Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

DENVER, CO – Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after federal agents from ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General attempted to access the offices and client records of nonprofits providing legal services to vulnerable, unaccompanied immigrant children:

“Federal agents showed up unannounced at children’s legal aid organizations this week with no warrant and one clear purpose: intimidation.

“It is no coincidence this happened the same week that Trump and his GOP allies handed ICE and CBP an additional $70 billion payout. These nonprofit organizations help kids prepare for court, stay safe from trafficking, and navigate a system designed for adults. They are not threats. They are a lifeline, and their young clients are often under the direct care of HHS’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

“ORR has the responsibility for the care and placement of unaccompanied children in federal custody. Secretary Kennedy has a lot to answer for, and as the Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee, I want answers immediately.”

Background:

Earlier this week, prior to today’s reporting, Ranking Member DeGette sent a letter to Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie and Health Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith requesting a hearing with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Administration for Children and Families Alex J. Adams and ORR Acting Director Angie Salazar.

HHS is statutorily required to provide services and care for these children under the Unaccompanied Children Program. However, reports show that ORR has taken actions over the past 17 months that jeopardize the well-being of unaccompanied children and undermine the program, including allegations of extended detention periods of 200+ days and increased cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies that harm placement and sponsor vetting.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

A foundational pillar for a well-functioning democracy is the people’s trust in their system of government. This trust is found when our government acts with integrity, delivers proper use of services created to provide aid and assistance, and stewards taxpayer dollars appropriately, among many other things.

This week was Fraud Week in the House, and it was a great privilege to be able to work alongside my colleagues to ensure that we root out the waste, fraud, and abuse that take advantage of hardworking Americans, whose hard-earned money is unfortunately used to line the pockets of fraudsters.

We’ve all seen the reports that the federal government loses an estimated $233 billion to $521 billion to fraud every year – that’s about $1,000 to $3,000 that individual taxpayers are losing each year. With that much money at stake, something must change.

Two of the bills passed this week work to provide greater accountability and sturdier safeguards to address the fraud found in our federal government.

It was reported that the federal government made roughly $186 billion in improper payments in Fiscal Year 2025 alone.

The Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act works to ensure the processing of federal payments are made in the right amounts, and to the correct recipient, before the agency awards the funds or the payment is made.

The Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act addresses how fraudsters can abuse our systems during a national emergency by exploiting gaps between agencies, programs, and states. By creating more transparency and closing these gaps, we’re creating more safeguards to catch these bad actors early.

These bills are commonsense solutions. After all, you’d never dole out thousands of dollars to anyone or anything without knowing exactly what it was going toward. And when your taxpayer dollars are the ones being used, it’s our job as Members of Congress to make sure the same idea is applied on the federal level.

House Republicans are continuing to root out the waste, fraud, and abuse that has undermined the American people’s trust in the federal government. This week’s legislation was certainly a step in the right direction, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue delivering more wins so that your tax dollars don’t get taken advantage of.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

The success of higher education isn’t necessarily measured by the number of diplomas distributed, but by the lasting impacts of its graduates on society. Through stronger communities, greater economic opportunity, and excellent leadership, these scholars often yield a return on the investment made in their education in immeasurable dividends.

Here in the Fourth District, we are especially blessed with so many wonderful options for receiving an education after high school graduation. From the northern part of the district all the way down to the southernmost portion, I’m always pleased to visit with leaders from these colleges and universities to hear more about the deep, personal impact they are making on the lives of their students.

Through education programs that provide hands-on opportunities, like trade schools or vocational training, and a typical lecture hall experience, these schools are providing future generations of Arkansans with the tools they need to pour into their communities and become exceptional leaders.

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Arkansas Tech and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. During these visits, the staff took great care to make sure my staff and I were able to hear and see how these higher education institutions are benefiting their local communities.

Coming back to Washington this week with these visits fresh in my mind, it was certainly easy to vote in support of legislation brought to the House Floor that works to benefit our schools and students alike.

The No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026 puts measures in place to ensure that student aid funding isn’t being drained by bad actors who take advantage of such a beneficial system through scams or fraud. It is crucial that schools verify student identity for applications that have been flagged as suspicious before disbursing the aid. And more awareness must be brought to the school’s attention if any suspicion of identity fraud is detected.

House Republicans continue to deliver on our promise of rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse so that our systems can work for the people they were intended to serve, rather than those who game the system.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

It’s a great privilege to be able to travel from corner to corner of the Fourth District so frequently. These tours are always filled with meeting Arkansans who make our corner of the Natural State so unique. And meeting these folks always serves as a great reminder of what a privilege it is to serve these communities in Congress.

This week, I stopped by the Russellville Police Department to visit with Chief Ewing and get a first-hand look at the facilities they have while hearing more about the work they do on a daily basis. One thing was made very clear: the men and women who serve our communities in law enforcement – whether it’s sitting at a desk or patrolling the streets – care deeply about the area they serve.

