Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

SCHNEIDER SECURES NEARLY $12.5 MILLION FOR COMMMUNITY PROJECTS IN COOK, LAKE, AND MCHENRY COUNTIES

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced today he has secured nearly $12.5 million in federal funding for fifteen community projects across Cook, Lake, and McHenry counties for the upcoming fiscal year. The funding was secured through several bipartisan appropriations packages that were negotiated and passed through the US House and Senate and have now been signed into law. Since taking office, Schneider has secured more than $100 million in funding for Illinois’s 10^th Congressional District through Community Project Funding requests, a process that allows Members of Congress to annually request federal funding for local projects. 

“I am proud to partner with wonderful local leaders who serve our communities as we advance opportunities to make a real difference for our shared constituents. That’s why I could not be prouder to have successfully secured more than $12 million in federal funds for fifteen important initiatives that will improve the lives and wellbeing of folks all across our community,” said Schneider. “These funds will go toward improving public safety, replacing lead service lines and aging water mains, restoring lake shores and wetlands, and much more. From Round Lake to Wilmette, North Chicago to Antioch, and Waukegan to Highland Park, communities from every corner of IL-10 will benefit from these crucial investments. I’m looking forward to visiting every one of them.” 

Schneider will kick off a tour of the funded projects, beginning at George B. Prindle Water Treatment Plant Intake Improvements in Highland Park, on Thursday afternoon.

A summary of the projects that have received funding, along with the funds awarded, is available below: 

1. Lake County Community Violence Intervention Project – $1,000,000

Project Description: Implements a community violence intervention program and expands services for victims and survivors to improve public safety and support affected residents. 

2. Round Lake Beach Police Communications Modernization – $240,000

Project Description: Equips patrol squads and detectives with new mobile data terminals to enhance field communications and access to critical information. 

3. North Chicago Police Radio Communications Modernization – $447,000

Project Description: Upgrades police radio communications to improve interoperability with surrounding agencies and strengthen emergency response capabilities. 

4. Antioch Township Sanitary Sewer Improvements – $1,092,000

Project Description: Modernizes and improves the sanitary sewer system in Antioch Township to ensure reliability and environmental protection. 

5. Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility – $1,092,000

Project Description: Supports upgrades to compressor and blower systems in Fox Lake through the installation of modern, high-efficiency blowers to improve facility performance. 

6. Spring Grove Wastewater Treatment Plant – $1,092,000

Project Description: Constructs a new wastewater treatment facility to support affordable housing growth and economic development, including job creation tied to the expansion of Scot Forge. 

7. Shoreline Restoration at Big and Little Bear Lakes – $1,092,000

Project Description: Stabilizes eroding shorelines, improves stormwater filtration, and enhances wildlife habitats around Big and Little Bear Lakes. 

8. George B. Prindle Water Treatment Plant Intake Improvements – $1,092,000

Project Description: Extends the primary water intake, constructs a new shore-well, and improves filtration and debris control systems to strengthen water infrastructure. 

9. North Chicago Lead Service Line and Water Main Replacement – $1,092,000

Project Description: Replaces lead service lines and aging water mains to ensure residents have access to clean, safe drinking water. 

10. Village of Wilmette Lead Service Line Replacements – $1,092,000

Project Description: Supports the replacement of lead service lines in residential areas to protect public health and drinking water safety. 

11. Improving Natural Resources at Gander Mountain Forest Preserve – $1,000,000

Project Description: The Lake County Forest Preserve District is seeking funding to restore 250 acres of native habitat at Gander Mountain Forest Preserve in northeast Lake County. 

12. Silver Creek Habitat Restoration and Flood Reduction Project – $300,000

Project Description: to restore wetland and prairie habitats along Silver Creek through brush removal, streambank planting, and floodplain enhancement. 

   13. Antioch Downtown Improvement- Lake and Main – $580,694

Project Description: funding for this project would establish safe and accessible pedestrian routes from Orchard and Main and Lake and Main, to the Main Street corridor.

14. Lakeside Tower Rehabilitation – $1,000,000

Project Description: to rehabilitate Lakeside Tower, a 150-unit affordable multifamily building in Waukegan. 

