Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) led 20 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in response to recent reports concerning the treatment of individuals with disabilities who have interacted with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Individuals with disabilities are legally entitled to accommodations that meet their specific needs, including those detained by ICE. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ICE is required to provide such accommodations and is prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities in federally funded programs and activities.

“Individuals with disabilities require and are, by law, entitled to accommodations that meet their specific needs. This includes those detained by ICE, given that ICE is bound by statute to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and are prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding,” the lawmakers write. “This effectively means that detainees in federal, state, and private detention facilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to avoid disability discrimination. ICE guidance materials reflect this understanding of the law.1 Further, ICE has a Disability Access Plan developed in August 2020 that should be followed to ensure compliance with this law.2 Moreover, the most up-to-date version of the ICE National Detention Standards, as of 2025, also affirms the rights under the law.”

“Barriers that disabled immigrants face in the immigration system are longstanding and did not appear with the arrival of the Trump Administration. According to both experts and current and former employees at the Department of Homeland Security, the immigration system was already a potentially dangerous place for detainees with disabilities,” the lawmakers continue. “However, as the Administration has aggressively pursued immigration enforcement, they have simultaneously gutted the offices that were in place to safeguard against violations of detainees’ rights, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO). Since January, staffing for CRCL has dropped by 85% and staffing for OID dropped by 91%.”

“These incidents are deeply troubling and speak to the need for an increased understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as enforcement of the standards that immigration officials are required to follow by law,” the lawmakers conclude. “It is not only possible but is essential that all law enforcement actions are taken within the bounds of what is allowed by federal law.”

Read the full text of the letter here.

The letter is signed by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mark Pocan, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, Madeleine Dean, Dina Titus, Frederica S. Wilson, Lateefah Simon, Pramila Jayapal, Darren Soto, Seth Moulton, Jasmine Crockett, Mark DeSaulnier, Rashida Tlaib, April McClain Delaney, Andrea Salinas, Summer L. Lee, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Jan Schakowsky, and Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) announced today that she secured more than $11.7 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 through the government funding packages finalized by Congress this week and signed into law last night.

The congresswoman secured funding for all 15 community projects that she requested to directly benefit her constituents and enhance the overall quality of life in her district.

“I fought hard to secure funding for all 15 of my requested community projects because our communities deserve real results,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “This funding will bring safer drinking water, better transportation and infrastructure, stronger public safety, and meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of working families across our district.”

Congresswoman Sánchez secured:

• $850,000 for Foothill Transit’s Zero Emissions Bus Program. The funding will be used to help replace retirement-eligible compressed natural gas buses with zero-emission buses.
   
• $250,000 for Water Treatment Plant-North in Downey. The funding will be used to address PFAS contamination concerns by constructing a new water treatment plant in North Downey. 
   
• $1.09 million for the Foothill Zone Consolidation Water Project in La Habra. The funding will be used to enhance the reliability and sustainability of water supply by consolidating and upgrading aging water systems in the Foothill Zone, which serves a significant portion of La Habra.
   
• $250,000 for The Park and Gymnasium improvements in La Habra Heights. The Park and Gymnasium improvement project includes nine specific areas of improvement strategically selected to extend the useful life of La Habra’s primary public recreation facility. 
   
• $1.5 million for Neff Park in La Mirada. The funding will be used for grading, placement of a natural drainage swale and landscaping improvements to address surface flooding that has occurred following even moderate rainstorms.
   
• $1 million for the Montebello Fire Department’s Brush Fire Station. The proposed station will improve emergency response times, provide targeted protection to neighborhoods at high risk for wildfires, and increase the City’s overall capacity to respond to natural disasters and emergencies.
   
• $1.4 million for the Montebello Police Department to upgrade its radio communications. This funding will help modernize and enhance the department’s public safety radio communications, ensuring that the department remains equipped with the latest technology to meet the growing demands of law enforcement operations.
   
• $500,000 for the Holifield Park Parking Lot in Norwalk. The funding will be used to construct a new parking lot with 74 parking stalls south of Holifield Park, including fencing, concrete walkway, landscape and driveway approach improvements.
   
