Pou Leads 27 Colleagues Calling on DHS to Protect Religious Rights in ICE Detention

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Nellie Pou (NJ-09) today led 27 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers after reports that Muslim detainees at ICE facilities were denied access to Qurans, prayer mats, halal meals, and other religious accommodations.

The lawmakers called on DHS to uphold constitutional protections for Muslim detainees that allow them to freely practice their faith and requested detailed information about the agency’s policies and practices regarding religious accommodations in immigration detention.

The letter is signed by Congressmembers Pou and Don Beyer (D-VA-08), André Carson (D-IN-07), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-05), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).

“Individuals practicing their faith must be given reasonable accommodations – full stop. Accordingly, we are demanding ICE take immediate action to ensure that all Muslim detainees have unimpeded access to their requested religious accommodations, including to the Quran and other religious materials upon intake, guarantee that Muslim women have access to a hijab upon request, establish designated prayer spaces with access to prayer mats, and implement halal meal options as a standard offering,” the members wrote DHS Secretary Mullin.

The members cite several reports alleging denial of religious freedom at ICE detention facilities. (“These reports, and others indicating disparate treatment in accommodating other religious requests by Muslim detainees, raise grave concerns over ICE infringing on their right to exercise their religion while in detention.”)

Congresswoman Pou has been one of Congress’s leading voices demanding greater oversight and accountability at ICE detention facilities. She has conducted multiple inspections of Delaney Hall in Newark, where she spoke directly with detainees and questioned facility officials about medical care, sanitation, language access, and other conditions inside the facility.

Following those visits, she called for Delaney Hall to be closed after hearing firsthand accounts of unacceptable and inhumane treatment.

Pou has also been a leading advocate for Leqaa Kordia, a Paterson, New Jersey resident who spent more than a year in ICE detention. She repeatedly pressed DHS and ICE for information about Kordia’s detention and condition, questioned ICE’s head directly during a congressional hearing, and worked with her legal team until Kordia was finally freed earlier this year. Following her release, Congresswoman Pou welcomed Kordia home to New Jersey.

The text of the Congresswoman’s letter is below.

Dear Secretary Mullin:

We write to express our concerns over the serious civil rights violations that Muslim detainees have suffered while detained at a Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) detention facilities, particularly as it pertains to religious accommodations, such as access to the Quran, hijabs, prayer mats, and the failure to have designated prayer spaces and halal meals. Under ICE’s own detention standards, ICE must provide detainees with “reasonable and equitable opportunities to participate in the practices of their respective faiths.” The alarming actions by ICE in denying individuals their civil rights continues a disturbing practice by your agency in violating DHS’s own policies, in addition to the law, that must be immediately rectified.

The Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution prohibits the government from denying an individual’s right to exercise their religion. This right protects not only the ability to have a particular religious belief, but also the acts involved in practicing one’s religion. Federal law also prohibits the government agencies from “substantially burden[ing] a person’s exercise of religion.” Under this provision, if the government “(1) compel[s] the[ individual] to perform acts undeniably at odds with fundamental tenets of their religious beliefs, (2) put[s] substantial pressure on them to modify their behavior and to violate their beliefs, or (3) bears direct, primary, and fundamental responsibility for rendering a religious exercise effectively impracticable,” then the government will have violated this right. Because immigrant detainees are treated the same as civil detainees, they are afforded “more constitutional protection, more considerate treatment, and conditions of confinement than criminals whose conditions of confinement are designed to punish.” Consequently, the treatment they should be given while under the care and control of the government must reflect that.

For Muslims, the manner in which individuals practice and exercise their faith may take different forms—including wearing hijabs, keeping halal, using prayer mats, reading or reciting the text in the Quran, just to name a few. This year, Muslim detainees who sought to observe Ramadan—a revered month that is practiced by engaging in reflection, fasting, communal prayer, studying the Quran, and community—and the holidays of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha were hampered or unable to do so because their ability to practice was impaired by ICE. Take for example, Leqaa Kordia, a Muslim woman from Paterson, New Jersey who spent over a year in detention at the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas. During this time, she has described how ICE systematically delayed or outright denied her ability to practice her Muslim faith, including by not providing her with a prayer mat, the Quran, or halal food. But Leqaa’s experience is not isolated—it is just one example in a pattern of behavior by DHS in violating detainees’ constitutional rights. At Delaney Hall in New Jersey, reports detail how detainees have been denied access to the Quran. At the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Washington, detainees have also reported being blocked from congregating to pray at dedicated times as prescribed by the Quran, or have been denied the ability to pray outright. These reports, and others indicating disparate treatment in accommodating other religious requests by Muslim detainees, raise grave concerns over ICE infringing on their right to exercise their religion while in detention.

The failure to protect detainees’ civil rights for religious accommodations will only become more acute as the administration continues to scale up its mass deportation campaign. Per the agency’s own data, ICE currently has over 60,000 individuals in immigration detention —a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous administration. This is to say nothing of the recently enacted reconciliation package that provides your Department with an additional $70 Billion for its operations. At the same time, this administration has taken numerous actions to inhibit proper oversight of these facilities. Over the past year and a half, the department has deemed non-essential the Office of Detention Oversight, the component of ICE that inspects detention centers to ensure they meet federal standards of safe and humane treatment of detainees. It has instituted mass firings at the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and shut down the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman, which was established to provide oversight into immigration detention facilities.

Individuals practicing their faith must be given reasonable accommodations—full stop. Accordingly, we are demanding ICE take immediate action to ensure that all Muslim detainees have unimpeded access to their requested religious accommodations, including to the Quran and other religious materials upon intake, guarantee that Muslim women have access to a hijab upon request, establish designated prayer spaces with access to prayer mats, and implement halal meal options as a standard offering. Additionally, we are requesting ICE provide answers to the following questions no later than August 18, 2026:

Since January 20, 2025, how many Muslim-identifying individuals have been, or are currently in, ICE detention?

Does ICE or its contractors have on-staff Muslim chaplains at each facility that provide services in their detention facilities. If no, please provide the name and location of each detention facility that does not have or provide a Muslim chaplain and provide an explanation for failing to provide Muslim chaplains. If no, please provide the name and location of each detention facility that does not have or provide a Muslim chaplain and provide an explanation for failing to provide Muslim chaplains.

Does ICE keep track of religious accommodation requests? If no, please provide an explanation for failing to maintain a record of such requests. If yes, please provide for each immigration detention facility since January 20, 2025, the total number of Muslim religious accommodation requests, including:

i. Requests that have been granted, and whether they were granted as requested or were modified and the scope of such modification;

ii. Requests that have been denied and the justification for denying such request; and

iii. Requests have gone unanswered and the length of time since each request was submitted;

Has ICE denied any imams or other Muslim faith leaders from entering detention facilities whose purpose is/was to provide religious counsel and guidance to detainees?

Do detention facilities provide accommodations for Muslim detainees to observe Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha?

a) If no, please provide an explanation for failing to provide religious accommodations.

b) If yes, please provide details regarding accommodations that were made.

Please detail your internal policies for accommodating a religious fast, such that individuals may still be able to access food and consume their daily allotment of nutrition in compliance with their religious fasting hours?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

###


WATCH: Pressley Urges Federal Reserve Chair Warsh to Address Black Workers’ Unemployment Crisis, Uphold Maximum Employment Mandate

Transcript: Pressley Urges Federal Reserve Chair Warsh to Address Black Workers’ Unemployment Crisis, Uphold Maximum Employment Mandate

House Financial Services Committee

July 14, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair.

And welcome, Chair Warsh, congratulations, and welcome to the Financial Services Committee.

I represent the Massachusetts Seventh Congressional District, a beautiful, dynamic district, and also one that is deeply unequal.

In fact, in a three-mile radius from Cambridge, home to your alma mater, to Roxbury, a historically Black, vibrant community in my district. That being said, median household income drops by $50,000 and life expectancy by 30 years. That’s just in a three-mile radius, and those inequities are not naturally occurring. They are man-made. They’re the result of intentional and deliberate government action.

So, I’m here, and what guides me is the work to be just as intentional and just as deliberate in making sure that government works for all people. And I know we’re just getting to know one another, but I hope I can count on your partnership in that mission, Mr. Chair.

