CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN RELEASES INITIAL COMMUNITY FEEDBACK, ESCALATES FIGHT TO SAVE WEST PARK POST OFFICE

When West Park residents abruptly received notice that their post office would be closing, with no information or timeline provided on when services will resume, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the closure be reversed

Ryan is releasing the initial community feedback from his petition, showing the West Park community’s massive opposition to the closure; since there is no home delivery in the area, residents must pick up their mail in person daily

In the past, Ryan has had repeated success of pressuring USPS to save Hudson Valley post offices

WEST PARK, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is escalating the fight to save the West Park post office and releasing the initial results of his petition opposing the closure. The petition, which already has more than 100 signatures from hamlet residents, will be delivered to the Postmaster General.

When residents received abrupt notice that their post office would be closing in less than a month, with no information or timeline for resumption of services provided, Ryan immediately wrote to USPS demanding the decision be reversed. He then launched a petition, urging impacted community members to voice their concerns. Ryan has successfully fought to restore services at multiple Hudson Valley post offices when they faced similar challenges.

Members of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.

“For many communities in the Hudson Valley, the U.S. Postal Service is a lifeline. That’s especially the case in West Park where it’s one of the few meeting places in town. We cannot allow USPS to rip the rug out from under our neighbors – that’s why we’re fighting back, starting with this petition,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “In just a few days since launching the petition, I’ve heard from seniors concerned about where to pick up their medication, small business owners who rely on the shipping services, and most of all from neighbors, worried about losing this center of their community. This post office is vital to the West Park community in so many ways – these responses speak for themselves. USPS owes the Hudson Valley better, and our community is ready to rally in force to save the West Park post office and ensure our neighbors don’t get left behind.”

“West Park has been my home for the last 9 years, and in that time, have fallen in love with my neighbors and my community,” said Claire Buglion, West Park resident. “The post office and Tammy is so much more than a small brick building with someone working behind a counter. Driving to Highland is not just an inconvenience and for many of my friends and neighbors a hardship. It is stripping away our identity as a town. I strongly oppose this unnecessary action, and demand that all actions be taken to stop it.”

“West Park is a strong, close-knit community, and having our own local post office—with Tammy as our wonderful postmaster—is part of what makes this small hamlet so special,” said Patricia Cutugno, West Park resident. “It’s places like these, and the people who serve them with kindness and dedication, that help make West Park feel like home.”

“I am a senior and I walk to the Post Office in West Park,” said Melissa Ortquist, West Park resident. “I get some of my medications through the mail. Going to Highland to get my mail would be a huge inconvenience for me and my neighbors. I am worried that I will not get my prescriptions on time. Highland is way out of my way.”

“I heard from a neighbor the West Park PO is closing in a month and we will be directed to Highland PO. It’s an unbelievable short amount of time to hear about it through the grapevine,” said Mary McCrindle, West Park resident. “My husband and I have lived here 39 years. Many personal and professional things associated with our PO box that are not easy to change/notify!!! We want our PO to stay open!!”

Members of the West Park community are encouraged to sign this petition, voicing their opposition to the closure of their post office.

###


CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN SECURES LANDMARK FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN TOWN OF WAPPINGER TO IMPROVE DRINKING WATER QUALITY

Ryan joined Town of Wappinger leaders to announce he has secured a nearly $750,000 investment in FY27 Community Project Funding for the Town’s efforts to combat toxic forever chemicals in the drinking water and update their water filtration systems

The Town will use the funding to install treatment and filtration systems at Hilltop Well Field, which supplies about 30% of the United Wappinger Water District’s drinking water

TOWN OF WAPPINGER, NY – Yesterday, Congressman Pat Ryan joined Town of Wappinger leaders to announce he’s secured nearly $750,000 in FY27 Community Project Funding to bolster the Town’s efforts to clean up toxic forever chemicals in their drinking water and update their water filtration systems. Committee passage is the first step in the process, and funding will only be made available when the bill is passed by Congress and signed into law, which Ryan continues to fight for.

The Town will use the funding to install water quality treatment and carbon filtration systems at the Hilltop Well Field, which supplies approximately 30% of the United Wappinger Water District's drinking water. The project addresses PFAS contamination detected above federal maximum contaminant levels in one well and rapid filter fouling issues in two others that have made them largely unusable.

“This is a very exciting day. I’m incredibly proud to secure this funding for the Town of Wappinger to make real progress in updating their water filtration systems and removing toxic forever chemicals from their drinking water,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This money will go towards new treatment and filtration systems to ensure that everyone in our Hudson Valley community – especially our kids – has access to safe, clean drinking water. Whether by delivering funding to fight contamination on the ground, holding corporations accountable for polluting our communities, or by fighting tooth and nail against harmful EPA or DoD policies rolling back our progress, I’ll keep working to end this public health crisis once and for all.”

“This project represents an investment not only in our infrastructure but in the health, safety, and future of our community. I am grateful that through this bipartisan collaboration between Congressman Ryan and the Town, we are able to make significant filtration and supply improvements to our Town water infrastructure. By modernizing our water treatment systems today, we are ensuring that residents continue to receive clean, dependable drinking water while reducing long-term costs and building a more resilient water system for generations to come,” said Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini.

“The Hilltop Well Field Phase II Filtration Improvements project represents an important moment for the Town of Wappinger,” said Dutchess County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith. “Strengthening the water infrastructure is vital to ensuring Wappinger residents have access to safe, reliable drinking water and ensures compliance with federal standards. I appreciate the ongoing commitment to investing in the long-term public health and well-being of this town. I want to thank Congressman Pat Ryan for his continued focus toward strengthening all of our community's infrastructure.”

“Safe, affordable drinking water is essential for every resident,” said Dutchess District 14 Legislator Alix Winsby. “Today marks the smart investment in upgrading the water infrastructure project here in the Town of Wappinger that will have a lasting impact on us all. Sincere thanks to Congressman Pat Ryan for funding this project.”

Congressman Pat Ryan has prioritized fighting for clean water for Hudson Valley families and against harmful pollutants, particularly spearheading efforts against the emerging threats posed by PFAS contamination.

Just last month, Ryan put the Department of Defense and Secretary Pete Hegseth on blast for their plan to rollback PFAS reporting standards at U.S. military installations. Toxic forever chemical contamination at Stewart Air National Guard Base has tainted the drinking water in Newburgh for years – and DoD’s plan threatens to rollback bipartisan progress combatting it.

###


ICYMI -- Nancy Pelosi, Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner: We Can Fix Health Care, But Trump Chooses Iran

Washington D.C. – In a new USA TODAY op-ed, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and MomsRising Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner argue that America's growing health care affordability crisis is the direct result of Republican policy choices that slashed Medicaid, increased costs for working families and prioritized war and tax breaks for the wealthy over the health of the American people.

They call on Congress to reverse Republican health care cuts, permanently extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and recommit to policies that lower costs for families, strengthen the nation's health care system and ensure every American has access to affordable care.

Read the full op-ed below:

USA TODAY: Pelosi, Rowe-Finkbeiner: We can fix health care, but Trump chooses Iran

[By Nancy Pelosi and Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, 7/9/26]

Republicans doubled down on extreme health care cuts during an affordability crisis to pay for even more tax breaks for people who don't need them. But we can reverse that.

Families don’t need another report to tell them health care is becoming more unaffordable, but the latest data confirms what we’re already feeling in our wallets: Less than half of Americans can now afford health care.

Wondering what’s happening? We have answers.

Republicans triggered a nationwide health care crisis by slashing $1 trillion from Medicaid in their 2025 reconciliation bill and failing to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.

But instead of fixing the crisis they created, in June the Republican-controlled Congress passed another reconciliation bill that, along with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, poured more than $240 billion into militarized immigration enforcement without guardrails to protect our communities – while ignoring the financial realities facing America’s families.

This health care crisis is not a question of resources – it is a question of priorities. The $240 billion would cover Medicaid for about 30 million people. And the daily cost of the war in Iran alone could cover the daily health care costs of the 16 million people expected to lose Medicaid – and still cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for all 41 million Americans who rely on it.

Again, the resources are there. The priorities are wrong.

Across America, working families are being pushed to the breaking point by a health care crisis that grows worse by the day. The consequences are devastating.

Just take the direct impact of the cuts in the 2025 reconciliation package: While about 16 million Americans are expected to lose their health insurance by 2034 because of those Medicaid cuts, that’s just part of the negative consequences.

At the same time, rising Affordable Care Act premiums are pricing families out of coverage altogether. Early 2026 data already shows ACA enrollment dropped by 13%, which is nearly 3 million people, with some experts projecting a 20% drop – meaning roughly 5 million fewer people with coverage and soaring premiums for 22 million families.

Even as families pay more, services are worsening as hospitals struggle under the weight of these cuts.