• $850,000 for the Durfee Avenue Community Center in Pico Rivera. The funding will support the design and construction of the Durfee Avenue Community Center, which will rehabilitate a vacant and blighted former Veterans of Foreign Wars building into a vibrant community center.
   
• $1.2 million for Suzanne Park in Walnut. The funding will be used to update Suzanne Park. The project will focus on four main areas of improvement, including accessibility, horse arena renovation, parking lot expansion, and softball field updates. 
   
• $250,000 for Whittier Broadband Connectivity Project. The funding will be used to lay down 3,881 linear feet of robust fiber optic network from Whittier City Hall to Uptown Whittier to address current deficiencies in broadband accessibility, reliability, and speed.
   
• $850,000 for River Parcel Passive Park in Santa Fe Springs. The funding will be used to transform 2.75 acres of vacant, city-owned land into a vibrant, multi-use recreational hub that meets the growing need for green space in Southeast Los Angeles County.
   
• $250,000 for Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Works for Advanced Traffic Controllers for Multimodal Experience at the Future L Line Norwalk and Lambert Stations Areas. The project will replace outdated traffic signals on major corridors and optimize the use of smart traffic signals to improve traffic signal communications to the county’s Traffic Management Center.
   
• $1.03 million for Rio Hondo Community College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit. The funding will support a Public Safety Scenario Training Unit at Rio Hondo Community College. The equipment funded by this project would ensure that law enforcement officers are well-prepared to handle complex and high-pressure situations with essential skills in de-escalation, tactical response and decision making.
   
• $850,000 for the Walnut Valley Water District‘s Emergency Operations Center and Cybersecurity Resilience Project. The funding will be used for equipment for the water district’s new Emergency Operations Center, which provides water service to nearly 100,000 residents and businesses.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that more than $11 million in Community Project Funding he secured for Georgia’s 4th District is in the final FY2026 spending bills approved by Congress and signed into law by the president this week. The funding will directly address some of the most pressing needs across the district, which encompasses most of DeKalb County and parts of Gwinnett County. Cities within the Fourth District include Stonecrest, Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Clarkston, Tucker, Doraville, Chamblee and Dunwoody in DeKalb County and Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and Duluth in Gwinnett County. 

“Taking care of home first has always been my mantra while serving the people of Georgia’s Fourth District,” Rep. Johnson said. “The more than $11 million in Community Project Funding will provide a much-needed boost to Georgia’s 4th District. These investments improve our infrastructure, grow our economy, and improve our greenspace, which makes a real difference in the lives of so many in our community. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, and stronger.”

Rep. Johnson championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit Georgia’s 4th District residents. These include:

• $560,000 to DeKalb County for water storage tank fill valve replacements.
• $1,000,000 to the City of Doraville to make realignment improvements to Chestnut Drive.
• $850,000 to DeKalb County Parks and Recreation improvements to Wade Walker Park.
• $1,985,160 to DeKalb County Parks and Recreation for the construction of soccer fields at Avondale Dunaire Park for future tournaments.
• $1,200,000 to DeKalb County Parks and Recreation for the construction of a new park – Rowland Park – in unincorporated DeKalb with gardens, walking trails and fitness stations.
• $350,000 to DeKalb County Parks and Recreation for Arabia Mountain bridge improvements.
• $250,000 to DeKalb County Parks and Recreation for County Line Park Improvements Phase II.
• $726,625 for DeKalb County government’s Lithonia Booster Pump Station backup power supply to ensure reliable water service during grid disruptions.
• $850,000 to the City of Tucker for the creation of a multi-use path linking existing trails along Hugh Howell Road with the future South Fork Peachtree Creek Greenway Trail.
• $250,000 to DeKalb County government for a center for children impacted by domestic violence.
• $400,000 for MARTA to enhance the safety and security of rail and bus facilities.
• $1,000,000 for the City of Stone Mountain for improvements to Medlock Park.
• $560,000 to the City of Brookhaven for Phase II of the Ashford Forest Preserve project.
• $300,000 to Wellroot Family Services for Reaching Teens Georgia to train local law enforcement, first responders, judges, courts, probation officers, and public defenders in identifying and responding to teens experiencing trauma.
• $850,000 to Gwinnett County government for the Loop Trail project to improve connectivity between key community destinations, including residential, commercial, recreational, and transit areas.