15. Waukegan Park District Adaptive Recreation Project at Roosevelt Park – $250,000

Project Description: to build an inclusive, adaptive recreation space at Roosevelt Park for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

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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 Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Support New Organic Producers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Meeting Demand for Organic Produce Act to allow for a test-out alternative to the three-year transition period for new organic producers who prove no prohibited substances are present in the growing space.  

“Farmers looking to move to organic production are often strained by the regulatory burden of the three-year transition rule,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This practice is outdated, and allowing producers to test out of the transition period allows high quality, certified organic products to hit store shelves faster while upholding the standard consumers expect. This will also help meet the growing demand for organics, provide stability for farm operations, and lower the costs of these products for those who enjoy them.” 

This legislation is supported by the Organic Produce Association. 

Theojary Crisantes, Chairman, Organic Produce Association, said, “The Organic Produce Association applauds the introduction of this legislation which would help farmers seeking to transition to organic agriculture by establishing a voluntary test-out option for the organic three-year transition period. We commend Representative Newhouse for his continued leadership and support of organics by advancing policies that support innovation and growth in the industry. This legislation upholds USDA’s gold-standard requirements for the organic seal, supports producers and helps ensure we continue to have a strong and reliable supply of certified organic products to meet rising consumer demand.” 

This legislation allows farmers an option to test their soil or growing medium with a testing method approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. If testing proves there are no prohibited substances in their soil or growing medium, farmers are allowed to continue the organic certification process immediately, eliminating the arbitrary three-year transition process. Producers will still be required to meet all other organic certification requirements.

Background 

The three-year organic transition period refers to the period during which a farm or agricultural operation transitions from conventional to organic farming practices. Throughout these three years, the farm must adhere to organic farming methods without using prohibited synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. During this period, the land is treated as if it were already organic, but the certification is granted only after successfully completing the transition and meeting all organic standards.

The organic three-year transition period was put in place to ensure that farms undergoing a shift from conventional to organic practices have sufficient time to meet the organic standards set by regulatory bodies, specifically to ensure that any residual synthetic substances used in conventional farming are eliminated from the soil during those three years. However, since its enactment in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990, the agriculture and organic industry has changed substantially, in regard to innovation, production, and sustainability. Many of the harsh chemicals that once were used in the 1990’s are no longer being used, and the three-year period is an arbitrary number with little scientific backing. 

For many organic farmers, waiting three years is not financially feasible, especially if the soil or growing medium has never been introduced to prohibited substances. With the technology we have today, farmers should have an option to opt out of the three-year transition period, if they meet all other organic certification qualifications. This legislation will provide that option to all producers.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON –Today, Congressman Kustoff announced new federal funding for 11 separate projects in West Tennessee. These funds were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations package that President Trump signed into law.

“As a Member of Congress, I am proud to work on appropriations bills to ensure that federal resources are returned to our communities for valuable and worthwhile projects,” said Congressman David Kustoff. “These new investments will support critical projects throughout West Tennessee, including campus security enhancements, flood control systems, and improvements to transportation infrastructure. I am pleased to help bring this funding home so our region can continue to grow and thrive.”

The following community funding requests secured by Congressman Kustoff’s office are included in the appropriations package:

● University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Security Improvements (University of Tennessee at Martin, TN). Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $938,000

● Army Corps of Engineers Civil Construction, Section 219 Project (Tipton, Haywood, and Fayette Counties, TN). Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $9,500,000

● Tennessee Riverbank Stabilization, West TN River Basin Authority. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $2,500,000

● Sewer Equalization Tank Installation (City of Bartlett, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $1,000,000

● Sewer System Upgrade (City of Selmer, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $750,000

● Water and Wastewater Extension Project (Jackson Energy Authority, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $750,000

● Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion (Town of Arlington, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $1,000,000

● Water Main Replacement Project (City of Henderson, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $750,000

● I-69 Troy Bypass North and South (Tennessee Department of Transportation). Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $5,000,000

● Memphis Airport Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, TN). Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: Rep. David Kustoff, $4,000,000; Rep. Steve Cohen, $250,0000. Total: $4,250,000.