More than 15 million could lose health care thanks to Republican cuts

To be clear, taking an axe to Medicaid is taking an axe to the heart of America: our children. More than 35 million children – nearly half of all children in our country – receive their health care through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.

Medicaid also covers more than 40% of births in our country, protecting both mothers and babies at the most vulnerable moment in their lives.

America’s health care crisis will only deepen as the Republican cuts take hold over the next decade, with the most severe impacts beginning in 2027.

Experts warn that about 15 million additional people could lose coverage in the years ahead. Even families with employer-sponsored insurance are not spared.

Across the country, families are being forced into impossible choices: health care or groceries, prescriptions or rent, gas in the car or a doctor’s visit.

At the same time, the very health care system families rely on is under strain. Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and maternity wards are cutting services, laying off staff or closing altogether.

One in 7 Americans depend on a rural hospital for care, and closures are accelerating – forcing patients to rely on air ambulances or travel hours for basic services.

In urban areas, more than 440 hospitals serving 6.6 million patients are at risk of closing or reducing services, with a quarter of hospitals in five states in jeopardy.

For pregnant women and new mothers, these closures are not just devastating – they are dangerous. When a maternity ward closes, we lose more than convenience, we lose safety:

Progress made under Medicaid expansion is under direct threat of imminent reversal.

Maternal care deserts now exist in more than 35% of counties, including 56% of rural counties.

The United States already has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with Black women three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.

Americans are concerned about health care costs. Trump doesn't care.

This is not acceptable. It is outrageous.

We are living through a crisis that feels like a real-life episode of "The Pitt" – because Republican leaders are prioritizing ballrooms over emergency rooms. That is not what the American people want, and it is not what they deserve. One-third of Americans now report cutting back on basic necessities just to afford health care.

We choose what to fund as a nation – and most Americans prioritize their health care, with 7 in 10 adults saying they are very concerned about their health care costs.

Let us be clear: The steep hike in health care didn’t happen by accident.

President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress doubled down on extreme cuts to health care during an affordability crisis to pay for even more tax breaks for people who don’t need them, as well as for separating families, human rights abuses and terrifying hardworking immigrants – people essential to our care workforce, our economy and our future. Our nation needs a safe and orderly immigration process that balances compassion and security, not cuts to health care and not cruelty.

Despite the political chaos, solutions are still possible. Our nation can reverse course by reversing the cuts.

But make no mistake, reversing the cuts is going to take our voices, our persistence, our insistence and our votes. In this increasing climate of voter intimidation and gerrymandering, double-check your voter registration and make a plan to vote with friends. Call your members of Congress and urge them to reverse the massive cuts that Republican leaders made to health care, permanently extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and proactively pass improved health care access.

America’s families need universal access to affordable health care. They need paid family and medical leave. They need access to healthy food, affordable childcare, and quality care for aging loved ones and people with disabilities. These are not luxuries – they are the foundation of a strong economy and a just society.

These are the policies that will lift families up, strengthen our workforce and restore dignity to everyday life. These are the policies that will end the affordability crisis driven by these cruel and unjust cuts.

In the United States of America, what we are experiencing is not just a policy failure. It is a moral failure. And we must act now before it’s too late.


National FCCLA Scholarship Awardees Enjoy Taste of Samoan Culture in DC

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s DC office enjoyed hosting a group of the FCCLA national scholarship winners and their sponsor on Thursday, when the scholarship group visited the American Samoa office. They shared how their educational opportunity this week was meaningful to them, while getting extra cultural experiences from new friends, such as eating homemade puligi, wearing a sei in their hair, trying a lavalava in the DC midsummer heat, and asking questions about life in American Samoa.

Chief of Staff Leafaina Tavai hosted scholars on behalf of Congresswoman Amata

The students, many from small communities all over the country, including Arkansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, said they encourage students in all their home locations, including American Samoa, to take an interest in the educational program – the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America – which gave them an added sense of belonging and accomplishment, while meeting new friends and learning, including about faraway places like American Samoa.

American Samoa’s own Lucas “Hoss” Tafesilafa’i Foster, was one of the scholarship winners, representing the territory, Samoana High School, and his villages of Pago Pago and Futiga. He’s the first from American Samoa, helping open the door to wider participation in FCCLA in the islands. He served as American Samoa’s 2026 Election Voting Delegate, the territory’s flag bearer, and accepted a membership increase award on behalf of American Samoa FCCLA, with his family looking on at the National Leadership Conference for more than 10,000 people at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this week.

PICTURED: Lucas and his fellow National Scholarship Awardees, their sponsor Amie White of Texas, Chief of Staff Leafaina Tavai on behalf of Congresswoman Amata, and the rest of the Foster family, Lloyd, Ola, and Lloyd, Jr. Eight of the 12 awardees are pictured: Lucas Tafesilafa’i Foster, Shaylen Shepherd, Tayeanna Bekise, Ayden McNamee, Alivia Johnson, Riya Kumar, Avery Willis, and Calvyn St. Clair.

More Photos here

###


Raskin Statement on “Trumped-up Charges” Facing Constituent, Three-time Olympian Canoeist Davey Hearn in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Case

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement as his constituent and three-time Olympian canoeist Davey Hearn is set to be arraigned “on a Kafkaesque arrest and Orwellian charges”:

"Davey Hearn is my constituent, a native-born resident of Montgomery County, a three-time Olympian canoeist, and a famed and celebrated teacher and coach of canoeing and kayaking in our community. He is beloved in my district as a model citizen whether on water or on dry land. He is a great guy.

"Davey Hearn would never desecrate a federal building or landmark by writing his name on it or affixing his name illegally to it or engaging in any other kind of political graffiti, vandalism or delinquency. He would never intentionally damage government property. Whether we are talking about the White House, the Reflecting Pool or the Kennedy Center, Davey would never try to alter, bulldoze or redesign federal property or buildings without explicit Congressional authorization and direction. Davey is an honorable and law-abiding citizen who has won real giant prizes, including eight world championships. He did so without any corrupt practices and only through his magnificent hard work and surpassing dedication to the team. He would never try to undercut or sabotage anyone, much less our entire community.

"I hope—and will do everything I can to guarantee—that Davey gets true due process and a fair trial on these absurdly trumped-up charges. It is only a matter of time before an impartial judge and jury recognize that this case has been built on a Kafkaesque arrest and Orwellian charges.

"I’m wishing Davey all best luck, constitutional justice and the real Rule of Law over the course of his trial. The people of Maryland’s 8th are with you, Davey!"

###


Congresswoman Luz Rivas Expresses Outrage and Demands Accountability at Another ICE Killing

LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot and killed, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo – father, husband, and immigrant – in Houston, Texas:

“I am outraged at yet another innocent person being killed by an ICE agent. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was on his way to work building homes when ICE agents ended his life and shattered his family's home in a matter of seconds. This senseless death has broken the hearts of communities everywhere, including the San Fernando Valley.

“I demand accountability with a transparent and independent investigation. Additionally, all body camera and dash camera footage, as well as images of the tragic event must be released for further transparency. ICE cannot be trusted to investigate itself. His family and the public deserve to know what happened and justice must be served.

“America has seen this tragic story before and this pattern cannot continue: ICE continues to act with impunity. We must not turn a blind eye when the state of our country allows for allegations of federal law enforcement murdering innocent people on American streets.

“My heart goes out to the victim’s family, the Houston community, and immigrant communities everywhere.”

###


Congresswoman Luz Rivas Presents Nearly $1,000,000 in Federal Funding for Pacoima Warehouse Renovation

LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), representative for California’s 29th Congressional District, presented the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) with $968,000 in federal funding for its Pacoima Warehouse Renovation project. This project will support warehouse renovations and storage improvements that strengthen emergency response operations and help ensure firefighters and firefighter paramedics have timely access to the life-saving equipment and resources they need during emergencies.

“I am proud to secure nearly $1 million in federal funding to support local emergency response operations for firefighters and storage improvements at the Pacoima Warehouse,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “A strong emergency response starts by making sure our firefighters have quick and efficient access to the equipment and supplies they need to protect our communities. I am grateful for the partnership of Supervisor Horvath and the Los Angeles County Fire Department in securing this important federal investment that will keep our communities safe during emergencies like wildfires.”

“Just this week, we welcomed home USA-2 after their humanitarian mission to Venezuela — a powerful reminder that the work happening at this warehouse saves lives both here in Los Angeles County and around the world," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. "Thanks to Congresswoman Rivas this federal investment will strengthen our emergency response capabilities by ensuring our firefighters have faster access to the specialized equipment they need when every second counts.

