Jayapal, Booker Introduce REDACT Act to Protect Epstein Survivors and Strengthen Accountability for DOJ Privacy Violations

Watch the full video of the press conference HERE.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, standing alongside Epstein survivors, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D‑NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation designed to safeguard survivors whose personal information was improperly disclosed during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) release of records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and prosecution. The Recovery, Enforcement, and Damages to Assure Confidential Treatment (REDACT) Act, would establish clear accountability for the DOJ and reinforce protections against future breaches of personally identifiable information.

On November 19, 2025, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law, requiring the DOJ to publicly release all unclassified records related to the Epstein investigation within 30 days. The law required the DOJ to protect survivors’ identities by redacting their personally identifiable information from any published documents. The DOJ failed to meet this obligation. Instead, the Department released tens of thousands of records containing unredacted personal information belonging to nearly 100 survivors, including an email that identified 31 child victims with only a single redaction. As of February 2026, DOJ has been forced to retract approximately 9,500 documents containing survivor information. These disclosures subjected survivors to harassment, traumatization, and threats to their personal safety.

The REDACT Act would amend the Epstein Files Transparency Act to allow survivors to hold the DOJ accountable for these privacy violations and seek compensation for harm resulting from the unlawful disclosure of their personal information.

“The Epstein Survivors have fought for years to get justice and reveal the powerful predators in Jeffrey Epstein’s orbit. Their fight for justice was met by an incredibly incompetent DOJ that released their private information, while protecting abusers. Because of this, they have faced serious retraumatization and harassment. Our legislation will get the survivors the accountability they deserve from a DOJ that has failed them, ” said Jayapal.

“No survivor should have to relive unimaginable trauma because the federal government failed to protect their privacy,” said Booker. “I’ve heard directly from survivors about what this recklessness has cost them — harassment, traumatization, threats to their safety. Survivors deserve to be made whole, and I will keep fighting to hold the DOJ accountable and stand up for the people it was supposed to protect. If legislation is what it takes to force the DOJ to meet its obligations, then Congress has a duty to act and pass this bill.”

“The rule of law means little if the government is free to violate the rights of the very people the law was written to protect. Survivors should never bear the cost of the Department of Justice’s failures, nor should they be left without a remedy when those failures cause profound and lasting harm. The REDACT Act affirms a principle that should never have been in doubt: victims’ rights do not end where government negligence begins, ” said Liz Stein, Epstein Survivor.

The REDACT Act would specifically authorize survivors to:

Seek a court order requiring DOJ to remove unredacted personal information from public records;

Recover statutory or compensatory damages, including the greater of $50,000 or proven damages such as emotional distress; and

Recover reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs.

To read a one-pager on the bill, click here.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.


Joyce Holds Hearing with Supreme Court Justices Kagan and Coney Barrett on FY27 Budget Request

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce (OH-14) questioned Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court’s fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget request, including security concerns and the need for increased funding in FY 2027. The hearing marked the Supreme Court’s first appearance before the Committee since 2019.

Watch the full hearing here:

“Whatever one’s view of a specific Court ruling, judicial officers, up to and including the Justices of the Supreme Court, must be able to do their jobs without fear for their safety or their families’ safety,” said Congressman Joyce in his opening remarks. “In addition to security, the Court needs to be able to operate effectively and efficiently. It should have the most up-to-date information technology (IT) infrastructure and an electronic filing system that meets the needs of all its users. It should have enough staff to research, support our Justices, and the American people.”

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Kennedy’s WINTER Act Passed by House of Representatives

Legislation Will Strengthen Preparedness Against Terrorist Threats Targeting Critical Infrastructure During Extreme Cold Weather Events

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Tim Kennedy’s (NY-26) legislation, H.R. 3106, the Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness (WINTER) Act. This common-sense legislation aims to strengthen the nation's preparedness for terrorist attacks during extreme winter weather events.

The WINTER Act directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a terrorism preparedness exercise examining how a successful attack on critical infrastructure during an extreme cold weather event would impact communities and how emergency managers, state officials, and federal partners can better coordinate to respond. The legislation also requires DHS to report its findings and recommendations to Congress to improve future emergency planning.

Full remarks here.

“By identifying security gaps before disaster strikes, we can enhance our resilience and be better prepared to respond to increasingly sophisticated acts of terrorism,” said Congressman Kennedy. “We cannot control when the next severe winter storm will strike, and we cannot predict when terrorists will look to exploit our vulnerabilities. But we can ensure that our homeland security enterprise is prepared for both. That is exactly what this legislation will help us do.”

The WINTER Act was introduced with the support of Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS-2), was unanimously passed out of the Committee on Homeland Security, and passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

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$16.8 Million Secured for Saipan Airport Improvements

July 14, 2026

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The Commonwealth Ports Authority has been awarded $16.8 million in two federal grants to support major upgrades at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.

Runway Rehabilitation: A $9.7 million grant from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program will fund the rehabilitation of 8,700 feet of Runway 07/25. This work will help maintain the runway’s structural integrity, reduce debris, and extend its service life. Combined with previously awarded funds, this grant will complete the remaining portion of the runway project.

Perimeter Fencing Replacement: A second FAA grant of $7,048,780 will replace 26,788 linear feet of perimeter fencing that has reached the end of its useful life. This upgrade is essential for maintaining airport safety and security.

These federal investments strengthen Saipan’s transportation infrastructure, support economic growth, and help keep travelers and airport personnel safe. Congratulations to CPA.


$382K to Support Mental Health Services

The Commonwealth has received $382,703 in FEMA funding for the Crisis Counseling - Immediate Services Program in response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, FEMA recently announced. This support will help expand access to critical mental health and emotional support services for residents across Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and the Northern Islands as we continue to recover. Disasters leave lasting impacts that go far beyond physical damage, and this program plays an important role in helping individuals and families cope, heal, and rebuild. We are grateful to FEMA, our local providers, and all those working on the ground to ensure our communities have the support they need during this difficult recovery period.


$9 Million to Rebuild and Strengthen Power Grid

Congratulations to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation on receiving an additional $8.97 million in FEMA funding to complete permanent repairs to our power transmission and distribution systems following Super Typhoon Yutu. This latest award builds on more than $84 million already invested to restore and strengthen our islands’ electrical infrastructure. The project has replaced more than 2,100 damaged wooden power poles with stronger concrete poles and upgraded critical equipment across Saipan and Tinian. After enduring Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April and with another storm system in our midst right now, this investment is a timely reminder that resilience and preparedness must remain a priority for the CNMI. We commend the dedicated men and women of CUC, our local leaders, and our federal partners for their continued commitment to building a safer and stronger Commonwealth for future generations.


Calling All Young CNMI Athletes: Apply for the 2026 Patriot Games

As we continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday, the 2026 Patriot Games will bring together some of the nation’s most outstanding young athletes for a one-of-a-kind competition celebrating strength, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Students ages 14-17 from across the country, including the CNMI, are invited to apply for the opportunity to represent their home state or territory on a national stage. Selected athletes will compete in a series of physical and mental challenges, with the competition culminating in the crowning of one male and one female Patriot Games champion. Each champion will receive $125,000 in scholarship funding. The competition will take place August 9-11, 2026, with coverage streaming on the ESPN App and culminating in a one-hour primetime special airing on ABC on August 13. Participation includes an all-expense-paid trip for each selected athlete and one chaperone. We encourage all eligible CNMI student athletes to consider this incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, represent our islands, and be part of a historic celebration of America’s next generation of leaders. Apply today and share your story!

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Celebrating 250 years of American Small Business

Earlier this month, the Small Business Committee held a hearing to highlight how small businesses have enabled 250 years of the American Dream. Since 1776, small businesses have been the heart of the American economy, and have grown as the country has grown itself. I led the Committee in prayer for the CNMI at the start of the hearing as we await the coming storm, and in my remarks, I emphasized that one of the biggest lessons we can learn from our small businesses is resilience. I talked about how after Sinlaku, small businesses in the CNMI who lost inventory, equipment and their roofs quickly came back the next day to clean, rebuild, and help one another. After 18 months on this Committee, I have learned that American small businesses, whether in the CNMI or on the Mainland, all share the same values of family, hard work, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today. I feel that my job, as a Member of Congress, is to fight for the policies that will maintain this great American path for generations to come.


