Bipartisan Support Grows for Pappas Bill to Strengthen Infrastructure for Local Police and Fire Departments

The Problem Solvers Caucus endorsedCongressman Chris Pappas (NH-01)’s bipartisan Building Up Infrastructure for Local Departments (BUILD) Act (H.R. 2979), legislation to help small and rural law enforcement agencies and fire departments modernize outdated facilities and better meet the demands of public safety in the 21st century. Pappas is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus and has been rated among the most independent, bipartisan members of Congress.

Across the country, thousands of local law enforcement agencies and fire departments operate out of facilities that no longer meet the demands of modern public safety. More than 40 percent of all firehouses were built in the 1980s or earlier, with an estimated replacement cost of $70 billion to $100 billion, while many local law enforcement agencies face similar infrastructure challenges. This bipartisan legislation would help ensure small and rural departments have access to the modern infrastructure needed to meet today’s public safety challenges.

“Upgrading our public safety infrastructure to modern standards is critically important for community safety. I know from my conversations with local law enforcement, fire fighters, and town representatives that this legislation is desperately needed,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “I’m glad to have the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus endorse my legislation to provide police and fire departments with federal resources to make necessary facility upgrades, which will support our officers and improve public safety. I will continue to work alongside our local departments, officials, and with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advocate for the resources our communities need.”

This legislation earned praise from New Hampshire law enforcement and local officials in the rural towns of Candia and Danville when it was first introduced in 2023. It is also supported by the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, and GIFFORDS.

The BUILD Act would:

Authorize a new BUILD grant program at the Department of Justice to modify, upgrade, or construct facilities for small local law enforcement agencies serving jurisdictions of less than 50,000;

Authorize a new BUILD-FIRE grant program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modify, upgrade, or construct facilities for small fire and fire/EMS departments serving jurisdictions of less than 50,000;

Require a GAO study of the sufficiency of the existing capital infrastructure of small public safety agencies over the near-term and long-term;

Require the Attorney General to conduct and publish a study of the met and unmet construction and renovation needs of a national sample of police departments; and

Require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct and publish a study of the met and unmet construction and renovation needs of a national sample of fire departments.

Eligible projects could receive up to $4 million in funding for projects that would improve the provision of emergency services, training and development of public safety personnel, recruitment and retention of public safety personnel, community engagement, and overall community safety.


Pappas and Ciscomani Introduce Bipartisan AIR CARE for Vets Act

U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced legislation aimed at improving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to diagnose veterans with service-related respiratory conditions. H.R. 9666, the AIR CARE for Vets Act (Advanced Imaging for Respiratory Care, Assessment, and Research Excellence for Veterans Act) prioritizes veteran access to quality imaging software used in diagnosing certain respiratory conditions resulting from time in service, including asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as lung cancer.

Currently, diagnosing respiratory illnesses and conditions in veterans is limited by standard testing procedures using whole-lung assessments. These assessments can be less sensitive to changes in lung function seen in early disease or when abnormalities are limited to a specific region. In addition, standard testing procedures including lung biopsy, are often both painful and invasive. Specifically, this affects the many veterans who were exposed to toxic smoke from open-air burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and who now suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses.

In response to these issues, there has been an increase in concern for improving the level of accessibility to updated “four-dimensional” (4-D) imaging technology that would allow for more accurate testing. Bringing more advanced imaging technology to VA facilities would provide an ability to better diagnose our veterans.

“We owe everything to our veterans, and they deserve access to top of the line health care both during and following their service,” said Congressman Pappas. “Our legislation would establish a pilot program for VA to utilize innovative 4-D lung scanning technology, which improves identification of respiratory disorders and lung disease in veterans. For thousands of veterans living in New Hampshire exposure to burn pits has significantly increased their chances of developing lung disease, and this pilot program will improve the resources and care available to them now and in the years to come.”

"Our nation’s heroes deserve access to quality healthcare, including the most up to date technology to best diagnose service-related conditions. That’s what the AIR CARE for Vets Act is all about," said Congressman Ciscomani. "Under this bill, veterans suffering from respiratory conditions and lung cancer would receive better quality care at the VA through the use of imaging software equipped to properly evaluate their symptoms. Better imaging software means an improved rate of diagnosis, which would save lives by catching issues like lung cancer sooner. The men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve to know they are receiving the highest level of care possible at all stages, starting with quality evaluation of their symptoms."

The AIR CARE for Vets Act would direct the VA to put a five-year pilot program in place using FDA-approved four-dimensional functional lung imaging software to assist in identifying respiratory disorders in veterans receiving care at the VA.

This legislation authorizes $5 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) and Fiscal Year 2031 (FY2031) to be used for leasing eligible imaging software from approved developers and using this technology in VA medical facilities.


Pettersen, Van Hollen Lead Lawmakers in Introducing Legislation to Bring Transparency to Corporate Abuse of Tax Havens, Job Offshoring

Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (Md.) led their colleagues in reintroducing the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, legislation to provide transparency around corporations’ use of tax havens and incentives to offshore jobs. This bill would require public companies to disclose their financial reporting on a country-by-country basis. Ensuring public access to this information would both provide investors the tools they need to understand the tax structures and risks of the businesses in which they invest and give Americans insight into the extent to which the tax system is incentivizing the outsourcing of American jobs or enabling corporations to dodge U.S. taxes. Senator Van Hollen and Representative Pettersen were joined in introducing this legislation by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

“As everyday families struggle to find jobs and pay for basic necessities, corporations are dodging taxes by shifting profits outside the country and making the rest of us pay. I'm proud to support this legislation that will require companies to disclose foreign operations, and ensure corporations pay into the system here at home,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act will increase transparency, and make corporations start paying their fair share.”

“While working Americans struggle to get by, large corporations continue to ship jobs overseas and take advantage of tax loopholes to hide their profits. This bill will provide critical transparency to both the American public and investors as to how these corporations abuse our broken tax system and the risks they are taking in the use of offshore tax havens. We must stand up for American workers, end incentives for big corporations to offshore jobs, and unrig our broken corporate tax code. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – shining a light on this issue is the first step,” said Senator Van Hollen.

While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established a new global tax framework, it also introduced incentives for large U.S. companies to shift profits and jobs overseas. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act largely preserved those incentives. New research shows that in 2025, large corporations reduced their tax liability by more than $11 billion through the use of tax havens. Firms continue to benefit from shifting profits because they can pool income and foreign taxes across affiliates in both high- and low-tax countries, while foreign income remains subject to a significantly lower U.S. tax rate than domestic income.

The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would ensure there is more transparency in these tax practices by requiring large corporations to disclose basic information on each of their subsidiaries, and country-by-country financial information that sums together all of their subsidiaries in each country – including profits, taxes, employees, and tangible assets.

All of this information is already reported to the Internal Revenue Service, under an international Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development framework, but this legislation would ensure public disclosure to provide data on how international tax laws are working and where corporations are locating their business activities and taxes. Thus, when a corporation sends jobs overseas, their country-by-country financial report would show the extent to which the U.S. tax system is rewarding their behavior.

This legislation is supported by the Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition, Public Citizen, Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Pettersen has also consistently fought for corporate accountability, including authoring legislation as a Colorado state senator that closed offshore tax loopholes corporations were using to dodge state taxes, recovering millions of dollars for Colorado's public schools. She serves on the House Financial Services Committee, where she continues pushing for financial transparency on behalf of working families, and has championed the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act in previous sessions of Congress as part of her broader effort to ensure corporations pay their fair share.

A one-page summary of this bill is HERE.


RSC Chairman Pfluger Hosts Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for Member Meeting

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), welcomed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to Capitol Hill for the RSC's member meeting this week.

Secretary Rollins and the Trump Administration have put American farmers and ranchers first by expanding markets, rooting out fraud and abuse in the SNAP program, and protecting American farmland from foreign adversaries' ownership. The Secretary also spoke on the USDA's aggressive efforts to deploy sterile flies to eradicate New World Screwworm (NWS) along the southern border, including in Texas.

RSC Chairman Pfluger applauded Secretary Rollins for her tireless work to deliver results for farmers and ranchers across the country. He reaffirmed that the RSC will continue working hand-in-hand with Secretary Rollins and USDA to strengthen rural America and ensure that our agricultural industry remains the envy of the world.


