Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified Congress of the elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) – the office that develops the best available science and methods for EPA’s use in decision making for protecting public health and the environment.
“The Trump Administration’s attack on science is disastrous. Without a doubt, the American people will be harmed by this Administration’s reckless decisions,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. “Just two days ago the EPA repealed the science-backed endangerment finding and today officially notified Congress what we knew all along – EPA’s elimination of independent science at the agency. Despite EPA Administrator Zeldin’s absurd denials, and Republicans’ obsequious insistence that ORD was still functioning, the truth is finally revealed. Trump and Zeldin have no intention to follow the law and support the use of the best available science but instead get rid of research to allow companies to pollute our Earth without regard to the health of American people.”
“Trump’s destruction of the independent research office at EPA is now complete,” said Congressman Gabe Amo, Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee. “Trump and Zeldin’s reckless choice to shutter the office studying how to best protect Americans from pollutants, emissions, and climate change, will leave people sicker and worse off. Once again Trump is letting polluters run wild and showing he cares more about his wealthy friends than whether Americans have access to clean air and water.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that today she and all of D.C. mourn the passing of her friend, civil rights leader, and former D.C. Shadow Senator Rev. Jesse Jackson.
“The District of Columbia and our nation mourn the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pioneer whose leadership reshaped civil rights advocacy and American politics. I was honored to work alongside him during his service as D.C.’s Shadow Senator and throughout his lifelong fight for equality and democracy.
“From the front lines of the civil rights movement to national campaigns that expanded the political imagination of this country, Jesse Jackson lifted up the voices of those too often unheard. He turned protest into progress and transformed moral conviction into political action. His work built bridges across race, class, and geography, helping redefine what inclusive democracy could look like in America.
“In his years representing the District, Rev. Jackson stood firmly for D.C. statehood and full self‑governance. He recognized that the denial of representation to D.C. residents was a civil rights issue at the heart of America’s unfinished democratic promise.
“Rev. Jackson’s courage, faith, and belief in the power of ordinary citizens to change history will endure. His legacy is a challenge to us all to continue the struggle for equality, for voting rights, and for a democracy that fully lives up to its ideals.”
Jackson served as D.C. Shadow Senator from 1991-1997. Norton was first elected to Congress in 1991.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students. This competition is an exciting way for a student from our region to represent the Ninth Congressional District in Washington, DC. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the Ninth District.
The chosen theme for 2026 is “Celebrating 250 Years of America.” Interested students must submit a photograph of their original artwork to either my Christiansburg or Abingdon office by 5:00 pm on Friday, April 17 for consideration. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed student information release form to qualify. The 2025 student information release form can be found at the bottom of this page.
The overall winner of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and will be invited to Washington for a reception. The second and third place selections will be displayed in my Christiansburg and Abingdon offices.
Art works entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth. Artwork must be two-dimensional and cannot weigh more than 15 pounds. The work may be:
Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed)
Collages: must be two dimensional
Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
Computer-generated art
Photographs
All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
Kasey Walden of Bristol’s Virginia High School won the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District. Her artwork is entitled ‘George Washington, Virginian’
If you would like more information on the annual Congressional Art Competition, please contact my Abingdon office at (276) 525-1405 or visit the Congressional Art Competition website.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement on the passing of civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson:
Today, our nation mourns the loss of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a towering figure in the fight for justice, voting rights, and human dignity. Rev. Jackson was a moral voice for the voiceless, a fearless advocate for the poor and marginalized, and a champion for civil and human rights here at home and around the world.
I have been honored to know him personally, to walk beside him, to march with him, and to stand with him in the continuing struggle for justice.
From my earliest years to the night he stood by me during my first election to Congress and throughout the years since, Jesse was a great friend and advisor who will always remain in my heart. Even in his health struggles, his presence continued to remind us of his unshakable belief that democracy thrives when people show up, speak up, and exercise their power.
Rev. Jackson helped carry the civil rights movement into the modern era, showing that racial justice, economic justice, voting rights, and representation are inseparable. Through Operation Breadbasket, Operation PUSH, and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he built lasting institutions that expanded community services, economic empowerment, and political mobilization. His presidential campaigns and decades of grassroots activism strengthened civic engagement, deepened Black political power, and proved that a Black candidate could compete on a national stage.
His distinguished life of activism was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. Rev. Jackson’s leadership shaped movements. His courage opened doors. His voice stirred the conscience of a nation. He taught us to lift our voices and to keep hope alive.