Expanding Travel Benefits for Veterans

During a June 30 Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing, I highlighted the unique challenges veterans in the Northern Mariana Islands face in accessing health care. With no full-time VA medical facilities or physicians serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, many veterans must travel outside the Marianas to receive needed treatment. To address this gap, I introduced H.R. 9316, the Travel Assistance for Veterans in Medical Deserts Act, which would waive the 30 percent service-connected disability rating requirement for VA travel benefits for veterans in the Marianas and the Freely Associated States. This would help ensure all our veterans can access care without shouldering the full burden of costly travel. Our veterans should not face additional barriers to care simply because they live in some of America’s most remote communities. I look forward to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and my colleagues on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and to advance this legislation as an important interim solution until the CNMI has its own Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.


The marine who talked hundreds out of Saipan's caves

A recent story featured in an MSN news article revisits the extraordinary story of Marine Corps veteran Guy Gabaldon, widely known as the “Pied Piper of Saipan,” who, during the World War II Battle of Saipan, persuaded hundreds of Japanese soldiers and civilians to leave the island’s caves and surrender, saving countless lives during one of the Pacific’s most brutal campaigns. His story has also been told beyond history books, including the memoir Saipan: Suicide Island and the Hollywood film Hell to Eternity, which brought his life and service to a broader audience. What is less widely known, and deeply meaningful to our Commonwealth, is that Guy later made Saipan his home. He lived in San Antonio village, raised his family here, mentored young people in the CNMI, and one of his adult children went on to work in our islands’ tourism industry. As we celebrate Liberation Day on July 4, his story is a reminder that patriotism is not only found in the battlefield, but also by the lasting bonds we form with the places and people we serve.

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To the People of 2276: A Message of Hope from the CNMI

This Independence Day, I had the profound honor of placing a letter into the United States Congress Semiquincentennial Time Capsule, to be opened on July 4, 2276, during our nation’s 500th anniversary. As I wrote to future generations, I found myself reflecting on the people and islands we are privileged to call home. I wanted those who come after us to know that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in 2026 was a place deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of our Chamorro and Refaluwasch ancestors, while also being enriched by families from across the Pacific, Asia, the continental United States, and many other parts of the world who together helped build our vibrant and diverse community. My hope is that 250 years from now, our descendants will still gather with family, honor their elders, cherish their cultures and languages, and remain connected to these beautiful islands. Above all, I wanted future Americans to know that, though separated by vast oceans, the people of the CNMI stood proudly as part of the American story, guided by faith, strengthened by resilience, and united by an enduring belief in a better tomorrow.


Supporting the Governor’s Sinlaku Cost Share Request

Following Governor Apatang's request to President Trump to extend full federal cost sharing for Super Typhoon Sinlaku response and recovery efforts, I wrote in support of the Commonwealth's request. The letter supports two important requests made by Governor Apatang: extending 100 percent federal funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and Direct Federal Assistance, and increasing the federal cost share for long-term Public Assistance projects associated with Super Typhoon Sinlaku to 90 percent. These requests recognize the extraordinary costs of recovery, the Commonwealth's limited fiscal capacity, and the importance of keeping recovery efforts moving without placing additional strain on the CNMI's finances. These requests are important, and I will continue advocating for the resources our islands need to recover from Super Typhoon Sinlaku while also responding to the new challenges brought by Super Typhoon Bavi.


Welcome Chad to the Tinian District Office

Our office is pleased to welcome Chad Acollador to the Tinian District Office as our summer intern. A senior at Grand Canyon University in Arizona, Chad is pursuing studies in Health Care Administration. She brings a strong interest in healthcare policy and a passion in public service.

Chad takes pride in being raised on the island of Tinian and looks forward to giving back to her island community. We are excited to have Chad join our team this summer and look forward to supporting her as she gains valuable experience while developing the skills needed for a future in the field of healthcare.


Knott Introduces Bill to Rein in Federal Bureaucracy and Expand Citizens’ Rights to Challenge Agencies in Court

WASHINGTON- Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13) introduced H.R. 9653, the Limiting Excessive Government Obstruction Act, also known as the LEGO Act, to rein in federal bureaucracy and restore Americans’ right to have their cases heard in real courts; not behind closed doors in federal agencies.

“For too long, federal agencies act as investigator, prosecutor, and judge all at once, leaving communities, businesses, workers, and families stuck in costly and confusing proceedings they cannot fairly challenge,” said Congressman Knott. “Bureaucracy in Washington has tilted the scales against the American people for years. My bill restores balance and puts power back where it belongs, with the people, by ensuring they can adequately defend themselves before a judge and a jury of their peers, rather than a nameless bureaucrat.”

Under current law, many enforcement cases start and end inside federal agencies, where government officials sit in judgment over the very rules they write and enforce. The LEGO Act is part of a broader effort to rein in the administrative state, protect constitutional rights, and eliminate federal bureaucracy that burdens American job creators and families.

The LEGO Act would:

Let Americans opt out of in‑house agency courts and move enforcement cases into a local, federal court.

Require agencies to file in federal district court within 90 days if they want to keep pursuing a case.

Guarantee defendants the right to a jury trial in those federal court cases.

Establishes a reasonableness defense for any alleged violation of an agency rule, order, or consent decree.

You can read the bill text here.

You can read the one-pager here.

Watch his floor speech here.

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Krishnamoorthi and Scott Press CISA to Protect American Manufacturing and Critical Infrastructure from Russian Cyber Sabotage

WASHINGTON — Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence's National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, today sent a bipartisan letter to Acting Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Acting Director Nick Andersen following new reporting that a group of Russian hackers were behind last year's devastating cyberattack against Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in the United Kingdom. The lawmakers urge CISA to develop and share a strategy to thwart such attacks while strengthening cybersecurity across American companies, government networks, and critical infrastructure.

The lawmakers write:

“Given that JLR is a major component of the UK defense industrial base, the attack raises significant concerns over Russian-backed efforts to sabotage manufacturers critical to defense supply chains here in the United States as well. Therefore, we urge you to develop and share a strategy to thwart such attacks and outline how you will support stronger cyber defenses across American companies, government networks, and critical infrastructure.”

The lawmakers further write:

“While authorities are still determining the extent of the involvement of the Russian state, this cyberattack must cause us to question our own cyber defenses and whether cyber actors could infiltrate U.S. systems to shut down defense production and/or disrupt access to critical infrastructure including communications, electricity, transportation, and water.”

The lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 28, 2026:

What assessment has CISA made of the cybersecurity posture of the U.S. defense industrial base with respect to disruptive ransomware and cyberattacks designed to halt production rather than just steal data?

Has CISA identified any sectors of U.S. critical infrastructure or manufacturing that are particularly vulnerable to a Jaguar-style attack? If so, what steps are being taken to address those vulnerabilities?

Is there currently any evidence of similar network infiltrations, state-backed or otherwise, in the United States?

What lessons, if any, has CISA drawn from the Jaguar incident, and how are those lessons being incorporated into guidance, assessments, or cybersecurity programs for U.S. industry?

What is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CISA's current capacity to share threat indicators from foreign incidents like Jaguar with U.S. private sector partners in real time? How have the resource and personnel cuts since January 1, 2025 impacted CISA's capacity to share information with the private sector?

What additional actions are DHS and CISA taking to protect American companies and critical infrastructure from these kinds of hacks? Does DHS have a government-wide strategy to thwart these kinds of hacks?

How has the administration pushed back against nation-state sabotage efforts in the United States or among our treaty allies?

How is CISA working to ensure that small and medium-sized manufacturers—many of which lack dedicated cybersecurity personnel—receive timely threat intelligence and cybersecurity assistance? Does CISA have the proper resources to support this effort?

What authorities does CISA currently lack, if any, that would improve its ability to identify or mitigate threats to critical infrastructure and manufacturing networks?


Krishnamoorthi and Warren Press Goldman Sachs Over Kathy Ruemmler’s Continued Employment, Reported Reputation Management Campaign Following Epstein Revelations

July 14, 2026

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, sent a follow-up letter to Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Goldman Sachs Senior Counselor Kathryn Ruemmler on Tuesday after Goldman Sachs failed to adequately answer the lawmakers' previous inquiry regarding the terms of Ruemmler's continued employment following revelations about her extensive ties to convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. The follow-up letter also seeks records concerning Goldman Sachs' reported use of the reputation management firm Terakeet to bolster Ruemmler's public image. The letter comes as Ruemmler appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform this week regarding her ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The lawmakers write:

"The bank's June 26, 2026 response was insufficient—and in fact, it raised more questions than answers. Specifically, though the response stated that 'Ms Ruemmler [would] retire from' the roles of 'chief legal officer and general counsel of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. . . . on June 30 as previously announced,' the letter did not explicitly state when Ms. Ruemmler would depart the firm. The length of this 'transition period,' and Ms. Ruemmler's plans, if any, to continue her work at the firm afterwards along with her compensation, remain unclear."

