March 3, 2026, Ranking Member Huffman and Senator Markey, along with Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), led 60 members in the House and Senate in condemning the Trump administration’s plans to auction off sacred and sensitive lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas companies.

In April 2025, Ranking Member Huffman and Senator Markey reintroduced the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, legislation that would restore critical protections to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by designating the Coastal Plain ecosystem as wilderness under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This legislation would permanently halt any new oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, and drilling on the Coastal Plain, and would safeguard the subsistence rights of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples who depend upon the Arctic Refuge.


Rep. Huffman Fights Back to Protect Families, Pets from Cyanide Bombs

Republicans Repeatedly Block Legislation After Trump Reopens Door to Poisonous M-44 Devices on Public Lands

Washington, D.C. — This week, House Republicans blocked Representative Jared Huffman’s (CA-02) latest attempt to end the use of M-44 cyanide ejectors, commonly known as cyanide bombs, on public lands.

After years of pressure from lawmakers and advocates, the Bureau of Land Management prohibited the use of M-44s on BLM lands in 2023. But just last month, the Trump administration reversed that policy despite widespread public outcry.

Huffman submitted an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Act that would restore the ban. However, the Majority refused to allow the amendment to receive a vote.

"I've spent years fighting to get cyanide bombs off public lands because they are extremely dangerous and ineffective tools that have no business being anywhere near families, pets, or wildlife," said Rep. Huffman. "We made real change that can save lives. But this administration has a bad habit of undoing common-sense protections and calling it progress, and that’s exactly what they did here. Reversing course and bringing cyanide bombs back is reckless, unnecessary, and unacceptable. I'm disappointed Republicans keep stonewalling me, but I’m not deterred. I will keep fighting until these devices are permanently banned."

Huffman additionally submitted an amendment to ban the use of M-44 cyanide ejectors on all public lands to the Farm Bill earlier this year. Republicans also refused to allow the amendment to receive a vote.

Background

M-44 ejectors are spring-loaded devices containing sodium cyanide that are used to kill predators such as coyotes and foxes. When triggered, they release a toxic cloud that can kill within minutes.

Rep. Huffman introduced Canyon's Law, a piece of legislation to permanently ban M-44 cyanide ejectors on public lands. The bill is named after Canyon Mansfield, an Idaho teenager who was exposed to cyanide in 2017 after his dog triggered an M-44 near their home. The incident killed his dog and sent Canyon to the hospital, drawing national attention to the dangers posed by the devices.

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Rep. Ronny Jackson Secures Major Wins for TX-13 During FY27 NDAA Markup

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) secured key defense priorities for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District and America’s warfighters during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation advanced out of committee with strong support, 44-12, and is expected to be considered by the full House in the coming weeks.

“America faces rapidly evolving threats that demand a modern, lethal, and resilient military,” said Rep. Jackson. “This year’s NDAA will strengthen and modernize our national defense, revitalize our Defense Industrial Base, support our warfighters, and invest in the technologies and capabilities needed to deter our adversaries and win on the future battlefield. I’m proud to have championed policies that support Sheppard Air Force Base, Bell Helicopter, and the Pantex Plant in my district, bolster our Special Operations Forces, and provide our military with the resources needed to deter our adversaries and safeguard American citizens.”

“Chairman Jackson is driving critical efforts to ensure America’s national defense community remains the most capable and effective in the world,” said HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). “Through his leadership of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, he is advancing investments in the FY27 NDAA that accelerate emerging technologies, strengthen our strategic advantages, and provide our warfighters with the capabilities they need to succeed in increasingly complex threat environments. Chairman Jackson understands that preserving America’s technological and operational edge is essential to deterring our adversaries and safeguarding our national security.”

Wins for Amarillo:

Bell

Advances full development of the Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), authorizing $2.141 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation, along with $127.2 million for advance procurement of operational test aircraft.

Supports the incorporation of the Nacelle Improvement Program on 24 United States Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft.

Directs a V-22 Readiness and Modernization Report across the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to outline investment plans, readiness improvements, mid-life upgrades, and accelerated nacelle modernization efforts for all V-22 variants.

Fully facilitates the Navy’s H-1 Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program to enhance the performance, survivability, and effectiveness of H-1 aircraft.

Pantex Plant

Section 3115 – Accelerates the timeline for completion of the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility at the Pantex Plant, moving the start of operations from 2034 to 2032.