I’m going to begin with what should be an easy yes or no question. Are you committed to fulfilling the maximum employment requirement of the Federal Reserve’s statutory mandate?

FED CHAIR KEVIN WARSH: Congresswoman, absolutely. We have no disfavored part of the job that you gave us. Price stability and maximum employment are not an either-or proposition. I’m committed to both of them.

REP. PRESSLEY: Well, that was my next question—if you viewed this mandate as equally important as the price stability mandate.

Now, since Trump took office, hundreds of thousands of people have been pushed out of the federal workforce. The current unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is higher than when Biden left office. And if you look deeper into the data, Black unemployment writ large is at 6.6%.

Now, the Federal Reserve semiannual report highlights that Black people have continued to have higher unemployment rates and lower wages than white workers.

This is a problem. Now, it’s a problem for Black workers. It’s a problem for the Black family. But really, it’s a problem for everyone.

It’s a problem for workers like Teresa in my district, who, despite being educated, qualified, and good at her job, was let go from her public health position due to government funding cuts. And with the state of HHS, our country needs to employ all of the public health experts that we can find.

But this is also a problem for our national economy and financial stability.

Let me illustrate what I mean. According to one report, Black Americans held a buying power of $1.6 trillion in 2020. Economists estimate that 2% of Black women being fired has led to $37 billion being lost in GDP spending.

So when that money is lost, it impacts everyone. It impacts our small businesses that spur local economies and workforces.

So the point is, when Black workers lose, everyone loses.

So Chair Warsh, given the persistent racial disparities in unemployment, will you, as Federal Reserve Chair commit to confronting these workforce challenges that Black workers are forced to endure?

CHAIR WARSH: So, Congresswoman, I’ll say this, which is the U.S. can ill afford to leave any individuals behind. The economic opportunity, which is essential for America’s growth trajectory over the next 5 and 10 years, means that every American needs to have opportunities to be productive.

And I believe, unlike some in the economics profession, that productivity-led economic growth is a good thing, not a bad thing. And I’m hopeful that the Fed can be supportive of opportunities for economic growth.

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I want to say specifically for Black workers, because if a problem of this magnitude—there are 700,000 unemployed Black women right now. If a problem of that magnitude was happening to any other group, we would do the analysis and we would have a plan.

So I’m going to ask of you what I asked of your predecessor—for you to come and brief the Congressional Black Caucus on your strategies and efforts specifically to the Black worker, given the disparate impact.

You know, you’ve talked about your refusal to tolerate a persistent high inflation. I need the same rigor, the same rigor, the same vigor, and the same commitment when it comes to the Black worker. It’s already a part of your mandate.

CHAIR WARSH: So American workers, no matter their background, have my commitment to do what we can at the Federal Reserve to make sure they have all the opportunities in front of them, regardless of any characteristic.

REP. PRESSLEY: Well, Mr. Chair, experts believe we need targeted structural efforts to address unemployment disparities. So I’m asking for focused—

FSC CHAIR HILL: The gentlewoman’s time is expired. I invite the Chairman to answer your question in writing.


Amata Welcomes More Than $800,000 in DOJ Grants for Public Safety, Mental Health, and Juvenile Justice

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that American Samoa has been awarded three grants totaling $803,015 to strengthen public safety, expand behavioral health services, and support juvenile justice initiatives in the territory.

Congresswoman Amata and Dr Celestine Faumuina-Nix

The federal awards, administered through the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs, include $484,329 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, $219,844 through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program, and $99,842 through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Title II Formula Grants Program.

“These federal grants will strengthen public safety while also investing in prevention, rehabilitation, and community well-being throughout American Samoa,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Congratulations and thank you to both Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix and the entire American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency for their continued success in qualifying for competitive or formula-based federal resources. I appreciate the U.S. Department of Justice's continued partnership and commitment to our islands.”

The Justice Assistance Grant provides initial, flexible funding to strengthen American Samoa's criminal justice system, supporting law enforcement, border security, prosecution, indigent defense, and other essential public safety priorities.

The Byrne State Crisis Intervention grant, providing initial funds in a three-year project with congressional authority based on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, will help expand community-based mental health services and improve coordination among healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community partners to better serve individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

The Title II Formula Grant, an initial grant in a four-year project, will support rehabilitation-focused programs for youth in detention, including mentorship initiatives and other efforts designed to improve outcomes for justice-involved juveniles.

###


Congressman Riley M. Moore’s ‘Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act’ Passes U.S. House

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Riley M. Moore's bill, H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. This legislation safeguards the constitutional rights and privacy of law-abiding gun owners by prohibiting payment processors and financial institutions from using discriminatory merchant category codes (MCCs) to track firearm and ammunition purchases.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

"The Second Amendment is not a second-class right. Americans should never have their lawful firearm purchases tracked by financial institutions or payment processors. The creation of a separate merchant category code for gun stores at the behest of the Democrat-affiliated Amalgamated Bank opens the door to creating an unconstitutional backdoor gun registry and discrimination against law-abiding gun owners. My bill stops this dangerous overreach, protects consumers' financial privacy, and ensures that a backdoor federal gun registry can never be created through credit card transaction data. I'm proud the House has acted to defend both the Second Amendment and Americans' right to privacy."

In 2022, the International Standards Organization approved the creation of a separate merchant category code for firearm and ammunition retailers. Merchant category codes are four-digit identifiers used by payment processors to classify businesses based on the products they sell. The creation of a distinct code for gun stores raised concerns that financial institutions could use payment data to monitor, flag, and track lawful firearm purchases, creating a backdoor gun registry without congressional authorization.

As West Virginia State Treasurer, Moore successfully led the charge to ban financial institutions from implementing the firearm retailer specific merchant category code for West Virginia retailers.

H.R. 1181 passed the House with the support of 132 cosponsors, including original cosponsors, Rep. Andy Barr and Richard Hudson, and is backed by leading Second Amendment organizations, including the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, and Heritage Action.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act:

Prohibits payment card networks from requiring firearm retailers to use a distinct merchant category code that separates them from general merchandise or sporting goods stores.

Bars financial institutions from assigning separate merchant category codes to firearm retailers.

Establishes federal enforcement mechanisms authorizing the Attorney General to investigate violations, issue compliance orders, and seek injunctions against entities that attempt to track firearm purchases through discriminatory coding practices.

Preempts state and local laws that conflict with the legislation.

Requires the Attorney General to submit reports to Congress detailing investigations, enforcement actions, and the effectiveness of the law.

Congressman Moore introduced the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act to prevent financial institutions from weaponizing consumers' financial data against law-abiding Americans exercising their constitutional rights.

###


Congressman Robert Garcia Secures Committee Approval for $255 Million Port of Long Beach Channel Deepening Investment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) has passed out of committee, which would support the Port of Long Beach channel deepening project. This $255 million investment, split between the federal government and the Port of Long Beach, will expand the port’s main channel, strengthen America’s supply chain, and reduce pollution from ships waiting to dock outside the harbor.

“This is a huge win for Long Beach, for our workers, and for people across the country who depend on goods moving through our port every single day,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “I’ve been fighting for this project since my days as Mayor of Long Beach, and today we took a major step toward getting it done. This investment will lower costs, prevent cargo delays, and reduce the pollution caused by ships idling outside our harbor. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.”

“Ports and the supply chain are vital to our economy, enabling commerce and energizing business activity across the nation. Federal investment in maritime infrastructure is crucial to bolstering the economic output created by trade, and reauthorizing the Water Resources Development Act is an important step to ensuring we are optimizing America’s trade opportunities. At the Port of Long Beach, we are building the Port of the Future, and this legislation will help us advance key projects, including our Deep Draft Navigation Project that will improve navigational safety, maximize cargo efficiency and strengthen the flow of goods that reach every community in the United States,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We are grateful to Rep. Garcia, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and all of our federal partners for recognizing that investing in ports like Long Beach builds a stronger, more competitive and resilient national economy.”