The lawmakers continue:

"Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs appears to continue to expend resources to launder Ms. Ruemmler's public reputation. According to reports from earlier this year, Goldman Sachs contracted a reputation management firm, Terakeet, in 2024. Terakeet reportedly 'created and posted positive online content about Ms. Ruemmler that was aimed at appearing above the mostly negative content about her association with Mr. Epstein. The goal was that at least 80 percent of the first 30 Google search results would be favorable.'"

The letter also notes that Terakeet's services reportedly cost between $5 million and $10 million annually and states that, as of May 2026, Ruemmler reportedly continued to be covered under Goldman Sachs' account with the firm.

The lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 28, 2026:

Goldman Sachs has stated that Ms. Ruemmler will stay on at the firm in a senior counselor role "during the transition period leading up to the appointment of a new chief legal officer."

What are the duties associated with this position? Provide copies of any job description or written communications describing the position.

What is Ms. Ruemmler's new compensation package? Provide documentation.

How long is the "transition period" anticipated to last?

On what date will Ms. Ruemmler depart the firm? If you cannot provide a specific date, please confirm in writing that Goldman Sachs will not offer Ms. Ruemmler a new position at the end of the "transition period leading up to the appointment of a new chief legal officer."

How did you both come to the agreement that you would no longer depart the firm on June 30 but would instead stay on in a high-level advisory role?

Has Ms. Ruemmler recused herself from the selection process of her successor? If she has not yet, why not?

Please provide a copy of Goldman Sachs' contract with Terakeet and any other documents that describe the scope of services Terakeet provides for the firm, the total cost of services, and all communications between current and former Goldman Sachs employees with current and former Terakeet employees, including but not limited to its co-founder, Mac Cummings, since 2024.

Who directed Terakeet to "[create] and [post] positive online content about Ms. Ruemmler that was aimed at appearing above the mostly negative content about her association with Mr. Epstein"?

Please provide any memos, reports, and other deliverables Terakeet prepared for the firm.

Provide copies of all communications between Ms. Ruemmler and any current and former Terakeet employees, including all communications conducted on phone, email, and other communication accounts not officially associated with Goldman Sachs. Include any communications between Ms. Ruemmler and Mac Cummings.

With whom, if anyone, at Goldman Sachs or Terakeet did Ms. Ruemmler discuss her plans to reach out to Ankush Khardori to discuss "her side" of the Epstein story? If Ms. Ruemmler did not discuss these plans with any current or former employee of Goldman Sachs or Terakeet, please confirm that in writing.

In addition, the lawmakers reiterated their request for answers to the following questions from their June 9, 2026, letter, which were not sufficiently answered in Goldman Sachs' response:

Did Mr. Solomon "press" Ruemmler to stay at the firm? If so, why?

A Goldman Sachs spokesperson stated that Ruemmler "disclosed her association with Epstein before joining the firm[.]"

How did Ruemmler describe the nature of her relationship with Epstein?

Did Ruemmler disclose that she advised Epstein on how to discredit one of his accusers?

Did Ruemmler disclose that she accepted tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from Epstein?

Did Goldman Sachs conduct any additional due diligence following Ruemmler's disclosure?

A Goldman Sachs spokesperson stated that Ruemmler "has answered every question the firm has ever asked." Please provide the list of questions that Goldman Sachs asked Ruemmler about her relationship with Mr. Epstein and her responses.

Did Goldman Sachs notify any of its regulators, including, but not limited to, the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and New York Department of Financial Services, of Ruemmler's connections to Epstein prior to hiring her as its top legal officer?

Ruemmler initially announced her resignation on February 13, 2026, but it was not going to be effective until June 30, 2026. Had Ruemmler resigned effective immediately in February, would it have limited her compensation package in any way? If so, please provide the quantitative impact.

The new letter is available here.

Their June 9, 2026 letter is available here.

A reply from Goldman Sachs to the previous letter is available here.


Krishnamoorthi, Moulton, and Ansari Lead Colleagues Demanding Answers on Diversion of Counterterrorism Resources to Immigration Enforcement

WASHINGTON — Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Seth Moulton (D-MA), along with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), on Monday led Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX), André Carson (D-IN), Jason Crow (D-CO), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding reports that the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) are diverting personnel, funding, and operational focus away from counterterrorism, transnational crime, anti-corruption, and other core public safety missions in favor of large-scale civil immigration enforcement. The letter raises serious questions about whether Congress's appropriations are being used to carry out the Departments' core statutory responsibilities.

The lawmakers write:

"We are writing to express our grave concerns regarding public reports of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) diverting critical personnel, resources, and operational focus away from core national security and public safety missions such as counterterrorism, transnational crime, and anti-corruption efforts in favor of large-scale civil immigration enforcement. This redirection raises serious questions about whether resources appropriated by Congress are being used to carry out the Departments' core statutory mandates."

The lawmakers further write:

"There is substantial evidence that significant DOJ resources have been diverted from criminal cases in pursuit of civil immigration cases. Recent reporting brought to light the scale of this shift at DOJ. The Department has declined to pursue more than 23,000 criminal cases in the first six months of the second Trump Administration. According to analysis, these cases included 1,300 terrorism-related cases, nearly 5,000 drug cases, and over a thousand white-collar and public corruption cases. At the same time, DOJ has significantly increased immigration prosecutions, bringing over 32,000 new immigration cases in that same six-month period, nearly triple the number under the Biden Administration."

The lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by August 10, 2026:

What analysis or decision-making process was used to justify reallocating personnel, funding, and prosecutorial capacity from core law enforcement and national security missions to civil immigration enforcement?

Please provide updated information on the current number of HSI, CBP, and USCIS personnel who have been diverted to assist with immigration enforcement.

Please provide updated information on the current number of U.S. Marshals, FBI, DEA, and ATF agents who have been diverted to assist with immigration enforcement.

Please provide the number of cases declined in each month since the last month of available data (July 2025) listed by relevant categories (terrorism-related, national security, drug cases, and white-collar and public corruption cases).

Please provide the number of requests for judicial security—including courthouse security, judicial protective details, threat investigations, and prisoner transport—that have been delayed, reduced, or declined due to personnel or capacity constraints in the past year.

How are DHS and DOJ ensuring that core mission areas, including counterterrorism, transnational crime, narcotics enforcement, public corruption, addressing gun violence, and civil rights enforcement, are being fully executed while resources are being redirected to immigration enforcement?

What steps are being taken to ensure that these reallocations do not degrade mission readiness in counterterrorism, transnational crime, and other critical enforcement areas?

What steps, if any, are being taken to restore personnel and resources to core mission areas affected by these reallocations, and what is the timeline for doing so?


Krishnamoorthi Presses Polymarket Over Its Paid Influencer Deals with Election Deniers

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today sent a letter to Polymarket seeking information about the company's paid influencer partnerships following recent reporting that raised questions about whether the platform sponsored influencers who promoted election denial claims while advertising active election betting markets. The letter requests information about Polymarket's relationships with election deniers, safeguards governing paid partnerships, and internal communications concerning election-related promotional activities.

The Congressman writes:

"Recent reporting has raised significant questions about how election-related prediction markets are promoted and whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent the spread of misleading narratives about election integrity. Reporting regarding prediction market platforms suggests that weaknesses in influencer, affiliate, and sponsored-content programs may allow election misinformation to be amplified while generating financial benefits for the platforms, influencer affiliates, and market participants."

He continues:

"These dynamics create dangerous incentives. When political influence and financial incentives become intertwined, platforms risk incentivizing premature claims, misleading narratives, and false allegations before votes are fully counted or certified. When coupled with a documented history of intentionally misleading consumers in advertising, members of the public are incentivized to create and spread election denial information for the false promise of a large payout."

The Congressman requested responses to the following questions by July 28, 2026:

Knowledge of election deniers

At the time you entered or renewed these arrangements, did your company know that any influencers or paid partners had publicly promoted election denialism or repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of U.S. elections?

Please identify those individuals or entities and the basis for your knowledge.

Policies and practices for paid partnerships

What policies govern paid promotions, affiliate programs, and influencer partnerships related to election-related markets?