For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

July 16, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT BECOMING LAW

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) issued the following statement after the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law, following the expiration of President Trump's ten-day window to sign or veto the bipartisan legislation:

"The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act authorizes the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program for three years and establishes a dedicated Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund in the Treasury Department. For the people of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, who know all too well what it means for Congress to pass one-off recovery funding after a storm has already taken everything, this is not an abstract policy win. It means faster resources, fewer bureaucratic delays, and a program that exists before disaster strikes rather than one we have to fight to rebuild from scratch every hurricane season.

"This law also removes the requirement that manufactured homes be built on a permanent chassis, a change that will lower construction costs and open up new design options for families in the Virgin Islands who rely on manufactured and modular housing to recover after a storm. It also directs the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to study how building codes and financing can expand modular construction, and reauthorizes the PRICE grant program for seven years for the repair, preservation, and improvement of existing manufactured homes and manufactured home communities.

“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act also strengthens financing for families trying to rebuild their homes. It creates a Whole-Home Repairs pilot program to provide grants and forgivable loans directly to homeowners and landlords for repairs and modifications, and a small-dollar mortgage pilot at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to expand access to loans under $100,000. It also raises the loan limits on FHA-insured manufactured housing loans, so families can finance the full cost of the homes many of them depend on.

"This bill passed both chambers of Congress with large bipartisan majorities. It reflects the work of members on both sides of the aisle, including a new Treasury program pairing larger banks with Minority Depository Institutions and rural banks, and streamlined chartering rules to help new community banks form in underserved areas.

"The people of the Virgin Islands do not have the luxury of treating disaster recovery as a political football. We have lived through Hurricanes Irma and Maria. We know what it costs a family, a business, a whole community, when Washington drags its feet. This law does not fix every inequity faced by the Virgin Islands, but it is a meaningful step toward the kind of dependable disaster recovery infrastructure the Virgin Islands has needed for generations."

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Transcript: Pressley Blasts GOP Anti-Woman Agenda, Attacks on DEIA

House Oversight Committee Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses

July 14, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: Today’s hearing is irrational. It is misguided, and it is consistent, consistent with the Republicans’ war on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Now, Republicans control the White House. They rigged the Supreme Court. They have majorities in both chambers of Congress, and they are using the full weight of that power, the full force of that—and your taxpayer dollars, might I add—of this federal government in this moment to enact precise harm on working families.

There are no Oversight hearings on high unemployment and the rising costs, and there are no hearings on protecting voting rights or affordable health care coverage.

Instead, Republicans have decided to focus on attacking everyday people who are just trying to make ends meet.

Their agenda is anti-Black, it is anti-immigrant, it is anti-LGBTQ, it is anti-worker, and again, since we’re talking about DEIA and the dismantling of it, it is also anti-veteran, it is anti-rural, it is anti-disabled, and it most certainly is anti-woman.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives were created to promote fairness because there are real biases in America that disadvantage specific groups of people. That is a fact backed by mountains of data.

While there has been progress, the work is unfinished. Actually, the work is piling up due to Republicans emboldening greater discrimination while simultaneously dismantling civil rights protections.

For example, women face systemic gender discrimination.

I know you can’t tell by looking at the Republican Party, but women make up 50% of this country, and we deserve equal rights.

So I’m going to start with a simple question, and Ms. Feltscher Stepman, and I’m going to begin with you because actually, the fact that your women’s forum even exists, some might even consider that to be a DEI initiative.

But let me just ask you a question: Do you believe America should have gender equality, meaning that women and men should have equal rights under the Constitution and our laws? Yes or no?

FELTSCHER STEPMAN: I believe that women and men—

REP. PRESSLEY: Yes or no?

FELTSCHER STEPMAN: do have the Constitution—

REP. PRESSLEY: Yes or no? One more time to keep it clean here, do you believe America should have gender equality, meaning that women and men should have equal rights under the Constitution and our laws? Yes or no?

FELTSCHER STEPMAN: I believe they should have equal rights. Yes.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay. And Dr. Shires, yes or no?

DR. SHIRES: Yes.

REP. PRESSLEY: Mr. Gonzalez, yes or no?

MR. GONZALEZ: [inaudible]

REP. PRESSLEY: All right. Well, unfortunately, the Constitution is silent on this topic, and that is why I’ve introduced legislation to add the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment, enshrining it as the law of this land.

Now, look, y’all. Every Democrat in the House has signed on to my bill, but I’m still waiting on my Republican colleagues to join.

So, until we are able to codify gender equality in the Constitution, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies have supported women in every aspect of their lives.

For example, women have served in the military for more than 200 years. Yet Republicans in your anti-diversity campaign have denied multiple women promotions just because they are women. Not to mention those that just been fired.

Women get paid less money for doing the same work as men. But since Republicans are anti-equity, the EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has weakened enforcement of pay discrimination laws, maintaining and widening our gender wage gap by the day.

Y’all have any daughters?

Not to mention Black women making 65 cents on the dollar to white men.

And finally, women are underrepresented in medical trials to find cures for diseases that affect us, but because Republicans are attacking inclusion, they cut funding for women’s health research projects.

So let me sum it up: anti-DEI is anti-woman.

And those harms are compounded by attacks on voting rights like the so-called SAVE America Act that Republicans are fixated on passing, which could disenfranchise nearly 70 million women simply because their last names on their ID no longer match their birth certificates after being married, which pro-family people seem to care about.

Not to mention the attacks on bodily autonomy. As women, our bodies are treated as a debate, and Republicans are passing laws that restrict what we do and when we do it. Something men have never had to struggle with.

So when it comes to Republicans on this committee who are all men enacting more harm on women through anti-DEI hearings like this one, we need to call it out and fight back.

Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record this June 2026 article from AfroTech titled “Civil Rights Organizations And Nonprofits Sign Letter Demanding Transparency And Response From The Trump Administration Regarding DEIA Ban.”

CHAIR: Without objection.


VIDEO: Pressley Slams CFPB Director Vought for Gutting Consumer Protections for Families with Medical Debt

Transcript: Pressley Slams CFPB Director Vought for Gutting Consumer Protections for Families with Medical Debt

House Financial Services Committee

July 15, 2026

REP. PRESSLEY: Director Vought, I too am, I’m glad that you’re leaving.

Sadly, your harm will remain for generations to come.

I have every reason to believe that history will judge you harshly, especially in that you were a key author of Project 2025—again, implications that we’ll be feeling for generations.

Like this: $500 billion.

Director Vought, that’s how much medical debt Americans hold.

In fact, many families have medical debt over $50,000.

Now, that may not be a lot of money to Republicans like Trump, who quote, “don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.” But that is a lot of money for most people.

This is debt people accumulated during the most challenging times in their lives, like battling cancer or recovering from an accident.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, under Biden, issued rules making sure that medical debt would not be reported on credit reports and put guardrails around how that debt can be collected—commonsense things like companies not being able to come after you for bills you’ve already paid.

Now, to be clear, these kinds of protections were supported by families throughout the country, Director Vought, in rural communities, in urban communities, in suburban communities and in Democratic and Republican districts.

But Director Vought, you took that away when you rescinded those rules.

Director Vought, give me one reason why companies should be able to harass cancer survivors to collect more than they owe for a medical bill?

DIRECTOR VOUGHT: Well, they shouldn’t be able to harass, and we have laws on the books that, but the rules that we changed were specifically—

REP. PRESSLEY: Give me one good reason. You rescinded the rule where medical debt would not have been reported on credit reports—

DIRECTOR VOUGHT: Because the statute wouldn’t allow—

REP. PRESSLEY: You don’t have one good reason. Moving on.

DIRECTOR VOUGHT: The statute literally said—

REP. PRESSLEY: There is not one good reason. You claim, you avow that you are a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, so I’m sure you spent some time in Sunday school.

DIRECTOR VOUGHT: That’s a pejorative—

REP. PRESSLEY: I’m sorry, did you happen upon a scripture that said, “Thou shall make their neighbor poorer, hungrier, sicker, and less safe?” That’s actually what you’ve done.

DIRECTOR VOUGHT: I—

REP. PRESSLEY: I didn’t ask you to speak. This makes no sense. You are as incompetent as you are cruel and callous.

Seriously, there are millions of families who have had to deal with an unexpected medical crisis—including yours, I’m sure—because cancer and illness do not discriminate. They don’t care how fat your wallet is or what your zip code is.

Everyone has been faced with some unexpected crisis that interrupted their life and destabilized their financial future—carrying the burden of caregiving, carrying the burden of sleepless nights, carrying the burden of debt unpaid, medical bills.

But what upsets me most—please look at me. What upsets me most is the shame that people carry about that debt.

