Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)
Headline: Scott Statement on Shooting at Old Dominion University
NEWPORT NEWS, VA –Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:
“I was horrified to learn of the violent tragedy that occurred at Old Dominion University this morning. I am thankful for the first responders who were able to neutralize the shooter before they could perpetrate any further violence.
“While we are still gathering the facts of the situation, my thoughts are with the victims and their families. Everyone should feel safe in their communities and students should feel safe on campus. We must do everything we can to prevent these all-too-common tragedies of gun violence.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) led a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) urging the Administration to incorporate silicon carbide (SiC) into the implementation of America’s AI Action Plan. The letter was also signed by Representatives Pat Harrigan, David Rouzer, Chuck Edwards, and Tim Moore.
“America’s leadership in global AI development ultimately hinges on whether our nation can support the compute-intensive systems that drive innovation across science, medicine, national security, and the broader economy,”wrote Rep. Hudson in the letter.“Silicon carbide is essential to that foundation.”
The Members warned frontier AI systems are driving massive increases in electricity demand. Training and deploying advanced models requires enormous computing power, and next-generation AI data centers are rapidly moving toward 800-volt and higher power architectures that traditional silicon technologies struggle to support efficiently.
SIC Implementation would allow the United States to build more computing capacity per megawatt while reducing power losses across the AI infrastructure chain, from grid transmission to rack-level conversion inside data centers.
The Members also noted the global silicon carbide market, currently valued at roughly $3.4 billion, is projected to grow at a 15 percent annual rate through 2030, and urged OSTP to recognize SiC as a critical technology for strengthening America’s AI infrastructure and maintaining U.S. leadership in the global AI race.
“As the United States races to build the AI infrastructure of the future, energy efficiency will be just as critical as computing power. Silicon carbide is a foundational technology that can help meet the enormous power demands of next-generation AI data centers while improving efficiency and sustainability,” saidRobert Feurle, CEO of Wolfspeed .“Wolfspeed strongly supports Representative Hudson’s effort to ensure advanced materials like silicon carbide are integrated into America’s national AI strategy. Through innovations such as our 300mm silicon carbide platform, which could help expand the solution space for next-generation AI packaging architectures, we are enabling the systems that will allow AI infrastructure to scale more efficiently. We are grateful for Representative Hudson’s leadership in this space and look forward to continuing to work towards ensuring American leadership in SiC production.”
Congressman Tim Moore:“It’s clear that with the rise in AI and its integration into several aspects of our lives, from everyday uses to national defense, we must have an energy grid that supports it. Currently, this technology stands to outpace our grid capacity, putting us in a position to fall behind our adversaries. If America is going to lead in AI, we must expand the infrastructure and technology needed to power it, without sticking American families with higher energy costs.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Today, U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation to empower small businesses to offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSAs) to their employees.
TheSmall Business Dependent Care FSA Opportunity Actwould create a tax credit for small businesses to assist with the startup and administrative costs of establishing DCFSAs, making it easier for them to provide child care benefits to working families. “Small businesses are the backbone of communities across the nation, and their ability to thrive depends on attracting and retaining talented employees. Yet the startup and administrative costs make providing competitive benefits challenging. Our bipartisan bill will empower small businesses to offer DCFSAs, easing the financial burden of child care for working families while helping these businesses remain competitive in today’s hiring landscape. I am proud to lead this effort and look forward to working with my colleagues to turn this commonsense legislation into law,”said Smith.
“The tax code is an important part of a comprehensive federal effort to help families struggling with the high cost of child care. I am happy to work with my colleagues to assist the millions of employees who work for small businesses in accessing the dependent care flexible spending accounts by offsetting the program start-up costs for these small businesses. This change will work together with essential child care grants and child care tax credits to give a tax break to families to help them thrive,”said Davis.
“A key Republican priority during the 119th Congress has been serving working families and empowering small businesses. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Rep. Smith (NE) and Rep. Davis (IL). When we can get government out of the way and encourage small businesses to support their employees, we help ensure that hardworking Americans can keep their jobs while raising a family,”said Moran.“As a father of four and a former small business owner, I understand the value of making it easier for small businesses to remain competitive when hiring by offering child-care benefits. This legislation helps do exactly that by reducing the startup costs for employers who want to provide dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to their employees. That’s good for working families, and it helps small businesses attract and retain the talented workers they need to grow.”
“Relieved that we were able to bring the Gámez-Cuéllar family back home safely from the Dilley Detention Facility. They should never have been detained in the first place. Antonio and Caleb, two of the Gámez-Cuéllar children, are wonderful high school mariachi musicians who recently performed at the U.S. Capitol. Their family did everything by the book. They had passed their credible fear interview and had an outstanding asylum case — they never missed a court date or check-in.
ICE released the family to us during our Members’ visit to the facility to conduct congressional oversight. I’m glad the family is out and on their way home.
Rep. Barragán’s Statement on the US’ Attack on Iran
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement:
“Today is a sad and dangerous day for the men and women of our military and their families, as the President starts another potential war in the Middle East with Iran.