Do these policies address content that questions election integrity or promote claims of voter fraud, and if so, how?

How are these policies enforced to ensure that election deniers are not platformed?

Documents and communications

Vetting, approval, or monitoring of influencers, affiliates, or other paid partners promoting election-related markets.

Internal discussions or policies regarding relationships with individuals or entities known for promoting election denialism or election-related conspiracy theories.

Any guidelines, manuals, training materials, or enforcement records concerning paid promotion of election-related markets, including any safeguards intended to prevent the use of your markets or market data to spread false or misleading claims about election integrity.

Please produce documents from January 20, 2025, to the present that relate to:


Congressman David Kustoff Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday by Honoring West Tennessee’s Finest Across TN-08

MEMPHIS, TN — Last week, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN-08) toured across Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District to present flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to West Tennesseans whose service and hard work have helped shape America’s story for 250 years..

“America’s 250th birthday is an opportunity to honor the people who keep our country moving forward,”said Congressman Kustoff. “Here in West Tennessee, that spirit is alive in the men and women who serve their neighbors and strengthen our communities. It was an honor to recognize West Tennessee’s finest and present them with flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.”

As part of the tour, Congressman Kustoff honored Major Billy Gene Key, an Army Reserve servicemember who was injured during a drone strike while deployed to Kuwait; and Larry Marshall, a U.S. Army veteran who received a flag in honor of his father, Phillip G. Marshall.

The tour included stops with local businesses, farms, first responders, educators, law enforcement, and community organizations across TN-08, where Congressman Kustoff presented flags flown over the U.S. Capitol, including:

Shelby County

- Ducks Unlimited: Met with Ducks Unlimited leadership to discuss habitat conservation and recognize the organization’s work protecting wetlands and waterfowl habitat.

- Bartlett Fire Station 1: Thanked Bartlett firefighters for their service to the Bartlett community.

- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Joined TWRA officers on the Mississippi River and recognized their work protecting Tennessee’s waterways.

- Agricenter International: Met with agricultural leaders and toured the Helena research facility at Agricenter International.

- Dinstuhl’s Chocolate Factory: Toured the historic Memphis business and recognized its longtime contributions to the Mid-South.

Fayette County

- Rhea Farm: Visited with farm owner Scott Rhea to discuss the Farm Bill, rising input costs, and West Tennessee agriculture.

- Fayette County Sheriff’s Office: Met with Sheriff Bobby Riles and deputies to thank them for their service to Fayette County.

Haywood County

- Mallard Estates: Met with farm owners and Mallard Estates operators Blake and Monte McWilliams to discuss agriculture, land management, and outdoor recreation in West Tennessee.

- Haywood County Sheriff’s Office: Met with Sheriff Billy Garrett and recognized his years of service to Haywood County.

Crockett County

- Tennessee Tractor: Visited with Tennessee Tractor leadership to discuss agriculture, equipment needs, and the farming economy.

- Yukon Outfitters: Toured this West Tennessee small business and discussed its growth and work in the outdoor products industry.

Madison County

- Life Flight Air Evac: Recognized Air Evac crew members for their lifesaving emergency medical work across West Tennessee.

- Lifeline Blood Services: Visited Lifeline Blood Services to highlight its role in supporting patients and medical facilities across the region.

Chester County

- Freed-Hardeman University: Met with new university president Dr. Keith Harris.

Gibson County

- Luckey Farms: Visited with farm owner Jason Luckey and his family to discuss agriculture and the needs of Gibson County farmers.

- Milan Box Corporation: Toured the longtime Milan manufacturer and discussed its work supporting industrial packaging and local jobs.

Carroll County

- Carroll County 911 Center: Toured the new 911 center and recognized local emergency communications personnel.

- Huntingdon Football Team: Honored the Huntingdon football team for winning the 2A state championship.

Henderson County

- AutoZone Distribution Center: Toured the Lexington distribution center and recognized its role as one of the area’s largest employers.

- Veterans Honor Guard of Parker’s Crossroads: Recognized the volunteer veterans who provide military honors at funerals across West Tennessee.

These visits highlighted the service and patriotism of West Tennesseans who strengthen their communities and represent the very best of Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District.

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Larsen Votes No on Republican Amendment to Limit Funds for Humanitarian Efforts; Israel

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

“I voted “no” on a Republican amendment that would have prohibited any diplomatic, humanitarian, development or security funding related to Israel. I support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. The amendment would have stopped critical U.S. efforts in the region to distribute humanitarian aid, resettle refugees, support security collaboration with Palestinians and promote peace.

“I continue to support humanitarian aid to Palestinians, a ceasefire, reconstruction in Gaza and a two-state solution where Israel and a Palestinian state exist securely side-by-side. I continue to oppose extremism in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, any effort by Israel to take over Gaza and the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank."

Rep. Larsen voted today against an amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R, KY-04) to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The amendment failed on a vote of 314-104.

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Following Deadly ICE Shootings, Larson Demands Justice and Immediate Resignation of Secretary Markwayne Mullin

“I am horrified by the scenes out of Maine and Texas, where Joan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo were killed by ICE agents in broad daylight,” said Larson. “With a president who empowers agents to act with impunity and a Republican Congress all too eager to hand ICE billions of dollars, their deaths were avoidable and shamefully predictable. I send my deepest condolences to their loved ones and am committed to doing everything I can to demand justice. ICE has been transformed into Donald Trump’s personal army – executing our fellow Americans in the streets, tearing children out of their mothers’ arms, and terrorizing our communities with Gestapo tactics. Limiting vehicle stops is no solution for this madness. ICE needs to be dismantled. I voted against the creation of this rogue agency and fought back when they came after our neighbors in Newington, Southington, East Hartford, and West Hartford. Enough is enough. Accountability for these failures of leadership starts at the top – that is why I filed articles of impeachment against President Trump, and why Secretary Markwayne Mullin should immediately resign.”


Sánchez cosponsors Block the Bombs Act

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after signing on to cosponsor the Block the Bombs Act:

“As a mother, I’m heartbroken by the devastating loss of innocent lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. This cannot continue. That is why I oppose providing offensive weapons to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his far-right government without meaningful safeguards or accountability.

“While I have consistently supported defensive aid for close American allies, military aid for Israel must include strong conditions to prevent further suffering. This bill applies only to offensive weapons and won’t affect other aid, including funding for the defensive Iron Dome, humanitarian assistance in Gaza, peacebuilding or U.S. embassy operations.

“Lasting peace will only come through diplomacy and dialogue, but that cannot happen until Israel’s attacks end and civilian lives are protected.”

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Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, Norcross, Bresnahan lead bipartisan resolution honoring lineworkers

WASHINGTON – Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) yesterday led 143 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

“When storms hit and the lights go out, lineworkers are the first to answer the call,” said Congresswoman Sánchez, the first woman member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) elected to Congress. “They work in dangerous conditions, at all hours, in all weather, to restore power and keep our communities running. Their services are essential to our communities, but too often go unseen.”

“Our journeyman lineworkers are the frontline defenders of our infrastructure. They respond without hesitation – often at great personal risk – to restore the power that sustains our homes, hospitals, and economy. In Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation, I’ve met with these dedicated men and women, listened to their concerns, and worked to ensure they have the respect, protection, and resources they deserve. This resolution is not merely symbolic – it is a formal recognition of their service and a promise to have their backs, just as they always have ours,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“Lineworkers’ jobs are difficult on a good day, and in times of crisis, their ability to keep our communities connected during dangerous conditions is heroic,” said Congressman Norcross. “These hardworking men and women are living proof that you don’t need a suit and tie to serve your community, and I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan group recognizing their essential duty.”

“Journeyman lineworkers keep our country powered and our communities safe, but their work often goes unnoticed until the moment we need them most,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “These men and women work in some of the toughest conditions imaginable, often putting themselves in harm’s way to restore power and maintain the electric grids Americans depend on every day. As someone who has worked closely with the IBEW and understands the skill and training this profession requires, I’m proud to honor their service and thank them for everything they do for our communities.”

The resolution designates July 10 as National Journeyman Lineworkers Day in honor of Henry Miller, the founder and first president of the IBEW. Miller began his career at age 14 as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas.

Years later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize linemen and was elected as the first president of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1891.

Sadly, Miller suffered a fatal fall on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country.

The resolution is endorsed by IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association and Edison Electrical Institute.