Congressman Garcia has always fought to improve our community’s infrastructure. In August 2025, Congressman Garcia announced that the DOT awarded over $24 million in federal funding for Long Beach Airport to expand key parts of the terminal and improve areas to make it easier and more comfortable for passengers to get through the airport. In 2024, Congressman Garcia led the Los Angeles County delegation to advocate for funding for Metro’s Southeast Gateway Line Project. Congressman Garcia also helped secure over $283 million in federal grant money for the completion of the North Rail Yard Expansion and the South Rail Yard Expansion at the Port of Long Beach, which is estimated to create over 13,000 jobs nationwide. Congressman Garcia led efforts to secure funding for Los Angeles and Long Beach transit systems in preparation for the 2028 Olympics. As Mayor of the City of Long Beach, his signature ballot initiative, Measure A, launched the largest infrastructure repair program in a generation, promoting good-paying union jobs.

###


Rouzer-Supported Water Resources Development Act of 2026 Pas...

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, with support from Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, advancing key priorities for Southeastern North Carolina, including Surf City’s federal beach renourishment project and multiple flood reduction studies for local communities. The bill unanimously passed the committee and now awaits a vote by the full House.

"The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 makes critical investments across Southeastern North Carolina, protecting homes and businesses from future natural disasters, and strengthens our maritime economy," said Congressman David Rouzer. "Delivering this bipartisan bill every two years builds on the success of previous WRDAs, making federal projects more timely and efficient in meeting the needs of our communities."

Across the country, our water infrastructure supports agricultural production, protects homes and businesses from natural disasters, and strengthens ports and waterways. WRDA 2026 authorizes 10 major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects (including one in Surf City), 131 feasibility studies for locally proposed projects, and provides policy guidance for implementation by the Corps.

WRDA 2026 North Carolina priorities championed by Congressman Rouzer include:

Surf City 50-Year Federal Beach Nourishment Project: Authorizes $292.8 million in federal funding over the 50-year life of the Surf City Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, periodically renourishing the beach and dune system to reduce storm damage and strengthen the long-term resilience of Topsail Island.

Improves Flood Resiliency: Advances three flood risk management studies in Whiteville's Waccamaw River Basin, Fayetteville's Cross Creek Watershed, and the Town of Topsail Beach, allowing the Corps to evaluate solutions to reduce flooding and better protect surrounding communities.

Enhances Water Quality: Supports a water supply and ecosystem restoration feasibility study of the Cape Fear River in Cumberland County to identify new opportunities for regional water supply while removing hazardous substances from the water supply and strengthening the long-term health of the river.

Strengthens White Lake Infrastructure: Authorizes $40 million for water, wastewater, stormwater, and other environmental infrastructure improvements to improve the community's long-term resilience.

The legislation also supports economic growth by improving Corps operations and increasing collaboration with non-federal partners on maintenance dredging projects. To accelerate project delivery at a lower cost, WRDA 2026 requires the Corps to provide regular project updates to Congress, allowing lawmakers and the Corps to identify solutions that keep projects on track. Together, these reforms will help deliver projects faster and support the American economy.


Rep. Roy Introduces Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) introduced the Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act, legislation requiring hospitals that receive federal health care funding to ask patients, or their representatives, to indicate on admission or registration forms whether the patient is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, present in the United States on a valid visa, or lawfully present in the country.

Read the full bill here.

Read the exclusive story from Breitbart here.

"For years, Americans have watched overcrowded emergency rooms, rising healthcare costs, and strained hospital resources while being kept in the dark about the potential billions of taxpayer dollars spent on healthcare for those who are in the country illegally. That lack of accountability is unacceptable and absurd. The Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act delivers the transparency and accountability Americans deserve by ensuring hospitals report the extent to which illegal aliens are adding to the fiscal burden of our healthcare system,” said Rep. Roy.

"The Immigration Accountability Project stands fully behind Congressman Roy's Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act. By requiring hospitals to track and report the immigration status of patients, we can finally pull back the curtain on the massive costs of uncompensated care for illegal aliens. It is time for accountability in our healthcare system,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project.

“The Biden administration embraced mass migration and allowed millions of illegal aliens into our country, leading medical expenses for illegal aliens and their families to spike to over $40 billion annually. The Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act is a crucial step in providing transparency, showing the true cost of illegal immigration to American taxpayers, and holding illegal aliens accountable. FAIR applauds Congressman Roy for introducing this important bill to ensure our laws are upheld and that American citizens come first,” said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations, Federation for American Immigration Reform.

“For decades, Washington has hidden the health care cost of illegal immigration and handed American taxpayers the bill. Florida finally asked the question and found taxpayers paid $566 million in one year. Nationally, the cost is already estimated at least $21 billion, and that may be the floor.

“Congressman Roy’s bill does not touch patient care. It simply requires hospitals taking federal dollars to report the data taxpayers deserve to see. If Democrats and their sanctuary allies really believe illegal aliens ‘pay their way,’ they should have no problem proving it.

“NICE fully supports the Illegal Alien Patient Reporting Act and urges every member serious about fiscal accountability and immigration enforcement to cosponsor it. Congressman Roy has been one of the strongest immigration enforcement lawmakers ever to serve in Congress. Hill Country sent him to Washington to fight, and he damn well did. He will keep fighting in his next chapter, and we will be right there with him,” said RJ Hauman, President, National Immigration Center for Enforcement.


Scalise: We Will Not Let Communism Prevail

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) to warn about the growing embrace of communist ideology among a new generation of Democratic candidates, highlight the real-world consequences of communism, and reaffirm House Republicans' commitment to defending American freedom.

Image

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full remarks.


Congresswoman Scholten Demands Answers on the Death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel of Grand Rapids

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) led a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers on the June 16th death of Airman First Class Keon McDaniel of Grand Rapids. Airman McDaniel died during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas following the Department of Defense’s April 2026 decision to make the annual influenza vaccine voluntary for servicemembers.

Congresswoman Scholten was joined by Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), whose district includes Lackland Air Force Base, Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee, Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08).

“When tragedies like this occur, the American people and the Congress that represents them deserve immediate transparency and accountability,” the Representatives wrote in part. “We urge the Department to ensure that Airman McDaniel’s family receives timely and direct answers to any questions they may have about the circumstances of his death before any additional findings or information are made public. Keon’s family has already made the greatest sacrifice. They deserve to hear the truth directly from the Department, delivered with compassion and respect.”

The outbreak spread to hundreds of other recruits, and the Department has since reinstated the influenza vaccine requirement.

“While the DoD made the right decision to reinstate the influenza vaccine requirement for new recruits, this outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland underscores the importance of science- based decision-making guided by medical professionals when making public health decisions affecting our servicemembers. Politicizing the administration of lifesaving vaccines has led to the death of a servicemember, the hospitalization of numerous trainees, and an expensive race to retroactively provide our servicemembers the health care they need and deserve,” the Representatives continued.

The full copy of the letter with the Representatives’ questions can be found here.

On July 2, Congresswoman Scholten made an initial statement on the tragedy, and today, she spoke on the House floor to honor Keon’s life and service, followed by a chamber-wide moment of silence.

###


Congresswoman Sheri Biggs’ Improving Travel for Military Members Act Passes the House

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) announced that her Improving Travel for Military Members Act passed the House with unanimous consent, 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.


Brown Celebrates Major CHIPS and Science Act Award of up to $160 Million to Accelerate Northeast Ohio Manufacturing

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) today celebrated the National Science Foundation's selection of the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART), a consortium led by Case Western Reserve University, as one of the nation's NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The award makes NEO-SMART eligible for up to $160 million in federal investment over the next decade, beginning with an initial $15 million over the first two years.

The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program was established through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (NSF summary here), which Congresswoman Brown proudly voted for. This legislation, signed into law by President Biden, was designed to strengthen America's innovation economy, expand domestic manufacturing, and ensure the United States remains globally competitive. The Regional Innovation Engine program supports the establishment of translation accelerators and test beds, invests in workforce development and training, and invests in programs to provide entrepreneurial training.

“NEO-SMART’s award is exactly what the CHIPS and Science Act was intended to deliver: investments that strengthen American manufacturing, create good-paying jobs, and drive innovation in places like Northeast Ohio,” said Congresswoman Brown. “This grant is a huge win for Northeast Ohio: this critical investment reinforces that Northeast Ohio has the talent, institutions, and industrial base to lead the next generation of American manufacturing. I'm proud to have supported both the CHIPS and Science Act and the NEO-SMART application, and I look forward to seeing this investment create new opportunities for workers, businesses, and communities across our region.”