Today, we honor him by carrying his charge forward. We will keep marching. We will keep fighting. And we will keep hope alive.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) released the following statement ahead of tonight’s shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
“Last week, Congress came together to fully fund 11 of the 12 government spending bills for fiscal year 2026. We also voted to keep the government open and to negotiate on the Department of Homeland Security for one week. But with tonight’s deadline looming on these negotiations, we may enter another partial government shutdown.
“DHS oversees ICE and for months I’ve been clear that their agents are not making our communities safer. They have militarized our cities, torn families apart, and even killed U.S. citizens. They have carried out operations while wearing masks, using unchecked force, and aggressively deploying tear gas, pepper balls, and flashbangs. ICE cannot continue in its current form, and Secretary Noem should be impeached. But shutting down all of DHS will not achieve meaningful reform or remove Secretary Noem from power. And I am deeply disappointed that my colleagues are using a shutdown to negotiate.
“To be clear, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans already handed ICE $75 billion in supplemental funding through their so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ on top of its annual budget. A shutdown of Homeland in its entirety would not stop ICE from operating or receiving funding. ICE agents would be deemed essential employees and would continue their work.
“What a shutdown would do is disrupt vital agencies within Homeland, including FEMA, TSA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and CISA – not ICE. Not only would this jeopardize the livelihoods of vital employees, but it risks our disaster response, aviation security, maritime safety, and cybersecurity. That’s reckless and indefensible.
“Nevertheless, Republicans already outsized funding for ICE last year. But that does not mean reform efforts stop now. We need a real solution that avoids a shutdown while holding ICE and Secretary Noem accountable. That’s why I cosponsored legislation to provide full-year funding for essential Homeland components like FEMA, TSA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and CISA while excluding funding for ICE and Secretary Noem’s office. Negotiations over reforms and future funding for ICE can and should continue separately – we cannot let a shutdown become the new norm.
“When Democrats and Republicans came together two weeks ago, we were able to protect critical investments that matter deeply to San Diego and Americans across the country. That includes funding for Community Health Centers, the National Institutes of Health, and Head Start. We need to bring that same responsible approach to Homeland.
“Shutdowns create chaos. Governing requires compromise. I am committed to funding the agencies that keep our communities safe and push for real reform and accountability for ICE.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on PBS NewsHour, where he reiterated that Democrats will not provide any additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security without bold, transformational and meaningful changes in the law that protect the American people from their out-of-control behavior.
AMNA NAWAZ: Leader Jeffries, welcome back to the NewsHour. Thanks for joining us.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you.
AMNA NAWAZ: So without a funding deal now, we’re in day three of another partial government shutdown. We know Congress is out all week. So does that mean that a shutdown is going to last at least that long?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, as Democrats, we continue to be ready, willing, and able to sit down with our Republican colleagues any time, any place, in order to make sure that we can get ICE under control. The American people deserve to have their taxpayer dollars used to make their life more affordable and not to brutalize or kill them, as was tragically the case with Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. And we simply believe, as a value proposition, that immigration enforcement in this country, it should be fair, it should be just and it should be humane. Donald Trump promised to target violent felons who are here illegally. Instead, ICE has been targeting law-abiding immigrant families and brutalizing American communities. That’s unacceptable, and that needs to change.
AMNA NAWAZ: In terms of where talks are to get to some kind of deal, though, we know Democrats put forward a list of demands last week. We saw a senior White House official on Thursday say that Democrats have rejected what they call their latest counter proposal. So for folks who are already out there working without pay right now, what can you tell them about how much closer you are to a deal today compared to last week?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s very unfortunate that Republicans have decided that they would prefer to shut down FEMA, shut down the Coast Guard, and shut down TSA as opposed to actually getting ICE under control, reining them in because the American people know they have gone too far and ensure that ICE and CBP behave like every other law enforcement agency in the country. That’s the objective that we are trying to achieve. Now, there are several things, common sense, strong proposals that we’ve put on the table that, to date, Republicans have rejected, including a requirement that judicial warrants be obtained before ICE agents can storm the homes of the American people or private property. We also believe that ICE agents, of course, should be trained, should have an excessive use of force policy that they adhere to, and that they shouldn’t be able to target sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, houses of worship and polling sites. And we finally believe, of course, in terms of some of the topline demands that we’ve made, is that there should be independent investigations whenever it is the case that ICE agents or CBP agents break state and local law.