“The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is grateful to Congresswoman Rivas for this federal funding investment to renovate our Pacoima Supply Warehouse," said County of Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. "This project will upgrade and modernize the Supply Warehouse, strengthening daily operations and ensuring our firefighters and paramedics get life-saving equipment and tools faster.”

Background:

This funding is part of the nearly $15 million in federal funding Congresswoman Rivas secured for California’s 29th Congressional District in FY26.

The warehouse also stores specialized urban search and rescue equipment used during critical incidents and humanitarian response efforts, including supplies deployed to support ongoing U.S. Department of State relief efforts in Venezuela along with other local large-scale emergencies.

###


Rep. Roy Seeks Crackdown on Legal Immigration Following SCOTUS Ruling

Washington, D.C. – Following the Supreme Court’s recent egregious ruling on birthright citizenship, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to the Trump Administration seeking answers on the number of legal immigrants who have come into our country since the start of 2025.

"Securing our country from mass migration means addressing both illegal and legal immigration. At a time when housing, schools, healthcare, and other public services are under increasing pressure, Congress needs a full accounting of how many legal immigrants have entered the United States since the start of this Administration. The American people deserve transparency so we can ensure our immigration system puts American workers, taxpayers, and communities first,” said Rep. Roy.

Excerpts from the letter:

As you all tirelessly work to fulfill President Trump’s mandate to secure our country from illegal immigration, we write to request an accounting of the number of legal immigrants — both temporary and permanent — the United States has admitted since January 20, 2025. While mitigating illegal immigration should be a top priority for the federal government, it is equally important to ensure the nation maintains sustainable legal immigration levels.

In light of the Supreme Court’s majority’s egregious ruling against the Trump administration’s efforts to curb automatic citizenship for children born on U.S. soil to illegal aliens and temporary foreign visitors, current immigration levels should be revisited to ensure they do not adversely affect the American people’s economic opportunities, cultural and social cohesion, or security.

***

The Trump administration has made decisive steps to limit legal immigration, including pausing the Diversity Visa Lottery program, tightening the public charge rule, suspending immigration from multiple countries. Additionally, the administration has focused on countering visa programs that routinely undermine American workers.

While these are welcome measures, additional policies could be implemented to reduce current legal immigration flows. To that end, Congress obtaining data on the number of individuals we’ve imported, permanently or temporarily, is a first step in advancing immigration legislation that puts American interests first and builds on the Trump administration's commendable restriction efforts.

Read the full letter here.


Scanlon Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Make Standard Time Permanent Default For Stronger Youth Development and Increased Public Safety

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today introduced the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, legislation to restore permanent Standard Time nationwide. The bill would end the annual switch to Daylight Saving Time in most of the country, and make Standard Time, the time we currently use between November and March, the default year-round. The bill is a bipartisan effort with Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10) as a co-lead.

At present, two states use Standard Time year-round, and no state uses Daylight Saving Time year-round. While this legislation would default all states to permanent Standard Time, it does allow for states to institute permanent Daylight Saving Time through state law if they so choose. A brief national experiment with year-round Daylight Saving Time in 1974 was quickly abandoned amid widespread public dissatisfaction.

The biannual switch between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time has been shown to pose significant public health and safety risks, including increased motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, and mood disorders each time the switch occurs. While there is widespread public agreement that the twice-yearly clock switch needs to end, proposals to enact year-round Daylight Saving Time carry additional medical risks.

“For decades, scientists and medical professionals have highlighted the detrimental mental and physical health impacts of twice-a-year clock changes, particularly on children and teens,” said Rep. Scanlon. “The Sunshine for Our Kids Act will not only help children and teens during the most important years for mental and physical development, but will also promote public health and safety in our communities.”

“It's hard to find anyone who enjoys changing the clocks twice a year, yet Americans have been stuck with the same outdated policy for decades,” said Rep. Harrigan. “The Sunshine for Our Kids Act replaces that one-size-fits-all mandate with a smarter approach by making standard time the default while allowing states to decide what works best for their own communities.”

The medical community is in agreement that the country should switch away from moving our clocks forward and backward each year, and believes a switch to permanent Standard Time to align with our natural circadian rhythms would be the best possible solution. By switching to permanent Standard Time, Americans across the country will experience improved sleep and brain function, better physical and mental health, and greater safety as a result.

The bill is endorsed by American Academy of Sleep Medicine, National Sleep Foundation, Save Standard Time, American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), the Society for Research in Biological Rhythms (SRBR) and the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time.

“Permanent standard time is the healthier choice for all Americans,” said Dr. Abbasi-Fienberg, President of American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Scanlon for championing legislation that puts health and safety first and helps ensure that mornings are better aligned with natural light and human circadian rhythms.”

“Permanent standard time will lead to a healthier, safer, and more productive America,” said Dr. Karin Johnson and Jay Pea, co-chairs of Coalition for Permanent Standard Time. “Natural standard time has a proven track record of improving public health, student performance, and economic output. Permanent standard time ends the harms of clock changes while best aligning with human circadian biology. By ensuring adequate morning light, standard time reduces the risks associated with circadian misalignment, sleep loss, and unsafe dark morning commutes.”

Find the full bill text here.

###


SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON AMB. EMANUEL SPEECH AT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Ambassador Rahm Emanuel’s speech at Tel Aviv University:

“I am grateful to Ambassador Emanuel for going to Israel to tell its people directly what has been in the heart of so many in the American pro-Israel community, including my own: ‘The historic alliance between two democracies… is at a crossroads. It cannot stand or survive as it has been. To maintain the strength of our ties, this alliance needs significant changes and a new direction.’

“As a proud Zionist, I care for Israel deeply and have stood in Congress in support of our relationship, even when the politics were hard. I believe in the fundamental right of the Jewish people to their historic homeland, just like I believe in the Palestinians’ right to theirs. These two people belong to the same land, and they have suffered for too long because of those who prefer self-righteousness and violence to negotiation and peace.

“Like Ambassador Emanuel, I have long called out settler violence, both publicly and in countless private meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. In June of 2020, and again in September of 2025, I helped draft and lead letters to Netanyahu and other Israeli officials opposing unilateral annexation of the West Bank or Gaza. And throughout the war in Gaza, I led the bipartisan Gaza Working Group to get humanitarian aid into and throughout the territory, while also seeking to give relief and succor to the civilians trapped in the war between Israel and Hamas.

“Israel will not have real security and peace without addressing Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and sovereignty and creating a framework for regional stability. It also must find a path to peace with Lebanon and Syria. We must support and incentivize this path and work to integrate what will be 22 Arab states and one Jewish state into an interconnected economic and technological powerhouse built on the vision of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Working with Israel as a partner, rather than an aid recipient, will strengthen our alliance and enhance Israel’s security and standing in the region and around the world.

“Ambassador Emanuel showed that one can fully support Israel and be committed to its long-term security and stability as a Jewish, democratic state, and at the same time, be profoundly critical of Israel’s, and specifically the Netanyahu government’s, strategic and moral failures.

“Emanuel laid down hard truths noting that true friends, ‘tell the truth even when it’s painful.’ He also observed that his ‘commitments are neither radical nor new—they simply reflect how America applies its national security tools to achieve its goals.’ He was right to call out Prime Minister Netanyahu for his too-often indefensible tactics and refusal to plan for Gaza’s future after the war.

“The Israeli government’s policies have left Israel isolated while pushing peace farther away. Israel can return from being a new Sparta to being Startup Nation. I know that it can find its way out of war and towards peace, and we must help.

“I join Ambassador Emanuel in saying that, ‘We are prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel on the long and difficult journey towards peace, should you choose that path.’ That path will be difficult, but it is the only one. Israel has already made peace with two of its four Arab neighbors and can eventually make peace with the rest. Standing with Israel now means offering strength, understanding its suffering, and always speaking truth.”


Rep. Peters, Housing Advocates Praise 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act as Transformative for Housing Crisis

San Diego, CA – Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50) brought local housing experts and advocates together to discuss how the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help tackle the nation's housing affordability crisis, increase housing supply, and reduce barriers to housing development. It was approved by both chambers in Congress and tomorrow, if the President does not veto it, it becomes law.

Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing San Diegans. Only 13 percent of households can afford a median-priced home, and average rents are 44 percent higher than the national average. San Diego has made progress to make housing more affordable, but we still have a long way to go to ensure every person has a safe, affordable place to call home.

“Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing San Diegans,” said Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50). “Increasing housing supply is the most effective way to lower costs. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is landmark federal legislation to do that. It has now been passed by both chambers in Congress. Tomorrow it will become law, not with President Trump’s signature, but despite his indifference to the fact that too many Americans cannot afford a place to live.”

San Diego has done the work of being a pro-housing region,” said Stephen Russell, President and CEO of the San Diego Housing Federation. “We've streamlined, we've zoned, we've built. What this legislation does is create carrots that will bring the rest of the country toward what we've already done here — the Innovation Fund, the planning grants, the CDBG production incentives. This law is, in many ways, the federal government finally catching up to San Diego.”

