Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore is proud to announce that his office has officially recovered more than $5 million from the federal government for West Virginians since taking office on January 3, 2025. This milestone reflects the dedicated work of Congressman Moore and his district staff in cutting through federal red tape and delivering real results for Mountaineers across the Second District.

Congressman Moore’s casework team operates out of the Morgantown and Martinsburg district offices and is experienced in navigating federal agencies to resolve complex issues for constituents. The team stands ready to assist anyone facing challenges with federal programs or services.

Highlights of funding recovered for constituents include: 

• Over $2 million from the Internal Revenue Service
• Over $1.1 million from the Environmental Protection Agency
• Over $1 million from the Department of Agriculture
• Over $580,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Over $557,000 from the Social Security Administration
• Over $95,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Over $80,000 from the Office of Personnel Management

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“My team and I are proud to announce that we’ve now recovered more than $5 million for West Virginians after just a little more than one year in office. This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering real results for hardworking families across the Second District.

I will never stop fighting for the great people of the Mountain State. If you or your family members are having trouble dealing with a federal agency, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office—we’re here to help.”

NEED HELP? Constituents can request assistance by calling Congressman Moore’s Morgantown office at (304) 350-6995 or his Martinsburg office at (304) 350-6987.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

Southern Pines, NC – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced that his Southern Pines and Fayetteville offices are accepting submissions from North Carolina’s Ninth District for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful opportunity for our District’s high school students to showcase their artistic ability, and I look forward to seeing this year’s submissions,” said Rep. Hudson.

The 2026 theme, “America 250,” invites students to honor our country’s founding principles and the spirit of liberty that has shaped generations.

The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students from North Carolina’s 9th District. The overall winner of the District’s competition will have their artwork framed and displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the second and third place winners will have their artwork displayed in Rep. Hudson’s offices.

Art entered in the contest must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Work cannot be copied from an existing photo or image that was created by someone other than the student. Work must be in its original medium and cannot be a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. AI-generated art will not be accepted.

Art does not need to be framed upon submission. Our office will frame the winning piece before it is sent to Washington, D.C.

Artwork that is potentially inappropriate for display in the Capitol will not be considered. This determination will be made by a panel.

Additional guidelines can be found by visiting: https://hudson.house.gov/services/art-competition. 

Artwork must be submitted to Rep. Hudson’s Southern Pines or Fayetteville District Offices by 12pm on Friday, April 24, 2026 with a completed 2026 Student Release Form.

To request more information about the annual Congressional Art Competition, contact Rep. Hudson’s Southern Pines District Office at (910) 910-1924.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons to express concern over a pattern of illegal and unconstitutional retaliation against Minnesotans’ lawful expression of their first amendment rights. 

“On January 16, an owner of Mischief Toy Store in Saint Paul was interviewed on ABC News about the store’s efforts to hand out free 3D printed whistles to support a ‘nonviolent form of protest and to alert everyone around that there is ICE activity going on.’ The owner described how ICE officers are raiding homes and kidnapping people at gunpoint, and how DHS operations are threatening the safety of all Minnesotans,” wrote Congresswoman McCollum and Ranking Member Raskin. “Just hours after this television interview aired, two plainclothes ICE agents visited Mischief Toy Store and served the business with a Notice of Inspection. The store, which has only five part-time employees and three owners, was ordered to turn over all I-9 documents. This does not appear to be an isolated incident. The timing of these enforcement actions raise serious concerns that DHS and ICE are using immigration enforcement to intimidate and punish those speaking out against the actions of the Trump administration in Minnesota.”

Representatives McCollum and Raskin are asking for a full accounting from DHS of the decisions and timing that led to the enforcement actions against Minnesota businesses and institutions that have spoken out against Operation Metro Surge and stood up for their communities.

Click here to read the full text of the letter on Congresswoman McCollum’s website.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter tells DOT: Investigate Waymo’s use of remote foreign drivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging the Department to investigate the use of foreign-based Remote Assistance Operators (RAOs) by autonomous vehicle companies, particularly Waymo, operating on public roads in the United States.

This letter comes after Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer stated, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing and in sworn testimony, that the company employs remote vehicle operators located in the Philippines.