A full summary of the projects can be found on Congressman Johnson’s website here. 

HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“These federal investments will have a meaningful and lasting impact on DeKalb County,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “From critical water infrastructure and public safety improvements to expanded parks and recreational spaces, this funding supports quality of life, economic vitality, and community well-being. We are grateful to Congressman Johnson for his continued advocacy and partnership on behalf of DeKalb residents.”

“These investments reflect what’s possible when local priorities and federal partnership align,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “The Loop Trail project will strengthen connectivity across our communities, making it easier for residents to move between where they live, work, and gather. I’m grateful to Congressman Johnson for advocating for funding that delivers real, on-the-ground benefits for Gwinnett families.”

“MARTA appreciates the continued support and efforts of Congressman Johnson to improve transit infrastructure and enhance safety of the system,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. “This funding allows MARTA to implement vital security measures to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access at our bus and rail facilities, safeguarding customers and employees, and contributing to the long term sustainability of our operations.”

“This funding reflects the power of strong partnerships and shared priorities,” said Tucker Mayor Anne Lerner. “We’re grateful to Mayor Pro Tem Virginia Rece for championing this effort and for Representative Johnson for securing federal support that helps Tucker advance our trail system and strengthens regional connectivity. Working together across all levels of government allows us to deliver real, lasting improvements for our residents.”

“This funding brings to life our vision for Ashford Forest Preserve, which is to ensure this protected Old Growth Forest remains accessible and welcoming to everyone,” Brookhaven Mayor John Park said. “From ADA parking to accessible restrooms and trails, Phase II represents an important step in opening this preserve to all. The City of Brookhaven is deeply grateful to Congressman Johnson for securing these funds and his continued partnership and leadership in investing in inclusive, community-centered greenspace.” 

“The realignment of Chestnut Drive is a transformative safety priority that will finally bridge the gap between our historic neighborhoods and Doraville’s emerging downtown,” said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman. “I am grateful to Congressman Johnson for securing this $1 million investment, which will replace a dangerous crossing with a safe, signalized gateway to the MARTA station and the entire region.”
 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Convened Haitian TPS Holders, Advocates, Community Leaders in Field Hearing Sounding Alarm on Danger of Haiti TPS Termination

Following Ruling Delaying Trump Attempt to Terminate Haiti TPS, Pressley Urges TPS Extension through Discharge Petition

Field Hearing Footage | Field Hearing Photos

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus, entered into the Congressional Record the testimony of Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, advocates, and community leaders who sounded the alarm on the harm of TPS termination at the field hearing she convened in Massachusetts last month. Under this official documentation, the full field hearing is permanently recorded in legislative history.

Additionally, Rep. Pressley continues to push for a long-term extension for TPS for Haitians. Last month, Rep. Pressley announced a discharge petition that could compel the House vote on a bill to require the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years. The discharge petition continues to gain support and will need 218 signatures in the House to move forward.

“The field hearing I convened in my district proved what we’ve always known: that truth-telling is critical, and our Haitian siblings are integral to our communities,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “Every step to protect our Haitian neighbors is essential—convening in community to uplift their voices, documenting their stories in history, and pushing this discharge petition to extend necessary protections. While the judge’s rejection of Trump’s lawless, baseless termination attempt is a vital step, we’ll continue to use every tool available to protect our Haitian families.”

Footage from the hearing is available here and photos here.

This week, Rep. Pressley applauded a federal judge’s ruling to temporarily block Trump’s move to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. Ending TPS for Haitians would leave over 350,000 Haitian nationals at risk of deportation, many of whom reside in the Massachusetts 7th congressional district.

Rep. Pressley also organized a press conference in D.C. last month to sound the alarm on the harm of terminating TPS for Haiti on seniors and the U.S. care economy.

As Representative for the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, Congresswoman Pressley serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country.