AMNA NAWAZ: We’ve reported extensively on—I know that the Democrats demands in this case, but are you any closer to a deal? Have you talked to the White House in the last three days?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I haven’t had direct conversation with the White House. My understanding, Donald Trump was down in Florida on the golf course yesterday, which is exactly what we saw from the President during the 43-day Trump Republican shutdown, a lack of seriousness as it relates to direct engagement between House Democrats and Senate Democrats. And as I’ve indicated, though there are staff-to-staff conversations, there have not been any principal-level discussions to date, either with the White House or with House and Senate Republican leaders.
AMNA NAWAZ: I’m going to put to you what your fellow Democrat, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, has said about where things are. He pointed out the shutdown really is not going to have an impact on ICE. We saw a huge influx of funding from that so-called Big Beautiful Bill. He said what it’s really doing, as you pointed out, too, is forcing TSA workers to work without pay. FEMA could also be affected. So if ICE reforms are what you want to see here, how does a shutdown that doesn’t really affect the agency get you there?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, we have until the end of the month to make sure that TSA agents don’t miss a single paycheck and that is our commitment as Democrats and we need, of course, Republicans to join us, with respect to TSA, along with the Coast Guard and FEMA, the other agencies that are part of the Department of Homeland Security. John Fetterman, of course, he knows that the One Big Ugly Bill, which every single Democrat in the House and the Senate voted against, was an egregious piece of legislation that both ripped away Medicaid from about 14 million Americans, a trillion dollar cut to Medicaid, the largest in American history, it stole food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans with a $186 billion dollar cut to SNAP, which also happens to be the largest in American history and then used that money to provide massive tax breaks to the GOP’s billionaire donors and to create this $75 billion slush fund for untrained and masked ICE agents to be violently unleashed in American communities. So yes, we do have to address the dynamics related to the One Big Ugly Bill. But at this moment, in the context of the appropriations battle that is in front of us, we have an opportunity to make bold, transformational and meaningful changes in the law that will actually immediately impact how ICE agents are permitted to conduct themselves.
AMNA NAWAZ: That’s House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joining us today. Leader Jeffries, thank you. Good to speak with you.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)
Congressman John Carter Announces New VA Outpatient Clinic Serving Copperas Cove and Killeen Area
Copperas Cove, TX – Congressman John Carter (TX-31) joined the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to announce a major expansion of healthcare access for Central Texas veterans with the establishment of a new VA outpatient clinic serving the Copperas Cove and Killeen region.
Located just five miles from Fort Hood, the new clinic will bring VA healthcare closer to home for thousands of veterans across Central Texas.
The facility will serve a regional veteran population approaching 200,000, including many who served at Fort Cavazos and chose to remain in the region after their military service. The clinic will reduce drive times, expand access to mental health and outpatient specialty services, and improve appointment availability for veterans and their families.
The project reflects a strong partnership between Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to strengthen outpatient care capacity in Central Texas while supporting one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. The development and operation of the clinic is also expected to create more than 500 jobs.
“This clinic brings care closer to home for the veterans who served our nation,” said Congressman Carter. “It reduces drive time, expands access to critical services, and strengthens support for the military and retiree community in Central Texas.”
“After our men and women in uniform complete their service, we must continue to serve them as veterans,” said Congressman Pfluger. “Killeen is the center of Texas military might and it’s time we match that need. This new VA clinic offers our local veterans quicker access to quality care, and is a major win for the community. I was proud to help bring this VA to Killeen, and I applaud my friend Judge Carter for his partnership and leadership in making it happen.”
“The brave men and women who defended our nation in uniform deserve the highest quality health care,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The new VA Outpatient Clinic in Copperas Cove will ensure veterans in Central Texas have access to the medical care they need. I was proud to support the creation of this clinic alongside my colleague, Congressman John Carter, and I look forward to seeing how it serves our veterans for years to come.”
“VA has opened more than two dozen new health care facilities during the second Trump Administration, and this proposed clinic underscores President Trump’s steadfast commitment to bringing more care to Veterans closer to home,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.
The new outpatient clinic represents a continued commitment to ensuring veterans in the Copperas Cove and Killeen area receive timely, accessible, and high-quality care.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) delivered $850,000 in Community Project Funding to Camden County College. The funding will be used to renovate and expand a facility that will house a new electric and hybrid vehicle technician training program.
With New Jersey projected to welcome over 2 million electric vehicles to our roadways by 2035, this funding will help ensure Camden County College has an adequate space to accommodate the expansion of the electric vehicle training program and meet OSHA safety requirements.