● Lambuth Campus Upgrades (University of Memphis, TN). Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $1,250,000

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) reintroduced her bipartisan Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, legislation to strengthen the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) and expand support for Native entrepreneurs. The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support in 2024 and advanced out of committee in the Senate in 2023, underscoring growing momentum to get it across the finish line.

Davids, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, is one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. To introduce this bipartisan legislation, she was joined by Representatives Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03).

“Our economy is stronger when small businesses can succeed — and in tribal communities, Native-owned businesses are often the backbone of local economies,” said Davids. “For too long, Native entrepreneurs have faced unnecessary barriers to accessing the tools and resources they need to grow, create jobs, and compete. This bipartisan bill strengthens dedicated tribal entrepreneurship programs so they can better meet those needs, and its strong, bipartisan support shows that investing in Native communities is something we can and should work on together.”

“I’m proud to again be part of this bipartisan coalition working to expand tribal communities’ access to and outreach from the U.S. Small Business Administration,” said Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ-02). “Although this legislation stalled in the Senate last Congress, it’s critical that we continue pushing for its passage. This is a good bill aimed at helping tribal citizens navigate the unique complexities of running a business on a reservation.”

WATCH: Davids speaks on the House floor about the importance of supporting Native entrepreneurs

Currently, the ONAA has a valuable but limited mission: to support Native American entrepreneurs, conduct outreach with tribal communities, and connect Native business owners with SBA resources. However, because the current SBA budget does not include explicit funding for the ONAA, the office can only support a small staff and can be unilaterally disbanded.

The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act would codify the ONAA into federal law, establishing an Assistant Administrator role to oversee its operations and report directly to SBA leadership. It would also create a better government-to-government working relationship with tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. ONAA would also be able to expand its grant-making ability, conduct tribal consultation, utilize SBA’s entrepreneurial and contracting programs, and provide training, counseling, and technical assistance.

“The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act is critical legislation for boosting economic development in tribal communities,” said Chris James, President and CEO, The National Center. “As a former Associate Administrator at SBA, I understand the need for Indian Country to have an advocate within the agency who has a direct line to the Administrator. The unique economic and entrepreneurial needs of our community – and government-to-government consultation – must always be a priority at SBA. I look forward to working with Rep. Davids, Rep. Morrison, and other co-sponsors to ensure this legislation gets across the finish line in the 119th Congress. Its passage will mean Indian Country will have a seat at the head table in an agency that plays a critical role in supporting and growing tribal economies.”

“The Office of Native American Affairs provides important opportunities, support, and education to numerous Native owned businesses across the country. The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act will advance and move the office forward with stability to bolster economic development in Native communities,” said Jon Panamaroff and Haven Harris, Co-Chairs, Native American Contractors Association (NACA). “We applaud this legislation’s introduction and its emphasis on the office’s involvement with the 8(a) Business Development Program.”

Davids previously urged the U.S. Department of the Interior to recommit to enforcing a rule that levels the playing field for Native businesses seeking federal contracts. Davids’ additional work to support small business owners includes pushing for oversight of relief programs and urging the SBA to address fraud and protect small business owners in need. She has also focused on shoring up supply chains for small- and medium-sized manufacturers here at home and reducing operating costs.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

  

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) and Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) announced the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. The members are launching this Caucus to bolster efforts to protect federal workers and strengthen our merit-based federal civil service so these dedicated public servants can continue to deliver for the American people without political interference. The lawmakers were joined by Caucus member Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and federal employee union leaders and members at the announcement. 

Additional members of the Caucus include U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), and Eugene Vindman (D-Va.). 

“Donald Trump and Russell Vought claim that our federal workers are ‘villains’ who ought to be ‘put in trauma.’ That’s dead wrong. Federal employees are patriotic professionals who provide vital services to the American people every day. I have fought to protect them from DOGE’s crusade, and Congress must do the same. That’s why I’m pleased to help found the Federal Workforce Caucus,” said Congressman Hoyer. 

