Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Congressmembers Pallone, Conaway, Gottheimer, McIver, Norcross, Pou, and Watson Coleman and Senator Kim Join Initiative

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

FLINT— Today, Representatives Haley Stevens (MI-11), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) strongly urging the continuation of critical Medicaid coverage for children and pregnant women impacted by the Flint Water Crisis.

In 2016, CMS approved the “Flint Michigan Section 1115 Demonstration” waiver to expand critical Medicaid services and support to cover children under the age of 21 and pregnant women who were affected by lead exposure during the Flint Water Crisis. Since then, more than 54,000 children and pregnant women have been able to access comprehensive coverage, preventive services, and early interventions designed to address the long-lasting effects of lead exposure. 

On December 19, 2025, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services submitted a request to extend the Flint Michigan Section 1115 Demonstration for an additional five years to maintain uninterrupted coverage and services for thousands of Flint families.

In their letter, the Representatives write, “Families were exposed to lead through no fault of their own, and the profound negative health consequences of that exposure – particularly for children – can last a lifetime…Since its initial approval in 2016, the waiver has served as a lifeline for Flint families who otherwise would not qualify for Medicaid, ensuring that more than 54,000 children and pregnant women have access to comprehensive coverage, preventive services, and early interventions designed to address the lasting effects of lead exposure. For thousands of families, this coverage has meant timely care during critical stages of development, rather than delayed or foregone services… Allowing the demonstration to expire would result in the loss of coverage for thousands of Flint residents and undermine the long-term health protections the waiver was designed to provide.”

A copy of the letter can be found here. 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

Hialeah Gardens, FL – U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), and Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) will be joined by family members of the victims and leaders of the Cuban American exile community to mark the 30^th year since the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft, honoring the memory of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos A. Costa, Mario M. de la Peña, and Pablo Morales and to make the case for indicting Raúl Castro.

Last week, U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump asking that his administration consider indicting Raul Castro for his involvement in the 1996 shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft which resulted in four murders in cold blood.

Read the full letter here.

WHO:

• Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee on House Appropriations
• Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
• Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security
• Family members of the victims
• Cuban American community leaders

WHAT:

Press Conference Marking 30 Years Since the Brothers to the Rescue Shootdown

WHEN:

Thursday, February 19, 2026

9:00 a.m. ET

WHERE:

Assault Brigade 2506 Museum

13651 NW 107th Avenue

Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018

**Spaces are limited***

All interested credentialed media may RSVP to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Baldwin, MI – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, along with Michigan Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, toured the North Lake Processing Center ICE detention facility in Baldwin. The visit follows their demand for answers regarding the December death of detainee Nenko Gantchev.

During the visit, the lawmakers inspected living conditions, reviewed medical care protocols, and met with facility leadership to raise concerns about Congressional oversight and detainee health and safety. The visit marked the latest effort by Rep. Stevens to demand transparency from ICE and hold the Trump administration accountable for its treatment of individuals in federal custody.

“An inmate died in ICE custody in Michigan, and ICE’s leadership has been silent in response to our requests for information and oversight,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “Over the past year, ICE has seen an alarming increase in detainee deaths at facilities nationwide. Oversight matters. It is important for members of Congress to see these facilities firsthand rather than rely solely on public reports. Today was about getting answers for Nenko Gantchev’s family and demanding accountability from ICE on behalf of all the detainees who are being held in Michigan.”

Congresswoman Stevens has consistently stood up to the Trump administration, called for transparency, and pushed for a drastic overhaul of ICE to ensure humane treatment and accountability within the immigration detention system.

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.

• Stevens cosponsored H.R. 7163, a proposal to divert ICE’s $75 billion slush fund to state and local law enforcement agencies.

• Stevens voted against the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, refusing to fund ICE’s operations without major reforms or accountability measures.

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

• Stevens joined over 150 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 and her Michigan colleague, Rep. Hillary Scholten, demanded an investigation into the death of Nenko Gantchev, an individual who died in ICE custody in Baldwin, Michigan.