“I’m honored to deliver $850,000 in community project funding to help renovate and expand Camden County College’s electric vehicle training facility,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Electric vehicles are the future, and South Jersey is ready to lead in preparing the next generation of career-ready EV technicians. Fixing cars today is not the same as it was when I was a kid, and we must ensure students are fully equipped to master the technology behind EVs. As a union electrician, I know that bolstering this program will open the door to strong, good-paying jobs, and will put more people on the path to a successful career.”
“We appreciate Congressman Donald Norcross for his continued partnership with Camden County College,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College. “This funding positions our college at the forefront of automotive innovation by expanding our facility and equipping students with cutting-edge skills to lead the future of electric vehicle technology.”
“This funding is an investment in the future for our students, their careers and the future of clean, eco-friendly transportation,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash. “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are grateful for Congressman Norcross’ advocacy and support that has ensured Camden County College will be on the forefront of automotive innovation in our region for years to come turning out the best mechanics with right skillsets for 21st century vehicles.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) released a statement on the ICE operations in Lindenwold.
“I am outraged by reports coming out about the ICE operation in Lindenwold yesterday. Their tactics and lack of transparency have instilled fear in the community and have put children in harm’s way. Schoolchildren are not criminals, and enforcement actions must reflect that.
“It is extremely concerning that 911 was called. No federal agency is above the law and any effort to undermine constitutional rights or mislead law enforcement erodes public trust. There must be real accountability.
“I am pushing for reforms, including body cameras for ICE agents, pursuing the impeachment of Secretary Kristi Noem, and rebuilding ICE so it operates transparently, lawfully, and with respect for civil rights. Let me be clear: our community will not be terrorized, and we will keep fighting to protect our neighborhoods.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)
For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland February 15, 2026 202-808-6129
PRESS RELEASE
CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MEETS WITH VIRGIN ISLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EDUCATION
WASHINGTON, DC— In February of 2026, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett met with the Virgin Islands Board of Education to discuss the impact of recently enacted federal funding cuts on education in our territory.
The meeting focused on P.L. 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which threatens essential programs and services that thousands of Virgin Islands families depend on every single day.
The budget reconciliation law cuts more than $840 billion from Medicaid and $300 billion from SNAP nationwide—programs that directly determine eligibility for free school meals. Fewer children will qualify for Medicaid and SNAP, putting the Virgin Islands’ universal free school lunch program at risk. As fewer children qualify for these programs, our schools risk losing Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) eligibility—jeopardizing free meals for all students at a time when nearly 40% of Virgin Islands households face food insecurity.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education currently manages $115.5 million in federal grants, including funding from the U.S. Department of Education for programs like the Consolidated Grant, Special Education (IDEA), and Adult Education. Nearly $29.4 million comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nutrition programs including the National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Services Program, and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program—which also support local farms and producers.
“This is about understanding what is coming and preparing our community,” Congresswoman Plaskett said. “This law affects millions of children nationwide, and the Virgin Islands will feel these cuts deeply. When funding for school meals is cut, children lose their ability to focus in the classroom. When SNAP benefits are reduced, families face impossible choices between feeding their children and paying rent. As these changes take effect, no child in the Virgin Islands should go to school hungry, and no family should face these choices alone. We must work together—parents, educators, leaders, and our community—to navigate this reality and protect our children through the challenges ahead.”
“The Virgin Islands already operates under different federal funding formulas than the states,” said Dr. Kyza Callwood, Virgin Islands Board of Education Chairman. “We have less flexibility, fewer resources, and higher costs. When Washington cuts education and nutrition funding, Virgin Islands children go hungry. When they change SNAP eligibility, Virgin Islands families lose the ability to feed themselves. We cannot and will not accept that.”
The urgency is compounded by the Trump administration’s sweeping executive actions targeting schools nationwide—launching hundreds of investigations, freezing billions in federal grants, and dismantling the Department of Education itself. Half the Department’s workforce has been fired or departed, and the Office for Civil Rights now dismisses approximately 90% of discrimination complaints without investigation—up from 49% in 2010-2011. These executive actions, combined with the enacted budget cuts, create unprecedented uncertainty for schools and families across the country.
During the meeting, Congresswoman Plaskett and the Virgin Islands Board of Education emphasized the critical importance of parents, students, educators, and community leaders staying informed, advocating boldly, and standing together to protect children and families as these changes take effect.
“This is a defining moment,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. “When parents, teachers, students, and leaders move together with purpose and clarity, we can effect change. The children of the Virgin Islands are worth that fight.”