Congresswoman Sánchez, a former member of the IBEW Local 441 and labor lawyer, first introduced this resolution in 2014.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

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Rep. Nancy Mace Helps Secure Inclusion of $100 Million in Water Infrastructure Funding for the Lowcountry in Committee-Passed WRDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 14, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure marked up and passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, a bill which Rep. Mace helped secure the inclusion of $100 million in authorizations for water and wastewater infrastructure and other key victories for the Lowcountry.

"South Carolina is the fastest growing state in the nation and growth puts real pressure on our water supply, our wastewater plants, and our flood defenses. The Lowcountry cannot afford to fall behind,” said Congresswoman Mace. “Our communities are counting on infrastructure keeping pace with the people moving here, and these authorizations make sure it does."

Rep. Mace helped secure $100 million in authorizations through the following provisions in the bill:

$14,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure, including water supply and distribution systems, in Berkeley County, SC.

$10,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in the town of Hilton Head Island, SC.

$10,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in the city of Isle of Palms, SC.

$60,000,000 increase in authorization for wastewater treatment and water supply treatment and distribution projects related to Lakes Marion and Moultrie, SC.

$6,000,000 authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure in the City of Beaufort, SC.

Modification of the project for coastal storm risk management in the Charleston Peninsula, SC, to include features for tidal- and inland-related flood risk management measures.

Deauthorization of Tidewater Reach section of the Charleston Harbor navigation system (adjacent to the Union Pier Terminal). This deauthorization will take effect upon completion of the sale of the Union Pier Terminal and the cessation of commercial port operations at the Union Pier marine terminal by the South Carolina Ports Authority. This will allow for the future redevelopment of the area by a private developer.

"South Carolina's coastline and waterways are the backbone of our economy and our way of life. This bill gives our communities the tools to fight back against rising stormwater risk, will provide access to clean drinking water and safe wastewater systems to residents, and make sure the Lowcountry is built to last for the next generation," Mace added.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 now heads to the House for consideration.

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Mackenzie Secures Passage of Legislation to Make Air Travel Easier for Families & Fellow Travelers

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauded Monday’s passage in the U.S. House of the Improving Travel for American Families Act. This bipartisan legislation, which Congressman Mackenzie introduced in May of this year alongside Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), aims to reduce the strain and hassle of airport security screening for families traveling with young children.

The legislation directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to build on its Families on the Fly initiative — a pilot program offering dedicated screening lines exclusively for families traveling with children aged 12 and under. In addition to authorizing the program, the legislation directs the TSA to prioritize airports with high volumes of family travel and evaluate ways to improve the passenger experience while maintaining security standards. The TSA is directed to report to Congress on progress and implementation within one year.

“As the father of two young children, I know that family travel is a challenge,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Every day, families are forced to move their children, bags, and bulky items through the same TSA lines used by solo travelers — adding an extra layer of stress, hassle, and delays for everyone. That’s why the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act helps to take the pressure off parents by offering expedited access to screening, including by offering screening lanes reserved exclusively for families. Thank you to Congresswoman Foushee and my colleagues in the House for helping to pass legislation that makes life easier for American families.”

“As more and more families rely on air travel, the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act is an important step to ensure that airport security systems are equipped to move travelers safely,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “I am proud that the House has passed this legislation to maintain security standards while providing a family-focused approach to TSA screenings to reduce delays and improve the passenger experience. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie and local advocates for their work in advancing this legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make this bill a law.”


Magaziner Leads Letter Calling for Answers on Death of Afghan Ally in ICE Custody

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and U.S. Representative Julie Johnson (TX-32) led Homeland Security Committee Democratic colleagues in a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding transparency and answers surrounding the death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in March.

Paktiawal was an Afghan national who worked alongside U.S. Army Special Forces for more than a decade. He and his family were evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 and legally brought to the United States. He was a father of six and had no criminal convictions. Paktiawal was detained by ICE in March while preparing his children for school, and died in ICE custody just hours later.

Reports released earlier this month indicate that Paktiawal died from "an adverse drug reaction" to an unidentified substance leading to anaphylaxis, according to his death certificate. However, Dallas County authorities have refused to release the autopsy, and significant questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death, including the timeline of events, the cause of his anaphylactic reaction, and his care while in custody.

In the letter, the lawmakers urge the immediate release of Paktiawal’s autopsy and demand answers about why he was prioritized for detention and deportation given his lack of criminal convictions and service alongside U.S. forces.

“It is unacceptable that someone who fought bravely beside our troops was so easily discarded by the very government he fought for. His family deserves answers regarding his death, and the American people deserve to know the treatment of individuals in ICE’s care,” wrote the members in the letter.

The letter is signed by Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Dan Goldman (NY-10), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11).

You can read the full text of the letter here and below.

Dear Secretary Mullin:

We write to urgently request the release of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal’s autopsy completed by the Dallas Office Medical Examiner’s Office, and for an explanation of why he was prioritized for deportation.

In 2005, Mr. Paktiawal faithfully worked alongside the U.S. Army Special Forces for more than a decade. After the fall of the Afghan government, due to his long-term work and alliance with the U.S. Special Forces, he and his family were evacuated out of Afghanistan in 2021 and legally brought to the United States. He was a father of six, and had no criminal convictions. Despite these facts, he was targeted by your Department for deportation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him while he was getting his kids ready for school on March 13, 2026. He died just hours later, a preventable tragedy.

It is unacceptable that someone who fought bravely beside our troops was so easily discarded by the very government he fought for. His family deserves answers regarding his death, and the American people deserve transparency regarding the treatment of individuals in ICE’s care.

However, the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office refuses to release the complete autopsy report at ICE’s request. Mr. Paktiawal’s death is listed as an accident and the death certificate states that his cause of death is anaphylaxis complicating acute asthma exacerbation, a severe allergic reaction that was exacerbated by his asthma.

We urge you to immediately release Mr. Paktiawal’s autopsy report and provide his family with much needed closure. Additionally, please provide answers to the following questions no later than July 24, 2026.

Why was Mr. Paktiawal prioritized for detention and removal despite having no criminal convictions and having served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan?

On March 16, the Department of Homeland Security’s X account posted that they had no evidence of Mr. Paktiawal's military service. Since then, many news organizations have provided evidence of his military service. Has the Department of Homeland Security reversed its position regarding Mr. Paktiawal’s military service?

How many other Afghan Allies who supported U.S. troops has ICE detained and deported since March 2025? How many individuals is ICE targeting for detention and deportation?

What criminal investigation is currently being conducted related to Mr. Paktiawal’s death?

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent request.

CC: David J. Venturella, ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director


ICYMI: One Year After Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” Rep. McBride Urges Investment in Sussex County Health Care, Not Cuts

WASHINGTON, DC — In case you missed it, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) penned an op-ed in the Cape Gazette about the need to strengthen healthcare in Sussex County one year after President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" was signed into law. Read the full op-ed here.

The piece, titled "Care in Sussex County Needs Investment, Not Cuts," details how the "One Big Beautiful Bill" pushed healthcare out of reach for millions of Americans through the largest cut to Medicaid in American history and explains what those cuts mean for Delaware families.

“Across the country, fewer people have health insurance, hospitals and clinics are shutting down, and there’s growing concern about access to care, especially in rural communities,” wrote Rep. McBride. “For my neighbors across Sussex County, access to quality, affordable healthcare is about more than convenience – it's about the security and dignity that come from knowing the care you need will be there when you need it.”

Rep. McBride also highlighted how Sussex County's rapid population growth is placing additional strain on an already stretched rural healthcare system, from workforce shortages to long drives for specialty care.

"Trump and congressional Republicans’ 'Big Beautiful Bill' aims to cut as much as $4 billion in federal Medicaid funding to Delaware over the next decade. More than 30,000 Delawareans are projected to lose their Medicaid coverage, Marketplace enrollment in Delaware has already declined by 16%, and more than 18,000 of our neighbors have lost food assistance because of this heartless law. These aren’t just numbers — they are our parents, grandparents, coworkers, friends, and neighbors, all seeking the same thing: the chance to stay healthy, care for their families, and age with dignity,” continued Rep. McBride.

She also detailed how Delaware families are facing higher healthcare costs as a result of Trump's law, illustrating how federal policy decisions are affecting our communities here at home.

“Here in Sussex County, where providers are already working to keep pace with rapid growth and an aging population, residents are feeling the weight of cuts to Medicaid and federal healthcare funding,” wrote Rep. McBride. “They show up here at home – with longer wait times, fewer providers accepting patients, higher healthcare costs for all of us, and more strain on the hospitals and clinics our communities rely on.”