“Federal workers deliver essential public services on behalf of the American people every day – they are the patriotic civil servants who care for our veterans, conduct food safety inspections, provide aid to communities struck by disaster, and so much more. But from day one, the Trump Administration has relentlessly attacked them and jeopardized the services they provide – as they pursue their ultimate goal of replacing qualified civil servants with political cronies who will do Trump’s bidding without regard for the law. We’re launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand united against this Administration’s attacks, to support our federal workers, and to protect the integrity of our merit-based civil service,” said Senator Van Hollen. 

“As Co-Chair and Founder of the Federal Workforce Caucus, I’m proud to lead this effort to advocate for our dedicated federal workers and the good government values they uphold,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Virginia is home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, including more than 60,000 in Fairfax, who care for veterans, protect our food supply, respond to disasters, and keep essential programs running. Too often, they are treated as political targets instead of the backbone of an effective, nonpartisan civil service. This Caucus will be on the front lines defending merit-based public service and advancing policies to strengthen recruitment and retention, boost morale, and modernize pay and professional development. We will work every day to ensure government delivers world-class services for all Americans.” 

“Virginia is home to hundreds of thousands of hardworking public servants who keep our country safe and provide critical services to their fellow Americans,” said Senator Kaine. “As the Trump Administration attacks and vilifies this dedicated workforce, we must push back. I’m glad to join my colleagues in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to protect and strengthen the federal workforce.” 

“When federal workers take their oath, they don’t pledge allegiance to whoever is in the Oval Office, they pledge an oath to this nation and our constitution. They deserve our gratitude and respect, yet instead, this Administration has unleashed a witch hunt against our civil servants. The Federal Workforce Caucus is focused – through legislation, advocacy, and dialogue – on protecting our civil servants and allowing them to continue to serve the American people,” said Senator Alsobrooks. 

“Federal workers in Virginia and across the country are the backbone of services Americans depend on,” said Senator Warner. “As the Trump administration continues to target federal workers and use them as political bargaining chips, it is critical for lawmakers to come together and defend the job security, pay, and benefits of our dedicated civil service.” 

“Over the past year, people and communities have protested, lawyers have sued, and courts have issued orders to protect our civil servants. It is an honor today to mark the establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral congressional caucus to support the people who work for all us – our nonpartisan, merit-based civil service. The Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus could not come at a more pivotal time. As the Trump-Vance administration and its allies escalate threats to our nation’s elections, our nation’s communities, and our nation’s civil servants, it is time to use all tools our democracy provides to push back and move forward. We are grateful to these lawmakers for taking an important step to protect and strengthen the civil service not just for today, but for the ability to build the people-centered government we all will need in the future,” Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward in remarks at the event. 

“After a traumatic year for the civil service, including a 43-day government shutdown and unprecedented mass firings, this Caucus is very timely. Your members’ expertise and commitment will amplify the voice of the federal civilian workforce when it matters most.  AFGE stands ready to support and work with the Caucus.  Our country depends on it,” said Eric Bunn, Sr., National Secretary-Treasurer, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE) 

“The federal workforce has endured unimaginable harm, with over 300,000 employees separated, agencies wiped out and previously nonpartisan institutions politicized. Congress must stand for federal workers, and I believe the Federal Workforce Caucus will provide the venue to press for oversight and serve as a gathering place for all members who have constituents who rely on well-functioning government services,” said Max Stier, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service. 

The federal workforce is essential to a legitimate democratic republic, yet our civil service is increasingly under attack – politically, structurally, and rhetorically,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “These attacks weaken public accountability, lawful administration, and the quality of services Americans rely on every single day. The Federal Workforce Caucus will ensure the civil service is protected and strengthened, and critical services are delivered to the public while maintaining a skilled, apolitical workforce. Thank you to the co-chairs of the Caucus – Senator Van Hollen, and Representatives Walkinshaw and Hoyer – for your continued support of federal employees.” 