Directs a briefing on options to enhance the security and operational flexibility of National Nuclear Security Administration activities at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, including potential relocation opportunities within the airport complex.

Authorizes an additional $20 million to accelerate development of the Material Staging Capability project at the Pantex Plant.

Organizes a briefing on the progress of the Pantex Material Staging Capability project, including its finalized conceptual design and initial cost estimates.

Texas Tech University's Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Amarillo

Authorizes $10 million to establish a Joint Neuroscience Demonstration Program focused on developing treatments for the long-term effects of brain injuries in servicemembers.

Wins for Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base:

Section 1107 – Grants the Secretary of War direct hiring authority and competitive pay flexibility to recruit and retain instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors, helping address critical training workforce shortages at Sheppard AFB.

Supports expedited procurement of the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot trainer aircraft to pilot training installations.

Supports Air Force Technical Training Modernization through development of a comprehensive strategy to modernize training for aircraft maintenance, logistics readiness, and munitions and missile maintenance career fields.

Directs an assessment from the Secretary of the Air Force on the benefits of incorporating large rotational student populations at installations like Sheppard Air Force Base into manpower authorizations to improve essential support services and force readiness.

Wins for Special Operational Forces:

Authorizes an additional $1.3 billion for U.S. Special Operations Command to address critical modernization priorities and future battlefield requirements, including funding for 10 additional OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft.

Section 1072 – Directs the Department of War to establish leadership and a long-term strategy for countering ubiquitous technical surveillance, including a plan for a program of record, to strengthen secure communications and develop digital protection capabilities across the force.

Places the Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory under the strategic oversight of the Irregular Warfare Center to ensure alignment of Department-wide irregular warfare objectives.

Examines the feasibility of providing anonymous telehealth-based counseling services for special operations personnel to increase access to mental health and wellness support.

Directs a briefing on the operations, activities, and long-term strategic direction of the Irregular Warfare Center.

Wins for Revitalizing the U.S. Industrial Base:

Section 1809 – Directs the Department of War to account for projected foreign military sales demand in defense industrial base planning, helping to advance President Trump's Executive Order 14383, "Establishing an America First Arms Transfer Strategy," by ensuring foreign military sales are leveraged to strengthen American manufacturing, grow the defense industrial base, create high-quality jobs, and reinforce the nation's long-term military readiness and technological advantage.

Section 152 – Authorizes a multi-year procurement contract for F-35 aircraft, contingent on certification that each aircraft includes the necessary spare parts and mission equipment to support readiness.

Directs a briefing on the Department’s strategy for acquiring affordable, modular air-to-air munitions designed for use by Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Modernizes depot maintenance workload calculations by using a rolling average of past, current, and projected revenue to improve planning and resource allocation.

Wins for Countering Extremist Threats in the Middle East and Africa:

Section 224 – Strengthens the U.S.–Israel alliance and establishes a United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of collaborative, next-generation defense technologies to America's servicemembers, consistent with Rep. Jackson’s U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act.

Provides an additional $45 million for contractor-owned, contractor-operated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support to U.S. Africa Command.

Examines efforts to strengthen defense partnerships in Africa, support counterterrorism initiatives, and counter the malign influence of strategic competitors like China and Russia.

Advances the Department’s efforts to develop and sustain regional unmanned aircraft systems training centers for partner forces across Africa.

Evaluates counterterrorism requirements in West Africa, including an analysis of extremist threats, territorial control, attack trends, and intelligence gaps affecting situational awareness and operational response capabilities.

Wins for Advancing Unmanned Systems and Emerging Technology:

Section 218 – Establishes designated national airspace corridors for testing and training small unmanned aircraft systems to help advance the Department of War’s Drone Dominance Program.

Assesses the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group’s (DAWG) speed of autonomous system adaptation to advance procurement of emerging drone technologies to America’s warfighters.

Provides a $64 million increase to support ground launch demonstrations of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program.

Includes $2.5 million for secure hypersonic prototype manufacturing and $5 million for hypersonic modeling and simulation capabilities research at academic institutions like Texas A&M.

Directs a briefing on Group 3 unmanned aerial systems with potential to perform Group 4 mission sets.

Authorizes a pilot program to evaluate commercially available technologies that strengthen human identity verification for high-consequence cyber and physical security actions.