Rep. McBride emphasized her support for investing in rural healthcare and meeting the pressing needs of Sussex County residents. In Congress, she has brought together Democrats and Republicans to protect nearly $1 billion for home healthcare to keep seniors safe at home and support home health workers who make that care possible. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to address the national nursing shortage that’s impacting care in Delaware and across the country.

“We know what works: investing in rural hospitals, supporting our federally qualified health centers, strengthening the healthcare workforce, protecting Medicaid, expanding access to mental healthcare, and ensuring that where you live never determines whether you can get the care you need. We must never accept a status quo where ZIP codes serve as barriers to treatment,” wrote Rep. McBride.

Rep. McBride closed the piece with her commitment to the reality that every resident in Sussex County deserves: to be able to get care and be treated with dignity, no matter their zip code.

“No family should have to cross county lines to welcome a child into the world. No cancer patient should have to spend hours on the road for reliable, lifesaving care. And no one seeking mental healthcare should be forced to wait months for treatment. That is the future Sussex County deserves,” concluded Rep. McBride.

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Reps. McBride, Budzinski Urge OMB to Rescind Proposed Rule That Threatens Agricultural Research

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride (D-Del.) and Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) led 15 of their colleagues in calling on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to rescind a proposed rule that would politicize the federal grant-making process, threatening research and innovation in critical sectors like agriculture, Delaware's leading industry.

In a letter sent to OMB, McBride and Budzinski raise concerns that the proposed rule would broaden the Trump Administration's authority to suspend or terminate federal awards, make it more difficult for researchers — including those at land-grant universities — to collaborate with international partners, and further politicize the federal grant-making process.

“We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) proposed revisions to the current guidance governing federal financial assistance. OMB’s proposed rule contains more than 120 changes to the current Uniform Guidance, including revisions that risk destabilizing research innovation, cutting out international partners, and injecting partisan politics into the grant review process. Furthermore, we are concerned that the proposed changes could weaken the federal research partnerships foundational to America’s global leadership in agriculture, science, and innovation,” wrote the lawmakers.

Land-grant universities play a critical role in translating federally funded research into practical tools for farmers and have been responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. The University of Delaware, one of the nation's leading public land-grant universities, is a vital partner for Delaware farmers through its agricultural research and Cooperative Extension. Reforms to the grant-making process that destabilize federal funding could jeopardize the research and extension work that helps Delaware producers respond to emerging diseases, improve productivity, and remain globally competitive.

“Groundbreaking scientific discoveries have emerged from U.S. research institutions working in partnership with the international agricultural community, like developing large-scale penicillin production in a United States Department of Agriculture lab using research started abroad. We are concerned the proposed rule cuts out international partners, creates unnecessary red tape, and risks slowing agricultural innovation. In a global marketplace, international cooperation strengthens domestic agriculture and helps keep grocery prices lower for American consumers,” the lawmakers continued.

McBride and Budzinski also warn that expanding political control over the federal grant-making process would undermine Congress' constitutional power to appropriate federal funds while adding unnecessary government red tape to what should be a straightforward, merit-based process.

“Congress exercises its constitutional power of the purse through the appropriations process, and establishes priorities for federal investments on behalf of the American people. Expanding the powers of agencies and political appointees to terminate grants subjects the power of America’s research dollars to changing political winds. Agricultural and scientific research has proven to have a high payoff, yet often takes decades to yield results. Funding decisions should not be based on the shifting priorities of political appointees. Introducing this uncertainty into the grant-making process risks slowing research, discouraging participation in federal programs, and weakening the investments in the American farmer,” wrote the lawmakers.

McBride and Budzinski conclude by urging OMB to work with Congress, federal agencies, research institutions, and agricultural stakeholders on any reforms to the grant-making process so they strengthen accountability without undermining the research enterprise or the international collaboration that supports American agriculture.

“We therefore urge OMB to rescind the proposed rule and work with Congress, federal agencies, research institutions, and stakeholders to ensure that any changes to the Uniform Guidance strengthen accountability without undermining the long-standing federal research partnerships that support American agriculture and innovation,” the lawmakers concluded.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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House Passes Chairwoman McClain’s Common Cents Act to End Wasteful Penny Production

WASHINGTON—Today, the House of Representatives passed House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain's (R-Mich.) Common Cents Act. This legislation permanently ends production of the penny for general circulation.

“Washington has a spending problem, and it shows up in places big and small,” Chairwoman McClain said. “If the federal government is spending nearly four cents to make a penny worth one cent, something is broken. House Republicans are proving that common sense still has a place in government by cutting waste and protecting taxpayer dollars.”

President Trump directed the Treasury Department to end production of new pennies after the cost of producing each coin reached 3.69 cents. The Common Cents Act permanently codifies that policy while allowing the U.S. Mint to continue producing limited collectible pennies. Existing pennies may still be used for all cash transactions, and businesses may continue providing exact change. Payments made electronically, by credit card, check, gift card, or other non-cash methods are still charged to the exact cent.

The legislation establishes a national framework for cash transactions when exact change is unavailable. It also authorizes the Treasury Department to use a lower-cost composition for the nickel if testing demonstrates it reduces production costs without significantly affecting coin-operated machines.


McClain Celebrates Housing Bill Becoming Law to Help More Families Own a Home

WASHINGTON—The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan housing legislation led by House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), is now law.

The bill package includes two provisions championed by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to expand housing supply and give Michigan families more affordable housing options.

“Michigan families should not have to give up on homeownership because there are not enough homes available or because outdated federal rules make ownership more expensive,” Chairwoman McClain said. “My Modular Housing Production Act and Build Now Act tackle both sides of the problem. They help communities build more homes and remove financing barriers that stand between families and a home they can afford. These are practical reforms that will give Michigan families more choices and a better chance to achieve the American Dream.”

The new law includes provisions from Chairwoman McClain's Modular Housing Production Act to modernize federal financing policies for modular and factory-built homes. The changes help remove outdated barriers that can delay construction and increase costs for homebuyers.

It also includes provisions from Chairwoman McClain's Build Now Act to establish a pilot program that rewards participating communities for expanding housing development. The program gives local leaders additional tools to increase housing supply and create more opportunities for families to purchase a home.

The broader law removes federal barriers to housing construction, updates housing programs, and limits competition from certain large institutional investors in the single-family housing market.


Congressman Rich McCormick to Hold Press Conference Ahead of Community Job Fair

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) will host a press conference ahead of his Community Job Fair on Thursday, July 30, highlighting efforts to connect Georgians with quality employment opportunities and strengthen the state's workforce. Congressman McCormick will be joined by U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler and other state, local, and business leaders.

WHAT: Press Conference Ahead of Congressman McCormick's Community Job Fair

WHO: Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07)

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler

GA Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes

Bridget Thorne Fulton County Commissioner

WHEN: Thursday, July 30, 2026 11:00 a.m. (all press should plan to arrive by 10:45 a.m.)

WHERE:

Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

5750 Windward Parkway

Alpharetta, GA 30005

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

Opening remarks from Congressman McCormick and invited guests

Q&A with members of the press regarding the event

B-roll of the job fair as employers and attendees arrive

NOTE:

The Community Job Fair will immediately follow the press conference and feature 100+ of employers representing healthcare, manufacturing, technology, retail, public safety, public service, and other industries. The event is free and open to the public.

To RSVP please email regan.bruno@mail.house.gov

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Rep. McDonald Rivet Helps Pass Bipartisan Funding for Water Infrastructure Through Committee

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) released the following statement after helping pass the bipartisan water infrastructure reauthorization bill through the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

“This is a big deal. Investing in our Great Lakes, clean waterways, and water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, our water clean, and our economy strong, not just today, but for generations to come,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Today, we brought Democrats and Republicans together to create a bill that does all that, delivering on some really important priorities for mid-Michigan, and I’ll keep pushing until it has President Trump’s signature.”

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 authorizes two years of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works projects to improve America’s water infrastructure and protect the nation’s water resources. Congress has passed a bipartisan WRDA every two years since 2014.

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet secured several key provisions to support mid-Michigan communities in the final text of this year’s WRDA, including…

Authorizing $50 million for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Genesee Counties.

Advancing the plan to deepen the Saginaw River to accommodate more commercial activity.

Accelerating projects for ecosystem restoration and erosion prevention in Midland in the wake of the 2020 floods.