So let me be clear to families throughout the country: the only people who should be ashamed of medical debt is the Republican Party because they have obstructed progress for affordable health care at every turn, and then they rescinded the rule that would have given you some relief—

REP. STUTZMAN: Will the gentle lady yield?

REP. PRESSLEY: I will not. This is my time.

REP. STUTZMAN: Will the gentle lady yield?

REP. PRESSLEY: I will not yield. This is my time, and he’s on his way out the door, and he needs to know exactly the harm he has caused. But the American people deserve to know—

REP. STUTZMAN: We should talk about Obamacare—

REP. PRESSLEY: I will not yield.

FSC CHAIR HILL: It’s Ms. Pressley’s time.

REP. PRESSLEY: Why are you speaking to me? Why are you speaking to me when I didn’t yield to you?

Director Vought, you have gutted the CFPB.

You have dropped settlements the CFPB brought against predatory companies that were supposed to provide relief to customers.

$360 million to help people—gone.

Americans are in dire need of financial relief, but Trump and his co-conspirators, his cult of co-conspirators are making life worse for everyday people, and I mean everyone: women, the disabled, young people, seniors, veterans, immigrants, and especially people of color who are most burdened by debt and predatory collection reporting practices.

That is exactly why I introduced legislation to stop you from hurting people, like getting rid of consumer protections related to medical debt.

The American public deserves better. They deserve better than you.

They deserve a CFPB director who puts the consumer protection in this, who actually gives a damn instead of attacking hardworking families who are financially trapped by Trump’s reckless policies.

Consumer protection should not be a partisan issue or a political game.

You have dedicated your career to helping corporations get richer, making families sicker, poorer, and less safe, and there is nothing Christian about that.

—


Randall Announces Task Force to Defend the 14th Amendment

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Last night, U.S. Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06), co-chair of the new Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force, spoke on the House floor alongside her fellow task force members to call attention to President Trump and Stephen Miller’s persistent attacks on birthright citizenship. The Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force will engage experts and convene Members to defend the Constitution, coordinate oversight and public education campaigns, and respond to actions by the Trump Administration that undermine the rights and protections guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.

“Donald Trump and Stephen Miller attempted to rewrite the Constitution through an executive order banning birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants — the same legal arguments that were first used when a white supremacist wanted to deny U.S. citizenship to Chinese Americans,” said Rep. Randall on the House floor. “This is all part of a larger agenda to dehumanize Black and Brown people in this country, to strip away their rights, and to normalize questioning who belongs here, who is American enough.”

On January 20, 2025, the first day of President Trump’s second term in office, he signed Executive Order 14160, aimed at stripping birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. Trump’s EO was immediately challenged, and the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments on April 1, 2026. On June 30, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to strike down Trump’s Executive Order and upheld birthright citizenship. The Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force was launched shortly thereafter, with members voicing serious concern that four Justices ruled in favor of abolishing our constitutional amendment.

“Last week's decision affirmed the actual words in the constitution — that if you are born in this country, you are a citizen of this country — but the fact the 4 justices dissented shows that we’re not safe from these continuous attacks from Donald Trump, his administration, and what is an activist and extremist conservative Supreme Court. We have to continue fighting to ensure that the citizens of the United States are protected and that nothing erodes that constitutional protection,” said Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06).

Congresswoman Randall will be co-chairing the task force alongside Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D, MO-05), Analilia Mejia (D, NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (D, CA-12), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).


Randall Votes with 103 House Democrats to End Military Aid to Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06) joined 103 members of the House Democratic Caucus in voting YES on an amendment that would cut $3.3 billion in annual funding for military aid to Israel. The amendment ultimately failed 104-313. Randall released this statement immediately after the vote:

“My neighbors have been clear – they don’t want to see more of their taxpayer dollars go towards subsidizing Netanyahu’s endless violence and destabilization of Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and the region at large – especially not without any accountability or oversight for how American weapons are being used.

“While I’m concerned about how the broad language in this amendment will affect the flow of humanitarian assistance, the risk of approving more offensive military aid without any guardrails is too great and will continue to put innocent civilians in harm's way.

“My vote reflects the need for a fundamental change in our approach to the far-right Netanyahu government – one that is long overdue. That means no more additional funding for offensive weapons. I remain committed to protecting the flow of humanitarian aid while ending unconditional and unchecked military support.”


Hill Country Flood Response Update and Shelter Locations

Heavy rainfall continues to impact communities across the Texas Hill Country, with significant flooding reported throughout the Guadalupe, Pedernales, Llano, and Nueces river basins and their tributaries.

As of this morning, more than 80 water rescues had been conducted, with additional rescues underway. First responders continue working around the clock to protect lives and assist affected communities.

While forecasts indicate that the heaviest rainfall may shift north and west over the next 24 hours, isolated heavy downpours remain possible. With the ground already saturated, conditions can change quickly.

Please continue to:

-Avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings.

-Never drive around barricades or road closures.

-Follow all guidance from local officials.

-Move to higher ground immediately if you are in danger.

-Call 911 in an emergency.

Please keep our first responders and affected neighbors in your prayers. The Hill Country has faced difficult challenges before, and we will get through this together.

Shelter Locations:

Kerr County

Calvary Temple

3000 TX-534 Loop

Kerrville, TX 78028

*Calvary Temple is also serving as a reunification center.

Citywest Church

3139 Junction Highway

Ingram, TX 78025

Center Point ISD Gymnasium

215 China Street

Center Point, TX 78010

Kendall County

Comfort High School

143 US-87 North

Comfort, TX 78013


Rep. Roy Statement on Reconciliation 3.0

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after the House Budget Committee approved the "Reconciliation 3.0" legislation, which provides stopgap funding for defense, agricultural relief, and implementation of the SAVE America Act, for which Congressman Roy is the lead House author:

"Today, the House Budget Committee considered and advanced the 'Reconciliation 3.0' legislation on a party-line vote.

Although I participated in the first hour of committee debate, I was forced to leave before the vote to return to Texas, where catastrophic flooding continues to devastate the Hill Country. I returned home both to help my constituents, as well as to personally manage family concerns.

I support the overall objective of this reconciliation effort and worked in good faith throughout the week to help move it forward. I remain hopeful that I can support the legislation on the House floor. However, I continue to have significant concerns that must be addressed, including the failure to offset the proposed spending, the inability to address other critical conservative priorities, and the lack of certainty regarding the final treatment of the SAVE America Act.

As this legislation moves through the House and Senate, my support will depend on several factors. First and foremost, it must include the full SAVE America Act as a mandatory requirement at each and every stage, not merely an optional policy incentivized through funding. Preserving the integrity of the original legislation is essential. Given unified Democrat opposition and continued resistance from some Senate Republicans, only that level of commitment would justify considering an exception to our longstanding principle that new spending should be fully paid for.

Second, there must be a firm, public commitment to fully offset the spending contained in the final 'Reconciliation 3.0' package through the next reconciliation bill or any supplemental appropriations measure.

Republicans must remain committed to fiscal responsibility by paying for every dollar of new spending and pursuing meaningful deficit reduction even as we use the reconciliation process to overcome partisan obstruction and advance policies that enjoy broad public support, as we did with ICE and CBP."


Updates for the Blanco Community on Postal Services

My office has received numerous inquiries from residents of Blanco and surrounding communities regarding the closure of the Blanco Post Office and disruptions to postal services. In response, my office immediately contacted senior leadership at the United States Postal Service (USPS) for information and sent an official letter of inquiry to the Postmaster General. I was able to speak with USPS senior leadership at the national and state level, where I expressed the frustrations of the Blanco community and pressed them to remedy the postal disruptions expeditiously. I received an official inquiry response from USPS and confirmation recently of a finalized lease for a new post office in Blanco.

The new facility will be located at 902 13th St Blanco, TX 78606. While a lease has been signed and USPS is preparing the location to open, it will take time before the appropriate renovations and infrastructure are in place for the full retail and delivery operations to be available. In the interim, residents can access full in-person postal services at the Johnson City Post Office, which has committed to additional hours of operation on Saturday to accommodate the Blanco community. USPS is also attempting to restore 24-hour access to Post Office Boxes in Blanco as soon as possible.

This disruption has been frustrating for the community, and I will continue working with USPS to ensure the new facility opens as quickly as possible and that Blanco residents regain full access to postal services. I will keep the community informed as additional updates become available.


Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement Reaffirming the Integrity of U.S. Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement reaffirming the integrity of U.S. elections. Her statement comes in response to President Trump’s prime-time address to the nation.