With each handshake, conversation, and story told, I was grateful to visit with and thank the men and women who protect this portion of Pope County. Our law enforcement officers – and all first responders for that matter – selflessly and courageously work every day to defend and maintain law and order in our communities. Therefore, they deserve our full support.

These men and women sign up to run toward the danger when help is called. Many of our police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers are right there in the middle of someone’s absolute worst day, acting as an anchor. In that moment, they are a lifeline; their presence and service are invaluable.

But their commitment to our communities goes much farther than just maintaining law and order or responding to an emergency. They work to de-escalate situations that could become dangerous for individuals or those around them, support those struggling with mental health crises, and partner with local leaders to engage with students through mentorship programs.

It takes every one of our first responders to create a thriving, safe environment not only in our own neighborhoods, but in our communities. Every day, they put on their uniforms ready to protect and serve, and I consider it a great privilege to support these men and women in Congress. But far beyond casting a vote on the House Floor, I’m always eager to extend my thanks whenever I get the chance. I hope you’ll join me in doing the same.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
June 12, 2026                                                   202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER US POSTAL SERVICE POSTMASTER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, LOUIS JACKSON

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today expressed her condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Louis A. Jackson, the former Virgin Islands Postmaster, who passed away recently.

“Louis Jackson embodied what public service looks like at its best — steady and rooted in community,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. Under his leadership, the post offices where he served were hubs of connection, information, and care, which reflected the man at its helm. His door would often swing open and he would talk and listen to the community. 

“Mr. Jackson’s service earned national recognition. He was a three-time recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award — the highest public relations honor conferred by the U.S. Postal Service — receiving the award for the third consecutive year in 2005, one of only 28 postal leaders nationwide so honored that year. Under his leadership, the Frederiksted Post Office placed first in the Caribbean District in the National Play the Zone competition, a testament to the standard of excellence he set throughout his career.

“My prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

June 12, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) introduced the Student Athlete Act of 2026, legislation to establish uniform eligibility standards for college athletics and restore the educational mission of college sports.
“College athletics should be about earning a degree and competing on the field, not navigating a confusing patchwork of eligibility rules,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The current system is unsustainable. High school athletes are losing opportunities to older transfers, and student-athletes are being encouraged to pursue short-term deals rather than focusing on their education. The Student Athlete Act puts the focus back where it belongs: in the classroom and in competition.”
“College athletics used to be about education, now it’s sadly all about making money,” said Sen. Tuberville. “We can’t be having 25-year-old ‘students’ who graduated three years ago still competing in the NCAA. With my bill, a student-athlete gets five years to get their education, compete, and then move on. We also have to make sure students are getting a good education, which won’t happen if they are transferring every year. I’m all for student-athletes making money, but we have to create some national guidelines as the current system is broken. I’m thankful for Rep. Steube’s support on this bill and look forward to getting it across the finish line in both the House and the Senate.”
The Student Athlete Act would establish a uniform eligibility standard providing student-athletes with five consecutive years of eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics and create guardrails around the transfer portal. Under the legislation, student-athletes would be permitted one transfer without penalty. Any subsequent transfer would require the athlete to sit out a season.
The legislation also protects scholarship commitments by requiring institutions to honor grant-in-aid agreements, establishes a uniform national framework for eligibility and transfer rules, and preempts conflicting state laws that have created a patchwork of standards across college athletics.
Background: College athletics has undergone significant changes in recent years as courts have repeatedly challenged NCAA eligibility rules and athletes have increasingly relied on waivers and litigation to extend their playing careers. As well, the transfer portal has transformed recruiting and roster management, with many athletes transferring multiple times during their collegiate careers.
These developments have created uncertainty for student-athletes, coaches, and institutions while reducing opportunities for incoming high school recruits. In response, the NCAA recently proposed a “5-for-5” eligibility framework that would allow student-athletes to compete for five seasons over five years and create greater consistency across college sports.
Read the bill text here. 

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded the decision of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, announced Thursday, to expedite repairs to Elvis Presley Boulevard. He also thanked Daily Memphian columnist Geoff Calkins and state Senator Raumesh Akbari for calling attention to the long-delayed project in a story published Friday.

Congressman Cohen wrote to Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Will Reid on April 1 urging him to prioritize the long-overdue completion of repairs to the thoroughfare. “The roadway should reflect the importance of the community it serves, not undermine it,” he wrote.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I greatly appreciate the work of Senator Akbari and Whitehaven community groups on pushing for Elvis Presley Boulevard repairs. After I met with the Whitehaven Garden & Social Club about their frustration over this issue, I sent the attached letter to TDOT. Later that month, my staff got an update from TDOT that they planned to add a portion of Elvis Presley Boulevard repairs to their 10-year plan. I believe my letter lit a fire under TDOT to get moving on this. I am pleased to see this important project receive increased attention.”

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