Increasing wages for operators at the Soo Locks Canal.

Authorizing $5 million to support the Great Lakes Commission.

Establishing an Army Corps of Engineers office on Technical Assistance and Community Outreach to help communities navigate the process involved with WRDA projects.

The Congresswoman also secured several provisions to address threats from the climate crisis and support environmental protection and restoration…


McGovern, Casar Introduce Fair Seeds for Farmers Act to Address Affordability Crisis, Put America’s Farmers and Families Ahead of Billionaire Big Ag Corporations

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX) introduced the Fair Seeds for Farmers Act, new legislation aimed to break up Big Ag, protect farmers, lower food costs, and strengthen the U.S. food system by curbing corporate abuse of seed patents.

The legislation comes as a small number of giant multinational conglomerates exercise increasing control over the seeds that are vital for planting crops and growing food. These companies use sweeping patent claims and threats of litigation to essentially control what farmers plant and force them to buy expensive products—driving up costs for those that grow food and those who buy it at the grocery store.

“Food is one of the most basic promises we make to one another: that the people who grow it can make a decent living, and the families they feed can afford to eat. But right now, that promise has been broken thanks to billionaire Big Ag conglomerates who are ripping off both the farmers at the beginning of the food chain and the hardworking folks at the end of it,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “We have a system right now in this country where corporate giants are pocketing massive profits—ripping off farmers and in turn ripping off families buying food at the grocery store. It’s wrong, and our bill is about starting to change the broken status quo by rebuilding America’s food system from the ground up.”

“Every working American knows that groceries are just too expensive,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “By abusing seed patents, big ag companies are putting family farms out of business and driving up the price of food for everyone else. I’m proud to be working with Rep. McGovern on this new bill, which is a key part of the Progressive Caucus’ New Affordability Agenda.”

"Seeds are a foundational building block of our food system—and farmers need seeds that are publicly available and adapted to organic and sustainable production in their bioregion. Our food system is at dire risk when seed intellectual property ownership resides with corporations motivated solely by their bottom line. Seed-dominating corporations leverage utility patents to restrict access to innovative and adaptable seed varieties and reduce competition. For decades, RAFI has called for reforms to seed intellectual property law that restore grower sovereignty over seeds. By limiting corporate control over seed and plant intellectual property, the Fair Seeds for Farmers Act will empower seed breeders across the food system to add to the collective biodiversity of seed and develop varieties more resilient to weather, pest, and disease pressures,” said Aaron Johnson, Policy Co-Director, Rural Advancement Foundation International.

“The hyperconsolidation and commodification of seeds has eroded farmers’ resilience and diminished the agrobiodiversity of crops cultivated in the US at an alarming rate. Farmers play an important role in seed development by nurturing adaptable seed varieties that can help create a more resilient and affordable food system - yet commodification has recently hindered farmers ability to participate in this essential first component of farming. The Fair Seeds for Farmers Act takes an important step in curtailing corporate abuse of US Patent Law and reaffirms farmers and researchers ability to breed, experiment, propagate, and save seeds without fear of retaliation from large seed companies,” said Nick Rossi, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Policy Specialist.

The Fair Seeds for Farmers Act is part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus’s New Affordability Agenda, a slate of proposals to address the nation’s cost-of-living crisis by making essential goods and services cheaper, putting more money back into families’ pockets, and taking on wealthy special interests that have rigged the economy against working people. Specifically, the legislation would:

Limit the patentability of seeds to the protections available under the Plant Variety Protection Act and the Plant Patent Act. The change would apply to pending and future patents while leaving existing patents unaffected.

Prevent corporate seed companies from restricting farmers and researchers from breeding, experimenting with, propagating, or saving seeds, including through burdensome contracts.

Define key plant-breeding terms under federal law to protect the integrity of intellectual property claims involving seeds and plants.

By reducing excessive corporate control over seeds, the bill would give farmers greater control over what they grow, protect independent seed companies and public research, and help lower costs at the beginning of the food supply chain.

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Rep. Menefee Statement on ICE Suspending Vehicle Stops

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18), whose district is adjacent to the Houston neighborhood where ICE agents fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo one week ago today, issued the following statement after reports that ICE is suspending most vehicle stops following the fatal shootings in Texas and Maine.

“A temporary training won’t solve a deeply engrained problem. ICE has been radicalized. Its agents have shot and killed unarmed people across the country. The agency needs to be torn down to the studs. Immigration enforcement shouldn’t be heavily militarized and chasing people through our streets. The American people deserve competent leadership and law enforcement that is transparent, accountable, and worthy of the public’s trust.”


Menendez Applauds Advancement of Bill Strengthening Nuclear Safety and Safeguarding Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy advanced the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) Staff Pay Alignment Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Rob Menendez to help retain and hire qualified nuclear safety experts at the NRC.

“I am proud to introduce legislation that will help retain and hire qualified nuclear safety experts to protect our communities,” said Congressman Menendez. “The Trump Administration has repeatedly attacked the independence and efficacy of our nuclear safety infrastructure – making it more critical than ever that we ensure the NRC is staffed adequately to keep our families safe. This common-sense legislation will go a long way towards doing exactly that.”

Since January 2025, the NRC has lost 400 expert staff, significantly impacting the teams that handle safety. With recent changes to the agency and growth in the nuclear energy sector, it is critical to retain employees with institutional expertise and to hire new, qualified staff to protect communities and bolster nuclear safety. This bill is a key piece to ensuring the highest level of safety when it comes to new nuclear reactors.

The NRC Staff Pay Alignment Act would increase the pay of senior NRC employees by up to ten percent, building on the language in the ADVANCE Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation signed into law by President Biden.

Congressman Menendez serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has repeatedly fought to ensure that community safety is the highest priority when it comes to energy infrastructure.

The NRC Staff Pay Alignment Act now awaits consideration by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.


Meuser Leads Moment of Silence on House Floor for Fallen Trooper Michael Pahira, Calls for Passage of Dalilah's Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) led a moment of silence on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in remembrance of Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira, who was killed while conducting a routine commercial vehicle inspection on Interstate 81 in Cass Township, Pennsylvania, by an illegal immigrant driving a tractor-trailer. On July 1st, Michael Bon, a Haitian immigrant living in Brockton, Massachusetts, struck and killed Trooper Pahira while driving a tractor-trailer using a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) he obtained from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

During his remarks, Congressman Meuser highlighted the respect and reverence Pahira earned from everyone in the communities he served. Trooper Pahira was born and raised in Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District and served the Pennsylvania State Police for nearly 20 years.

“For nearly two decades, Trooper Pahira protected communities across Pennsylvania with courage and distinction, earning him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him,” said Congressman Meuser. “I attended the funeral services for Trooper Pahira last week, alongside his parents, Michael Sr. and Patricia, his sister Jennifer, and thousands of community members, friends, and law enforcement officers who gathered to honor his legacy. The stories shared by those who knew him best painted the picture of a man of character, humility, and unwavering dedication.

“Trooper Pahira’s death was senseless and preventable,” Congressman Meuser continued. “Allowing those unable to read English or in our country illegally to obtain CDLs is irresponsible and dangerous for everyone traveling on America’s roadways, including our law enforcement officers. I am calling on every member of Congress to support basic requirements that will restrict licensing for those living in our country illegally, require English proficiency, and ensure states re-verify the legal status and qualifications of everyone who holds a CDL from their state. It is beyond time to pass Dalilah’s Law and prevent senseless tragedies like this from happening again.”

Dalilah’s Law is named for five-year-old Dalilah Coleman, who was severely injured by an illegal immigrant driving a semi-truck in 2024. The legislation would require states to issue CDLs only to United States residents, green card holders, and those with temporary work visas. It would further establish rules requiring proficiency in English for all those obtaining a CDL and require the states to review the legal status and qualifications of all current CDL holders to ensure they meet safety and proficiency requirements.

Michael Bon entered the United States on July 2, 2024, after being paroled by the Biden administration. He applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) the following October, which was never approved. In March 2025, Massachusetts issued Bon a non-domiciled CDL. In June 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) terminated his parole and ordered him to leave the United States. In February 2026, Massachusetts renewed Michael Bon’s CDL.

Congressman Meuser was joined by a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania Representatives, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), GT Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), as well as Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08).


Speaker Johnson on the Rise of Radical Communists in the Democrat Party: “The Barbarians are Inside the Gate”

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson joined Leader Scalise, Chairwoman McClain, and Rep. Carlos Gimenez – whose family fled communism in Cuba – in highlighting the horrors of socialism and communism. Speaker Johnson also addressed the rise of anti-American, communist candidates currently taking over the Democrat Party.