“Tonight, Donald Trump once again tried to put into question the integrity of our elections. Trump is trying to undermine confidence in the upcoming November elections to suppress votes and subvert democracy, but the American people won’t let him.

“In Oregon and across the country, our elections are safe, secure, accurate, and fair. The 2020 election has been litigated, audited, and confirmed. No matter what Trump says or does, he lost the 2020 election. In Trump’s mind, the only “fair elections” are the ones he wins. Americans can see right through this.

“Despite Trump’s attacks, Americans have stood firm, and the courts have stood with us. We will not be intimidated, and we will not stop fighting, because free, fair, and accessible elections are fundamental to the future of our democracy.”

Here is what Oregonians can do to further strengthen democracy:

Vote—make sure your registration is up to date, have a plan to vote early, track your ballot, and make sure your friends and family do the same.

Check your facts—go to official sources of election information only – your Secretary of State and local elections officials. They’re always happy to answer questions.

Don’t let the algorithms win—push back on the lies you see on social media with facts you checked with local elections officials. In Oregon:

Voter rolls are updated and maintained daily.

Vote tallying machines are never connected to the internet.

Oregon verifies the citizenship of every voter during the registration process and checks their identities when counting ballots.

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Rep. Salinas Calls on Trump to Restore SNAP Benefits

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Click here to watch the remarks.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) delivered remarks on the House Floor calling on Republicans to restore SNAP benefits and help the 70,000 Oregonians who have lost food assistance.

A transcript of her remarks is available below:

M. Speaker, I rise today to mark one year of the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill, which has left our children, veterans, and seniors hungry.

When President Trump signed this bill, he promised to lower costs for everyday people. Instead, his bill cut billions of dollars for SNAP across the nation, including $425 million in my home state of Oregon.

These cuts are taking food off families’ tables. In Oregon, 70,000 people—parents, friends, and neighbors, have lost their food benefits.

And why did Mr. Trump do this? To give tax cuts to his billionaire buddies.

While the cost of healthcare and groceries skyrocket, families are losing the support they need to put food on the dinner table and pay their bills.

M. Speaker, we must restore these devastating cuts to SNAP. No child, veteran, or senior in the wealthiest nation on the planet should go hungry because Congress chose tax breaks for billionaires over food for families.

Thank you, and I yield back.

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Scanlon Opposes the Sunshine Protection Act, Promotes the Sunshine for Our Kids Act

WATCH Rep. Scanlon’s floor remarks.

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) this week spoke on the House floor about the Sunshine Protection Act, the bill that would make daylight saving time permanent. Citing the risks of this decision, Scanlon discussed her bill, the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, which would make standard time permanent instead.

While the Sunshine Protection Act eventually passed the House 308-117, its fate in the Senate remains unclear. Opposition in the Senate cites late sunrises in the winter as detrimental to public health and safety, particularly for school-age children.

Below are Rep. Scanlon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, during Tuesday’s floor debate.

“Thank you.

As I think we can all tell from the ensuing debate here, there are serious issues that this body needs to be wrestling with, but the Speaker has chosen to put on the floor this week H.R. 139, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent.

So, I think there's one thing everyone in this chamber can agree on: Americans do not like changing their clocks twice a year. So, the big question isn't whether we should ditch the switch. It's how. And unfortunately, the bill that the Speaker has chosen chooses the wrong solution by making daylight saving time permanent nationwide, while denying states the right to enact permanent standard time if they so choose, not if, but when they discover that Congress made the wrong choice.

We can all understand the appeal of an extra hour of sunlight in the summer, but permanent daylight saving time comes with serious health and safety concerns caused by even darker winter mornings.

If this bill becomes law, winter mornings across the country are going to look very different. Millions of Americans will wake up during the winter months in complete darkness, with the sun not rising until long after people get up and travel to school or work, or have to go about their days.

In much of upstate and northern New York, communities won't see the sunrise until well after 8:30 a.m.

In Michigan, it will be close to nine before the sun comes up, and in parts of the Pacific Northwest, sunrise will be pushed even later than 9 a.m.

In many parts of the country, children will be waiting for school buses in darkness. Parents will be driving to work before sunrise. Morning commuters, students, and pedestrians will be starting their day in the dark. Not because of the seasons, but because Congress decided to move the clock instead of following the sun.

We don't have to speculate about what would happen under permanent daylight saving time. We already tried it.

During the 1974 energy crisis, Congress made daylight saving time permanent in a failed attempt to save energy.

It lasted less than a year. Families found themselves sending their kids to school in the dark, and there were a rash of fatal crashes involving school children. Communities raised serious safety concerns, and public support, which initially was quite strong, quickly collapsed. Congress repealed the policy within months.

The science has only become clearer since then.

Medical and scientific experts have endorsed the move to permanent standard time because permanent daylight saving time disrupts our natural circadian rhythms, the internal clocks that regulate when we sleep and wake.

That disruption has been linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, chronic sleep deprivation, and other adverse health concerns. And these bad outcomes are even more serious and long-lasting than the sleep deprivation, traffic accidents, and heart attacks that follow the twice-yearly changes that we currently have.

I've also heard directly from my constituents. Like most Americans, they're ready to ditch the switch.

But when I asked which permanent system they would prefer if they had to choose, the clear preference was for standard time. And a Gallup poll last year found that Americans preferred permanent standard time to permanent daylight saving time 2 to 1.

That's why I've introduced the bipartisan Sunshine for Our Kids Act with Representative Pat Harrigan from North Carolina. Our bill would end the clock changes and make standard time the national default. But importantly, it would also allow for states to adopt permanent daylight saving time through state law if they choose.

If we're going to make a permanent change that affects every American, we should follow the science, learn from history, and prioritize Americans' health, particularly that of our children.

That's why I urge a no vote on the rule and on H.R. 139.

I yield back.”

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Rep. Peters Slams Reckless Republican Spending Bill

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) joined the full House Budget Committee for a markup of House Republicans' Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, their third reconciliation package of the 119th Congress.

The $95 billion proposal includes $73 billion for the war in Iran and Department of Defense, $12 billion in farm aid, and $10 billion for election grants to states tied to the SAVE Act. Meanwhile, estimates from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget project another $100 billion in new debt from this bill. Rep. Peters voted no.

"This Republican majority came to Congress promising fiscal responsibility. They said they cared about the deficit. But given the choice between governing responsibly and passing another bill that makes the debt worse, it seems like they are gearing up to make the wrong decision yet again,” Rep. Peters said. “Adding $100 billion to the national debt while asking Congress to pay for Trump’s reckless war in Iran, without Congressional approval, is the opposite of fiscal responsibility. That's compulsive borrowing, three times in less than two years.”

One year ago, the Republican majority passed their first reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill adds more than $4.5 trillion in new debt. Then, following a months-long shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security, Republicans pushed through another reconciliation package that gave another $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

During the markup, Republicans also struck down an amendment offered by Rep. Peters that would have established common-sense guardrails and accountability standards for ICE and CBP, to help ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abusive, unaccountable, or unconstitutional immigration enforcement practices.

"ICE has a $220 billion stockpile, yet its agents still aren't held to the basic standards of conduct every state and local police officer in this country must meet,” Rep. Peters continued. “They operate without accountability, wear masks, and use military-grade equipment while ripping families apart. Families in San Diego and across the country are living in fear because of ICE's poor training and non-existent standards, and it's clear Republicans have no interest in reform."

Rep. Peters has been a longtime advocate for fiscal responsibility. He co-chairs the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum in Congress and leads several bills to reform how Congress tackles the national debt limit and reduce the federal budget deficit.

Watch the full House Budget Committee markup here.


Congressman Brad Sherman Joins Colleagues Demanding Independent Investigations into Fatal ICE Shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) joined U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

"On the heels of two fatal shootings carried out by ICE in the span of a week, I joined my colleagues in demanding an independent investigation free from interference," said Congressman Sherman. "The deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastián Guerrero demand answers. The conduct of ICE demands accountability."

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.

On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.

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Rep. Smucker Supports SAVE and Protect America Act

WASHINGTON—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after voting in favor of the SAVE and Protect America Act, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027:

“Today, the House Budget Committee took an important step toward strengthening our national security and protecting the integrity of our elections.

“I was proud to support the SAVE and Protect America Act because it begins the process of advancing priorities the American people overwhelmingly support—ensuring only eligible citizens vote in federal elections and providing our servicemembers with the resources they need to defend our nation.

“These are common-sense priorities. Our military must always be prepared to meet emerging threats, and Americans deserve confidence that every legal vote is counted and protected.