“The reality is simple: homelessness cannot be solved without housing,” said Carlynne Yu, Chief Financial Officer for the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. “The ROAD to Housing Act helps prevent homelessness by preserving affordable housing, strengthening housing stability for individuals and families at risk of losing their homes, and creating multiple new pathways to affordable housing. When we expand access to stable, affordable housing, we strengthen our communities and create better outcomes for everyone.”

“In San Diego, you need to make over $100,000 a year just to start thinking about buying a home,” said Brigette Browning, President of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council. “Too many of our members are paying more than a third of their paycheck for housing. That's not just a math problem. It's a dignity problem. It's a survival problem. The 21st Century Road to Housing Act is a step in the right direction. It will help increase housing supply, lower barriers to development, and make manufactured housing more affordable.”

“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes a meaningful step toward fixing what is fundamentally a supply problem by making it faster, more predictable and more cost-effective to build the housing resources our communities need,” said Jimmy Silverwood, President of Affirmed Housing. “At Affirmed Housing, we see every day through communities like The Helm that, when you increase the supply of affordable housing, you reduce pressure across the market and create real pathways out of homelessness.”

Background: As Co-Chair of the ‘YIMBY’ Caucus, Rep. Peters has made addressing housing affordability and homelessness a central focus of his work in Congress, particularly in response to rising rents and housing shortages in San Diego. He has championed policies to increase the supply of affordable housing, support building higher-density housing near transit, and ban income discrimination in housing. He is also a founding member of the Build America Caucus – a bipartisan group of lawmakers working to expedite infrastructure development.

A livestreamed recording of the press conference can be viewed here. Additional photos from the event, courtesy of the office of Rep. Scott Peters, can be viewed here.

###


Congresswoman Sheri Biggs Introduces the Improving Travel for Military Members Act

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) announced that her Improving Travel for Military Members Act passed markup in the House Homeland Security Committee, advancing legislation designed to make airport travel easier for active-duty service members and their families through dedicated TSA screening lanes at airports.

More than 1.3 million Americans currently serve on active duty, many of whom travel under deployment orders, PCS moves, or emergency assignments with little notice. Nearly 889,000 children are part of active-duty military families, making airport travel one more challenge for families already carrying the burdens of military life.

“Our service members and their families already sacrifice through deployments, long separations, and constant moves. Making travel easier is one practical way we can honor their service and show them the respect they more than deserve,” said Congresswoman Biggs.

The Improving Travel for Military Members Act establishes a pilot program at a minimum of five airports to implement priority TSA screening procedures for active-duty military personnel and accompanying family members, with preference given to airports located near large military installations.


Rep. Smucker Comments on LNP|LancasterOnline Defamation Suit

LANCASTER, PA – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement:

“Earlier this year, I filed a defamation lawsuit against LNP|LancasterOnline after it published statements about me that were false and defamatory. This week, the court denied LNP's attempt to dismiss the case, allowing it to move forward.

As the judge wrote:

"Smucker's characterization had a substantial factual basis, such that LNP's accusation of 'lying'

could be understood as a provably false assertion of intentional dishonesty."

I look forward to presenting the facts in court. A free press plays a vital role in our democracy, and with that role comes a responsibility to report the truth accurately and fairly.”

# # #


Stanton Introduces the Quiet Skies Act to Finalize Ban on In-Flight Cell Phone Calls

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Rick Crawford (R-AR-01), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08) introduced H.R. 9530, the Quiet Skies Act. The bipartisan legislation would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to finalize a ban on in-flight calls on commercial planes within 180 days of enactment.

“Millions of Americans are flying to be with family and friends this summer. The last thing anyone wants on a stressful travel weekend is to be trapped next to a passenger on a phone call for hours. It's annoying for passengers, and it's a dangerous distraction for flight attendants. Our bill gives the FAA a firm deadline to finish what Congress already directed,” said Congressman Stanton.

“The bottom line is simple: a disruptive cabin is a distraction, and distractions put safety at risk,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “Back in 2018, Congress passed a law requiring the FAA to ban voice calls on commercial flights, and eight years later, that still hasn't happened. Our bipartisan bill gives the FAA 180 days to finally finish the job and protect passenger safety as well as passenger sanity.”

“As Congress continues our work to make flying as safe as possible, we should also look at ways to make it as enjoyable as possible as well,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “No one wants to be stuck next to a stranger's phone call for three hours at thirty thousand feet. Congress told DOT to take care of this back in 2018, and this bill will make sure the job finally gets finished.”

“It is vital to the comfort and security of all personnel on board that the cabin is free from distraction. In 2018, my colleagues and I worked to pass common-sense public safety legislation that prohibits the in-flight use of mobile devices for voice communication. After eight years of the FAA failing to implement regulations, it is time for Congress to act again. The Quiet Skies Act gives the FAA a firm but generous 180-day deadline to bring current regulations into compliance,” said Congressman Crawford.

“Our members manage travel for millions of employees, and they have been clear with us that the cabin should remain a place to work, rest and think, and not become a group phone booth for dozens of simultaneous private conversations at 35,000 feet,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). “We heard that feedback, brought it to Washington and are grateful to Representatives Scholten, Crawford, Stanton and Bresnahan for turning it into action. Congress directed this ban in 2018 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Quiet Skies Act simply tells the Department of Transportation to finish the job before a quiet cabin becomes a thing of the past.”


STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens on Trump Reigniting Conflict with Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the latest developments with the war in Iran, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

"Michiganders didn't sign up for another endless war. President Trump dragged America into a war of choice with no clear mission, no strategy, and no exit plan. Now his failed ceasefire has put our service members back in harm's way.

"Here in Michigan, we're feeling the cost of this war every day: at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and on the factory floor, where higher energy costs and global turmoil are squeezing working families.

"This war must end. That's why I voted for a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to stop this President and put an end to this war immediately.

"Sending Americans into harm's way is the most serious decision a president can make, and Donald Trump has repeatedly proved through his reckless judgment that he cannot be trusted with unchecked authority."

###


Representatives Lee, Horsford, Highlight Legislation to Lower Energy Bills, Build Clean Energy Economy

Watch and Download Video Here

LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) joined clean energy advocates and ratepayers to highlight the Energy Bills Relief Act, a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the most reliable and low-cost source of power available – renewable energy. The Energy Bills Relief Act includes Congresswoman Lee’s bipartisan SHINE Act — legislation which would make local permitting for residential solar and other home energy systems better, cheaper, and faster. It also prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy.

The legislation would help combat rising electricity bills for Nevadans regularly facing temperatures above 100 degrees by offering utility protections and supporting federally funded weatherization and energy efficiency programs to help lower energy bills and expand clean energy resources in Nevada.

“Here in our state, renewable energies are key to lowering energy bills. Attacks on clean energy projects will only increase costs for hardworking families,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “That’s why I’m fighting to increase access to cleaner and cheaper forms of energy, and the Energy Bills Relief Act will do just that. I’ll continue working to lower energy costs and put more money back in southern Nevadans’ pockets.”

Nevada electricity bills have surged significantly in recent years, with southern Nevada residents paying 54% more than they did in 2021. For some consumers that’s hundreds of dollars more per year than just five years ago.

“Las Vegas families need the Energy Bills Relief Act to help lower the cost of electricity bills, there are many working families who are doing all they can just to make ends meet,” said Congressman Horsford.“Rolling back this legislation will only hurt our local communities, this should not be a political issue, it is one about supporting affordability and sustainability so Las Vegas families can continue to thrive.”

The legislation could also create jobs and boost the economy for Nevadan families and communities as well as reduce the frequency of extreme heat, which climate change is making more frequent and severe.

“We need the Energy Bills Relief Act to help upgrade Las Vegas' older, energy inefficient homes and businesses,” said Chris Brooks, founder and principal of Brooks Consulting. “Our desert climate means a massive portion of energy bills comes from cooling, so we need this legislation to help our communities find alternative ways to support such cooling by generating our electricity with local, clean, and affordable energy.”

As southern Nevada’s sole representative on the House Natural Resources Committee, Congresswoman Lee is doing everything possible to protect Nevada’s public lands and parks, combat climate change, and build a clean energy economy.

###


Rep. Sykes Secures $3 Million Federal Grant for Akron Fulton International Airport

AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Akron Fulton International Airport $3,193,991 for structural integrity upgrades to existing taxiways.

“Akron Fulton International Airport plays an important role in our region's transportation network and economy. This federal investment will help rehabilitate aging taxiways, ensuring the airport remains safe, reliable, and ready to serve pilots, passengers, and businesses for years to come. I'm proud to deliver these federal dollars back to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sykes.