• Following a lack of accountability or answers related to Gantchev’s death and the death of Renee Nicole Good, Stevens called for the immediate removal of Secretary Kristi Noem and cosponsored an effort to impeach her in the House of Representatives.

• Stevens voted against the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which gave ICE its nearly $75 billion windfall.

• 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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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

February 16, 2026

ICYMI: Rep. Meeks Demands DHS Reform and Wins Vote to Lower the Cost of Living and End Trump’s Tariff on Canada

Rep. Meeks Discusses DHS Funding and Looming Partial Government Shutdown

It’s clear to Democrats, and to the American people, that ICE is out of control. Our communities asked us to act and we listened. That’s why Democrats suggested 10 comprehensive reforms to Department of Homeland and Security (DHS) and ICE including mandatory body cameras on federal agents, judicial warrants requirements, no masks, independent criminal and civil investigations and no deportation and detention of U.S. citizens, explicit prohibition on the excessive use of force, no targeting at sensitive locations, end racial profiling, and much more. Read my interview here with Queens Chronicle.

Congressman Meeks Passes Resolution to Lower Everyday Costs and End Trump’s Tariffs

This week, I forced a vote in the U.S. House to end Trump’s national emergency declaration and the tariffs imposed on Canada. These tariffs cost families in our community nearly $1,700 more a year. The so-called “emergency” used to justify this action never existed, and American families are now left to shoulder the financial burden of that decision. I will continue working to lower costs for working families, restore congressional oversight, and pursue responsible trade policies that strengthen our economy without straining our communities Read more here.

Rep. Meeks Grills SEC Chair Over Truth Social Investment Fund

I questioned U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins during a House Financial Services Committee hearing about a Trump-backed company’s plan to manage “America First” investment funds tied to Truth Social. I warned that mixing politics with public investing raises serious ethical concerns, risks conflicts of interest, and could put everyday investors in danger.

Share Your Story: How Have You Been Impacted by President Trump Republicans’ Attack on Affordable Health Care?

I’d like to hear from my constituents about how the Republican Shutdown and Big Ugly Law will affect you or your loved ones. I am fighting for lower health care costs, but I need your help. Please complete the form here to explain how the administration’s latest actions are affecting you.

Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others!

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

ELGIN, IL — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) convened a roundtable at The Centre of Elgin with Mayor Dave Kaptain, as well as other local elected officials, faith leaders, educators, and community advocates to discuss the impact of recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in and around Elgin. During the roundtable, participants shared firsthand accounts of fear and disruption caused by aggressive federal operations, including the use of force and a lack of transparency from federal authorities.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi outlined his ongoing oversight of DHS, ICE, and CBP, highlighting investigations into shootings and enforcement tactics, repeated letters demanding accountability from Secretary Noem, and legislation aimed at preventing excessive force and strengthening constitutional protections for communities across Illinois.

“The Trump administration’s abuses through DHS, ICE, and CBP are not making our communities safer — they are spreading fear, eroding trust, and undermining the rule of law,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Families in Elgin deserve protection, not intimidation from federal agents operating without transparency or accountability. I will keep confronting these abuses head-on — demanding investigations, advancing legislation to stop excessive force, and refusing to stay silent while this administration tramples constitutional rights and targets our neighbors.”