Accelerates procurement and fleet integration of commercially available small unmanned surface vessels in the U.S. Navy.

Evaluates efforts to assess and adopt AI-enabled assistive technologies for air crew personnel.

Directs the Department to provide a plan to accelerate adoption and deployment of extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles using existing production contracts.

Examines efforts to establish a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute as authorized by Rep. Jackson in the FY26 NDAA.

Directs a briefing on systems for managing seabed data collected from unmanned underwater operations.

Advances efforts to certify, procure, and scale production of electronic safe-and-arm optical proximity fuze systems for counter-UAS applications.

Accelerates the Army’s autonomous cargo handling capabilities in contested logistics environments.

Assesses capabilities developed by the Army’s Contested Logistics Cross-Functional Team to sustain and supply forces on future, highly volatile battlefields.

Wins for the Defense Intelligence Enterprise:

Section 1615 – Directs the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security to issue a biennial assessment and strategy for the Department’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in order to meet intelligence collection requirements.

Supports object-based generative AI for OSINT capabilities for the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.

Integrates OSINT training and tradecraft into all-source intelligence analysis training.

Identifies barriers preventing Service Intelligence Centers from transitioning and scaling validated intelligence capabilities that enhance analytic performance, operational awareness, and mission support for Defense Intelligence Enterprise-wide use.

Wins for United States Military Readiness:

Renames the “Department of Defense” as the “Department of War,” restoring the Department’s historic warfighting ethos.

Section 143 – Examines alternatives for developing the next generation of military airlift aircraft.

Section 1603 – Extends the cap on reimbursable indirect space launch fees through FY2031, helping ensure predictable and competitive access to national security launch facilities.

Section 817 – Authorizes federal agencies to acquire critical national security services through usage-based contracts and extends a pilot program testing consumption-based solutions, while requiring recommendations on whether to make the authority permanent.

Provides an additional $11 million for the Advanced Vital Intervention Airborne Training for Emergencies (AVIATE) to expand military-civilian medical training and preparedness, strengthening readiness and response capabilities for large-scale combat operations and major domestic disasters.

Directs the Air Force to assess the operational, cost, infrastructure, and readiness impacts of the decision to retrofit unsuited rotary-wing aircraft for the continuity of government missions and the transport of U.S. officials and security personnel in the National Capital Region.

Examines the Department’s efforts to establish and conduct recurring evaluations of military and civilian medical surge capacity and interoperability, while supporting digital tools that improve medical planning and decision-making in contested environments.

Authorizes the Air Force to partner with commercial providers to strengthen the readiness and reliability of airlift operations, including support for outsized cargo transport capabilities.

Evaluates the Department’s efforts to improve interagency coordination, operational effectiveness, and allied cooperation to counter adversarial gray zone activities.

Analyzes medical sustainment, casualty evacuation, and force health support requirements in future contested environments with significant unmanned systems activity.

Reviews efforts to expand and modernize the Navy's SHARKCAGE cybersecurity program through a unified information technology and operational technology defense architecture across surface and submarine fleets.

Extends a pilot program to improve aerial refueling and fuel management efficiency through AI technologies.

Wins for the Well-being of Servicemembers and their Families:

Removes the 60-day limit on the accumulation of leave for members of the Armed Forces.

Examines the impact of Military-Connected Academic and Support Program (MCASP) grants and related quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers and their families.

Explores efforts to expand the use of veteran-led nonprofit organizations in POW/MIA recovery missions.

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Smith, Alford, and Schmitt Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Enhance Efforts to Locate Missing Adults with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), and Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026. This legislation will enhance the existing national missing-person alert systems and direct states to provide specialized first-responder training and education for cases of missing individuals with disabilities.

“There are real gaps in our national missing-person alert framework that do not account for individuals with developmental, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities, leaving communities without timely notifications and law enforcement without the training or tools to respond,” said Congressman Smith. “Missouri has already taken action with RJ’s Law, and it’s time the federal government follows suit. This legislation will strengthen our nation’s missing-person alert systems to give first responders access to the training they need to act fast and save lives.”

“Families in Missouri and across America should never have to wonder if our alert systems will find their missing loved ones with a developmental or cognitive disability,” said Congressman Alford. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act closes dangerous gaps in our national missing person framework, while ensuring first responders have the training and tools they need to bring vulnerable individuals home safely. Missouri led the way with RJ’s law, and now were bringing those efforts to the federal level. This is commonsense, life-saving legislation that I’m proud to lead.”