“This philosophy has led to the murder of tens of millions of innocent people in the 20th century alone. It is a nightmare and is a trail to certain death. And that's why we're speaking in such stark terms, because we need America to wake up,” Speaker Johnson said. “35 years ago, Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the Reagan years, they were fighting communism on a distant shore. Now it's here.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On the rise of socialist, communist Democrat candidates:

We’re fighting right now in Congress over whether we're going to maintain our status as a constitutional republic or we're going to trade that in, dismantle the foundations and go down this dark road of death to communism. That is the question on the ballot this fall. Now, the DSA published their platform – I hope you're all covering it. I hope you're writing in depth about their platform. I read it out loud at event a few weeks ago, and they've made an ad mocking me reading their platform. Now, they didn't put the clips with the worst parts of it. Well, of course they want to pack the Supreme Court, and they want a unicameral legislature. They want the House to run everything; abolish the Senate, because they believe the House would be run by Marxists communists. They want to remove the President. What they also want to do is abolish all borders. They don't want any borders. They want mass amnesty granted to anyone who can come onto our shores without exception, even for terrorists and hardened, dangerous criminals. They don't want prisons. It's in their platform. They want to remove the carceral state. They said no prisons. They don't want to fund the police. This is not a game. Everybody needs to understand. These crazy little mini-Mamdani’s who are popping up all around the country; they are a danger to you and your family. This is not a game. If they promise you free stuff, there is far more beneath those promises that even some of these people do not understand themselves.

On the failures of communism historically:

Our rights come from our Creator, God; they do not come from the government. The communist believes the opposite. They believe that the government of the state is God and that the state is the one that gives you all your rights. And you know what? The state can also take those rights away. And that's exactly what happens. It's inevitable in communism. And this philosophy has led to the murder of tens of millions of innocent people in the 20th century alone. It is a nightmare. It is a trail to certain death and that's why we're speaking in such stark terms, because we need America to wake up. 35 years ago, Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the Reagan years, they were fighting communism on a distant shore. Now it's here.

But in Congress, they all agreed on that. They obviously knew that we had to fight communism. And so, what they were doing here for domestic policy, that was foreign policy, domestic policy, they were arguing over marginal tax rates and the shades of regulation and how large the government should be. There wasn't a huge difference. The chasm between the two parties, those days are gone right now. Domestically, we are arguing, we are debating, we are fighting. The election will be over whether we're going to maintain our freedom in a constitutional republic, the greatest experiment in self-governance in the history of the world, the longest surviving constitution on the planet, the nation that everybody wants to emulate and everybody wants to come here. We have to seal our borders, so they won't flood over them. We're the only nation in the world that has that distinction. We're the last great superpower. We are the greatest nation in the history of the world.

On the high stakes of the midterm elections:

There has been a small number of times in the history of America where the actual experiment in self-governance was on the ballot. The idea that we would preserve a constitutional republic, one nation under God, a government of, by, and for the people. All that is in question right now. For the first time, really in my lifetime, this is a real question. The American people have to decide in November, in a midterm election for Congress and Senate. It’s not something that we would've projected. I hoped and prayed it would never come to this, but here we are. The barbarians are in the gate.

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Dr. Miller-Meeks Leads Bipartisan Effort to Eliminate Hepatitis C in America

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) introduced the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026, landmark bipartisan legislation to build a nationwide, federally coordinated effort to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in the United States. She is leading the bill alongside Reps. Diana DeGette (CO), Hank Johnson (GA), and Don Bacon (NE), with a companion measure led in the Senate by Sens. Bill Cassidy, M.D. and Chris Van Hollen.

Hepatitis C is a curable disease, yet it continues to claim American lives every year because too many people are never diagnosed or never gain access to the treatments that could save them. This legislation takes a comprehensive "test-to-treat" approach to change that, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates it would save taxpayers $6.6 billion.

"As a physician, I have seen what happens when a curable disease goes untreated simply because a patient couldn't access care," said Dr. Miller-Meeks. "Hepatitis C is beatable. We have the tools to eliminate it, and this bill puts them within reach of the Americans who need them most. This is a commonsense, fiscally responsible effort that will save lives and save taxpayer dollars. I am proud to lead it alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle."

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of biomedical researchers and innovators, Hepatitis C is curable. Yet far too many people remain undiagnosed or unable to access treatment, and dozens die from the disease every day,” said DeGette. “This is simply unacceptable. We have the tools to stop this epidemic and curb the human and financial costs of this disease going untreated. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on legislation that will have the greatest positive impact to public health this Congress.”

“I am asking that we work together to raise awareness about hepatitis C – a silent killer – so that others at risk can get tested and treated,” said Rep. Johnson. After his own diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis C, the Congressman became a national advocate for access to treatment and destigmatization.

The Cure Hepatitis C Act would:

Establish a national Hepatitis C Elimination Program at the Department of Health and Human Services, with a clear strategy, performance metrics, a public dashboard, and accountability to Congress.

Create a subscription-based drug procurement program to purchase curative antiviral treatments at scale and provide them to covered patients without cost-sharing, delivering treatment to underserved, uninsured, tribal, and correctional populations.

Expand screening, diagnostics, and outreach through grants to states, community health centers, tribal health programs, correctional facilities, and other providers on the front lines.

Remove financial and administrative barriers by eliminating cost-sharing and prohibiting prior authorization for hepatitis C treatment, including for seniors under Medicare Part D.

Build the public health infrastructure needed to sustain elimination, including provider training networks, point-of-care testing, and a national public awareness campaign.

WHAT THE GROUPS ARE SAYING

The legislation is supported by more than 100 organizations, including the University of Iowa College of Public Health, the American Cancer Society, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Liver Foundation, and the American Gastroenterological Association.

“This legislation represents a rare opportunity to improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health care costs,” said Tim Leshan, Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer at Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). “We commend Representatives Miller-Meeks, DeGette, and Johnson for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to ending hepatitis C in the United States. By investing in testing, treatment, and coordinated public health efforts today, Congress can prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation tomorrow while also strengthening our nation's public health infrastructure.”

Dr. Miller-Meeks, a physician and former Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, has made lowering health care costs and expanding access to care a cornerstone of her work in Congress.

For the full bill text, click HERE.

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Miller-Meeks Honors Pella High School Marching Dutch on House Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) delivered remarks on the House floor congratulating the Pella High School Marching Dutch on their trip to Washington, D.C. for the 250th National Independence Day celebration.

Led by 21-year band director Dameon Place, the Pella Marching Dutch includes 225 talented high school students. When the Independence Day Parade was canceled due to extreme heat, the students adapted and delivered a special pop-up performance at Upper Senate Park, allowing visitors to experience the talented Iowa band. During their trip, the students also attended the National Symphony Orchestra's Fourth of July concert and fireworks, visited the nation's iconic monuments, and explored the Smithsonian museums.

"Our community in Pella is incredibly supportive of its band program," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "These students work hard, represent Iowa with pride, and demonstrate the positive impact school music programs have on our young people. Participation in the band gives students the opportunity to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well long after graduation."

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Griffith Announces $700,000 ARC Grant for SWVA Waterline Project

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Lee County, Virginia, a $700,000 grant. This funding will support the completion of municipal waterline to serve households in Lee and Scott Counties. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Potable water is an important resource for Southwest Virginia communities.

“This ARC grant for $700,000 helps Lee County construct new waterline service for the residents of the Flower Gap and Fairview areas in Lee and Scott Counties.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, the name of this project is the Flower Gap – Fairview Waterline Extension Project.

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Griffith Celebrates More Than $7.3 Million for SWVA Helene Relief

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that federal funds will support communities in Southwest Virginia impacted from Hurricane Helene. The breakdown of grants includes:

$3.5 million for Giles County to support the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and replacement of disaster-damaged homes for low- and moderate-income households

$3.5 million for Washington County to support the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and replacement of disaster-damaged homes for low- and moderate-income households

$322,712 for Town of Fries (Grayson County) to support the installation of a generator at a local water treatment facility

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“I support using the federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program for Hurricane Helene aid to help communities in Virginia.

“These grants for more than $7.3 million help Giles and Washington Counties as well as the Town of Fries support recovery efforts in the region.”

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program.

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

In January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.

In February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.

In April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.

In June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.

In July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair and $1.2 million in bridge repairs.

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