Anchored by Case Western Reserve University, the NEO-SMART Engine brings together more than 70 partners across industry, higher education, economic development, government, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations to transform groundbreaking materials research into commercial manufacturing and new businesses. Over its full ten-year vision, the Engine aims to train 12,000 workers, accelerate commercialization of cutting-edge materials technologies, and establish Northeast Ohio as the nation's premier hub for sustainable advanced materials manufacturing.

NEO-SMART was named one of 15 finalists for the competitive NSF Engines program in September of last year.

###


Rep. Simpson Supports Making Daylight Savings Time Permanent

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent year-round and end the twice-annual clock change. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL).

“Every Idahoan I’ve spoken to dreads the seasonal time change,” said Rep. Simpson. “Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that making this change will benefit farmers, outdoor recreationists, employers, and even public safety. The vast majority of Americans support locking the clock, and the Sunshine Protection Act is a common-sense reform.”

This legislation allows states to opt out of permanent daylight saving time in favor of permanent standard time if opt-out legislation is passed through their respective state legislatures. States can do so right up until the bill’s enactment.

The measure was approved with a vote of 308-117.


Rep. Smucker Introduces Legislation to Modernize Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

WASHINGTON – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act, legislation to modernize the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) by including COVID-19 vaccine related claims, improving access to compensation, and streamlining program administration to increase transparency and efficiency.

“Vaccines remain an important public health tool, but when rare vaccine-related injuries occur, Americans deserve a compensation system that is fair, transparent, and efficient,”said Rep. Smucker (PA-11). “Our legislation strengthens the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program while bringing COVID-19 vaccine claims into the program, so they are handled under the same fair and efficient process as other vaccine injury claims."

“Vaccines save lives and are an essential public health tool. In the rarest of instances when a related injury is suffered, compensation for medical bills and related losses should be prompt and reasonable,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “But that has not been happening because of extended delays, outdated compensation caps, and failure to include coverage for COVID-19 vaccines. By making much-needed improvements to assure a prompt and fair response to vaccine-related injuries, this legislation will bolster consumer confidence and help combat misinformation.”

Currently, COVID-19 vaccine claims are processed through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), which generally involves longer processing times and fewer procedural protections. The legislation would transfer pending COVID-19 vaccine claims to the VICP, while modernizing the program to improve transparency, reduce delays, and strengthen procedures to ensure a fair and efficient compensation process.

This legislation is co-led by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). A previous version of the bill was introduced by Reps. Lloyd Smucker and Lloyd Doggett during the 117th Congress.

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act would:


Stanton Leads Arizona Democratic Delegation in Demanding Answers on Measles Outbreak in ICE Detention Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), alongside Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David Venturella demanding answers regarding the ongoing measles outbreak that has infected at least seven detainees between the Florence Service Processing Center and Central Arizona Florence Correctional Center.

“Given the highly contagious nature of measles and the increased risk of transmission in congregate detention settings, this development raises serious questions about the adequacy of ICE's infection prevention and containment measures,” the lawmakers write.

This is the second reported measles outbreak at a detention facility in Florence this year and in 2016, an outbreak at an ICE detention center in Pinal County saw more than 30 cases among detainees and nine staff members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In the letter, the lawmakers demand that more be done to prevent future outbreaks, emphasizing that DHS has a responsibility to protect facility communities from unnecessary exposure. The lawmakers request detailed information by July 20, 2026, on the Department's response to the outbreak, including:

The steps being taken to contain the current outbreak and prevent further transmission;

The findings and recommendations from ICE's after-action review following the January 2026 outbreak;

Infection prevention and control measures currently in place at both facilities;

Medical care and isolation protocols for individuals diagnosed with or exposed to measles;

And the Department's plans to prevent future outbreaks of infectious disease in ICE detention facilities.

The letter is available HERE


Rep. Steube Introduces Birthright CLAIM Act Following Calls for Congressional Action from President Trump, Justice Kavanaugh

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Birthright Citizenship Limits for Aliens and Illegal Migrants (CLAIM) Act, legislation to clarify federal law governing birthright citizenship after President Donald Trump called on Congress to act and Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that Congress, not the courts, is responsible for addressing the issue through legislation. This bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).

“For too long, Congress has ignored its responsibility to address the abuse of our nation’s birthright citizenship laws. President Trump has called on Congress to act, and Justice Kavanaugh made clear that this is a question for the legislative branch, not the courts,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The Birthright CLAIM Actanswers that call by restoring common-sense limits on birthright citizenship, protecting taxpayers from abuse, closing dangerous loopholes in our immigration laws, and ensuring that American citizenship remains a privilege reserved for those who owe allegiance to the United States.”

The Birthright CLAIM Act answers those calls by establishing clear statutory standards governing citizenship at birth, closing loopholes that have encouraged abuse of the nation’s immigration system, and reaffirming Congress’s constitutional role in setting federal immigration policy.

One of the clearest examples of why Congress must act is the growing practice of birth tourism, in which foreign nationals travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth so their children can obtain U.S. citizenship. Federal investigations have uncovered criminal birth tourism operations that coached clients to deceive immigration officials and obtain taxpayer-funded medical care. A Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee investigation documented cases in which birth tourists paid only a small fraction of their hospital bills, leaving taxpayers to cover tens of thousands of dollars through public healthcare programs.

The Birthright CLAIM Act would clarify that a person born in the United States is not automatically granted citizenship when neither parent is a U.S. citizen or national and at least one parent is either unlawfully present in the country or present only on a temporary visa. The bill would also require a DNA paternity verification before citizenship may be granted when a child is born to a mother who is unlawfully present and citizenship is claimed solely through the father. The cost of testing would be borne by the parents or legal guardians, not American taxpayers.

In addition, the legislation would strengthen residency requirements for children born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent and one alien parent by increasing the amount of time the U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the United States before citizenship can be transmitted.

The full text of the Birthright CLAIM Act is available here.

###


STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens on Growing Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in Michigan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the growing cyclosporiasis outbreak impacting communities across the state, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

"More than 2,600 Michiganders have gotten sick from a parasite after RFK Jr. halted CDC monitoring for cyclosporiasis.

“Instead of investing in the proven systems that detect and stop outbreaks, Secretary Kennedy has dismantled critical public health safeguards and sidelined the scientists Michiganders count on. His reckless agenda has left our state more vulnerable when we can least afford it.

"Michigan families deserve leaders who trust science, strengthen public health, and act with urgency—not politicians who dismantle the very systems that keep us safe. I'll keep fighting to hold this administration accountable and make sure Michiganders get the answers and resources they deserve. RFK Jr. must be impeached."

###


Strong Delivers House Victory for Aviation Security

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation led by Representative Dale Strong to ensure passenger security fees are reinvested in aviation and airport security.

“The SAFEGUARDS Act is about restoring accountability and keeping a promise to the American traveling public. Every day, millions of passengers pass through our nation’s airports and pay a security fee with the expectation that those dollars will be used to strengthen aviation security,” said Representative Strong. “As threats continue to evolve, we must continue investing in the technologies and systems our airports need to maintain confidence in the safety of air travel.”

For years, revenue generated by the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 9/11 Passenger Security Fee has been diverted away from its original purpose. The $5.60 fee, paid by every passenger on a one-way ticket, was first implemented to fund aviation security improvements and upgrades nationwide. However, since 2014, approximately $15 billion in fee revenue has been redirected to unrelated, non-security purposes.

The SAFEGUARDS Act restores the fee’s intent by allocating $500 million annually for checked bag explosive detection systems and $250 million for checkpoint technology upgrades, ensuring this revenue goes toward protecting American skies.

“House passage of this legislation helps ensure those resources are directed toward their intended purpose, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it across the finish line,” Strong continued.

The SAFEGUARDS Act is supported by a broad coalition of aviation and travel leaders, including the Huntsville International Airport, Airlines for America, American Airlines, U.S. Travel Association, Southwest Airlines, Airport Council International–North America, and the American Association of Airport Executives.

The legislation passed the House unanimously. It now awaits consideration in the Senate.

Additional information and quotes of support regarding Representative Strong’s introduction of the SAFEGUARDS Act may be found here.

###


Rep. Subramanyam Stands with Neighbors on Fighting Golden to Mars Routes

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) issued the following statement after he was unable to attend the school board’s special meeting on the Golden to Mars transmission line routes due to votes in DC:

“As an Ashburn resident, I absolutely stand with my community against utility companies and data center overreach. I can’t believe we are at this point, and I encourage every level of government to fight back against these incursions on our community. That’s why I support a local data center moratorium and will keep pushing legislation to make the data centers pay to underground their own power.