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “Decisions affecting traffic flow, emergency responses, and vehicle behavior on U.S. streets may be influenced—or directly controlled—by individuals who are not Americans, are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and may not understand English, our road signs, and American traffic laws. This raises serious and reasonable concerns about roadway safety, situational awareness, and national security.” 

The letter cites an October 2025 collision on the I-10 Freeway in California caused by an illegal immigrant commercial driver, which killed 3 and injured several others. 

Rep. Carter continues, “This issue is not about hindering innovation. Autonomous vehicle technology holds promise, but public trust depends on transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the safety and privacy of Americans above cost-cutting or convenience. A thorough review by the Department would help ensure that companies operating on U.S. roads are meeting appropriate safety, language, privacy, and security standards.” 

Read the full letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) announced that he has secured a total of $14,093,000 in federal funding for a slate of 15 community development and improvement projects across New York’s 20^th Congressional District. Tonko secured this critical funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 government appropriations packages, which were signed into law.

“I’m proud to have secured federal funding for this incredible slate of community projects in our Capital Region, each of which brings great promise for our communities,” Congressman Tonko said. “With key federal investments, these projects will help drive economic growth across our district and deliver support to those in our communities who need it most. For two years, my team and I have pushed hard to ensure these worthy projects were included in the federal spending package. Now, after a long and arduous process, I’m delighted to announce that that determined effort has been successful. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated local leaders who proposed and developed these initiatives, and I am eager to see how these federal dollars will help unleash our Capital Region’s untapped potential.”

Tonko championed funding for 15 local projects that will bring direct benefits to Capital Region residents. In alphabetical order, these include:

·         $250,000 for ADA-accessible sidewalks in Ballston Spa

·         $1,015,000 for a Community Corner creation in Mechanicville

·         $500,000 for Community Park improvements in Scotia

·         $1,000,000 for the Crossroads Center for Children in Schenectady for renovations and expansion

·         $1,000,000 for Glenville Hill Fire District No. 8 for essential building repairs and updates

·         $850,000 for Hudson Valley Community College in Troy for an Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Lab

·         $850,000 for Lincoln Park Southwest Gateway improvements in Albany

·         $1,031,000 for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy for equipment and technology to support quantum innovation

·         $500,000 for the Town of Milton’s Town Hall expansion

·         $1,092,000 for the Town of Stillwater’s water main replacements

·         $2,000,000 for the Troy Public Library’s indoor air quality system improvements

·         $1,521,000 for the University at Albany’s CNSE 200mm Wafer Cleanroom equipment upgrade

·         $1,092,000 for the Village of Altamont’s wastewater treatment plant upgrades

·         $1,092,000 for the Village of Menands for water system improvements

·         $300,000 for Voorheesville sewage infrastructure improvements

More detailed descriptions of each project can be found HERE on Congressman Tonko’s website.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the life of the Reverend Jesse Jackson:

“The Reverend Jackson was an influential civil rights icon, who marched with and worked for the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a trailblazing presidential candidate in 1984 and again in 1988, when he won 11 states in the Democratic primaries. An ordained Baptist minister, his historic campaigns helped set the stage for politicians to follow, and he was an enduring part of our nation’s story and public policy discussions for the past generation. 

“I was able to talk with him and shake his hand a few years ago at a funeral for a colleague in Congress. He will be missed.

“His many legacies include the voter registrations of millions of Americans, and efforts against poverty. He was a passionate advocate for his progressive beliefs, always helping clarify the national political debates of his time. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded the Rev. Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“He is the father of my current House colleague, Rep. Jonathan Luther Jackson, and we serve together on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

“My condolences to the entire Jackson family and the millions of Americans who have held him in high esteem for decades. May God be with and bless them in this time, and may God bless the United States.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Statement on Passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson:

“Today, our country has lost a beacon of civil rights and a champion for equality. As a longtime friend to Reverend Jesse Jackson and his family the news of his passing is profoundly sad to me.

“Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson fearlessly advocated for the rights and dignity of working class communities, serving as a beacon of hope for millions.

“His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were transformational, not only for our brothers and sisters in the Black community, but for all Americans who believe in a more inclusive society. I was proud to be a Jackson Delegate at both Democratic conventions, representing Illinois. His speech in 1988 deeply inspired me to never surrender in our pursuit of justice.