“On behalf of the Akron Fulton Airport, we appreciate the FAA's continued partnership and support through this Airport Improvement Program grant. This investment in Taxiway P will improve critical infrastructure, enhance safety, and support the reliable operations that keep the airport serving our community,” said City of Akron Service Director Chris Ludle.

This funding will allow the airport to rehabilitate 6,000 feet of existing paved taxiway to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize foreign object debris, thereby extending its useful life. This grant funds the final phases of construction.


Houston Democrats Demand Independent Investigation and Full Video Footage After ICE Officer Kills Lorenzo Salgado Araujo

HOUSTON, T.X. – This week, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) Congressman Al Green (D-TX-09), Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), and Congressman Christian Menefee (D-TX-18) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David J. Venturella demanding an immediate, fully independent, and transparent investigation into the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood.

The full letter can be found HERE.

On Tuesday, July 7, an ICE officer shot Araujo during an immigration enforcement operation in the 6800 block of Canal Street. Araujo later died at the hospital. His family learned of his death through news reports and social media. Three men who were in the vehicle, including Araujo’s brother, remain detained.

In the letter, the Members demand that DHS and ICE provide written confirmation within 48 hours that all evidence related to Araujo’s killing and the detention of the three men has been preserved. They are also demanding the complete, unedited body camera footage from the agent who fired the fatal shot, complete and unedited body camera footage from every officer present, all dash camera footage from both ICE vehicles involved, and confirmation of whether DHS and ICE will work with state and local agencies in the investigation.

The Members are also demanding answers related to why Araujo was targeted, whether ICE had an administrative warrant, who authorized the operation, and how many federal officers were present. They are also demanding a full account of what led to the shooting, whether body cameras were activated, why Araujo’s name was released before his family was notified he was deceased, and what DHS and ICE are doing to prevent another tragedy.

“ICE killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in our community. Then his family had to find out through the news and social media. That is cruel. That is unacceptable. And DHS and ICE do not get to investigate themselves behind closed doors and call it accountability,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “We are demanding the full truth, the full footage, and a real independent investigation. Lorezno’s family deserves answers. Houston deserves answers. And we will not let DHS or ICE bury this, stall for time, or hide behind the same tired lies.”

“My heart goes out to the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Whenever deadly force is used by federal law enforcement, the American people deserve a complete, transparent, and independent examination of the facts. Public confidence in our institutions depends upon the willingness of government to subject itself to meaningful oversight,” said Congressman Al Green. “I have been in communication with the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the Honorable Bennie Thompson, and will keep him informed of any further developments, and have made a request for a congressional oversight hearing of the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo to address issues of transparency and accountability.”

“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s family and our community deserve an independent investigation,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Time and again, the Trump administration has asked us to accept its version of events without question, and time and again, it has broken that trust. Last year, Democrats called for real ICE accountability, including mandating stricter use-of-force standards. Congressional Republicans and President Trump refused. Had those reforms been in place, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo might be alive today. The troubling recent history makes clear that we cannot simply accept ICE’s version of events at face value. We deserve more, and I am joining my colleagues in the Houston Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding more, starting with answers.”


Congress Returns to Independence Hall to Celebrate America 250

BELLEFONTE, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson presided over a ceremonial event on July 2 at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. July 2 is the date when the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain.

Philadelphia U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle organized the bipartisan event that included 37 Members of Congress and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The attendees signed a Congressional Record to commemorate the semiquincentennial event.

Rep. Thompson’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

On July 4th, our great country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But today, on July 2, 1776, delegates gathered here and voted for independence.

This tremendous milestone is a time to pause and reflect on our shared past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look toward the future.

The origins of our Republic trace back to Pennsylvania. The pursuit of freedom began right here, in Philadelphia.

Independence Hall has served as a physical representation of the birthplace of the United States.

Within these hallowed halls, delegates from the original 13 colonies debated in good faith and voted for independence.

This is the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787. This building has long been the symbol of freedom and democracy around the world.

It’s a profound honor to gather here today with other members of the Pennsylvania Delegation, and representatives from across the country, in the cradle of democracy.

Thanks to each of you for your efforts to preserve our legacy for future generations just as the Founding Fathers intended it.

Pennsylvania has always been my home, and the Keystone State has stood firm in its commitment to freedom and prosperity.

Our freedom is something we will never give up. As Americans, we are rooted in the conviction of 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness'—self-evident truths that we hold near and dear.

For 250 years, the United States of America has left an indelible mark on the world.

God Bless all of you, and God Bless the United States of America.


Congressman Tim Moore Announces Over $3.2 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced more than $3.2 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery projects across North Carolina's 14th District. The funding supports infrastructure repairs, utility restoration, and other recovery efforts in communities throughout Western North Carolina.

“While Western North Carolina has come a long way since Hurricane Helene, many communities are still working to recover,” said Congressman Moore. “This funding provides much-needed support to the communities that stepped up during the storm and helps ensure recovery efforts can continue without placing additional strain on local taxpayers. I'm grateful to President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and FEMA for their continued commitment to helping Western North Carolina rebuild stronger than ever.”

$1,811,429.39 will go to Rutherford County for management costs as a result of Hurricane Helene, including both direct and indirect administrative expenses by the state, local, tribal, or territorial government. This project is funded at a 100% federal cost share. This funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$566,123.14 will go to the City of Kings Mountain to repair or replace utility poles, transformers, and gas lines severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$403,563.66 will go to the Town of Lake Lure to repair or replace damaged roads, embankments, and related infrastructure impacted by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$295,260.43 will go to the City of Morganton to support engineering and design services following Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$156,599.91 will support deck, boardwalk, fencing and related repairs at Western Piedmont Community College following severe damage by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.


Rep. Dina Titus Demands Answers from BLM on Data Center Reviews

Congresswoman Dina Titus today released a letter she sent to federal Bureau of Land Management questioning how the BLM is reviewing proposals for data centers on public lands, specifically its unilateral approval of a data center on federal land in Boulder City.

“Residents of Boulder City and other communities in Southern Nevada have a right to know about any proposal to transfer federal land to data center developers,” she said. “Data centers potentially can affect our scant water resources, energy usage and the overall environment. The BLM allowed a private developer to switch from developing a solar farm on city-owned land in Boulder City to developing a data center on adjacent federal land without any public review. This is unacceptable.”

Congresswoman Titus sent the letter on July 8 to Steven Pearce, director of the BLM in Washington, D.C., and Justin Abernathy, acting director of the Nevada State Office of the BLM, asking for “robust public consultation and transparency” during the permitting process for data centers.

Relative to the Boulder City proposal, Congresswoman Titus said “residents are concerned about how the proposed project would impact the electric grid and utility prices, how heat generated from industrial processes would affect the surrounding area, and whether the project would further deplete our precious water resources.”

Congresswoman Titus asked for answers to the following questions by July 22:

1. Does BLM agree that robust transparency and public consultation should be conducted in any agency action that would allow data centers to be built on public land?

2. What public consultation did BLM engage in before agreeing to amend Townsite Solar 2,

LLC’s Right-of-Way grant (NVN 099875) to allow Townsite Solar 2, LLC to “construct, operate, and decommission a Data Center Facility” on public land?

3. What public consultation process does BLM plan to engage in as the agency considers whether to issue a Notice-to-Proceed allowing Townsite Solar 2, LLC to proceed with the project?

4. Will BLM hold public hearings as it considers whether to issue a Notice-to-Proceed for the development of Townsite Solar 2, LLC’s proposed data center facility in Boulder City?


Rep. Tlaib introduces bill to correct credit history for victims of predatory lending, fraud, economic abuse

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) introduced the Fostering Accuracy and Integrity in the Reporting of Credit Act to restore credit for victims of predatory lending, fraud and financial abuse. The FAIR Credit Act also addresses inaccuracies in credit reports found by over a third of consumers, according to Consumer Reports.

“This is an economic justice bill. We know that credit reports are wreaked by errors, and create barricades to obtain housing, employment, and transportation,” said Rep. Tlaib. “Our neighbors are constantly targeted by predatory lenders and scams, forced to take on burdensome medical debt, or survived domestic and financial abuse. Adverse credit reports should not drag them down. This bill is about opportunity and justice for Americans denied access to basic needs.”

Credit and consumer-related fraud, deception, and exploitation negatively impacts someone’s ability to pay bills, receive a loan, secure a mortgage, or obtain a credit card. Similarly, consumers’ credit scores are reduced by medical debt, even though medical services are often involuntary and difficult to know the cost of in advance.

The FAIR Credit Act:

Reduces the duration that most adverse information stays on a credit report from seven to four years.

Prohibits medical debt from being included on credit reports or consumer reports.

Requires credit reporting agencies to remove negative information resulting from predatory loans and fraudulent activity.