Rep. Summer Lee Leads Community Safety Caucus in Opposing Trump Administration Power Grab Over Federal Grants

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 14, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-1), co-chairs of the Congressional Community Safety Caucus, announced that they led a public comment letter opposing a sweeping Trump administration proposal that would give political leadership greater power to withhold, suspend, alter, or terminate federal grants.

In a public comment letter submitted to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers warned that the proposed rule would create dangerous instability for nonprofits, local governments, and other federal grantees—particularly community violence intervention programs that depend on reliable funding, long-term planning, and strong partnerships to prevent violence and save lives.

The proposed changes would overhaul the Uniform Guidance, the government-wide rules governing federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other financial awards. Among other provisions, the proposal would:

Give political leadership greater authority over federal funding decisions;

Make it easier for agencies to suspend or terminate grants;

Allow grant terms and conditions to be changed after work has already begun;

Weaken protections and appeal options available to organizations facing funding disruptions; and

Restrict certain publication, conference, training, and travel expenses without advance approval.

For community violence intervention programs, those changes could threaten the stability of the entire violence prevention workforce. Organizations may struggle to retain outreach workers, violence interrupters, hospital responders, case managers, and other trusted frontline professionals if federal support becomes vulnerable to abrupt political interference.

The restrictions could also make it more difficult for practitioners to participate in training, share research, evaluate programs, and learn from successful violence prevention efforts in other communities.

“The proposed changes pose a significant financial risk and could create instability for federal grantees, including nonprofits, making it more difficult for them to serve their communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “The changes would be particularly damaging for community violence intervention (CVI) programs that depend on stable funding, long-term planning, and cross-sector partnerships.”

The letter points to falling rates of violence in communities that have made sustained investments in prevention. Baltimore recently reached a historic low in homicides following the implementation of its Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan. Chicago experienced a 21 percent decline in overall violent crime, a 32 percent decline in homicides, and a 37 percent decline in shootings in 2025—progress driven in significant part by community violence intervention programs.

“The reduction in crime across the country is not an accident; instead, it is due to local governments and community leaders investing in and implementing strategies that work, such as CVI programs,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers also raised concerns about the administration’s previous cuts to the Department of Justice’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, the primary source of federal funding for CVI programs. Approximately half of the initiative’s funding was cut in April 2025, including $145 million supporting programs, training, and technical assistance and another $8.6 million supporting research and evaluation.

Those cuts forced organizations across the country to reduce services, eliminate staff positions, and, in some cases, close entirely.

The letter urges OMB to withdraw the proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance in full.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

About the Community Safety Caucus

The Congressional Community Safety Caucus advances a multidisciplinary, public-health approach to safety that stops violence and harm before they occur while providing caring and equitable responses to behavioral health and other crises.

The Caucus recognizes that genuine safety requires much more than just responding after harm has already occurred. It requires sustained investments in housing, health care, education, environmental justice, violence prevention, behavioral health, economic opportunity, and the overall wellbeing of communities.

Through legislative and appropriations advocacy, research, and educational programming, the Caucus champions evidence-based approaches that prevent violence, break cycles of harm, respond to crises with care, and help every community thrive.

Alongside Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), the Community Safety Caucus was founded and is co-chaired by Gabe Amo (RI-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03).

Additional members of the Caucus include Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12).


Rep. Sykes Advances Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill with Key Wins for Northeast Ohio

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, advanced H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that invests in water infrastructure projects across the country and includes key priorities for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

“Strong water infrastructure is something every community depends on, and I’m proud to have fought for this bipartisan legislation that will help address critical needs in Northeast Ohio,” said Rep. Sykes. “From protecting access to clean water to supporting the infrastructure our communities rely on every day, these investments will help strengthen our region and improve quality of life for the people I represent. I’ll continue working to deliver results that help our communities grow and prepare for the future.”

The legislation raises the cap on environmental infrastructure projects in Summit County from $25 million to $50 million and in Stark County from $24 million to $49 million. The bill also includes Rep. Sykes’ provision to improve Army Corps of Engineers planning for dredged material management at the Port of Cleveland and incorporates her Water Preservation and Affordability Act, which helps communities access resources and technical assistance to address their water challenges.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 also clarifies the Army Corps’ authority to repair the City of Massillon’s sluice gates and advances efforts to study the impact of data centers on regional water resources.

The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.


Rep. Sykes Announces Portage Path Behavioral Health Awarded Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Grant

AKRON, OH — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that Portage Path Behavioral Health received a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The four-year grant will support Portage Path in establishing a CCBHC to expand access to comprehensive, coordinated mental health and substance use disorder care for adults in Summit County.

Portage Path first received the grant in September 2023 and was fully accredited by SAMHSA as a CCBHC in December 2025. The organization will now provide nine core CCBHC services, including 24/7 crisis mental health care through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, outpatient care, case management, peer and family support, primary care screening, psychiatrist rehabilitation, treatment planning, and services for veterans.

“I am proud to congratulate Portage Path Behavioral Health on this significant grant award," said Rep. Sykes. “This investment will strengthen access to critical mental health and substance use disorder services for families across Summit County, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community.”

Portage Path Behavioral Health President and CEO Tracy D. Yaeger, Ph.D. offered the following statement:

“This grant will allow more adults in Summit County to access the personalized and comprehensive care that they need,” said Dr. Yaeger. “CCBHCs have proved to enhance health and overall quality of life. The care model also helps to reduce mental health hospitalizations, lessen emergency room visits, and decrease homelessness. The lasting impact of this grant will prove to be immeasurable for our community. We look forward to serving the community with this comprehensive, high-quality model of care.”

The CCBHC model requires clinics to provide 24/7 crisis care, timely outpatient services, and access to a comprehensive range of services with care coordination, while incorporating evidence-based practices informed by community needs assessments. CCBHCs serve anyone seeking mental health or substance use disorder care, regardless of their ability to pay, residence, or age.

For more than 50 years, Portage Path Behavioral Health has worked to expand access to quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Summit County. Portage Path has served as the local call center for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for Summit and Lake Counties since 2022, providing residents with 24/7/365 connection to care and resources.


Rep. Sykes Opposes Trump Administration Effort to Politicize Federal Grantmaking Process

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined three letters opposing President Trump’s plan to overhaul the federal grantmaking process, warning that the Administration’s proposal would give the White House new authority to steer federal funding based on political priorities rather than merit. The proposed changes could impact more than $1 trillion in federal grantmaking nationwide.

The proposed rule, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance, would require discretionary grants to advance the President’s policy priorities and give senior Administration officials a greater role in determining which projects receive federal support. It would also make it easier for the Administration to terminate grants, creating uncertainty for organizations and communities that rely on federal funding.

Rep. Sykes joined a letter from House Oversight Democrats opposing the Administration’s efforts to politicize the federal grantmaking process, a letter from the Democratic Women’s Caucus highlighting the impact the proposal could have on programs supporting women and families, and a House Democrats letter urging the Office of Management and Budget to reject changes that would give political considerations greater influence over federal funding decisions.

“This proposal is a direct attack on the independence and integrity of America’s research and grantmaking system,” said Rep. Sykes. “President Trump is trying to give himself the power to decide which ideas are worthy of support based on political loyalty instead of merit. That would put lifesaving research, economic opportunity, and critical community programs at risk while allowing politics to replace expertise in decisions that affect millions of Americans.”

Federal grants support communities throughout Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, helping fund research, local initiatives, and programs that serve residents across the region. Rep. Sykes will continue working to protect a grantmaking process where decisions are based on merit and the value a project brings to communities, not political considerations.

The Democratic Women’s Caucus letter can be found here.

The House Oversight Committee Democrats’ letter can be found here.


Congressman Taylor Leads Resolution Condemning SNAP Fraud

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Taylor (OH-02), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Randy Fine (FL-06), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Tom Barrett (MI-07), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced a resolution reaffirming the importance of safeguarding the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 for Americans in need.