“The federal public service workers who help keep our communities running deserve dignity, respect, and the security of knowing they’ll be paid on time,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Unfortunately, anti-worker politicians continue to exploit them to push their extreme agenda. In the last year, federal workers have been fired arbitrarily, stripped of their collective bargaining rights, and furloughed without pay during the shutdown. I applaud the members of the Federal Workforce Caucus for their focus on restoring dignity and respect to these dedicated public servants. It also highlights why we need solutions like Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Walkinshaw’s True Shutdown Fairness Act, which will ensure federal workers don’t miss a paycheck or get fired during a shutdown. On behalf of the AFSCME members and the hardworking federal public service workers we represent, we thank the Federal Workforce Caucus for having our backs.” 

“IFPTE welcomes the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Over the past year, our members who work for the federal government have witnessed unprecedented political interference, mass firings without cause, and unlawful efforts to deny federal workers their union rights and defund federal agency missions. Our democracy depends on a professional, nonpartisan federal civil service that serves the American public with accountability and integrity. We urgently call on Members of Congress in both chambers and both sides of the aisle to join the Caucus and work to uphold and protect merit system principles, due process protections, and a civil service that ensures that science and innovation, public health, safety, economic security, our national defense, and public services are delivered fairly, effectively, and effectively,” said Matthew Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)  

“NTEU applauds Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Hoyer and Walkinshaw for launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to highlight the work and challenges facing federal workers across the country.  Given the deluge of attacks employees have faced over the past year, from mass firings and illegal attempts to eliminate their union rights to threats against their pay and benefits, we appreciate the dedicated effort that this caucus will make to strengthen the nonpartisan civil service and ensure that federal employees are treated with dignity and respect so they can continue to provide the critical services the American people rely on,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President, NTEU. 

The Federal Workforce Caucus will serve as a forum for Members to: 

• Support and strengthen the federal civilian workforce and the merit-based civil service system so that it can continue to deliver for American families and businesses;
• Protect the integrity and nonpartisan character of federal employment;
• Advance policies that improve recruitment, retention, and workforce morale across federal agencies;
• Highlight stories that show how government programs and workers improve the lives of the American public;
• Develop and advance data-informed policies that encourage modernization and innovative practices across the federal workforce in areas such as pay competitiveness, workforce performance optimization, and professional development;
• Facilitate dialogue among Members of Congress, former and current federal employees, organizations, and unions representing federal employees, and subject-matter experts to inform efforts to modernize the federal government and attract the workforce needed to deliver for Americans.  

“Federal workers help families put food on the table, protect veterans healing from the wounds of war, and empower communities in the face of environmental crisis. Over the past year, they’ve faced unprecedented attacks – mass firings, union busting, and illegal interference with their work – meant to demoralize and deplete the civil service. Federal workers deserve full support from Congress to protect their bargaining rights and their right to do their jobs without political obstruction,” said Senator Markey. 

“Our federal civilian workforce is made up of dedicated public servants who keep our government running.  While the Trump Administration fails to see the value in these public servants’ work, the Senate Federal Workforce Caucus, which we are launching today, stands with our government’s employees,” said Senator Durbin. 

“Public servants deliver essential services on behalf of the American people. I am proud to join this caucus supporting federal employees and solidifying our dedication to a fortified, innovative workforce. Their service is crucial to promoting the well-being and safety of our country, and they deserve the best assistance we can offer—supporting our public servants is an investment in our country,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The federal workforce is integral to our country and our communities, helping American families and businesses thrive. As this regime attacks federal workers and the critical work they do, I am proud to join this caucus, which will advance policies that support federal workers and the communities they serve,” said Senator Hirono. “As part of this caucus, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring federal workers are recognized, protected, and receive the support they need to confront challenges and provide for the public.” 

“Throughout the last year, President Trump and his administration have used dedicated federal public servants as political pawns. It’s unacceptable,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to join this bicameral coalition in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus. To the nearly thousands of federal workers in Delaware and the millions around the country, we’ve got your back.” 

“President Trump has berated, traumatized and mass-fired federal employees to destroy expertise and science and to remake our government in the image of his imbecilic incompetence,” said Congressman Raskin. “Our institutions were not built by generations of Americans to be broken up and sold for parts; they exist to serve the American people in every age. That’s why I’m proudly standing with my colleagues to establish the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend the professional civil service and the public servants who have helped build our amazing country.” 