“Unfortunately, every Democrat on the committee voted against advancing this resolution. I believe supporting our troops and safeguarding election integrity should not be partisan issues.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation through the House and continue delivering on the priorities Americans sent us here to accomplish.”


Rep. Steube Delivers for Small Distillers with Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act

WASHINGTON–U.S. Representative Greg Steube today introduced the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026, legislation that gives small, independently owned craft distilleries a pathway to ship their products directly to consumers across state lines. The bill is co-led by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and is endorsed by the American Craft Spirits Association.

“The federal government should not stand between a small distillery and an adult customer in a state that allows direct shipment,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 cuts the red tape and lets craft distillers ship directly to their consumers, while keeping states in the driver’s seat and keeping real safeguards in place. It’s a win for small businesses and for consumers who deserve more choices.”

“It’s time to get rid of outdated regulations and establish a safe, legal way for small businesses to ship spirits to consumers,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “This commonsense bipartisan bill will create new markets for craft distillers, provide more certainty for our local businesses, and give consumers more choice.”

“ACSA thanks Congressman Steube for introducing this legislation and helping elevate the conversation around market access and shipping for American craft distillers,” said Emily Pennington, CEO, American Craft Spirits Association. “We appreciate his leadership in bringing attention to the challenges small, independent craft distilleries face in reaching adult consumers. ACSA looks forward to working with the Congressman and policymakers at both the federal and state levels to develop practical solutions that expand consumer access, shipping and help American craft distilleries grow.”

The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 allows independently owned craft distilleries producing no more than 250,000 gallons of distilled spirits annually to ship their products directly to consumers in another state, as long as both the shipping and receiving states permit direct shipment.

The bill requires purchasers to verify they are of legal age, requires shipping containers to be marked as containing alcohol and to require an adult signature upon delivery, and limits shipments to personal use only, not resale. State attorneys general retain the authority to bring civil enforcement actions against violations under the Webb-Kenyon Act, a 1913 federal law that preserves state enforcement authority over alcohol shipments.

The legislation preserves state authority over direct shipment laws while cutting red tape for small distillers seeking to reach customers beyond their home state.

The full text of the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 is available here.

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Rep. Steube Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against Judge Who Released Cuban Plane Hijacker from ICE Custody

WASHINGTON–U.S. Representative Greg Steube announced today he introduced articles of impeachment against John E. Steele, Senior District Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, for high crimes and misdemeanors after he ordered the release of a convicted plane hijacker from ICE detention, disregarding the immediate danger the individual posed to the public and giving the executive branch less than 24 hours to appeal.

“This is exactly the kind of activist judicial overreach the American people are sick of. ICE had a convicted aircraft pirate in custody while pursuing his removal, and Judge Steele ordered him released within 24 hours despite obvious public safety concerns,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “Judges do not get to override the safety of the American people because it is inconvenient for their docket. I introduced these articles of impeachment because federal judges must be held accountable when they abuse their office and put criminal aliens ahead of the communities they are sworn to protect.”

The Department of Homeland Security also condemned Judge Steele’s decision, with DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis calling it “yet another example of an activist judge trying to thwart President Trump’s mandate from the American people to remove criminal illegal aliens from our country.”

On July 8, 2026, Judge Steele granted a habeas corpus petition and ordered the release of Miakel Guerra Morales from an ICE detention facility. Guerra Morales is a Cuban national who took part in the 2003 hijacking of a commuter aircraft in Cuba, forcing the pilot to land in Key West, Florida. He was sentenced to 264 months in prison for aircraft piracy and conspiracy to interfere with a flight crew. After completing his sentence, ICE detained Guerra Morales in December 2025 while pursuing his removal from the country.

The articles of impeachment allege that Judge Steele abused his judicial discretion, ignored federal regulations authorizing continued detention of aliens who pose a special danger to the public, and ordered Guerra Morales’ release within 24 hours, denying the executive branch the opportunity to pursue appellate review. The resolution states that Judge Steele cited an alleged case management backlog as a basis for releasing an individual convicted of aircraft piracy back into American communities.

The resolution argues that Judge Steele’s ruling placed the interests of a criminal illegal alien above the security of the United States and the American people, and that his conduct constitutes an egregious dereliction of duty unbecoming of a federal judicial officer.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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Rep. Haley Stevens Demands Independent Investigations into ICE Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens joined over 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

The letter comes after Rep. Stevens called the killings “horrifying and outrageous” earlier this week, as well as her introduction of the Hold ICE Accountable Act which would establish a process to appoint a special prosecutor to review alleged illegal conduct by agents with the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 23 people since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.

Stevens has been leading the fight to hold ICE accountable in Congress and to rein in Donald Trump’s repeated abuses of power during his Administration:

Following leadership and direct action from Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, ICE announced it will abandon plans to convert a warehouse in Romulus into an immigration detention center and instead sell the facility.

Stevens introduced the Hold ICE Accountable Act to establish an independent Special Prosecutor to investigate unlawful conduct by DHS personnel.

Stevens called for the immediate removal of then-Secretary Kristi Noem and cosponsored an effort to impeach her in the House of Representatives. Following Noem’s removal, Stevens called on the Senate to delay confirmation of Noem’s successor unless ICE reforms were secured.

Stevens and her Michigan colleague, Rep. Hillary Scholten, visited an ICE detention facility in Baldwin, Michigan, to tour conditions and demand answers to their letter over the death of detainee Nenko Gantchev in ICE custody in December. Following their visit, Stevens and Scholten doubled down on their demands for answers from ICE and Secretary Noem.

Stevens cosponsored the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, a proposal to divert ICE’s $75 billion slush fund to state and local law enforcement agencies. Stevens also voted against the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which authorized the slush fund in the first place.

Last year, Stevens cosponsored the VISIBLE Act to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and concealing their identities.

Stevens joined over 100 of her colleagues in demanding that ICE end its surge of officers in Minnesota and conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of an ICE agent.

Stevens introduced the Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act, legislation to prevent the President from deploying the military against Americans without express consent from state officials, an authoritarian tactic this President has used repeatedly to fuel fear and intimidation during aggressive ICE crackdowns.

Stevens voted against the Laken Riley Act, which would sweep thousands of people into jails and detention centers at enormous taxpayer expense while diverting key law enforcement resources and potentially violating civil liberties.

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Rep. Stevens Leads New Bill to Refund Michigan Families for Trump’s Erratic Tariffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) announced the Tariff Refund Act, new legislation to return up to $1,700 to American households to offset higher prices over the past year from Trump’s erratic tariffs.

Throughout the first year of the second Trump Administration, Donald Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad and unpredictable tariffs on our allies, raising costs for American families here at home. In February of 2026, the Supreme Court blocked Trump from abusing IEEPA in the service of his political whims. Under court orders, the Trump Administration must now start refunding tariff revenues to businesses that apply for relief; however, no mechanisms exist to pay back the hardworking families who lost out on an estimated $231.35 billion as a result of Trump’s illegal tariffs.

Stevens’ Tariff Refund Act would return that money to Michigan families who paid the price for Trump’s reckless and unlawful trade agenda all last year.

“Donald Trump’s tariffs have cost Michiganders in every aspect of their lives, from groceries to school supplies to home appliances,” said Rep. Stevens. “We must lower costs for hardworking families and give them relief from Trump’s out-of-control economy.”

The bill creates a formula for refunding the roughly $231 billion in tariff revenue to American families through direct checks valuing:

$1,700 for married couples making less than $400,000 annually

$1,275 for heads of households making less than $300,000 annually

$850 for individuals making less than $200,000 annually

Rep. Stevens has been leading the fight in Congress to push back against Trump’s reckless tariffs and lower costs. Stevens introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act to stop Trump’s ability to raise grocery costs for Michigan families. She has repeatedly voted against his illegal war in Iran and slammed its impacts on skyrocketing gas prices. She also introduced the Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act to lower electricity bills and hold utility companies accountable to Michigan consumers.

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STATEMENT: Rep. Haley Stevens on Dangerous Michigan Air Quality

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to Michigan experiencing the worst air quality in the world today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Today, families across Michigan woke up to some of the worst air quality in the world as wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota settled over southeast Michigan. To all Michiganders, we will get through this. I encourage everyone to follow public health guidance: stay indoors when possible, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

“This is a reminder that climate change is real, and its impacts are being felt here in Michigan. We must continue investing in clean energy, climate resilience, and the resources our communities need to protect public health and prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

“Please stay informed by checking local air quality updates and following guidance from public health authorities. Stay safe, Michigan.”