Given the severity of the President’s actions, which I believe ignores and tramples on the Constitution, the Speaker should immediately call on Congress to return to Washington to debate and vote on the matter.”
Rep. Barragán Leads Opposition to Proposed HUD Rule That Could Displace Thousands of Mixed-Status Families
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) led a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, urging the Department to withdraw its proposed rule, “Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status.” If finalized, the rule would eliminate federal housing assistance for families with mixed immigration status, threatening to displace tens of thousands of American families.
Under current law and federal regulations, HUD provides prorated housing assistance to households with eligible immigration status, based on the number of qualifying residents. Those without eligible immigration status have never received assistance. For example, in a family of four where three members are eligible, the household receives three-quarters of the assistance it would otherwise qualify for. This approach mirrors other federal benefit programs, including SNAP, that ensure only eligible individuals receive assistance.
“The Trump Administration is punishing working families and U.S. citizen children with this cruel proposal,” said Rep. Barragán. “HUD’s proration policy already protects eligible household members while denying benefits to ineligible adults. Ending it won’t make housing more affordable. It will put vulnerable families at risk of losing their homes.”
By overturning HUD’s proration policy, the Trump Administration’s proposed rule would dismantle this balanced system and force families into an impossible choice: separate their households or lose the assistance that keeps a roof over their heads. It would make entire households ineligible for assistance solely because one member lacks an eligible immigration status. The proposal would also expand documentation and verification requirements, increasing administrative burdens on public housing authorities and creating new obstacles for families seeking or maintaining assistance.
According to HUD, approximately 20,000 mixed-status households could be impacted by this proposal. Independent studies have shown that as many as 80,000 individuals could lose assistance if this rule is finalized. That number includes nearly 37,000 children, almost all of whom are U.S. citizens.
California would face some of the most significant impacts. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation estimate the state has approximately 7,190 households, accounting for 36 percent of all mixed-status households nationwide. Many of these families live in Los Angeles County, where most of the affected households include U.S. citizen children living with at least one adult who has not claimed eligibility for federal assistance.
In a state already facing severe housing shortages and skyrocketing rents, stripping assistance from thousands of legally eligible residents would further strain local housing authorities, destabilize communities, and increase the risk of homelessness among vulnerable families. For Los Angeles and other high-cost regions, where affordable housing waitlists stretch for years, the Trump Administration’s proposal would exacerbate an already dire affordability crisis.
Rep. Barragán’s letter was signed by the following 51 members of Congress: Yassamin Ansari, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Gilbert Cisneros, Yvette Clarke, J. Correa, Jasmine Crockett, Diana DeGette, Mark DeSaulnier, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Daniel Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Adelita Grijalva, Steven Horsford, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Julie Johnson, Robin Kelly, Timothy Kennedy, Raja Krishnamoorthi, John Larson, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Sam Liccardo, Ted Lieu, Stephen Lynch, Betty McCollum, Morgan McGarvey, Robert Menendez, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Norton, Jimmy Panetta, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mike Quigley, Luz Rivas, Lateefah Simon, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, Nydia Velázquez, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Only 42 percent of small business owners are optimistic about their business prospects
MERRIAM, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited K.C. Strings, the largest instrument string manufacturer in the state of Kansas, to see the company’s manufacturing operations and hear directly from the owners about their new ventures and the challenges they face due to chaotic federal policies set by the administration.
“Small businesses like K.C. Strings are part of what makes our communities strong,” said Davids. “But I’m hearing from more and more Kansas business owners who are worried about rising costs and unpredictable policies coming out of Washington. Reckless tariffs and economic uncertainty make it harder for small manufacturers to plan, hire, and grow. I’ll keep working across the aisle to support small businesses, strengthen our domestic supply chains, and make sure entrepreneurs here in Kansas have a fair shot to succeed.”
While Davids previously releasedan updated report on the state of Kansas’ small business ecosystem that found strong entrepreneurial growth in Kansas’ Third District — including more than 10,700 new business applications in 2023 — many small businesses now report they are struggling. Rising costs and reckless tariffs are forcingsmall businesses to raise prices, delay expansion, and cut jobs.
In November 2025 alone, businesses with fewer than 50 employees laid off 120,000 workers — the largest monthly total for small businesses in five years. Recent reports also show half of small business owners have raised prices, one-fifth have delayed expansion plans, and 74 percent are concerned about surviving the next 12 months.
“We have a unique business here which also happens to be one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest,” said Jim Upton, General Manager, K.C. Strings. “We’re also looking for opportunities to expand our operation, perhaps using 3D printing. We are very proud of what we do here and are glad for Rep. Davids to see what we’re up to.”
During her time in Congress, Davids has worked across the aisle to support small businesses. As a former member of the House Small Business Committee, she called for strong oversightof pandemic relief programs to prevent fraud and focused on strengthening domestic supply chainsto support small- and medium-sized manufacturers. She has also prioritized efforts to reduce excessive paperwork for small businesses and support individual workers, including veterans, women, and people in recovery.