Since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has led extensive oversight of DHS, ICE, and CBP, sending more than 15 letters to federal officials, conducting facility visits, and introducing legislation including the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act and the No Private Bounty Hunters Act. He has also supported broader efforts to strengthen humanitarian standards in detention and impose stronger federal use-of-force requirements.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Council President Mike Karbassi announced $2 million in federal funding to support long-planned improvements along the San Joaquin River. This investment will help advance key projects aimed at expanding public access, enhancing recreation, and protecting natural resources along one of the region’s most treasured waterways. “This project reflects our commitment to stewarding the San Joaquin River while enhancing its natural beauty and maintaining the multiple purposes that the river provides,”said Congressman Costa. “By investing in these lands, we’re protecting local wildlife, expanding access for our communities, and making sure future generations can experience and take pride in the San Joaquin River.”  
“The San Joaquin River is one of our region’s greatest natural assets,” said Council President Karbassi.“Thanks to Congressman Costa’s leadership, we can continue building a riverfront that serves families, protects wildlife, and creates new opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.” 
BACKGROUND
On February 5, 2026, Congressman Costa announced the passage of Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban (THUD) funding legislation, which included nine Community Project Funding awards totaling more than $11.2 million, which included $2 million dollars allocated to the San Joaquin River Parkway Project.  
These federal funds will extend the Lewis S. Eaton Trail by approximately 2.4 miles, expanding public access to 500 acres of open space along the San Joaquin River. The project would support multiple ADA-accessible entry points and recreation activities such as school tours, nature walks, paddle trips, while preserving the future of the San Joaquin River Parkway.  
The funding will support planning and development for potential projects, including: 

River West Fresno
Camp Pashayan improvements
Additional riverfront amenities and public access enhancements 

To learn more about additional federal funding Congressman Costa secured for FY2026, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

BE HEARD Act Would Prevent Workplace Harassment, Strengthen and Expand Key Protections for Workers, Support Workers in Seeking Accountability and Justice

Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), alongside Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2026. This bill takes critical steps to address workplace harassment and ensure workers can seek accountability and justice. The bill was first introduced in 2019.

In response to Trump and Andrea Lucas, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), eliminating workplace anti-harassment guidance and attacking transgender workers for using the locker rooms, bathrooms, and private spaces, this bill takes critical steps to address workplace harassment, protects against discrimination based on gender identity and sexuality, and ensures workers can seek accountability and justice.

“Every worker should be safe and respected in their workplace, this shouldn’t be controversial,” said Rep. Pressley. “Under the Trump Administration, the EEOC is weakening protections and exposing workers to discrimination, harassment, and abuse at their jobs. The BE HEARD Act would take critical steps to confront workplace harassment and ensure workers can seek the accountability they deserve when their rights are violated.”

“The Trump administration has proven time and time again that they couldn’t care less about workers, women, or victims of abuse—as they fired EEOC Commissioners, and got rid of important enforcement guidance to protect workers against harassment,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to re-introduce the BE HEARD Act, because whoever you are or wherever you work—everyone deserves to be treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity at their job. While Trump helps giant corporations sweep abuse and discrimination under the rug, I will continue to push for this important legislation to expand protections for workers to ensure they get accountability and justice. I will always stand with women, with workers, and for fairness. I will keep fighting to make sure people feel safe in their workplace and get the justice they deserve.”

“When the Trump administration guts enforcement, workers pay the price. No one should have to choose between a paycheck and their dignity,” said Rep. Garcia. “The BE HEARD Act restores real accountability by ending the tricks that keep abuse in the dark, stopping retaliation from being the cost of speaking up, and making sure every worker has protections, no matter their job title or paycheck.”

“Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect in their workplace,” said Rep. Strickland. “This bill ensures that workers have the tools they need to address workplace harassment.”  

The BE HEARD Act includes key reforms including ending mandatory arbitration and pre-employment NDAs to help ensure transparency and expanding civil rights protections for workers—including independent contractors and interns, extending the time limit for reporting and challenging harassment, and ending the tipped minimum wage—a key reform to ensure workers don’t have to endure harassment from customers because their wages depend on tips.

Earlier this year, Andrea Lucas and Trump’s EEOC moved to rescind the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace—comprehensive anti-harassment guidance that was issued in April 2024, and was the EEOC’s first update on harassment since 1999. The 2024 guidance made much-needed and long-overdue updates to better reflect Congress’s intent, including addressing online harassment, and responding to the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County recognizing that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on gender orientation and sexual discrimination. Under Ms. Lucas, the EEOC has retreated from longstanding civil rights enforcement work, attacked law firms over their diversity efforts, and targeted the rights of trans workers in particular.