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Strong Applauds Mark McDaniel Appointment to Air Force Scientific Advisory Board

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Dale Strong congratulated Huntsville native Mark McDaniel on his appointment to the Department of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (DAF SAB). The Advisory Board provides independent advice and recommendations to Air Force leadership on science, technology, and modernization priorities affecting both the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.

“Mark McDaniel’s appointment to the Scientific Advisory Board is a tremendous honor for both him and North Alabama,” said Representative Dale Strong. “Huntsville has long been at the forefront of our nation’s air, space, and missile defense capabilities, and Mark has played an important role in that legacy. His decades of leadership in aerospace, science, and national security make him exceptionally qualified to advise Air Force leadership on the challenges of tomorrow, and I am confident his expertise will help strengthen America’s technological edge for years to come.”

“I am honored to join the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and want to thank Congressman Strong and Secretary Hegseth for their faith in me. They are American patriots and work every day to strengthen our national defense,” said Mark McDaniel. “There is a lot of technology developed here in Alabama that can play a critical role for Golden Dome, Space Force, and the continued modernization of the Air Force, and I look forward to being a voice for that.”

Appointment to the Scientific Advisory Board is reserved for distinguished leaders from industry, academia, and government with expertise in fields critical to the Department of the Air Force mission. Members are nominated by the Secretary of the Air Force and formally appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide independent counsel on issues critical to maintaining America’s air and space superiority.

McDaniel is a longtime Huntsville resident whose career has spanned law, education, and aerospace policy. He has served on the NASA Advisory Council under five NASA Administrators and contributed to numerous initiatives advancing science, technology, and education at both the state and national levels. In addition to his public service, McDaniel has dedicated years to higher education at The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Faulkner University, helping prepare the next generation of leaders.

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Rep. Summer Lee Condemns Republican Plan to Further Dismantle the Department of Education and Abandon America’s Students

Video (Dropbox)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – JULY 16, 2026 — Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) a member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, condemned a package of ten Republican bills designed to retroactively codify and expand the Trump Administration’s ongoing dismantling of the Department of Education.

The legislation would scatter critical education programs, workers, and responsibilities across federal agencies that lack the experience, infrastructure, and central mission necessary to support America’s students and public schools.

Republicans advanced all ten bills during a full committee markup on Wednesday, July 15, despite concerns that the package would weaken congressional oversight, waste taxpayer dollars rebuilding systems that already exist, destabilize programs that students and schools rely on, and make those programs easier to eliminate in the future.

During the markup, Rep. Lee said, “This isn’t about efficiency or cutting waste or states’ rights. It’s about setting these programs up to fail. A fractured system where no federal agency is accountable to the mission of improving public education did not and will not work. They’re going to make programs like Title I and TRIO so dysfunctional and ineffective that they’ll be able to cut them without hurting their chances at re-election.”

Rep. Lee highlighted the devastating consequences the dismantling of the Department of Education could have for students and families in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. For example, more than $34 million in Title I funding helps keep schools in the district operational. The Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania receives support through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, while first-generation and low-income students at the University of Pittsburgh rely on TRIO programs to help them complete their degrees.

Congresswoman Lee voted against the legislation and urged her colleagues to reject efforts to strip students of federal protections, destabilize essential education programs, and abandon the federal government’s responsibility to ensure every child has a quality education.

See Rep. Lee’s full remarks below:

“The Department of Education was established to protect students’ rights, remove barriers to learning, and ensure that every young person, no matter their zip code or background, has an opportunity to succeed. No wonder it’s being gutted. The bills we’re marking up today undercut the foundation of public education in this country. All in service of an authoritarian playbook that relies on an uneducated electorate, the erosion of public goods that don’t serve corporate interests and attacking marginalized communities.

“The Trump Administration has already begun dismantling the Department of Education by signing executive orders, firing workers, cancelling grants, withholding funding, and transferring programs to other agencies that have no experience supporting students or schools. Congress needs to hold the administration accountable for illegally dismantling a federal agency. It’s why we have separation of powers. Instead, we’re marking up bills that retroactively codify it. The House is the closest thing we have to representative federal government, and you are ceding its constitutional authority to an aspiring dictator.

“This whole operation is already costing millions of dollars. That’s money not going to students, schools, or “back to the states.” Ed workers are being sent to new agencies without offices or internet access to rebuild grant management systems that already existed.

“Why would we send HBCUs to the Department of Labor? Student financial aid to the Treasury? No serious person believes these agencies are actually equipped to administer education programs.

“This isn’t about efficiency or cutting waste or states’ rights. It’s about setting these programs up to fail. A fractured system where no federal agency is accountable to the mission of improving public education did not and will not work. They’re going to make programs like Title I and TRIO so dysfunctional and ineffective that they’ll be able to cut them without hurting their chances at re-election.

“But my district can’t afford to lose these programs. Over $34 million in Title I funding keeps the schools in my district operational. Students have somewhere to go after school because the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania gets funding from 21st Century Community Learning Centers. First-generation and low-income students at the University of Pittsburgh are able to graduate because of the support they get from TRIO.

“And if we fully erode the federal government’s role in education, what happens to the children with disabilities in Florida who are pushed to use school vouchers where IDEA protections don’t apply? Or the immigrant students in Tennessee fighting for their right to attend public schools. The non-Christian students in Texas classrooms displaying the Ten Commandments. Trans girls in Idaho who just want to play soccer with their classmates. Black children in Southern states growing up with fewer voting rights than their parents. All the college students across the country whose student loan payments just increased.

“I will not vote to take away the educational rights of young people in my district or any other.

“We have a duty to ensure the best education for all children. This bill and the other nine bills we’re marking up today abandon that duty. I urge my colleagues to vote no. I yield back.”

Congresswoman Summer Lee serves on the House Committee on Judiciary and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since taking office in January 2023, she has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2.7 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 4,000 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.


Rep. Summer Lee Joins Education and Workforce Dems in Introducing Bills to Protect Americans from Wrongful Health Claim Denials

Bill Text (PDF) | Fact Sheet

WASHINGTON, D.C. – JULY 16, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) alongside House Committee on Education and Workforce Democrats, introduced legislation to protect workers and families from wrongful health insurance claim denials and hold insurers accountable when they deny consumers a fair opportunity to appeal.

Congresswoman Lee’s Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act would give the Department of Labor the authority to impose civil monetary penalties against insurance companies, health plans, and other entities that violate federal requirements governing the review and appeal of denied health claims.

The legislation would strengthen enforcement of the full and fair review and internal appeal protections established under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Affordable Care Act’s external review requirements.

“Families pay thousands of dollars every year for health insurance with the expectation that it will be there when they need it. But instead, too many people are forced to fight through confusing appeals, endless paperwork, and corporate bureaucracy while they are sick, injured, or caring for someone they love,” said Rep. Lee. “Insurance companies should not be able to wrongfully deny care and then face no consequences for violating patients’ rights. This legislation gives the Department of Labor the power to hold bad actors accountable and makes clear that denying working people a fair appeal is not simply the cost of doing business.”

Congresswoman Lee introduced the legislation alongside Committee on Education and Workforce Democratic colleagues as part of a four-bill package designed to strengthen transparency, oversight, accountability, and consumer assistance for workers and families facing wrongful health claim denials.

The package follows Committee Democrats’ recent report, Denied: How the Health Care Industry Stacks the Deck Against Working Families, which examined the growing problem of wrongful health claim denials and the consequences for workers and their families.

Health insurance is, fundamentally, a promise between consumers and their health plan,” said Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03). “When working people do their part by paying thousands of dollars every year for coverage— they expect their plan to cover the care they need. Too often, insurers break that promise by denying legitimate claims and shifting costs onto families who can least afford it.”

The Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, Health Claim Denial Transparency Act, Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, and CLINIC Assistance Act directly respond to the report’s call for stronger transparency, oversight, and accountability to ensure insurance companies and health plans honor the coverage they promise and that families can access and afford the care they need.

Congresswoman Lee has made health care affordability, access, and corporate accountability central to her work in Congress. She haspressed pharmacy benefit manager executives over practices that increase prescription drug costs for patients,challenged nonprofit hospital monopolies over their impact on workers, patients, and taxpayers, andconvened federal health officials and community advocates to address rising health care costs for Western Pennsylvania seniors.