• On June 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley condemned the Trump Administration’s abominable termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
• On June 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) condemned Donald Trump’s executive order that bans citizens of 12 countries, including Haiti, from traveling to the United States, and places partial restrictions on citizens of seven more nations.
• On March 18, 2025, Rep. Pressley, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 62 of their colleagues in the House and 23 of their colleagues in the Senate in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding the Trump Administration redesignate and extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, which the administration recently canceled on questionable legal authority:
• On February 20, 2025, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
• On November 14, 2024, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs issued a statement condemning violence in Haiti and calling on the Biden Administration to halt all deportations to Haiti.
• On September 25, 2024, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs issued a statement condemning the false and dangerous lies about Haitian, Latino, and Asian immigrants.
• On September 20, 2024, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs joined colleagues and advocates at a press conference to stand in solidarity with Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio and across America, and to demand accountability for the harmful and false narratives perpetuated by Republicans.
• On June 28, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden-Harris Administration’s extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). 
• On April 23, 2024, Rep. Pressley, alongside Co-Chairs Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), led a group of 50 lawmakers urging the Biden Administration to redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), pause on deportations back to Haiti, extend humanitarian parole to any Haitians currently detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s detention centers, end detention of Haitian migrants intercepted at sea, and provide additional humanitarian assistance for Haiti.
• On April 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs led a letter to House Ways and Means Committee leadership emphasizing support for the early renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts, commonly known as HOPE/HELP. 
• On April 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Haitian-led activists, organizations, and a directly impacted person in Haiti for a press call urging federal action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
• On March 27, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and her colleagues on the Massachusetts congressional delegation in urging the Biden Administration to expedite visa processing for Haitians, particularly  for relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
• On March 18, Rep. Pressley, Senator Markey, and the House Haiti Caucus led 67 lawmakers on a letter urging the Biden Administration to extend TPS for Haiti and halt deportations.
• On March 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Cherfilus McCormick and Yvette Clarke issued a statement on the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
• On March 6, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the recent jailbreak and State of Emergency in Haiti.
• On December 8, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke urged the U.S. Department of State to withdraw U.S. support for an armed foreign intervention in Haiti and encourage negotiations for a Haitian-led democratic political transition.
• On December 6, 2022, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s extension and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
• On December 1, 2022, Rep. Pressley, Rep. Cori Bush, and Rep. Mondaire Jones led 14 of their colleagues on a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Department to extend and redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
• In September 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Velázquez led 54 of their colleagues on a letter calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and provide humanitarian parole protections for those seeking asylum. The lawmakers’ letter followed the Administration’s resumption of deportation flights to Haiti as thousands of Haitian migrants continue to await an opportunity to make an asylum claim at the border. 
• In September 2022, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues on the House Oversight Committee in demanding answers regarding the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback and pushing to Biden Administration to end the ongoing use and weaponization of Title 42.
• On August 17, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings, Yvette Clarke, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), called on President Biden to appoint a new Special Envoy to Haiti, a position that has remained unfilled since September 2021.
• On July 7, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Andy Levin (MI-09), Val Demings (FL-10) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
• On May 31, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Reverend Dieufort Fleurissaint, chair of Haitian Americans United, published an op-ed in the Bay State Banner in which they called on the Biden administration to withdraw support for de facto ruler of Haiti, Ariel Henry, and instead support an inclusive, civil society-led process to restore stability and democracy on the island. 
• In April 2022, she joined her colleagues at a press conference reaffirming her support for President Biden’s decision to end Title 42. Full video of her remarks at the press conference is available here. Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden Administration’s end of Title 42 in a statement in April 2022.
• On May 26, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Andy Levin (MI-09), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), led a letter to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Power urging her to act to ensure food security in Haiti.
• On March 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Mondaire Jones called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky to fully end Title 42, cease deportations of people to Haiti and affirm their legal and fundamental human right to seek asylum.
• On February 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley joined Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 100 House and Senate colleagues in urging President Biden to reverse inhumane immigration policies – such as Title 42, originally introduced under the Trump Administration – that continue to disproportionately harm Black migrants.
• On February 14, 2022, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more.
• On February 14, 2022, Reps. Pressley, Judy Chu (CA-27), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to CDC Director Walensky demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more. Days later, Rep. Pressley once again called on the Biden Administration to reverse the Title 42 Order and other anti-Black immigration policies.
• On January 12, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09), and Val Demings (FL-10) released a statement on the 12-year anniversary of the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.
• On November 21, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren led the Massachusetts congressional delegation on a letter to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) calling on them to coordinate with the government agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to assist newly arrived families from Haiti. 
• On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley, and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings (FL-10), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Andy Levin (MI-09) issued a statement following the kidnapping of American and Canadian missionaries in Haiti.
• On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the civil rights complaint filed by Haitian families demanding a federal investigation into the heinous actions perpetrated by federal officials at the border.
• On October 22, 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), sent a letter to Troy A. Miller, the Acting Administrator of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), demanding a briefing and answers regarding press reports of the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback. 
• On September 17, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) led 52 of their colleagues calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and take urgent action to address the concerns of the Haitian Diaspora after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti.
• On August 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) released a statement regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti.
• On July 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling on him to take a series of steps to support the Haitian diaspora amid ongoing political turmoil in Haiti.
• In July 2021, the Reps. Pressley, Clarke, Demings and Levin issued a statement condemning the assassination of President Moïse and calling for swift and decisive action to bring political stability and peace to Haiti and the Haitian people.
• In May 2021, on Haitian Flag Day, Reps. Pressley, Levin, Clarke and Demings announced the formation of the House Haiti Caucus, a Congressional caucus dedicated to pursuing a just foreign policy that puts the needs and aspirations of the Haitian people first.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Congressman Jimmy Patronis introduced the Save for Success Act, legislation designed to help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership by allowing distributions from qualified tuition programs to be used for qualified housing expenses.