“The newly established bicameral Federal Workforce Caucus affirms a simple truth: good-paying federal jobs have helped build and sustain the middle class across the country, leveling the playing field while strengthening communities like ours in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. Public service is the backbone of our country, and these careers should be an opportunity for dedicated Americans to serve the nation with honor while securing economic stability for their families. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to protect, support, and invest in the federal workforce that keeps America moving forward,” said Congressman Ivey. 

“Federal workers are the lifeblood of our democracy, and they perform countless essential duties that our country simply could not go without,” said Congressman Mfume. “They fulfill these duties without fear or favor because they are hard-working, patriotic Americans. I have always been a proud supporter of federal workers, and I am proud to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to work with my colleagues in the Congress on ways to better support the people that make the American government work.” 

“Federal workers are not political pawns — they are the dedicated public servants who keep our country running. After Trump’s firings wiped out nearly 25,000 federal jobs in Maryland last year alone, the stakes could not be more clear. I’m proud to serve as a founding member of the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend a strong, nonpartisan civil service, protect merit-based hiring, and invest in recruitment, retention, and modernization so the federal workforce can keep delivering for the American people,” said Congressman Olszewski. 

“As the proud daughter of two civil servants and the representative to over 45,000 federal employees in Maryland’s Third District, I am excited to join the Federal Workforce Caucus. The sledgehammer of DOGE not only hurt our hardworking civil servants – it impacted the hundreds of critical services that everyday Americans pay for and rely on. Now more than ever, we must strengthen and rebuild our federal workforce to ensure we continue to recruit the best and brightest into the important tradition of public service,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. 

“I’m honored to join as an inaugural member of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Our federal employees and institutions are under relentless attack, with their protections, credibility, and character being eroded with each passing day by this Administration. It’s on us as lawmakers to defend a merit-based, nonpartisan civil service and ensure the next generation feels empowered to answer the call to serve, not turned away,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. 

“I’m pleased to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand with the dedicated public servants who keep our government working for the American people, tens of thousands of whom live in the nation’s capital,” said Congresswoman Norton. “A strong, merit-based federal civil service — free from political interference — is essential to effective governance and public trust. This caucus will play an important role in protecting federal workers and ensuring they can do their jobs with professionalism, independence, and integrity.” 

“I am proud to be a part of the Federal Workforce Caucus to fight for the dedicated federal workers in our Commonwealth and across the country. Recent attacks on the federal workforce not only hurt our community, they hurt every single American by making it harder to deliver essential services and earned benefits. I am thrilled to be a part of this Caucus and look forward to continuing to champion federal workers,” said Congressman Subramanyam. 

“Federal employees are the backbone of our national security, safe transportation, safe food, and clean water. But as our federal workforce remains under attack by the very people entrusted to lead it with massive purges designed to hollow out or eliminate key federal agencies, and through wanton cruelty targeting dedicated civil servants – I’m joining the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand up for our public servants. Over the years, I have fought to increase federal employees’ pay and expand their paid leave, and I will continue fighting to support the needs of the men and women who keep our country running,” said Congressman Beyer. 

“Virginia is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and service members who serve with a dedication to country, not political party. As their Representative, a 25-year Army officer, and as the husband of a former federal employee, I know that federal workers are essential to the success, safety, and stability of our nation,” said Congressman Vindman. “I will never back down from a fight to protect and honor those who choose a life of service. I am proud to be an inaugural member of the federal workforce caucus.” 

“President Trump promised Americans that he would make their lives better; unfortunately, since taking office, the administration has only upended the lives of workers and their families,” said Congressman Scott. “The Trump administration’s reckless firing of thousands of civil servants – in some cases unlawfully – has left federal workers on edge and weakened public services. I am proud to support the Federal Workforce Caucus to ensure that workers’ collective bargaining rights are upheld and Americans can access the earned benefits and services they depend on.” 