“For far too long, SNAP fraudsters chasing a quick payday have taken food out of the mouths of vulnerable Americans," said Congressman Taylor. “USDA’s initial estimate that at least $3 billion in SNAP funds were lost to fraud, waste, and abuse underscores the urgent need to safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen accountability. I will continue working alongside Vice President Vance’s Fraud Task Force, my Republican colleagues, and local leaders to ensure every dollar is accounted for and restore the integrity of SNAP for the sake of Americans who truly depend on it.”

Specifically, this resolution:

Expresses support for continued efforts by the Trump Administration to identify, prevent, and prosecute waste, fraud, abuse, and improper payments in SNAP;

Applauds the Trump Administration’s efforts to counter SNAP fraudsters and crack down on criminal actors hurting the most vulnerable Americans;

Recognizes the importance of strong program integrity measures to safeguard taxpayer dollars and preserve resources for the most vulnerable Americans;

Supports efforts to improve oversight and transparency within SNAP to ensure the program is working effectively for those eligible; and

Affirms that reducing waste, fraud, and abuse is essential to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of SNAP.

Background:

The largest federal nutrition assistance program in the United States, SNAP was designed primarily to ensure eligible low-income Americans maintain access to food during times of need. In July of 2025, the Trump Administration requested all states report their SNAP data to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure the proper disbursement of funds. However, only 29 states shared their data, while 21 states sued USDA to keep their data hidden.

Of the 29 states that reported their SNAP data, it was revealed that 186,000 deceased individuals were still receiving benefits, over 440,000 recipients used fraudulent Social Security numbers, over 247,000 recipients were claiming benefits in multiple states, and 4,400 individuals who had been marked disqualified were still receiving benefits.

The full text of this resolution is available here.

###


Reps. Titus, Doggett Introduce Legislation to Protect Public Art

WASHINGTON – Today Congressional Arts Caucus members Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) introduced their Protecting Resources and Ensuring Stewardship of Enduring Records of Visual Expression (PRESERVE) Act. This legislation would establish a procedure to ensure that publicly commissioned art is protected and preserved during the federal building disposal process.

“Publicly commissioned art should never become collateral damage when federal buildings are sold or otherwise disposed of,” said Rep. Titus. “It is critical that we establish a process to protect these national treasures and ensure the public has full access to the 26,000 works of art exhibited in museums and federal buildings around the country, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. Art commissioned by the federal government is a vital part of our national heritage and deserves to be preserved for future generations.”

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, preservation of our Nation’s rich history and culture is essential,” said Rep. Doggett. “Many federal buildings like the Wilbur J. Cohen Building contain precious artworks that provide a visual history of the struggle, opposition, and ultimately of progress across generations of Americans. The PRESERVE Act will protect these treasures, because art is aspiration, and protecting it is how we live up to our own.”

The PRESERVE Act would require the General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator to convene a committee of experts and implement a plan to preserve any publicly commissioned artwork, including art that was created under New Deal programs, early in the disposal process. GSA would also be required to ensure that the artwork is accessible to the public after the building is disposed of, whether through a term in an outlease agreement or by transferring the property to another public building. Artwork commissioned with taxpayer funding should be publicly accessible.

This legislation is endorsed by Social Security Works, Living New Deal, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Hands Off the Arts, Preservation Action, and Public Art Dialogue.

“The Living New Deal is encouraged that members of the U.S. Congress are seeking to protect the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building and its irreplaceable artworks, as well as the other artworks -- more than 26,000 total -- in the U.S. General Services Administration's collection. The GSA is the primary steward of New Deal art, all of which belongs to the American people. The bill that Reps. Dina Titus and Lloyd Doggett are introducing is an honorable celebration of our nation's art and 250th anniversary. As George Washington wrote in 1784, ‘To encourage Literature and the Arts is a duty which every good Citizen owes to his Country,’” said Mary Okin, Assistant Director of Living New Deal.

"Thank you to Reps. Titus and Doggett for fighting to protect the American artifacts that are the New Deal-era murals in the Wilbur Cohen Building. Besides being priceless irreplaceable masterpieces of American art, the murals are an invaluable part of Social Security's history. Social Security Works enthusiastically endorses the PRESERVE Act, and urges Congress to protect public art by swiftly passing it into law," said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.

“Hands Off the Arts applauds Congresswoman Titus’s leadership and stands in solidarity with Living New Deal, Social Security Works, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Action, Public Art Dialogue, and all artists, archivists, historians, and arts workers across the country working to preserve and protect priceless public artworks,” said Mallory Miller, Co-founder of Hands Off the Arts.

"Public Art Dialogue's members include art historians, artists, curators, administrators, educators, architects, landscape architects, and others who understand the power of public art to foster community conversations about our national past, present, and future. PAD is pleased to support the PRESERVE Act, critical legislation which will ensure the survival and preservation of works specifically commissioned for 'we the people.' These historical riches serve not only as visible reminders of the aspirations of past Americans, but also as guideposts for the future enrichment of our national visual landscape,” said Dr. Amy Werbel and Dr. Karen Shelby, Co-Chairs of Public Art Dialogue.

Background

Through its Fine Arts Program, GSA maintains one of the oldest and largest public art collections in the United States. The collection includes art that was commissioned under New Deal programs. In 1934, the federal government began loaning or allocating artwork created under New Deal programs to public agencies and nonprofit institutions across the country. When the General Services Administration was established in 1949, it assumed stewardship responsibility for this artwork.

As the Trump Administration looks to reduce the federal real property footprint, these invaluable pieces of art are at risk. There currently are no guardrails in federal law to protect publicly commissioned artwork during the federal building disposal process. Congress must act to protect this important part of our history before it is too late.

Under immediate threat is the collection housed inside the Wilbur J. Cohen Building in Washington, DC which has been deemed the “Sistine Chapel of the New Deal.” The Cohen building houses frescoes and murals by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, Seymour Fogel, and Jenne and Ethel Magafan. Because the frescoes are imbedded in the walls, they cannot simply be taken out of the building or transported to another location. Preserving this work would take careful input and planning from people who have the expertise and historical knowledge necessary to successfully protect it.

During the 119th Congress, Rep. Titus has taken the following actions to protect public art:

On April 14, 2025, Representative Titus led members of the Congressional Arts Caucus to the General Services Administration raising concern that over half of GSA’s Fine Arts Program staff had been put on leave.

On August 19, 2025, Representative Titus introduced the Fine Arts Protection Act. This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to survey GSA’s Fine Arts collection and determine its economic value.

On April 24, 2026, Representative Titus led a letter to President Donald Trump and Acting Chairman for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) William English raising concern that NEH funds were being unlawfully redirected toward the construction of a Triumphal Arch.

###


Rep. Dina Titus Provisions Included in Water Resources Development Act of 2026

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today finalized the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 to fund the Army Corps of Engineers for the next two years, including provisions proposed by Rep. Dina Titus to strengthen water conservation efforts.

“The prolonged drought and the shrinking Colorado River make it imperative that we think outside the box and use every tool possible to mitigate our water supply crisis,” Congresswoman Titus said. “This legislation strengthens the ability of the Army Corps of Engineers to protect dwindling water supplies. It includes provisions I championed to create an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resilience that would promote water conservation and drought resiliency measures at federal water projects such as those to optimize reservoir storage, support aquifer storage and recharge, and institute nature-based solutions in drought-prone areas.”

Another provision Congresswoman Titus led in the package would direct the Army Corps to consider the impact of data centers on water supply and conservation projects.

“We need to better understand the effects data centers will have on water supplies, particularly in desert areas like Southern Nevada prone to drought,” she said. “Two-thirds of proposed data centers are in drought-prone regions. Communities want transparency about how this influx of data centers will impact their water supply. We need to make sure that federal agencies follow due process and hold public hearings before transferring public lands to data center companies and using up this vital resource.”

The WRDA 2026 bill also includes provisions championed by Congresswoman Titus to create a pilot program to use natural infrastructure in dryland streams in arid and desert regions.

This program will be beneficial in Nevada, where 88 percent of streams are ephemeral, including the Amargosa River recently labeled one of America’s most endangered rivers.

Other provisions led by Congresswoman Titus in the legislation are:


Rep. Tokuda Announces Applications for Military Service Academies

Honolulu, HI — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) announced that her office will begin accepting applications on Friday, August 1, 2026, from students in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District seeking a nomination to one of the United States military service academies. Qualified applicants must submit their complete applications no later than Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.