The BE HEARD Act will:

• Strengthen understanding of workplace harassment and help businesses prevent it: The BE HEARD Act invests in research about the economic impact of workplace harassment, requires regular reporting on the prevalence of workplace harassment, and ensures that workers have access to more information and training about what constitutes harassment and their rights if they are harassed. 
• Help ensure transparency: The BE HEARD Act puts an end to mandatory arbitration and pre-employment non-disclosure agreements, which prevent workers from coming forward and holding perpetrators and businesses accountable.
• Broaden and expand civil rights protections to all workers: The BE HEARD Act builds on and strengthens existing civil rights laws by expanding protections for workers, while also safeguarding existing antidiscrimination laws and protections. It strengthens civil rights protections for all workers and makes clear that the Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the context of workplace discrimination. It also ensures that no matter where you work—and whether you are an independent contractor or an intern—your rights are protected.
• Empower workers who come forward with reports of harassment or retaliation to ensure they get support: The BE HEARD Act allows workers more time to report harassment, authorizes grants to support legal assistance for workers who have low incomes, invests in delivering more resources to the state level to help workers ensure their rights are protected, and lifts the cap on damages when workers pursue legal action and win their cases.
• Eliminate the tipped sub-minimum wage: The BE HEARD Act eliminates the tipped minimum wage, because tipped workers are disproportionately vulnerable to sexual harassment and discrimination by both clients and supervisors.

In addition to Reps. Pressley, Garcia, and Strickland the House bill is co-sponsored by: Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Summer Lee (PA-12), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Judy Chu (CA-28), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).

In addition to Senator Murray, the Senate bill is co-sponsored by: Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The legislation has been endorsed by: National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, A Better Balance, AFL-CIO, American Association of University Women (AAUW), American Civil Liberties Union, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), California Women’s Law Center, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Chicago Women in Trades, Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Coalition on Human Needs, Equal Rights Advocates, Feminist Majority, Gender Equality Law Center, Human Right Campaign, Human Rights Campaign, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Jewish Women International, Justice for Migrant Women, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, Lift Our Voices, MomsRising, National Action Network, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Black Worker Center, National Council of Jewish Women, National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Institute for Workers’ Rights, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues, PowHer New York, Reproductive Freedom for All, Service Employees International Union, Solar for Women, The Sikh Coalition, Vermont Works for Women, Women Employed, Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles, WorkLife Law.

A copy of the bill text can be found here and a one-pager of the bill is here.

Rep. Pressley has long been an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, demanding justice for those silenced and accountability for powerful abusers. 

In August 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Reps. Lieu and Ocasio-Cortez, reintroduced the Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

As a survivor herself, Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in demanding accountability, transparency, and healing for survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse.

In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 

 In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.

In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Transitioning from aging septic tanks to sewers will raise the quality of life for Bloomington residents and attract new people and businesses to the area

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,092,000 in community project funding for San Bernardino County’s Bloomington Septic Conversion Project. This grant funding will expand and improve Bloomington’s sewage and water infrastructure by allowing San Bernardino County to install 1,200 linear feet of mainline sewer along the Valley Boulevard corridor, extending it to Alder Avenue. Once complete, the infrastructure project will improve wastewater treatment, promote better public health outcomes and drive development and economic opportunities in the unincorporated community of Bloomington. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“We all know how essential it is to have strong, reliable infrastructure; it’s what cities, counties and countries are built on,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’m so proud to deliver over $1 million for San Bernardino County’s Bloomington Septic Conversion Project. This grant is more than just an investment in Bloomington’s sewage and water treatment infrastructure; it’s an investment in the community’s long-term housing development, public health and economic growth. Federal investments in projects for unincorporated communities like Bloomington are essential to ensuring that no Inland Empire resident gets left behind. I’ll continue to fight for more resources that help make life better for our entire region.”
“We want to thank Congressman Pete Aguilar for his continued commitment to the residents of Bloomington,” said Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “With a population of 17,000, Bloomington is one of our largest unincorporated communities in the county, and investments like the Bloomington Septic Conversion Project are critical to improving public health, protecting local groundwater resources, and supporting the long-term well-being of families who call this community home.”
In January 2026, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $7.4 million in federal community project funding grants for seven projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District.