She has also pushed back on reckless tariffs. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer that are being hit hard by these unstable policies and hosted a press conference on her efforts to push back on tariffs that are raising prices for hardworking families.
Operating since 1992, K.C. Stringshas been building and selling violins, violas, cellos, and basses worldwide. In the past year, they have expanded into the manufacturing and sale of fretted instruments, including guitars, banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
“I’m proud to deliver these federal dollars to improve Broward’s marine industry and bring more jobs and business opportunities to South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll always work to invest in local infrastructure to prevent contamination, preserves marine ecosystems, and keep our canals and coastal waters healthy.”
Dania Beach, FL – This week, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Dania Beach Commissioners to announce a $1 million federal investment to improve the city’s wastewater system and strengthen the community’s marine and boat industries.
This investment will replace and modernize Lift Station No.12 to improve wastewater flow and reduce risk of backups and systems failures.
“I’m proud to deliver these federal dollars to improve Broward’s marine industry and bring more jobs and business opportunities to South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll always work to invest in local infrastructure to prevent contamination, preserves marine ecosystems, and keep our canals and coastal waters healthy.”
Wastewater lift stations are specialized, underground pumping systems designed to lift sewage from lower to higher elevations. Dania Beach’s Lift Station 12 was constructed in 1986, making it one of the older lift stations around, it faces electrical issues and shuts off during storms. This project will ensure the infrastructure can handle current demands while preparing for future growth, protect our waterways, and keep hundreds of Floridians employed.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced his Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, legislation that strengthens penalties for childcare providers who defraud the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The introduction of this legislation follows recent shocking revelations of widespread fraud occurring within Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs, which was primarily perpetrated by Somali fraudsters.
Of his legislation, Stauber stated, “Taxpayers in Minnesota and across the country deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are supporting legitimate services and not lining the pockets of Somali fraudsters. My bill imposes tough penalties for those who exploit our public programs, including serious immigration consequences for non-citizens. For too long, Tim Walz and Keith Ellison failed to act, and credible reports suggest their offices may have even enabled these criminals. When state leaders won’t do their jobs, the federal government must step in to provide commonsense reforms that protect our programs and hold violators accountable, and this bill does just that.”
Key provisions of the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act include:
Permanent debarment: Mandates a lifetime ban from all federally funded childcare assistance programs for any provider convicted of fraud.
Full restitution: Requires state reimbursement to the Department of Health and Human Services for fraudulently obtained funds.
Federal referral for criminal investigation: Directs automatic referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution and further scrutiny.
Immigration accountability: For non-citizen providers convicted of fraud or involved in terrorism-related activity, this legislation establishes grounds for inadmissibility or deportation and bars asylum or adjustment of status.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45), local elected officials and community representatives from veteran service organizations for a roundtable discussion and press conference about how House Democrats are standing up for veterans.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor and a privilege to be here in Orange County with Congressman Derek Tran. I’m so thankful for his leadership, for his commitment to the people of the communities that he is privileged to represent. Of course, for his service to the nation as an Army veteran and now his service to the nation and to the state of California and to these communities as a distinguished Member of the House of Representatives.
It’s an honor and privilege to be here with so many other distinguished colleagues in government, as well as leaders of the veterans community here in Orange County and it was wonderful to participate in the roundtable with them to learn firsthand about the issues of importance to veterans here in Orange County and it is our highest responsibility and our highest commitment as Members of Congress to always ensure that we are standing up to protect the dignity and respect of the veterans who have served America. And we were able to reiterate that commitment here at our roundtable today, including as it relates to making sure we see to completion the establishment of the first veterans cemetery here in Orange County. We will partner together to get that done.
Congressman Tran indicated, these are also very challenging and perilous times. Veterans in America have been under assault from the Trump administration from day one, where thousands of veterans who worked for our federal government after serving the country in uniform were unceremoniously fired, having their livelihoods ripped away from them. Shame on the administration for engaging in that type of egregious behavior while at the same time pretending as though they’re standing up to cherish our veterans.
And now, unfortunately, as I travel the country, hearing from veterans who feel betrayed by an administration where Candidate Trump promised not to get the country in another endless and deadly conflict in the Middle East, only to get the country involved in a potentially endless and already deadly conflict—war of choice—in the Middle East. We believe that taxpayer dollars should be spent to make life more affordable for the people of Orange County, for the veterans and for everyday Americans, as opposed to billions of dollars somehow to drop bombs in the Middle East, but the administration can’t find a dime to make healthcare more affordable, a dime to make housing more affordable or a dime to lower the cost of the grocery bills that everyday Americans confront when they go to the supermarket.
Our commitment will continue to be—and I’m so thankful for Congressman Tran’s leadership in this regard—We’re going to fight hard to lower the high cost of living. We’re going to fight hard to fix our broken healthcare system. And we’re going to fight to protect and cherish our veterans, not disrespect them, and to ensure that veterans are able to receive their hard-earned benefits. These aren’t entitlement programs. These are hard-earned benefits that we want to ensure can continue to be delivered and are not cut and that the veterans of Orange County, the veterans of America are always treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.