Every year, members of Congress, including Rep. Tokuda, are allotted a limited number of nominations for exceptional applicants from their districts seeking appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“Every year, I am humbled to nominate students from Hawaiʻi who are ready to serve our country and lead with purpose,” said Rep. Tokuda, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our service academies ask a lot of these young people, but Hawaiʻi students know what it means to carry responsibility, care for community, and step up when it matters. I encourage eligible students across Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District to apply.”

To be considered for a nomination, candidates must reside in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District, meet the basic eligibility requirements established by the academies, and submit a complete nomination application by Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.

For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit tokuda.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations or call Rep. Tokuda’s District Office at (808) 746-6220.

###


Trahan, Moulton Request Federal Support for Haverhill Sewage Emergency

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) wrote to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting additional federal support in response to the ongoing Haverhill wastewater emergency.

“As communities across the Commonwealth continue recovering from the recent sewer main failure in Haverhill, it is increasingly clear that local governments, even those acting responsibly and proactively, cannot shoulder the costs of long-term infrastructure modernization without stronger, more reliable federal partnership,” the lawmakers wrote.

ollowing intense rainfall last month, a main sewer line in Haverhill broke, resulting in the significant discharge of untreated wastewater into the Merrimack River. Despite state and local efforts, harmful bacteria made its way down the river, impacting communities across the Merrimack Valley and even forcing the temporary closure of multiple North Shore beaches.

In their letter, the lawmakers cite the City of Haverhill's aging combined sewer system, which collects both sewage and stormwater runoff into the same network of pipes. During significant precipitation, these systems can become overwhelmed and lead to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into nearby bodies of water. Haverhill, like many communities along the Merrimack River, has been working for years to complete expensive sewer system upgrades with little to no federal investment.

“For nearly a decade, Haverhill has been working closely with the EPA under a 2016 consent decree that requires substantial upgrades to its sewer system and treatment plant. The City has acted in good faith, investing heavily in planning, engineering, and permitting to overhaul a decades-old system and reduce the risk of pollution and public health crises,” the lawmakers continued.“However, despite the city's long-standing efforts to modernize its aging wastewater infrastructure, the lack of sustained federal investment has left the infrastructure still vulnerable to incidents like this.”

In their letter, the lawmakers requested that the EPA work with Congress to identify long-term federal funding streams for communities replacing aging water infrastructure, including the establishment of rapid-response dollars for emergencies like the one in Haverhill and the restoration of robust grant funding for combined sewer upgrades. They also warned that the administration's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request would cut federal water infrastructure funding by roughly 90 percent, slashing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund from approximately $2.5 billion to just $155 million.

“Underfunding these programs forces communities to defer essential repairs, leaving systems vulnerable to catastrophic public health failures like the one Haverhill just experienced,” the lawmakers concluded. “We urge you to work with our offices to identify long-term federal funding streams to ensure cities like Haverhill are not continually overburdened by the growing costs to replace aging water infrastructure.”

Trahan and Moulton have repeatedly advocated for increased federal funding for combined sewer upgrades. In addition to supporting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has delivered more than $600 million in federal investments for wastewater improvement projects across the Commonwealth, the lawmakers have also worked to increase funding for the EPA's Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (OSG) Program. When Trahan first took office in 2019, the grant program was entirely unfunded. Following the lawmakers' efforts, the OSG program saw modest increases year over year, but that growth has stagnated in recent years. Trahan also introduced the bipartisan Stop Sewage Overflow Act to expand and improve the OSG program.

A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.

###


Trahan, Markey, Warren Introduce Legislation to Provide Grants for Local Water Infrastructure Emergencies

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize emergency assistance and grants for clean water and drinking water infrastructure.

When severe rainstorms in June caused a sewer pipe to break in Haverhill, Massachusetts, millions of gallons of untreated wastewater flowed into the Merrimack River, endangering public safety and resulting in economic losses from beach and fisheries closures. This legislation would provide technical and financial support to water treatment facilities during emergency situations in order to prevent and mitigate threats to public health, such as exposure to contaminants.

“Haverhill showed us what happens when a century-old system fails and the federal government is nowhere to be found. Cities were left to fight sewage flowing into the Merrimack with local dollars and borrowed time,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Our bill fixes that. It puts real federal money on the table the moment an emergency like this hits, so no community has to face it alone.”

“Water system emergencies spell disaster for their communities—they’re expensive, bad for business, and dangerous to public health. Our communities deserve clean water and quick access to support in response to emergency situations that put their health and economies in danger,” said Senators Markey and Warren. “The federal government should be able to provide emergency grants for emergency situations. This legislation would authorize grants for clean water and drinking water, so we can spend more time keeping our communities safe and local businesses open and less time hiking rates and fighting pollution.”

The Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act would create a new emergency grant program under the Clean Water Act, funded at $50 million annually, to help communities respond immediately to failures in their wastewater systems, including combined sewer overflows and other critical system failures that threaten public health. The program would also make emergency funding and technical assistance available for other threats to water systems, including cybersecurity breaches that pose a substantial risk to public health. Additionally, the bill would reauthorize and expand the existing emergency grant program for drinking water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act, increasing annual funding from $35 million to $50 million.

Last month, a main sewer line in Haverhill broke following intense rainfall, discharging untreated wastewater into the Merrimack River, forcing the temporary closure of multiple North Shore beaches, and halting local shellfish operations. The city moved quickly to install an emergency bypass, but it did so with little federal support. Had the bill introduced today been in place, Haverhill could have received federal emergency funds to support its immediate response, including the bypass installation.

The Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act builds on Trahan's ongoing efforts to secure federal support for communities along the Merrimack River. Yesterday, she led a request to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting rapid response funding for water emergencies, long-term investment in replacing aging infrastructure, and restored grant funding for combined sewer upgrades. Trahan also introduced the bipartisan Stop Sewage Overflow Act to grow federal investment in combined sewer overflow projects to $500 million annually, and has secured direct community project funding for CSO work in Haverhill, Methuen, and Lowell. Emergency response funding would complement the long-term federal investment needed to complete wastewater system upgrades like the one underway in Haverhill for nearly a decade.

Full text of the can be accessed HERE.

###


Congressman Turner Advances Safety & Social Services Initiative in Downtown Dayton

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) announced today that a $1 million Community Funding Project advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee to fund improvements to the Gateway Men’s Homeless Shelter. This marks a significant milestone in implementing recommendations developed by the Downtown Dayton Working Group to enhance safety and quality of life in the downtown area.

“Last year, at the request of downtown community and business leaders, we established the Downtown Dayton Working Group, with the goal of identifying practical, community-driven solutions to address public safety challenges in downtown Dayton. This community project funding is a direct result of this group's work and addresses a clear need within our community,” Congressman Turner said.

Following months of collaboration among our business leaders, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement, and local officials, the Working Group issued a series of recommendations aimed at making downtown safer, stronger, and more welcoming.

The Working Group identified four areas of concern: safety, social services, intergovernmental coordination, and economic development. The Working Group made real progress on tackling these areas of concern, including the recent establishment of a dedicated police force to monitor the RTA hub.

The Working Group additionally recommended increasing shelter capacity, enhancing coordination among services providers, and investing in facilities that better meet the needs of those seeking assistance. This includes the creation of an engagement unit for men in need of shelter, a medical unit for men that are not yet able to be in the general public space due to health issues, and a transitional housing portion for men working and moving toward permanent housing.

This $1 million will be a major step in our effort to realize those ambitions. The new funding will support the transformation of the Gateway Men’s Homeless Shelter into a comprehensive continuum of care campus, advance the Working Group’s recommendations to strengthen resources for Dayton’s homeless population, while improving public safety and the overall health of downtown Dayton.

“This funding is welcome news for Dayton and for the men who rely on Gateway for shelter and support," said Dayton Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss. "The City of Dayton is committed to reimagining Gateway as a true model of continuum of care, and this investment helps move that vision forward. These federal dollars will help support our most vulnerable residents, and I want to thank our state and federal partners for their commitment to providing these resources. I also want to thank Homefull for their bold vision and leadership to reimagine Gateway. The funds will help improve the quality of life at Gateway and provide dignity for those who rely on the shelter," added Mayor Turner-Sloss.