“Strengthening our federal alert systems to better protect individuals with intellectual disabilities is commonsense,” said Senator Schmitt. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act will improve existing protocols for disability-specific emergencies and will equip our law enforcement with the tools they need to respond appropriately and save lives.”

Background:

Kristen’s Act, signed into law in 2000 and named after Kristen Modafferi, an 18-year-old who disappeared in 1997, authorized the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support grant programs to help law enforcement locate missing adults. In 2018, in response to the death of Ashanti Billie, a missing 19-year-old, Congress passed the Ashanti Alert Act as an amendment to Kristen’s Act to fill a gap in the national missing person’s alert system. AMBER Alerts and Silver Alerts only cover those aged under 18 and seniors, respectively. The Ashanti Alert is meant to cover those in-between. Through the program, the DOJ provides resources and training to connect state and local missing adult alert programs, to enable cross jurisdictional cooperation.

This year, the Missouri legislature unanimously passed “RJ’s Law,” named after a child with autism that went missing and drowned, to create a statewide “Purple Alert” that would specifically cover individuals with developmental disabilities.

This delegation-wide effort reflects the Missouri legislature’s work on the Federal level. The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026 would amend the Ashanti Alert Act to require these alerts to include whether the individual has a developmental disability, Alzheimer’s, or dementia. It would also require the DOJ to make available to local law enforcement training and educational programs specifically pertaining to dealing with individuals with these disabilities.

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Jayapal Voting Positions — Week of June 1, 2026

The week of June 1, 2026, I was in India, attending to a serious medical emergency involving my mother. During that time, I unfortunately missed the votes listed below on the House Floor. Please find information on how I would have voted for each of these pieces of legislation, and I look forward to returning to Washington, D.C. next week.

H.R. 2860 – the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025: YES

H.R. 7726* – the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026: NO

H.Con.Res 86 — a War Powers Resolution to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran: YES (see my full statement)

Democratic Motion to Discharge H.Res. 518 — a procedural vote to bring H.R. 2913 (below) to the House Floor for a vote: YES

H.Con.Res 84 — a War Powers Resolution to remove the United States Armed Forces from Lebanon: YES

H.Res. 1336 — a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules: NO

H.R. 8646 – the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027: NO

H.R. 2913 — passage of the Ukraine Support Act: YES


LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT FOR CONGRESSMAN TOM SUOZZI

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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


LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “WHY DOES DONALD TRUMP ALWAYS HAVE TO RUIN A GOOD THING?”

JOHN BERMAN: Joining me now is the top Democrat in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for being with us this morning. You now have this $70 billion bill in front of you that funds ICE fully for the next few years. What recourse do you have?

LEADER JEFFRIES: House Democrats are going to strongly oppose this effort to spend $70 billion in taxpayer funds on continuing to provide support for an ICE agency that the American people know is out of control. At the end of the day, right, taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, particularly in an environment where the cost of living is far too high. Instead, what Republicans want to do is use $70 billion to continue to unleash masked and untrained ICE agents on American citizens, in some cases brutalizing or killing them, as was the case in Minnesota, or target violently law-abiding immigrant families. It’s unacceptable and we’re going to fight it to the very end.

JOHN BERMAN: As for the $1.8 billion compensation fund, some people call it a retribution fund, the President calls it anti-weaponization. There’s been a lot of talk among even some Republicans about trying to legislate it out of even the possibility of existence. In the end, they didn’t. What’s your view there of why they were not able to get that done, and what will you do about that now?

LEADER JEFFRIES: It was a close fight in the Senate. Unfortunately, the effort to permanently ban the $1.8 billion corrupt slush fund that Donald Trump is trying to visit upon the American people in such an out-of-control fashion, it fell just short. But in the House, we’re going to work incredibly hard to permanently ban it legislatively because this administration, this President, this Acting Attorney General, can’t be trusted to do the right thing on behalf of the American people. The notion that anyone who violently beat police officers on January 6 should get a dime of taxpayer dollars is so abhorrent to the American people, we’re going to fight it tooth and nail in the House of Representatives. We’ll introduce amendments to permanently ban it. It may be on life support, according to some. We’ve got to permanently pull the plug.