Gives survivors of domestic and other economic abuse a pathway to get negative information resulting from abuse removed from their credit reports.

Establishes the right to free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for certain consumers, including victims of fraud, active-duty military, and those 65 years of age and older.

The FAIR Credit Act is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of its low-income clients, Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Responsible Lending, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Detroit Justice Center and Dēmos.

“We thank Congresswoman Tlaib for her leadership in protecting the credit records of consumers unfairly tarnished by predatory mortgages, harmful private student loans, and debt resulting from domestic abuse,” said Chi Chi Wu, Director of Consumer Reporting and Data Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center. “Most importantly, this bill flat out bans the reporting of medical debt and reduces the harm of negative credit reporting generally by giving consumers a fresh start more quickly.”

“Credit reporting agencies have an obligation to verify the accuracy of what they report and promptly correct reports when they have false or out-of-date information. Failing to do so has tragic consequences when people attempt to secure housing, find employment, or access safe credit,” said Adam Rust, Director of Financial Services for the Consumer Federation of America. “When people cannot repay debt because of illness, predatory for-profit college tuition, a stolen identity, or debts run up by an abusive partner, it’s bad policy to let credit reports ignore real-world factors that drive these outcomes. Congress should pass the FAIR Credit Act to ensure credit reports won’t punish people for circumstances beyond their control.”

“At the Detroit Justice Center, we see every day how credit reports create additional challenges for returning citizens. When it comes to securing a job, shelter, or a loan, a credit report can be just as much of a barrier to rebuilding a life as a criminal record,” said Eric Williams, Legal Director at the Detroit Justice Center. “The FAIR Credit Act changes that by capping how long conviction records can appear on a credit report at seven years, the same kind of sunset that several states have already adopted. Pairing that with the bill’s protections against predatory debt collection and medical debt reporting gives returning citizens a fairer shot at securing housing, credit, and employment as they rebuild. We support this legislation because building economic equity has to include people returning home from incarceration.”

The FAIR Credit Act is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) and Melanie Stansbury (NM-01).

Read the full text of the bill.

###


ICYMI: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Stands with Catholic Church at Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. – On July 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with Deacon Jim Winder, Chancellor of the Diocese of Las Cruces, to discuss the latest developments in the Department of Homeland Security’s push to seize sacred land owned by the Catholic Diocese at Mount Cristo Rey. According to the church, the proposed wall would prevent thousands of worshippers from making pilgrimage to this holy site each year.

Vasquez stood with the Catholic Church, calling for enhanced border security measures in the area that do not infringe on worshippers’ First Amendment rights, such as remote towers, drones, aerostats, and other smart technology that is proven and effective for preventing illegal crossings.

“We can both protect sacred Catholic places of worship and secure the border,” said Vasquez. “The Diocese must be heard.”

WATCH FULL CLIP HERE

Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Gabe Vasquez

###


Wasserman Schultz, Swim Safety Advocates Highlight Drowning Prevention Efforts

“Drowning is a public health crisis – and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we’re on pace to surpass it,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Since I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children’s lives.”

North Lauderdale, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened pool safety advocates from Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, Broward Swim Central, Safe Kids Broward, Diversified Swimming Inc., and Every Child A Swimmer to spotlight recent drownings in South Florida and offer solutions to prevent these tragedies. Participants included Cassie McGovern, whose 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae, drowned in the family’s backyard pool in 2009.

Click here for video of the press conference.

Last year, Florida recorded 119 child drowning deaths, the most in state history. Tragically, 120 children died over a 12-month period. In 2026, Florida is already on pace to break last year’s tragic record with 62 drownings, including 13 in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties combined.

“Drowning is a public health crisis – and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we’re on pace to surpass it,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Since I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children’s lives.”

In 2007, Congress passed Wasserman Schultz’s bill, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, to implement layers of protection to prevent childhood drownings. Wasserman Schultz will discuss her bill to reauthorize funding for this program, which has delivered $22.8 million to states and municipalities for drowning prevention programs since it was put in place.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Director of Aquatics George Coneo, Broward County Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Katherine Fermenich, Let Us Swim CEO & Diversified Swimming President Shana Lorde, Every Child A Swimmer Executive Director Cassie McGovern, and Safe Kids Broward Injury Prevention Coordinator Rachele Solomon.

####


ALSOBROOKS BREAKS GROUND ON NEW SPRINGHILL LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILT THROUGH P3 SHE SPEARHEADED

July 9, 2026

GREENBELT, MD – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) joined Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy to break ground on the new 103,000-square-foot Springhill Lake Elementary School, which will accommodate up to 850 prekindergarten through 5th grade students. When she served as County Executive of Prince George’s County, Senator Alsobrooks worked with former PGCPS CEO Dr. Monica Goldson to create a Public Private Partnership (P3) school construction model that they worked to pass through the Maryland General Assembly. Under the continued guidance and leadership of the Progressive Education Partners (PEP), county students will see a total of 14 new P3 schools in 6 years – 18 schools in all including traditional school construction.

Senator Alsobrooks released the following statement following the groundbreaking:

“Our communities can tell what you value by where you invest your resources. As County Executive, I learned Prince George’s County faced an $8.5 billion school construction backlog. The truth is – it’s expensive to build and maintain schools. Coming up with a plan would take vision. It would require a willingness to act boldly because the need was immediate. And because these kinds of projects take a lot of time – even without unexpected challenges like a global pandemic – making it to this point would take patience and a commitment to the process even when success wasn’t immediately visible. This was a bold move – an innovative public-private model that had never before been done at this level for any school system. I am so proud of this work and know we need to continue working together, in innovative ways, to deliver for our children. This is a model that worked and should be used across the nation.”

###


ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins America’s Newsroom on Fox News Channel

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News Channel to discuss updates from the War in Iran, including recent strikes, the end of the ceasefire, and continued enforcement actions to ensure safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Click the image above to watch full interview.

Key Excerpts:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Well, President Trump, what I appreciate about his most is that he has been very clear that he will finish the job. He’s said that over and over again. Two nights ago, the American military struck about 80 targets, last night 100 targets, and he’s made it very clear we are not going to let up. The ceasefire gave us time for our military to restore our munitions stockpiles, and now you’re seeing the full force of the American Military. The might of the American Military is something the Iranians do not want to face again… President Trump is not going to take just any deal with the Iranians; it has to be a deal that ensures they never get a nuclear weapon. That’s what’s at stake here.”

“My interest here on behalf of Hoosiers is to make sure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, bring down the price of gas, and to bring down the cost of living for families in Indiana. And that’s what President Trump is trying to do with these strikes. The only thing Iranians react to is the force of our military. These Military strikes are decimating the Iranian military and making it much more difficult for them to block the strait to keep oil flowing. President Trump is doing what no other president has been willing to do.”

###


ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Kudlow on Fox Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Kudlow on Fox Business Network to discuss the importance of codifying President Trump’s America First agenda, Reconciliation 3.0, military funding, and the SAVE America Act.

Click the image above for full discussion.

Key Excerpts:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Cutting capital gains tax is good for working-class Americans, the Trump voters that we need to show up in November to keep our majorities in the Senate and the House. President Trump spoke to Senate Republicans and gave us a dose of reality, a tough love message, right before we left for the July 4 recess, and his message was very clear. We have to fight harder. We have to fight harder for the SAVE America Act. We have to fight harder for the Trump agenda.”

“You have to fight harder for what President Trump is trying to do in Iran, and around the world, and of course to keep our military strong. Replenish our munitions, rehab the defense industrial base in America. This reconciliation 3.0 is going to be really good for states like Indiana, which is the manufacturing capital of the country. More manufacturing jobs per capita than any other state in the country, with a defense industrial base right in the middle of it. We make things in Indiana, and this defense bill is going to be really good for the Hoosier state.”

###


Sen. Banks Applauds $25 Million Federal Grant for Jeffersonville Port

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville.

The grant will support a $32 million expansion that will modernize the port, strengthen Indiana’s manufacturing economy, and improve freight movement across the Ohio River. The project is the largest federal grant in Ports of Indiana’s 65-year history and will more than double the Jeffersonville port’s general cargo capacity. The expansion includes a new 300-ton crane system, a 6,500-square-foot barge dock, and a 22,000-square-foot warehouse, significantly increasing the port’s ability to move heavy cargo by rail, river, and truck.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “This investment is a major win for Indiana. Modernizing the Jeffersonville port will strengthen American manufacturing, support Hoosier jobs, and keep Indiana at the forefront of logistics and commerce.”

Project Highlights:

Secures a $25 million BUILD grant from the DOT to support a $32 million expansion.

Represents the largest federal grant in Ports of Indiana History.

Increases the port’s lift capacity from 35 tons to 300 tons.