“Our federal workforce serves as our nation’s backbone, providing services that address the needs and improve the lives of the American people. Yet this past year, the Trump Administration set out to traumatize the very people who show up every day to keep our air and water clean, our roads and travel safe and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “As the state with the second highest number of federal employees, Virginia has felt the devastating effects of this all-out assault in our communities and local economy. The Federal Workforce Caucus will forefront the interests of our civil servants in Congress, and I’m honored to continue this fight to ensure we afford them the rights, opportunities and dignity they deserve.” 

 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing on Rep. Hudson’s bipartisan Love Lives On Act, which ensures surviving military spouses do not lose earned survivor benefits if they remarry, regardless of age.

In the wake of this hearing, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) reaffirmed his support for the bipartisan Love Lives On Act, which ensures surviving military spouses do not lose earned survivor benefits if they remarry, regardless of age.

“It takes great courage for surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers to pick up the pieces and move forward in the face of unimaginable loss,” Hudson said. “We must ensure they do not have to worry about losing benefits that are actively supporting their family.”

Current federal policy can reduce or eliminate key survivor benefits if a spouse remarries before age 55, forcing families to choose between companionship and financial security. The Love Lives On Act removes that penalty for military survivors and helps ensure benefits follow sacrifice, not marital status.

For North Carolina, Hudson said this issue hits close to home for families connected to Fort Bragg, where service and sacrifice are a daily reality, and the nation’s obligation to survivors must be clear and enduring.

The Love Lives On Act would allow surviving spouses to retain Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) after remarriage, and it would restore access to TRICARE if a subsequent marriage ends due to death, divorce, or annulment.

Read the full bill text HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee passed H.R. 7273, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, during a full committee markup. This important legislation, led by Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, strengthens America’s leadership in space by providing clear direction for NASA and supporting critical programs and initiatives that will keep our nation at the forefront of exploration and discovery well into the future.

“Today the Science Committee recommitted NASA to fulfill its multiple missions in exploration, earth and space science, aeronautics, innovation, education, and inspiration,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “Much like the space enterprise itself, through collaboration, hard work, and a good measure of patience on both sides, we have once again, achieved good legislative results. Our nation’s investment in civil space has, and will continue to contribute significantly to innovation and economic prosperity here on earth.”

“Today’s passage of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 out of Committee marks a major step toward securing America’s leadership in space for generations to come,” Chairman Brian Babin said. “This bipartisan bill—a top priority of mine and one that is especially close to my heart—strengthens our human exploration efforts, supports a growing commercial space economy, and invests in the technologies that will carry us from the Moon to Mars. I’m hopeful the full House will act quickly so we can send this legislation to the Senate and ultimately to the President’s desk. The next great chapter of American exploration is within reach, and this bill helps ensure we lead the way.”

Highlights of H.R. 7273:

• Strengthens human exploration by supporting Artemis missions and continued development of the Space Launch System and Orion to return astronauts to the Moon and prepare for missions to Mars.
• Grows the commercial space economy by enabling NASA’s transition to commercial low-Earth orbit platforms that support American industry and innovation.
• Invests in breakthrough space and aeronautics technologies, including advanced propulsion, deep-space communications, hypersonics, and next-generation flight systems.
• Supports a balanced science and workforce portfolio by advancing discovery missions and expanding education programs that prepare the next generation of explorers.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill – led by NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart – has been signed into law by President Trump – advancing an America First, peace through strength agenda while eliminating $9.3 billion in wasteful spending. The legislation refocuses U.S. foreign policy resources on core national security priorities, including deterrence, countering narcotics and human trafficking, confronting the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party, and combating terrorism. An outside and international perspective from political commentator and Caribbean-focused analyst Ravi Balgobin Maharaj examines how this approach will reshape U.S. power and leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

With the latest round of FY26 full-year funding enacted – covering defense; transportation and housing; labor, health, and education; financial services; and national security and the Department of State – we are reminded that national strength is built bill-by-bill, choice-by-choice. The full FY26 slate reinforces that clear strategy: restoring deterrence, sharpening U.S. leadership, supporting our communities, and demanding accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Read on for insight into how implementing full-year appropriations turns priorities into durable policy and results.