JOHN BERMAN: Leader Jeffries, I know this is the other chamber, but Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner—there’s a new story in the New York Times where there are allegations of physically threatening behavior by him against at least one former girlfriend. I want to play you his response to that story. Let’s listen.

RECORDING OF GRAHAM PLATNER: There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who is politically motivated.

JOHN BERMAN: Now, Congressman Ro Khanna, who is part of your conference, is going to campaign with him tonight. He says that Platner—the alleged behavior is wrong and toxic, but still going to campaign with him. What would be your advice to House Democrats about whether or not they should support Graham Platner?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let me say more generally, violence against women in any way, shape or form is completely and totally unacceptable. And that should be clear to everyone, and everyone needs to draw that bright line in the sand. In terms of the allegations that have been waged with respect to this particular candidate for the Senate, I haven’t followed it closely. I will continue to defer to Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand in terms of the best path forward in Maine. I haven’t had a conversation with Ro Khanna about this. Listen, John, we’re focused on trying to take back control of the House of Representatives so we can actually serve as a check-and-balance on an out-of-control administration and focus on the things that matter to the American people, like driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption here in Washington, DC.

JOHN BERMAN: He denies the behavior—we played that sound—but you also just said that any violence of women is unacceptable. Does that mean if it is in any way proven to be true, it should be disqualified?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.

JOHN BERMAN: Congressman, I want to play some sound. Kate Bolduan, my co-anchor, esteemed co-anchor, had an interview with Congressman Seth Moulton from Massachusetts yesterday. He’s running for Senate in Massachusetts, but he also has some comments about the Democratic establishment in general. I want you to listen to what he said.

RECORDING OF REP. MOULTON: I think there comes a time to pass the torch to the next generation, and what better time than when the Democratic establishment is just not getting it done? I mean, if you honestly are a Democrat today who says Democrats are knocking it out of the park, we’re winning all across the board, we shouldn’t change a thing, then vote for the establishment, vote for Chuck Schumer, vote for the status quo.

JOHN BERMAN: What do you say to the suggestion that the Democratic establishment—you are the House Leader of Democrats—the Democrat establishment is not getting it done?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re continuing to work hard in the House of Representatives to do what’s necessary to both push back against the extremism that Donald Trump is unleashing against the American people and to chart a path forward that actually is designed to make life better for working-class Americans, middle-class Americans and hardworking American taxpayers. Just this week, House Democrats were successful in passing a War Powers Resolution to end Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice that hasn’t made the American people safer. Iran is in a stronger position now than what they were prior to the start of this war, and of course, this war is increasing gas prices and putting economic pressure on the American people. We’re continuing to do what we need to do aggressively to push back against Donald Trump. We’ve been winning races for the last 16 months, but we have a task ahead of us that we have to accomplish. And ultimately, I think we’ll be judged by whether we take back control of the House in November. That’s what we intend to do.

JOHN BERMAN: Other big items. Game two of the NBA finals tonight in San Antonio. Game three will be next week in New York City. President Trump says he plans to attend. What do you think the reception will be?

LEADER JEFFRIES:I’m not sure it’s going to be a good reception for him, but why does Donald Trump always have to ruin a good thing? Like, literally, the Knicks haven’t been in the NBA finals for 27 years. The city is trying to celebrate this. We’ve embraced this team, and this guy has to inject himself. I mean, come on, seriously, give us a break. Why doesn’t this guy just focus on trying to improve the quality of life of the American people because the Trump economy has been a disaster?

JOHN BERMAN: Are you going when they’re in New York?

LEADER JEFFRIES: No, next week we’re in session. We’ll be here in Washington, D.C., but I hope to gather with a group of friends and colleagues and watch the Knicks be successful in both game three and game four in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.

JOHN BERMAN: Leader Jeffries, we just got an alert, if someone could tell me where it’s from, that Janet Mills, the Governor of Maine, has been encouraged to reenter the Senate race. She suspended her campaign. She never went through. Could someone tell me, encouraged by whom? Hang on. A source close to her. According to sources, she is being encouraged, I imagine by maybe Democrats, I’m not sure, to reenter the race or unsuspend her campaign. What do you think of that, just days before the actual primary?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, we’re just three seats short of taking back control of the House of Representatives. We need to do that because House Republicans have been functioning like a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, and they haven’t done a damn thing to make life better for the American people. I’m going to stay in that lane and focus on doing what we have to do, which is reclaiming the gavels in the Congress.