“For countless Americans, the goal of buying a first home has become increasingly out of reach even for those who have worked hard and played by the rules,”said Congressman Bilirakis. “Families are budgeting carefully, saving responsibly, and planning for their future, yet rising costs continue to put homeownership beyond their grasp. The Save for Success Act provides a practical solution by giving first-time buyers greater access to the savings they have already earned and set aside. Owning a home offers more than shelter-it provides stability, pride, and a lasting connection to a community. This legislation is about expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and ensuring the American Dream remains attainable for the next generation.”

“For too many young families, saving for a first home feels further out of reach every year,” said Congressman Patronis. “The Save for Success Act makes it more affordable for first-time homebuyers to purchase their first home by giving them greater flexibility to use the savings they have already set aside. Homeownership does not just benefit families, it strengthens our communities because when people have a stake in their neighborhood, they care more about schools, public safety, and local infrastructure. It is time to give our younger generations the opportunity to live the American Dream and build stronger, more vibrant communities.”

The Save for Success Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include “qualified housing expenses” as eligible costs for distributions from qualified tuition programs. These expenses would include costs paid by a first-time homebuyer to purchase a principal residence, such as closing costs and mortgage payments.  Under the legislation, a first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual who, along with their spouse if married, did not own a principal residence at any time during the three-year period preceding the purchase. The terms “principal residence” and “purchase” follow existing federal tax definitions. The proposed changes would apply to eligible distributions made after December 31, 2026.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), and Julia Brownley (CA-26) today led 20 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in response to recent reports concerning the treatment of individuals with disabilities who have interacted with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Individuals with disabilities are legally entitled to accommodations that meet their specific needs, including those detained by ICE. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ICE is required to provide such accommodations and is prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities in federally funded programs and activities.

“Individuals with disabilities require and are, by law, entitled to accommodations that meet their specific needs. This includes those detained by ICE, given that ICE is bound by statute to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and are prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding,” the lawmakers write.“This effectively means that detainees in federal, state, and private detention facilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to avoid disability discrimination. ICE guidance materials reflect this understanding of the law.1 Further, ICE has a Disability Access Plan developed in August 2020 that should be followed to ensure compliance with this law.2 Moreover, the most up-to-date version of the ICE National Detention Standards, as of 2025, also affirms the rights under the law.”