Dayton City Manager, Shelley Dickstein, added that "What makes the Gateway Men’s Shelter Renovation project stand out is the transformative design that co-locates the emergency shelter, transitional housing, medical bay, and day services on a single campus. We are grateful to Congressman Turner for securing this funding and the support in coordinating investment for the unhoused population as it addresses the whole person: health, stability, and community reintegration."


Van Orden Introduces Two Bills to Strengthen VA Security and Support Retired Federal Working Dogs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden introduced two bills to strengthen security at VA facilities and support retired federal working dogs.

The VA Police Security Enhancement Act would strengthen security at VA facilities by expanding the definition of VA property under federal law, authorizing VA police officers to carry out broader security responsibilities, allowing limited off-property operations when necessary, encouraging coordination with state and local law enforcement through memoranda of understanding, modernizing facility security measures, increasing congressional oversight, and establishing a dedicated account to support VA police staffing, training, and security infrastructure.

“Our veterans have earned the very best care and support our nation can provide. That starts with ensuring the facilities they rely on are secure, and that the hardworking VA police officers have the tools necessary to protect them,” said Van Orden.

The K-9 Hero Act of 2026 would establish a federal grant program to help nonprofit organizations cover veterinary expenses for retired federal working dogs that served alongside America’s military members, law enforcement officers, and homeland security personnel.

"Federal working dogs have been an invaluable part of missions that protect our country and keep Americans safe. This legislation ensures the organizations caring for these retired heroes have the support necessary to provide them with proper medical care,” Van Orden added.

Van Orden is a 26-year Navy SEAL veteran and a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where he continues to advocate for veterans and their families.

###


ICYMI: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Speaks Out Against Latest Wave of ICE Killings

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 14, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) took to the House floor to condemn ICE’s latest wave of violence, which has claimed two lives on American streets in the past week alone. In the speech, he honored the memory of Lorenzo Salgado, a hardworking father of three who was killed by ICE agents in Houston last week, as well as Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and a young man from Maine whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities — all of whom lost their lives at the hands of the government.

“We were told this was about dangerous, violent criminals. Trump's immigration enforcement has made everyone unsafe — Latinos for the way we look, and any American who dares to stand with them,” said Vasquez. “Lorenzo cried out, ‘¡Me están matando!’ — they are killing me. The ‘they’ were ICE agents. The ‘they’ was paid by YOUR tax dollars. The ‘they’ answers ONLY to this Administration — it does not answer to the people. Later today, many in this chamber will have the privilege of going home to dinner with their loved ones. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo should have had it too.”

WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE


Rep. Gabe Vasquez Opposes OMB Push to Politicize Federal Grantmaking, Inflict Chaos on New Mexico Institutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) recently opposed an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule proposal that would inflict chaos on New Mexico institutions and grant the executive branch more unchecked power over federal spending activities. The proposed rule is being spearheaded by Russell Vought, the author of Project 2025 who now heads the agency that manages the country's budget.

The rule would have major impacts on over $1 trillion in annual federal grantmaking and could harm local governments, Tribes, universities, nonprofits, school districts, healthcare organizations, small businesses, research institutes, and other organizations across New Mexico that rely on federal grants to serve their communities. Many of these grant recipients were already hit by funding freezes and uncertainty as a result of reckless actions and cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and this rule would amplify that ongoing uncertainty.

The OMB Uniform Guidance serves as the federal government’s core rulebook for grantmaking, shaping everything from how nonprofits recover costs to how agencies design and administer grant programs. Under the current rules, grant applicants must already meet numerous standards and oversight requirements, and awards are based on merit and metrics meant to ensure fairness. The proposed changes would give individual agencies and their political leaders sweeping discretion, creating uncertainty and inconsistency for the nonprofits and community organizations that rely on stable federal partnerships to deliver essential services.

Specifically, OMB’s proposed rule would:

Politicize federal grantmaking by giving senior political appointees greater control over discretionary awards while weakening the role of independent, merit-based peer review.

Allow administrations to abruptly cancel existing grants based on shifting “agency priorities” or the broadly defined “national interest,” creating uncertainty for communities, researchers, workers, and contractors relying on federal commitments.

Undermine Congress’s power of the purse by giving the executive branch expansive discretion to redirect or terminate funding that Congress approved for specific public purposes.

Threaten critical services and constitutional rights by tying funding to vague ideological conditions and putting healthcare, education, scientific research, public safety, and economic development projects at risk.

Create costly new red tape and delays through expanded E-Verify requirements, payment-eligibility screening, and written justifications for individual payment requests — burdens that would hit small nonprofits, rural providers, Tribal governments, and community organizations hardest.

On July 10, Rep. Vasquez and 126 other members of Congress sent a letter to OMB Director Russell Vought outlining their concerns with the proposed rule, reiterating how it would impact their constituents, and demanding that the rule be withdrawn.

In the letter, Vasquez and other lawmakers noted, “This proposal would represent the most sweeping and destructive transformation of the federal financial assistance system in modern history and would subordinate nonpartisan, merit-based grantmaking to political control, exposing the entire framework to serious constitutional challenge. With more than $1 trillion in annual Federal awards at stake, the consequences would be felt by every state, federally recognized tribe, city, county, research university, hospital, and countless nonprofits, community organizations, and private firms that deliver critical scientific studies and essential public services.”

Read the full letter here.

###


WESTERMAN WRDA PRIORITIES ADVANCE TO THE HOUSE FLOOR

Today, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a markup to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:

“As a water-rich state, Arkansas depends heavily on the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA),” says Congressman Bruce Westerman. “In my capacity as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I had the privilege of securing several maintenance and development provisions to expedite repairs for the Dardanelle Lock and Dam, strengthen efficiency requirements for the MKARNS, improve flood control, and maintain recreational access during projects on Arkansas’ parks, lakes, trails, and waterways. I’m grateful for Chairmen Graves and Collins’ dedicated work to ensure we receive needed investments to continue improving our nation’s inland waterways and water resources infrastructure.”

BACKGROUND:

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 is biennial, bipartisan legislation that supports the viability, effectiveness, and conservation of waterways for commercial and recreational use.

Westerman secured the following policy priorities in the 2026 WRDA:

Expedited repairs and study completion for the Dardanelle Lock & Dam

Ensures slope stabilization and recontouring to prioritize efficiency while keeping what is best for the surrounding environment in mind. This will protect navigation, prevent shutdown risks, and safeguard economic activity along the Arkansas River.

Strengthening the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS)

Increased efficiency requirements for inland waterway project management within the Corps.

Enhanced dredging coordination and beneficial use policies improving sediment management in navigable waterways.

Policies improving contracting efficiency that accelerate navigation construction and maintenance.

Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study

Arkansas directly benefits from a basin wide plan to improve flood control, navigation reliability, sediment management, and long-term river system resilience.

Supports eastern Arkansas farmers, industries, and communities vulnerable to repeat Mississippi River flooding.

Recreational Access Requirements

Any Corps project affecting parks, lakes, trails, or waterways in Arkansas must:

- Maintain recreational access

- Provide alternatives during construction

Updates to national flood risk policy

Require nonstructural solutions to be evaluated equally, benefiting rural Arkansas communities.

Improve levee certifications and safety assessments.

Streamline real estate requirements for maintaining levees.

Arkansas counties with levee districts (e.g., along the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers) benefit from faster approvals and clearer standards.


Womack Cosponsored Bill to Protect 2nd Amendment Privacy Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 14, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. He is an original cosponsor of the bill, which prohibits credit card companies and other entities from implementing Merchant Category Codes that distinguish a firearms retailer from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers.

Congressman Womack said, “The right to bear arms is a fundamental freedom for every law-abiding American. The use of Merchant Category Codes to unconstitutionally track firearm purchases remains a radical, left-wing endeavor by anti-Second Amendment activists. I am proud to build on the work of Arkansas Governor Sanders at the federal level to protect the financial privacy and Second Amendment rights of all Americans.”

Background:

Credit card companies and other financial institutions use Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to organize businesses by the types of goods or services purchased. These MCCS are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

In 2022, the ISO created a new code specifically for gun retailers. This policy has raised concerns that specific firearm MCCs can be used to track law-abiding Americans exercising their constitutional rights.

Since the creation of this code, states like California and New York have mandated the use of MCCs for firearm retailers while several other states have banned the use, including Arkansas.

The bill text is available HERE.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

###