Austerity With a Point

How a Republican appropriations bill reorients U.S. power in the Western Hemisphere

By Ravi Balgobin Maharaj

“The strangest thing about modern Washington is not how much it spends, but how rarely anyone can explain why. So when the House passed a Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package that actually cuts spending and tells you what it’s for, it felt less like routine governance and more like a clerical error.

“That is the context for the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill shepherded through the House by Representative Mario Díaz-Balart of Florida. Folded into a broader appropriations minibus, the legislation delivers a 16 percent reduction from last year’s spending levels, nearly $9.3 billion trimmed away, the deepest cut of any appropriations bill this cycle. In a Congress addicted to symbolic fights and deficit amnesia, that alone is notable.

“What makes the bill more than an exercise in budgetary self-control is the worldview embedded in those cuts. Díaz-Balart has long argued that American foreign policy should be disciplined, unapologetic, and hemispherically literate. This bill reflects that instinct. It pares back programs that have multiplied without much evidence of success, while protecting funding for allies and strategic priorities that still define American power, including Israel, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific.

“For the Caribbean and Latin America, regions often treated by Washington as either sentimental causes or afterthoughts, the legislation lands with particular force. It sharply restricts assistance to authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua while expanding democracy, religious freedom, and broadcasting programs aimed directly at their populations. It also takes direct aim at the trafficking of Cuban medical personnel, a practice that Democratic administrations have been reluctant to confront too directly, preferring the language of engagement over the discomfort of enforcement.

“Here the contrast with recent Democratic foreign policy is hard to miss. Under Democratic leadership, foreign assistance has increasingly doubled as a grab bag of domestic cultural priorities, climate mandates, diversity initiatives, and gender programs layered onto embassies and aid accounts with little regard for local conditions or strategic coherence. The result has been neither moral leadership nor geopolitical leverage, but a swollen bureaucracy that confuses activity with impact.

“Díaz-Balart’s bill strips much of that away. It refocuses the State Department on basic functions like diplomacy, security, and consular services. It creates an America First Opportunity Fund to give the Secretary of State flexibility to act quickly when genuine strategic openings emerge, rather than waiting for the paperwork to clear while rivals move faster. It also insists on oversight, transparency, and measurable outcomes, concepts that have lately fallen out of fashion in foreign aid circles.

“The bill’s posture toward China is likely to resonate across the Caribbean basin, where Beijing has expanded its influence through loans, infrastructure projects, and quiet leverage over small economies. By requiring U.S. opposition to multilateral development bank lending to China and blocking the use of American-backed funds to service Chinese debt, the legislation sends a clearer signal than Democrats have been comfortable sending. For countries weighing Washington’s lectures against Beijing’s checkbook, clarity counts.

“On Israel, the bill is unequivocal, fully funding security assistance, prohibiting support for UNRWA, and reinforcing long-standing restrictions designed to keep U.S. funds out of the hands of terrorist groups. This firmness will irritate progressive Democrats who have grown increasingly uneasy with America’s closest Middle Eastern ally. In much of Latin America and the Caribbean, where security cooperation is not an abstraction, that unease is far less widespread.

“Critics will argue that deep cuts risk diminishing American influence. But influence diluted by incoherence is not influence at all. The past several years of Democratic stewardship produced record spending, softer language toward adversaries, and no visible improvement in regional stability. Haiti remains in crisis. Venezuela remains broken. Cuba remains authoritarian. Spending more did not fix any of it.”

“Díaz-Balart’s bill does not promise miracles. It promises something rarer, like restraint paired with intent. For a hemisphere accustomed to mixed signals from Washington, that may be the most meaningful change of all.”

NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart has been duly focused on strengthening economic opportunity and accountability and reinforcing America’s security and leadership at home and abroad. Through his leadership, he delivered a bill that replaces the weakness of prior administrations by restoring President Trump’s deterrence and strength posture. To protect the safety, freedom, and prosperity of the American people, the measure shows that focused strategy – not endless spending – is what delivers results.

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