Lee has alsofought to protect Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and continues to advocate forMedicare for All and a health care system that guarantees coverage regardless of a person’s employment, income, immigration status, or medical history. The Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act builds on that work by ensuring insurers and health plans can face meaningful consequences when they violate federal protections governing patients’ reviews and appeals.

To read the full bill text of the Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, click HERE.

To read the fact sheet for the Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act, click HERE.


Rep. Sykes Celebrates Up to $160 Million Federal Investment to Advance Northeast Ohio Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) celebrated a major federal investment in Northeast Ohio's advanced manufacturing sector. The National Science Foundation (NSF) selected the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) coalition, led by Case Western Reserve University, as one of the nation's Regional Innovation Engines.

The award provides an initial $15 million over the next two years, with the potential for up to $160 million over the next decade to advance manufacturing innovation, strengthen domestic supply chains, expand workforce development, and create good-paying jobs across the region.

Rep. Sykes has advocated for federal investments that strengthen Northeast Ohio’s innovation economy, including submitting a programmatic request during the FY27 Appropriations process supporting $200 million for the NSF Engines Program. She has also supported the expansion of programs across organizations that contribute to the region’s research, workforce development, and economic growth.

“Northeast Ohio has long been a leader in manufacturing and innovation, and this investment will help ensure our region remains at the forefront of both,” said Rep. Sykes. “By bringing together our universities, manufacturers, workforce partners, and community organizations, the NEO-SMART coalition will create new opportunities for workers and businesses alike. I was proud to advocate for federal investments that support partnerships like this, and I congratulate Case Western Reserve University and the entire coalition on this tremendous achievement.”

The NEO-SMART coalition includes more than 70 partners from industry, higher education, economic development, workforce development, and community organizations. Together, they will advance next-generation manufacturing technologies in metals, polymers, chemicals, and coatings. The coalition will also help commercialize new technologies, strengthen domestic supply chains, and prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing.


Rep. Sykes Joins Nearly 200 House Democrats in Calling for Independent Investigations into Fatal ICE Shootings

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined nearly 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.

On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.

Rep. Sykes has also introduced the Critical Operation Oversight of Law Enforcement Intervention and Training (COOL IT) Act, legislation to modernize immigration officer training through annual scenario-based instruction focused on de-escalation, officer safety, crisis intervention, and community relations.


Congresswoman Tenney Celebrates Appointment of Rich Andres to USTR Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today congratulated Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres on his appointment to the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee (IGPAC).

IGPAC advises USTR on how trade policy impacts state and local governments and the communities they serve. Andres, who also serves as the Niagara County District 8 Legislator, brings firsthand experience representing Niagara County families, small businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and local governments. His appointment ensures Western New York will have a strong local voice as federal trade policy is shaped and reviewed.

“Rich Andres is a strong voice for Niagara County and Western New York, and his appointment to USTR’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee is great news for our region,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Trade policy has a direct impact on our farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, and hardworking taxpayers. Rich understands these issues and will bring commonsense Upstate New York values to this important advisory role. Thus, when USTR sought my recommendation for individuals to serve on the IGPAC, I strongly recommended Rich Andres to represent the interests of our region and our communities. I look forward to seeing him advocate for policies that strengthen American workers, support our local economy, and keep Western New York competitive.”

“It is an honor to receive this appointment to serve on the United States Trade Representative’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. My sincere appreciation goes to Ambassador Greer for the opportunity and Congresswoman Tenney for the encouragement to put my name forward. Domestic and international trade affects every citizen, and supporting the economic well-being of Western New York has been a priority for me, both as chairman of Niagara County’s Economic Development Committee and more broadly as a county legislator. I am looking forward to building on our region’s successes and ensuring Western New York has a strong voice on this important committee in the years ahead,” said Niagara Legislator Rich Andres.

“Legislator Andres is a dedicated public servant and an excellent choice to serve on the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. His tenure in the Niagara County Legislature has given him a deep understanding of the needs of Western New Yorkers and the challenges faced by the various business sectors in our community. I extend my congratulations to Legislator Andres on this appointment, and look forward to having a strong advocate for Western New York serving at the national level,” said New York State Senator Rob Ortt.

"Rich Andres has long been a dedicated advocate for Niagara County and Western New York, and his appointment to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee is well deserved. Rich brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our local businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and communities. I have no doubt he will be a strong voice for our region as national trade policy is developed. Congratulations to Rich on this important appointment, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of his service," said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.

“Rich Andres is a forward-thinking and innovative legislator when it comes to economic development so he is a great fit for membership on the IGPAC. He will bring a local government perspective to trade issues and, given that Niagara County is located on an international border, he will offer a real-time perspective on how United States trade policy is impacting local communities. This appointment is a great honor, and one that Rich has earned,” said Niagara County Legislature Chairman Mike Hill.

“The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency has a long history in working closely with Canadian companies and encouraging cross-border expansion. Rich Andres has been a leader in this effort and with this new appointment to the IGPAC, will be able to discuss the successes and challenges to cross border trade from a very local perspective. The IGPAC will benefit from his experience and we are excited about him having this great platform to express our concerns,” said Niagara County Commissioner of Economic Development Andrea Klyczek.

“The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Association is pleased to welcome the appointment of Rich Andres to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. Given Rich's previous positions in Niagara County, and with a Western New Yorker now representing our region on this key committee, I believe our manufacturers will have a stronger voice in shaping evolving trade policy,” saidPeter Ahrens, Executive Director, Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance.

"I've had the privilege of working alongside Rich Andres for years and have seen firsthand his commitment to serving Western New York with integrity, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit. Rich understands that strong trade policy has a direct impact on our manufacturers, farmers, small businesses, and workers. His leadership and real-world experience make him an outstanding choice for the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee, and I congratulate him on this tremendous achievement, not only as a colleague, but as a dear friend," said Assemblyman Paul Bologna.

"Rich Andres appointment to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee reflects his understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our manufacturing sector, and we are optimistic that his experience will help ensure our region's voice is heard in shaping national trade policy. We congratulate Rich on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will continue to have for manufacturers, workers, and communities across Western New York,” said Todd Tranum, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and President/CEO of Dream It Do It Western New York.

“I'm pleased to hear about Legislator Rich Andres' appointment to the U.S. Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. It's great to have a local representative from Niagara County looking out for the agricultural interest of not only our region but our nation. Agriculture trade is important to the small farmer just as much to the large grower. Having fair markets to compete with will help the American farmer feed the world,” said Rob Hoover, Hoover’s Dairy.


Rep. Tokuda Responds to President Trump's Remarks on Election Integrity

Hawaiʻi — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's remarks on election integrity and the SAVE America Act.

"While families are wondering how they'll afford groceries, gas, and healthcare, Donald Trump is still obsessed with relitigating an election he lost six years ago. Elections were secure then, and they are secure now. Manufacturing doubt and pushing baseless conspiracies doesn't SAVE America—it weakens our democracy. Real leaders trust the American people. Only cowards try to make it harder for Americans to vote."

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Dân Biểu Derek Trần buộc chính phủ Việt Nam chịu trách nhiệm về các vi phạm nhân quyền

Washington, D.C. – Hôm nay, Hạ Viện Hoa Kỳ thông qua H.R. 8595 - Dự Luật Chuẩn Chi Ngân Sách năm 2027 cho An Ninh Quốc Gia, Bộ Ngoại Giao và Các Chương Trình Liên Quan, trong đó bao gồm đề nghị sửa đổi của Dân Biểu Liên Bang Derek Trần (CA-45) nhằm tăng cường trách nhiệm giải trình đối với chính phủ Cộng Sản Việt Nam về các vi phạm nhân quyền.

Vui lòng xem Dân Biểu Liên Bang Derek Trần phát biểu về đề nghị sửa đổi dự luật tại đây.

Điều khoản này sẽ phân bổ ngân sách cho Bộ Ngoại Giao Hoa Kỳ để tổ chức Đối Thoại Nhân Quyền Hoa Kỳ–Việt Nam thường niên, một công cụ ngoại giao quan trọng nhằm thúc đẩy chính phủ Việt Nam giải quyết các vi phạm nhân quyền, bao gồm việc giam giữ các nhà báo, những người bất đồng chính kiến và các lãnh đạo tôn giáo. Điều khoản này cũng tái khẳng định cam kết của Quốc Hội Hoa Kỳ trong việc thúc đẩy nhân quyền và các quyền tự do căn bản tại Việt Nam.