JOHN BERMAN: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, I appreciate you rolling with the breaking news. I appreciate the Knicks discussion. Sorry you won’t be at the games next week. Tickets are tough to afford anyway.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Joyce Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced Evan Gliesman as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. Evan, a junior at Mentor High School, won with his submission, Trying Too Hard. His artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year.

The competition’s honorable mentions include:

2nd Place: Elizabeth Doerger, Chardon High School. Her submission, Clean Up Duty, will be displayed in the Congressman’s Washington, D.C. office for a year.

3rd Place: Taylor Friedlander, NDCL. Her submission, Fountain of Youth, will be on display in the Congressman’s Mentor office for a year.

4th Place: Charley Herrmann, Mentor High School. Her submission, Puppetry of the Past, will be displayed in the Congressman’s Warren office for a year.

5th Place: Emily Lianopoulos, Mentor High School. Her submission, The Answer, will be displayed in the Congressman’s Ravenna office for a year.

“The Congressional Art Competition is an amazing opportunity for students across the country to highlight their artistic talents,” said Congressman Joyce. “I am always impressed by the skill and creativity shown by the students of Ohio’s Fourteenth Congressional District, and this year was no different. Thank you to everyone who participated this year, and congratulations to Evan, Elizabeth, Taylor, Charley, and Emily for their work. I look forward to seeing these incredible pieces of art displayed in the U.S. Capitol, my Washington office, and my district offices.”

In keeping with a tradition he started in 2016, Joyce hosted a ‘People’s Choice Award’ where constituents voted for their favorite artwork. Brady Vencil, who is a junior at Edgewood High School, received the most votes this year and will have his artwork, America the Brave and Beautiful, on display in Joyce’s Mentor District Office for one year.

The Congressional Art Competition, which began in 1982, is an annual contest run by the U.S. House of Representatives where high school students from across the country are invited to showcase their artistic abilities.

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Latta Pays Tribute to Ohio Fallen Hero Edward D. Brown at Normandy American Cemetery

In recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) honored Ohio fallen hero First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, who was laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery in France.

Last month, Congressman Latta led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to France to evaluate the country's spent nuclear fuel recycling industry and broader nuclear energy capabilities. While in France, the delegation also traveled to Normandy to pay tribute to the brave Americans who fought to liberate Europe during World War II. At the Normandy American Cemetery, members participated in a flag-lowering ceremony and honored the sacrifice of First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown of Ohio, and the other 9,000+ American military personnel buried there.

First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown was born on July 18, 1916, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He joined the National Guard on March 5, 1941, and in 1942 was assigned to the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. The Squadron sailed for France on June 29, 1944, shortly after the Allied landings in Normandy. The unit entered combat on July 2, 1944, supporting operations to eliminate German forces isolated during the Allied advance across the Normandy Peninsula.

The Squadron later conducted offensive screening operations through Normandy and into Brittany. On July 5, 1944, Lieutenant Brown was wounded when an enemy shell made a direct hit on an armored car near which he was standing with a superior officer. He succumbed to his wounds on July 7, 1944, near La Haye-du-Puits, France. First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown rests today at the Normandy American Cemetery, where his sacrifice—and the sacrifices of thousands of other American service members—continue to be remembered and honored.

"As we mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, we remember the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who fought to defend freedom. It was a privilege to honor First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, an Ohioan who gave his life in service to our country. We must never forget the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation and those who rest at Normandy,” said Latta.


Rep. Lucas Supports USDA’s Response Efforts to Combat New World Screwworm

A confirmed case of new world screwworm arrived in South Texas this week

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) at a hearing supported Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and her efforts to combat new world screwworm.

Lucas emphasized the importance of resource allocation to fund new facilities and increase production in current facilities.

Partial Transcript:

“Secretary, I’d like to discuss also the new world screwworm for a moment, Lucas said. “And first, I want to thank you, Secretary Rollins, for your being extremely transparent and quick in response to the situation in Texas yesterday.”

“You, obviously, and the department are taking this very, very seriously, correct?” Lucas asked.

“That’s correct,” said Secretary Rollins.

“You’re working very hard, creating more facilities, increasing the production at existing facilities,” Lucas said.

“This will never go completely away. We just have to be vigilant and prepared,” Lucas concluded.

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