More than doubles the port’s general cargo footprint.

Adds a new 300-ton crane, a 6,500-square-foot barge dock, and a 22,000-square-foot warehouse.

Expands the port’s multimodal capabilities by improving connections between river, rail, and truck transportation.

Project completion is expected in 2028.

Background:

The BUILD program provides competitive federal funding for transportation infrastructure projects with significant regional and national economic impact. This year, the DOT awarded $1.73 billion in BUILD grants to 127 projects nationwide.

The Jeffersonville expansion will transform an underutilized section of the port into a high-capacity multimodal freight terminal, more than doubling barge-to-rail transloading capacity while establishing the port’s first general cargo facility outside the floodplain. The investment will improve supply chain reliability, lower transportation costs for regional industries, and reinforce Indiana’s role as one of the nation’s leading logistics and manufacturing hubs.

###


PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Secretary Bessent, Tennessee Elected Officials for Unveiling of Donald J. Trump Bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee

“Hundreds of thousands of people use our corridor each and every day, and the Donald J. Trump Bridge will help ensure our infrastructure meets the needs of East Tennesseans and keeps Americans moving,” said Senator Blackburn. “Following the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Helene less than two years ago, this project is a testament to the incredible progress East Tennessee communities have made to rebuild stronger than ever. I am grateful to President Trump, Secretary Bessent, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation for strengthening this crucial artery of our nation’s transportation system.”

Click here to download this photo.


ICYMI: Senator Coons, legal experts warn against Supreme Court attempts to strip power from Congress in new essay

“The framers never intended the legislative branch to bend to the will of the president or the court.”

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published a joint op-ed in SCOTUSblog yesterday with Albany Law School Associate Dean Ray Brescia and David Beier, former Chief Domestic Policy Adviser to Vice President Al Gore and former House Judiciary Committee counsel, warning that the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts is systematically stripping authority from Congress, weakening the power of the American people’s directly elected representatives to write the laws, allocate funding, and set federal policy.

“Every day, Americans are witnessing the most significant expansion of presidential power in modern times,” the authors wrote. “Just as important, and less obvious, is the other significant shift that is occurring in our system of government: the Roberts Supreme Court is systematically stripping away power from Congress, the directly elected representatives of the people.”

Senator Coons, Beier, and Brescia look back at the court’s decisions from recent years, from attacks on the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder and Louisiana v. Callais, to overturning Chevron deference and giving federal judges greater authority over complex regulatory issues in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, to allowing the president to fire the heads of previously independent agencies like the FTC in last week’s Trump v. Slaughter decision. While these decisions have garnered mass outcry for their conservative lean and their embrace of the “Unitary Executive” theory that has given President Trump vast new powers, less attention has been paid to where this power has been drawn from. As the authors note, many of these new powers that the court has bestowed on itself and the executive branch have been taken away from Congress; in many cases, Congress has held these powers for decades.

“Taken together, these efforts are a transfer of power from the first branch of government to the third within our constitutional system,” they wrote. “While the framers conceived of three, co-equal branches, what the court has done is to declare that all branches are equal, but some branches are more co-equal than others.”

Senator Coons, Beier, and Brescia also point to Congress’ history of responding to Supreme Court decisions that narrowed federal law with new legislation, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. They argue Congress must reassert its constitutional oversight role by passing stronger legislation such as the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act and use its annual budget authority to give more specific guidance to agencies.

“While the Supreme Court has increasingly centralized power at Congress’ and everyday Americans’ expense, this trajectory is not inevitable,” they concluded. “As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, Congress must find the political will to restore the constitutional balance of power. The framers never intended the legislative branch to bend to the will of the president or the court. By executing rigorous oversight and aggressively asserting its authority over war powers, spending, and civil rights, at a minimum, Congress can – and must – reclaim its rightful constitutional role.”

From SCOTUSblog: The Supreme Court’s quiet coup

Every day, Americans are witnessing the most significant expansion of presidential power in modern times. Just as important, and less obvious, is the other significant shift that is occurring in our system of government: the Roberts Supreme Court is systematically stripping away power from Congress, the directly elected representatives of the people.

This erosion of congressional authority is not happening by accident; it is the direct result of steady, calculated intrusions into Congress’ constitutionally designated role – to write the laws, allocate funding, and set federal policy for the nation.

What the court has accomplished is something subtler and potentially far more permanent than a sudden coup: it has radically narrowed Congress’ ability to shape how laws are interpreted, implemented, and defended after they are enacted.

…


Senator Coons, colleagues introduce bipartisan legislation to streamline distribution of cost-saving energy initiative funding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced the Investing in State Energy Act, which will ensure grant funding from the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP) are distributed without delay to state agencies and local partners that implement these cost-saving energy initiates from both programs.

This bipartisan bill comes as the U.S. Department of Energy continuing to delay the distribution of more than $400 million in grant funding from both WAP and SEP even as energy costs rise.

“Delawareans are struggling under the weight of rising energy bills,” said Senator Coons. “President Trump’s war in Iran has only made energy more expensive. This bipartisan legislation will give Delawareans – and Americans across the country – relief from spiraling costs.”

“Right now, the cost of everything is up, and energy prices are no exception. It’s critical that federal funding from these two programs be distributed quickly so that families can make energy efficiency upgrades to lower their utility bills and states can invest in efforts that make energy more reliable and affordable,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation would ensure that the Department of Energy is making this funding available in a timely manner, delivering much-needed certainty to states and localities and financial relief to American households.”

“The Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program are proven, cost-effective ways to permanently reduce energy usage and lower home energy bills for low-income Mainers,” said Senator Collins. “By preventing unnecessary delays in the distribution of these funds, this bipartisan bill would give states the certainty they need to plan effectively and help more families affordably weatherize and heat their homes.”

“The Trump Administration is driving up energy prices and throttling back federal aid. These bipartisan programs provide real relief and have a proven track record of success. The Investing in State Energy Act would put a stop to needless delay and get this critical funding out the door to help all fifty states lower energy costs,” said Senator Reed.

“Donald Trump has made the cost of energy skyrocket and American families and businesses are paying the price,” said Senator Padilla. “These two programs are essential, cost-effective ways to conserve energy and advance clean energy practices. Our bill would ensure the Department of Energy is making funding available to lower utility bills, conserve energy, and provide much needed financial relief to Americans across the nation.”

The Investing in State Energy Act would:

Direct DOE to provide application guidance for WAP and SEP programs

Publish expected WAP and SEP allocations to states within 60 days of enactment

Distribute funding to states and other recipients within 30 days of receiving a completed plan

Require the publication of expected WAP and SEP awards

Ensure states, tribes, and other entities have the information they need to effectively plan for expected funding

For more than 40 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP) have provided technical and financial assistance to states, tribal governments, and U.S. territories to encourage the adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency practices and technologies. WAP enables income-eligible families, older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, freeing up limited resources for other essentials like food and medicine. SEP provides cost-shared resources directly to the states for allocations by the governor-designated State Energy Office to support energy projects, such as energy emergency planning and response, private sector innovation in clean energy and state-driven energy infrastructure modernization. Encouraging local high-impact projects through the Investing in State Energy Act will serve families in need and continue to push greater efficiency in energy use to meet state goals.

Senator Coons has long been an advocate for lowering energy costs through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Last August, he introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize WAP through 2030 and increase funding limits to help more families upgrade their homes, and led the last successful reauthorization effort in 2020. He also introduced the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, which would increase funding for the program and also create a Weatherization Readiness Fund to repair structural issues and prepare homes for weatherization assistance. He has also secured increased funding for WAP through the appropriations process and as part of the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill.

The Investing in State Energy Act is endorsed by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), the Building Performance Association (BPA) and the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP).

“They continue to show leadership on energy policy. The 56 State and Territory Energy Offices utilize U.S. State Energy Program (SEP) funds provided by Congress to help accelerate their governors’ policy actions aimed at addressing rising electricity costs and bringing more power on the grid. The Investing in State Energy Act would direct the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to move far more rapidly delivering SEP and WAP formula funds to states. Over the past several years, the delays in DOE moving bipartisan appropriated SEP and WAP funds to the states have more than doubled – forestalling energy cost savings and economic benefits to consumers and businesses in every state. We fully support the bipartisan Investing in State Energy Act and efforts to bring a greater sense of urgency on this important issue,” said David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO).

“The Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program are critical to energy affordability, reliability and security,” said Steve Skodak, CEO of the Building Performance Association (BPA). “BPA member contractors perform home upgrades for WAP projects across the country, lowering energy bills and improving home health, safety, and comfort. Ensuring the prompt delivery of these funds through the Investing in State Energy Act will benefit both low-income American households and the home performance contractors who serve them.”


Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce Nearly $30 Million for Airports Across Nevada

Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced a $29,974,140 investment into Nevada’s airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that these twelve airports will continue to serve communities throughout the Silver State. This funding will be used for pavement and utility upgrades, runway and taxiway modernizations, improvements to weather observation systems, and hangar updates.

“Nevada’s airports are the gateway to our state – for visitors, for emergency services, and for Nevadans traveling throughout the Silver State and across America,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s critical that all the airports across Nevada continue to have world-class facilities and infrastructure. Nevada’s Congressional delegation will never stop fighting to deliver for our state’s aviation infrastructure.”

“Nevada’s airports see millions of travelers every year, domestic and international, who come to our state and contribute to Nevada’s economy,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help keep the infrastructure of our airports up to date, allowing them to keep up with Nevada’s demands as a top travel destination. I’ll continue supporting our state’s tourism and travel economy at the federal level.”

The Senators helped secure the following grants for twelve airports across the state:

$13,695,039 for Reno-Tahoe International Airport to reconstruct the existing airport terminal, including upgrades to pavement and utilities that have reached the end of their useful lives.

$5,094,412 for Reno-Stead Airport to reconstruct 24,800 square yards of the existing main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. An airport apron is the area of an airport in which aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refueled, boarded, or maintained.

$3,564,630 for Harry Reid International Airport to rehabilitate pavement across its airport apron and plan for future improvements.

$2,947,000 for Austin Airport to realign, rehabilitate, and reconstruct the airport’s taxiways, modernizing the airport and bringing them up to modern standards. The airport will also acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information.

$1,667,000 for Tonopah Airport to reconstruct 21,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.

$1,092,652 for Fallon Municipal Airport to construct a new 300-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars, as well as update existing taxiways.

$769,028 for Mesquite Airport to reconstruct 25,000 square yards of the existing aircraft apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. The airport will also reconstruct a gravel road used by airport vehicles, FAA vehicles, and ground service equipment.

$387,448 for Silver Springs Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to gather more accurate local weather information.

$282,000 for Minden-Tahoe Airport to rehabilitate taxi-lanes that have reached the end of their useful lives.

$187,500 for Carson City Airport to reconstruct the pavement on airport taxiways to extend their useful lives.

$160,901 for Lincoln County Airport to construct a new 1,500 square foot building to house snow removal equipment.

$126,530 for Wells Municipal Airport Harriet Field to construct a new 200-foot taxi-lane to provide airfield access to the site of future airport hangars.

Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have consistently fought to ensure Nevada’s transportation infrastructure has the funding it needs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FAA reauthorizations legislation, and annual budget bills. The Senators recently secured $33,746,000 from the FAA for airports throughout Nevada, including $20 million for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. These investments help support the Silver State’s vital manufacturing and hospitality sectors while ensuring that Nevadans have the safe and efficient transportation network they require.

###


Minot Air Force Base Marks Leadership Transition for 5th Bomb Wing

MINOT, N.D. – Leadership of one of America’s premier bomber wings officially changed hands today as Col. John Burrell assumed command of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base (AFB), succeeding Col. Jesse Lamarand during a change of command ceremony.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, conveyed his deep appreciation and respect to Lamarand for his leadership and service while congratulating Burrell as he takes command.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Col. Lamarand over the last two years,” said Cramer. “He’s led what I believe to be the most important bomber wing in the world with professionalism, steady leadership, and a real commitment to the mission. I thank him for everything he’s done for Minot, for North Dakota, and for our country. I wish him and his family nothing but the best as they head to Randolph Air Force Base. Texas is getting a tremendous leader.

“I also congratulate Col. Burrell as he takes command of the 5th Bomb Wing. The men and women of this wing are responsible for one of the most critical missions in our national defense. Every day, they provide the strategic deterrence and long-range strike capability that keep our adversaries in check and our allies confident. I look forward to working with Col. Burrell to keep strengthening that mission, support our airmen and their families, and ensure Minot remains at the center of America’s nuclear deterrence for years to come.”

Burrell, most recently commander of the 5th Operations Group, previously served in multiple leadership roles within the wing, including commander of the 23rd Bomb Squadron. He takes command of the 5th Bomb Wing, which operates and maintains the B-52H Stratofortress and provides long-range conventional and nuclear strike capabilities.

During Lamarand’s tenure, which began in July 2024, he worked closely with Cramer to advance Minot AFB’s missions and strengthen North Dakota’s role in national defense. The leadership transition comes just days after Lamarand completed his “fini” flight aboard a B-52H Stratofortress over the Fourth of July weekend. His final mission included a flyover of Washington, D.C., as part of the nation’s America 250 celebration, bringing his command of the 5th Bomb Wing to a fitting close.


New World War II Heritage Trail Brings Valley City’s Wartime Stories to Life

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Valley City is bringing its homefront history to life with the grand opening of a new World War II Heritage Trail and museum exhibit at the Barnes County Museum. The new additions come after a campaign by the Barnes County Historical Society to have Valley City named North Dakota’s World War II Heritage City—a campaign the North Dakota congressional delegation advocated for in a letter they sent to the National Park Service (NPS) in 2024. The NPS made the designation official in 2025, highlighting Valley City State Teachers College training naval officers through its V-12 program and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing’s efforts teaching members of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps.

The designation makes Valley City the smallest community in the nation to receive the honor, recognizing the lasting impact its residents made on the World War II homefront and beyond, and serving as another reminder of North Dakota’s patriotism and quiet commitment to always answering the nation’s call when needed. Steve King, Barnes County Historical Society president, emphasized the reality that Valley City didn’t do one thing extraordinary, but the collective of the entire community’s efforts made the difference.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who attended the grand opening, applauded the community’s efforts to preserve its World War II legacy and encouraged other towns to uncover and celebrate the stories of their own hometown heroes.

“I love that it’s Valley City, the smallest city in the country to receive this designation, because America’s small communities contributed so much to defending freedom,” said Cramer. “When 12 percent of our nation served, the other 88 percent served too, and Valley City did so in extraordinary ways. What’s so great about this World War II Heritage City designation isn’t that we just honor the past—it’s that we’re reminded how to live in the future as free people. The best way we can honor those who sacrificed is by preserving the freedoms they fought to secure and inspiring future generations to protect them.”

The Barnes County Museum unveiled the project after securing multiple grants to research, preserve, and share these stories. The new exhibit and self-guided heritage trail highlight local stories which helped shape history, including connections to the Manhattan Project, the Ghost Army, the “Farmerettes” who kept American agriculture running during the war, the Nuremberg Trials, Norway’s wartime resistance, and other contributions from residents.

The project features interpretive panels located throughout Valley City, a Talking Trail, and an expanded museum exhibit offering visitors a deeper look at the region’s role in the war effort. The initiative was led by museum curator Wes Anderson and museum board member and graphic artist Sandy Hanson, whose years of research brought these stories to life. Museum board member Lewis Legge oversaw installation of the trail markers and interpretive signage.


Sen. Cramer: FEMA Awards $282,000 to North Dakota for Flood Mitigation Projects

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $282,000 to support flood risk mitigation efforts in Cavalier and Crystal. The funding includes:

$144,000 to Cavalier for project scoping to identify potential flood risk reduction and mitigation activities.

$138,000 to Crystal for project scoping to identify flood risk reduction solutions that address existing flooding challenges.


Durbin, Duckworth Announce $52 Million In Public Health Grants For Illinois

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced a total of $52,175,652 in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health grants for the Illinois Department of Public Health and the City of Chicago. Primarily sourced from the federal Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program, this funding will assist state and local governments in effectively preparing for or responding to public health threats including infectious diseases and natural disasters. Other awards are for cancer and heart disease prevention, tuberculosis monitoring, and for immunization-related activities.

“Whether responding to emerging viral threats like Ebola or RSV, preventing violence and opioid overdoses, or ensuring effective emergency response to natural disasters, public health departments in Illinois play a vital role in protecting communities across the state,” Durbin said. “The funding announced today will give our public health departments the resources they need to navigate future public health challenges and continue to preserve the well-being of our community.”

“Investing in our public health departments is essential to keeping Illinois communities healthy, prepared and resilient,”Duckworth said. “This federal funding will help our public health organizations protect families, respond to emergencies and prepare for future outbreaks and natural disasters while ensuring local leaders have the resources they need to help keep Illinoisans safe.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health will receive $36,453,082 in grant funding while the City of Chicago will receive $15,722,570.

Durbin has long been a strong advocate for robust medical and public health research. His legislation, the American Cures Act, would provide annual budget increases of five percent plus inflation at America’s top four biomedical research agencies: the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense Health Program, and the Veterans Medical and Prosthetics Research Program. Thanks to Durbin’s efforts to increase medical research funding, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent funding increase over the past decade. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $49 billion today.

-30-