"Hoa Kỳ là ngọn hải đăng của tự do, dân chủ và luôn kiên định trong cam kết bảo vệ nhân quyền. Khi chính phủ Việt Nam tiếp tục hạn chế quyền tự do ngôn luận, tự do báo chí và quyền bày tỏ quan điểm chính trị một cách ôn hòa, Hoa Kỳ có trách nhiệm lên tiếng phản đối những hành vi vi phạm nhân quyền này. Những tù nhân lương tâm như Lê Hữu Minh Tuấn cần được đoàn tụ với gia đình, thay vì bị giam giữ trong các nhà tù tại Việt Nam. Tôi tự hào khi đề nghị sửa đổi của tôi nhằm buộc chính phủ Việt Nam chịu trách nhiệm về các vi phạm nhân quyền đã nhận được sự ủng hộ của Hạ Viện Hoa Kỳ. Các chương trình ngoại giao và viện trợ đối ngoại đóng vai trò thiết yếu trong việc bảo vệ lợi ích an ninh quốc gia của Hoa Kỳ cũng như thúc đẩy nhân quyền trên thế giới, và tôi sẽ tiếp tục đấu tranh tại Quốc Hội để bảo đảm các chương trình này nhận được sự hỗ trợ mạnh mẽ. Tôi kêu gọi Bộ Ngoại Giao sớm lên lịch và tổ chức kỳ Đối Thoại Nhân Quyền Hoa Kỳ–Việt Nam tiếp theo trong thời gian sớm nhất," Dân Biểu Derek Trần cho biết.

Đạo Luật Chuẩn Chi Ngân Sách năm 2027 cho An Ninh Quốc Gia, Bộ Ngoại Giao và Các Chương Trình Liên Quan cung cấp ngân sách cho Bộ Ngoại Giao Hoa Kỳ và các chương trình viện trợ đối ngoại nhằm thúc đẩy hoạt động ngoại giao và tăng cường an ninh quốc gia của Hoa Kỳ.

Dự luật được Hạ Viện thông qua với kết quả biểu quyết 217 phiếu thuận và 209 phiếu chống.

Là người gốc Việt đầu tiên được bầu đại diện Little Saigon của Orange County và cộng đồng người Việt hải ngoại lớn nhất thế giới tại Quốc Hội Hoa Kỳ, Dân Biểu Derek Trần là một tiếng nói mạnh mẽ trong việc đấu tranh chống các vi phạm nhân quyền tại Việt Nam.

Ông là đồng tác giả của H.R. 3122 - Dự Luật Nhân Quyền Việt Nam, một dự luật lưỡng đảng nhằm tăng cường trách nhiệm giải trình đối với các quan chức của chính phủ Cộng Sản Việt Nam liên quan đến các hành vi vi phạm nhân quyền, đồng thời đưa các ưu tiên về nhân quyền và thương mại công bằng vào quan hệ Hoa Kỳ–Việt Nam.

Dân Biểu Derek Trần cũng là người bảo trợ chính thức cho nhà báo Lê Hữu Minh Tuấn, người bị chính phủ Cộng Sản Việt Nam kết án và giam giữ oan, thông qua Dự Án Bảo Vệ Quyền Tự Do của Ủy Ban Nhân Quyền Tom Lantos, và tiếp tục đấu tranh cho việc trả tự do cho các tù nhân lương tâm trên thế giới.

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Representative Tran Holds Vietnamese Government Accountable for Human Rights Abuses

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, which included Representative Derek Tran’s (CA-45) amendment to hold the Vietnamese communist government accountable for human rights violations. The provision will direct State Department funding for the annual U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue, a critical diplomatic tool to press the Vietnamese government to address human rights violations, including the jailing of journalists, political dissidents, and religious leaders. It also reaffirms Congress’ commitment to advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms in Vietnam.

Watch Representative Tran give remarks on the amendment here.

“America is a beacon of freedom, democracy, and unwavering in its commitment to upholding human rights. As the Vietnamese government continues to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and peaceful political expression, the United States has a responsibility to stand up against these human rights abuses. Prisoners of conscience, like Le Huu Minh Tuan, should be reunited with their families and not imprisoned in a Vietnamese jail cell. I am proud that my amendment to hold the Vietnamese government responsible for human rights violations was supported by the House of Representatives. Diplomatic and foreign assistance programs are critical to protecting American national security interests and promoting human rights globally, and I will continue to fight for robust support for these programs in Congress. I urge the State Department to schedule and host the next U.S.-Vietnam Humans Right Dialogue as soon as possible,” said Representative Tran.

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 funds the U.S. Department of State and foreign assistance programs that advance American diplomacy and national security.,

The bill passed 217–209.

As the first Vietnamese American elected to represent Orange County’s Little Saigon and the world’s largest Vietnamese diaspora, Representative Tran is a vocal advocate against human rights violations in Vietnam. Representative Tran co-led H.R. 3122, the bipartisan Vietnam Human Rights Act, to hold Vietnamese communist officials accountable for human rights abuses and establish human rights and fair-trade priorities for U.S.-Vietnam relations. Representative Tran serves as the official sponsor of Le Huu Minh Tuan, a Vietnamese journalist wrongfully imprisoned by the communist government, through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project, and continues to fight for the release of prisoners of conscience around the world.

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Rep. Vasquez Holds Briefing with National Transportation Safety Board for Answers on Deadly Civilian Plane Crash Near Ruidoso

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 14, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials to help identify answers and accountability for the deadly medical plane crash that took place near Ruidoso in May, following reports that military testing may have played a role in the crash.

Following the tragic crash near Ruidoso, Rep. Vasquez requested a briefing from the NTSB to ensure appropriate steps are being taken to understand the cause of the accident, address any underlying safety issues, and protect New Mexicans from similar incidents in the future. On Tuesday, Rep. Vasquez received a briefing from NTSB Chairwoman Homendy and other NTSB officials, during which they shared that investigations are still underway and were delayed by the Seven Cabins Fire which engulfed the crash site following the accident.

“This week, I communicated with NTSB officials that a thorough investigation must be concluded to fully understand the cause of this tragic and fatal crash, and prevent future accidents in the future,” said Vasquez. “No pilot or their passengers should fly in uncertain conditions with multiple challenging circumstances that are preventable, but outside of their control. My prayers are with the families of those who passed and I promise them to get answers and prevent future tragedies.”

On May 14, 2026, a medical transport plane crashed near Ruidoso in the Capitan Mountains. The plane had taken off from Roswell at 11:52 p.m. with a final destination of the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport in Alto, New Mexico. However, at 12:15 a.m., the plane crashed, killing all four passengers onboard and sparking the Seven Cabins wildfire in the surrounding area, which has since burned over 31,000 acres. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the NTSB and FAA are investigating.

In mid-June, the NTSB released a preliminary report on the crash noting that the pilot of the aircraft was having navigational issues while jamming technology testing was concurrently underway by the Department of Defense at White Sands Missile Range.

The NTSB is responsible for conducting objective investigations into transportation safety incidents such as plane crashes and train derailments. They are also responsible for making safety recommendations and assisting victims and survivors of these disasters.

Vasquez has repeatedly worked to keep New Mexicans safe by holding the federal government accountable for aviation incidents impacting New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional district, including the abrupt El Paso airspace closure in February 2026:

On February 12, 2026, Reps. Vasquez and Escobar, as well as Senators Heinrich and Luján, demanded a classified briefing on the airspace closure.

In a hearing on March 17, 2026, Rep. Vasquez pressed DoD Assistant Secretary Joseph Humire for answers as to where the communications failure occurred and what steps the DoD was taking to prevent similar chaotic, dangerous situations from occurring in the future.

Vasquez also asked Humire about the risks counter-drone laser systems being used by the DoD posed to civilians and secured a commitment for a briefing from DoD officials on the incident, which took place on April 28, 2026.

On June 5, Vasquez secured a critical, bipartisan win in his ongoing fight to get the accountability and answers – an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Department of Defense to provide a report on its coordination process with DHS and FAA, an explanation as to what caused the chaotic closure of the El Paso Airport in February, and details on how such incidents can be prevented in the future.

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Rep. Vasquez Statement on President’s Primetime Address to the Nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement in response to the President’s primetime address to the nation:

“New Mexicans are suffering from the President’s failed economic policy — from skyrocketing gas prices to higher grocery costs to inflated healthcare — and the President is still focused on denying the 2020 election. I urge the President to focus on the pressing needs of all Americans and stop sowing doubt about the integrity of our elections and meddling with the midterms. The President’s focus should be on making Americans’ lives better, not jamming a voter disenfranchisement bill through Congress. New Mexicans see right through it.”

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