“Reverend Jackson taught us many lessons, among them, that political participation is vital to improving community conditions.

“He inspired countless individuals, particularly in communities of color, to exercise their right to vote and dedicated his life to ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted.

“I have no doubt that his relentless pursuit of a multiracial alliance through the Rainbow Coalition played a crucial role in the election of our friend Harold Washington in 1983 as the first Black mayor of Chicago.

“Reverend Jackson’s unwavering commitment to equality and justice has left an indelible mark not only on Chicago’s history but also our nation’s history. My thoughts are with his wife Jackie, and his children Ashley, Jesse Jr., and my dear colleague Jonathan. Rest in power, my friend.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) joined Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Senator Adam Schiff (CA) in introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen emergency preparedness for companion animals. 

During weather-related disasters, families are frequently forced to evacuate with minimal time. For pet owners, evacuation can mean an impossible choice: leave their pets behind or risk their own safety by staying home. Too often, families choose the latter—endangering themselves and complicating rescue efforts for first responders. The Los Angeles Times documented many of these stories in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

The Providing Essential Temporary Shelter for Emergencies (PETSAFE) Act expands the allowable use of existing emergency management funds so states and local governments can better plan for animal evacuation, sheltering, veterinary care, training, and specialized rescue equipment during disasters.

Under current law, many animal preparedness efforts are limited by high local cost-share requirements. The PETSAFE Act lowers that barrier by increasing the federal cost share for eligible companion animal preparedness activities from 50 percent to 90 percent, making it more affordable for communities to implement protective plans for people and pets.

“When the Eaton Fire tore through my district, so many families were forced into an impossible choice. As a result, many families delayed evacuating because they couldn’t bear to leave their pets behind. Thankfully, local shelters and community members across California stepped up to care for animals of all kinds that had to be relocated out of the fire’s path,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “Disasters like these make it clear that emergency planning must also account for the safety and wellbeing of pets. That’s why I’m teaming up with Representative Brian Mast and Senator Adam Schiff to introduce the PETSAFE Act. Our bill would ensure that state and local governments can utilize FEMA grant money to purchase the resources they need to protect animals during disasters,” she added.

“When we plan better for animals, we save human lives too,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “This bill helps communities prepare smarter, respond faster, and keep families together when disaster strikes.”

“Our pets are part of our families, and when disaster strikes, it’s important that communities have the resources to ensure they aren’t left behind. I’m proud to partner with Representative Brian Mast to reintroduce this legislation which will help us protect our animals during major disasters and emergencies,” said Senator Adam Schiff. 

“Protecting pets during disasters is not just compassionate, it is responsible. As an original supporter of the bipartisan PETSAFE Act, I am advancing a practical, lifesaving approach that helps families evacuate safely without leaving their furry friends behind,” said Rep. Dina Titus. 

“For millions of families, pets are part of the family and in disaster-prone states like Florida, families often won’t evacuate if they can’t bring them, putting lives at risk,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan. “The PETSAFE Act improves preparedness and removes unnecessary cost barriers, so states and local governments have the flexibility they need to protect animals, families and first responders during hurricanes and other emergencies. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join Congressman Brian Mast in leading this commonsense, bipartisan effort.”

“The Eaton Fire showed us that disasters don’t just displace people—they endanger the animals who depend on us. Allowing FEMA funds to support local efforts to protect pets during emergencies helps keep families together and saves lives,” said Chris Ramon, President & CEO of Pasadena Humane.

“Americans consider their pets to be a part of the family, and many won’t evacuate during an emergency without them. Empowering communities to include animals in emergency response plans is critical to preventing further devastation and helps save the lives of animals, families, and first responders,” said Daniel Leonardini, director of federal legislation for the ASPCA.

During the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Humane alone took in more than 450 pets. The ASPCA responded to 112 service calls, helping 538 animals — including chickens, cats, goats, pigs, parakeets, and even a gecko and a tortoise, many of which were safely reunited with their families.

You can read the full bill here. 

Photo Caption: After the devastating Eaton Fire, Rep. Chu visited the more than 450 pets that Pasadena Humane took in as families rushed to evacuate their homes. 

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