“Barriers that disabled immigrants face in the immigration system are longstanding and did not appear with the arrival of the Trump Administration. According to both experts and current and former employees at the Department of Homeland Security, the immigration system was already a potentially dangerous place for detainees with disabilities,” the lawmakers continue. “However, as the Administration has aggressively pursued immigration enforcement, they have simultaneously gutted the offices that were in place to safeguard against violations of detainees’ rights, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO). Since January, staffing for CRCL has dropped by 85% and staffing for OID dropped by 91%.”

“These incidents are deeply troubling and speak to the need for an increased understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as enforcement of the standards that immigration officials are required to follow by law,” the lawmakers conclude. “It is not only possible but is essential that all law enforcement actions are taken within the bounds of what is allowed by federal law.”

Read the full text of the letter here.

The letter is signed by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mark Pocan, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, Madeleine Dean, Dina Titus, Frederica S. Wilson, Lateefah Simon, Pramila Jayapal, Darren Soto, Seth Moulton, Jasmine Crockett, Mark DeSaulnier, Rashida Tlaib, April McClain Delaney, Andrea Salinas, Summer L. Lee, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Jan Schakowsky, and Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Congressman John James (MI-10) today introduced a resolution to recognize February 4th as “National Cancer Prevention Day.” Dingell and James serve as Co-Chairs of the Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus, which aims to educate policymakers about best practices for cancer prevention.

The resolution recognizes the devastating effect cancer has on families and the importance of expanding knowledge, encouraging early detection, and working with experts in the medical and scientific fields to put an end to this deadly disease.

“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and nearly every family has been touched by cancer in some way, but not enough people know many kinds of cancers can be prevented,” Dingell said. “Through research and our own individual actions, we can prevent cancer and save lives. The goal of National Cancer Prevention Day is to educate ourselves and our neighbors about efforts we can all take to reduce the prevalence of cancer in our communities.”

“Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer, or knows someone who has,” said James. “I’m proud to continue raising awareness for cancer prevention alongside Rep. Dingell. We cannot allow cancer to keep devastating families across our country. Raising awareness and prevention saves lives, and it’s essential to the health of our nation.”

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 2.1 million new cancer cases diagnosed and more than 626,000 cancer deaths in the United States this year.

View the full text of the resolution here.

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

Tianeptine exposures have skyrocketed by more than 6,500% over nine years, rising from just 6 cases in 2014 to nearly 400 in 2023

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Starting today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul — chairman of the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group (IPG) — is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) to Mexico to meet with Mexican lawmakers and other government officials.

The bipartisan delegation includes IPG Ranking Member Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Dan Meuser (R-Penn.), and Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas).

“As the administration rightly renews the United States’ attention on the Western Hemisphere, I’m proud to lead this bipartisan group to Mexico to strengthen our shared security efforts and boost regional stability,” said Chairman McCaul. “Mexico and the United States are connected not only by our southern border, but also by mutual security challenges and shared economic interests. While in Mexico, our delegation will collaborate with crucial partners, including our counterparts in parliament, on ways to strengthen areas of cooperation — from agriculture to counter-narcotic efforts. Additionally, as chairman of the Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events, I look forward to discussing how we can bolster cooperation between our law enforcement entities to help ensure the World Cup is safe and successful.”

“Our relationship with Mexico is one of the most important partnerships the United States has, and it demands constant, serious engagement,” said Ranking Member Cuellar. “That work must be done in a bipartisan way, and I appreciate Chairman McCaul’s leadership in bringing members from both parties together to focus on solutions. From keeping the New World screwworm out of the United States and protecting American agriculture, to strengthening USMCA so it delivers the best possible deal for American workers, to expanding bridge infrastructure that sustains border economies, these are practical challenges that require cooperation. We must also ensure Mexico meets its water treaty obligations to Texas, because water security is our economic security and our national security. I look forward to productive conversations with our Mexican counterparts as we work to strengthen cooperation and deliver results for our communities.”

The Mexico-U.S. IPG has been held regularly since 1961 to bring together legislators from both countries to discuss priority issues and identify ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. While in Mexico, the delegation will address key issues facing our two countries, including counter-narcotic efforts, immigration challenges, water resources for Texas, and security at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

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