Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on February Jobs Report

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.3 percent to 4.4 percent.

“Hardworking Americans are finding that a comfortable, affordable life is increasingly out of reach. The cost of health care, groceries, child care, student loans, and rent continues to rise, while workers are being left behind. According to a new report from Vanguard, a record number of Americans are raiding their 401(k) savings to cover their living expenses.

“While working families fight to stay afloat, the Trump Administration’s economic policies are funneling money into the pockets of the wealthy. The top 10 percent of Americans accounted for a record 49.2 percent of all spending in 2025, while the rest of America is being forced to cut back. Regrettably, the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have only deepened this divide by driving up health care costs to provide tax cuts for the wealthy in their ‘Big, Ugly Bill.’

“The total number of jobs created in President Trump’s first year since returning to office was only 290,000 — a number the Biden Administration exceeded on average in a single month during his term in office. In fact, since President Trump returned to office, there has not been a single month in which the economy created as many jobs as President Biden’s average monthly job performance of 321,000 jobs.

“This is not the kind of economic performance working families were promised. During President Trump’s most recent State of the Union he repeatedly bragged about the strength of the economy. The truth is, this is the fifth month of job loss since President Trump returned to office.

“The American people deserve a government that prioritizes everyone— not just the wealthy few. Our economy is only strong when workers are strong. Democrats will continue to fight for policies that put working people first, create good jobs, and lower everyday costs for all Americans.”

To see a chart comparing the cumulative seasonally adjusted job change by month between President Trump’s first and second terms, and President Biden’s presidency, click here.

To see a chart comparing the total job change between President Trump’s first 13 months in office and President Biden’s first 13 months in office, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) demanded the immediate release of a 14-year-old Marlborough resident who was detained yesterday by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents:

“Yesterday, a 14-year-old girl from Marlborough was detained by federal immigration agents. A child with no criminal history was taken into custody in an apparent overnight attempt to use her as a hostage to coerce her father into turning himself in for deportation. As a mother to 15- and 11-year old daughters, I am furious. This is not immigration enforcement. It’s the deliberate targeting of a child to inflict maximum pain on her family.”

“Two months ago, ICE detained five-year-old Liam Ramos in Minnesota under similar circumstances. The nation watched in horror as a little boy with a blue bunny hat and Spiderman backpack was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities. The ordeal was so heinous that a federal judge ordered his release and called it ‘cruel’ and ‘bereft of human decency.’ But now, federal immigration agents seem to be doing it again, this time here in Massachusetts.”

“I am demanding her immediate release. She should be returned home to her family this afternoon and able to go back to school tomorrow. In the meantime, DHS must abandon its clearly adopted policy of using children as bait to detain and deport family members and instead focus its efforts on violent criminals.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is announcing $12,101,000 in federal funding has been awarded to local projects throughout Massachusetts’ Second Congressional District.

McGovern secured the money through the FY2026 appropriations process, partnering with community stakeholders and local officials to develop strong proposals and bring federal dollars back to the Bay State.

“Every one of these awards is tied to a specific, tangible improvement folks here at home will see and feel—more childcare slots in Whitinsville, safer streets on Route 20 in Shrewsbury, cleaner drinking water in Leicester, a new fire truck for Conway, affordable housing in Worcester, and new resources to address economic injustice in Amherst and Northampton,” said McGovern. “These are concrete things that will make life better for all of us. My team and I worked closely with mayors, town managers, nonprofits, and community leaders before doing the work in Congress to get this funding across the finish line.”

McGovern worked with stakeholders in communities throughout the Second District of Massachusetts to secure funding for the following local projects:

• $1,500,000 for Worcester Polytechnic Institute to build a continuous flow reactor to destroy PFAS in contaminated soils and plants in Worcester County.
• $1,200,000 for Worcester to support utility separation and lead/asbestos remediation at 128 Providence Street, enabling development of affordable, accessible housing for older adults.
• $1,092,000 for Holliston to build wastewater infrastructure in its downtown sewer district, supporting smart growth, environmental management, and local economic development.
• $1,015,000 to renovate a historic building and expand childcare capacity at the Whitin Community Center in Whitinsville.
• $1,000,000 for Princeton to support construction of a new public safety building for firefighters, police, and EMTs.
• $1,000,000 for Colrain to support construction of a shared wastewater disposal system.
• $1,000,000 for Amherst to design and construct a 35-bed shelter with supportive housing.
• $950,000 for Leicester to build a water interconnection with Worcester, strengthening drinking water reliability and addressing capacity constraints.
• $879,000 to expand Stop It Now! child sexual abuse prevention programming in Northampton.
• $850,000 for Shrewsbury to advance Route 20 corridor improvements, including design work for traffic safety upgrades, new and improved signals, and shared-use paths.
• $700,000 for Conway to purchase a replacement pumper fire truck for its volunteer fire department and strengthen emergency response capacity.
• $500,000 for Northampton to create a Community Resilience Hub that provides daily access to shelter, meals, and hygiene facilities.
• $250,000 for Ashfield to reconstruct a century-old retaining wall near Sanderson Academy.

• $165,000 to support renovations at the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls, helping preserve and improve Franklin County’s only large, publicly owned performing arts venue.

“These are targeted, practical investments that will strengthen public safety, expand opportunity, and improve people’s lives,” added McGovern. “And we’re investing in the next generation by making smart choices now—paying it forward with safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and the infrastructure and services that our commonwealth needs to grow and thrive for years to come.”

A full list and detailed descriptions of all the projects that McGovern requested federal funding for can be found here.

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

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Advance Homeland Security Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse released the following statement after passage of H.R. 7744, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. The legislation passed by a vote of 221-209. 

“Once again, House Republicans are advancing legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of the fiscal year and end the shutdown perpetrated by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.” said Rep. Newhouse. “With increased domestic threats due to military action in the Middle East, we must act swiftly to fund counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border security, TSA, and emergency management agencies. Partisan games that threaten the safety of American citizens are dangerous, and we must fund the Department of Homeland Security immediately.”

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

Headline: Newhouse Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse made the following statement after the vote on H. Con. Res. 38. The resolution failed by a vote of 212-219.   

“The Islamic Regime in Iran has supported terrorist groups targeting Americans for nearly 50 years. The War Powers Act is clear that the President may deploy U.S. armed forces against hostilities abroad for a brief period of time so long as reports are made to Congress. President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and General Caine have followed the requirements of the War Powers Act, and I believe the strength of our military will bring a swift end to the conflict. Our Nation is grateful to have sons and daughters who are willing to commit the ultimate sacrifice, and my condolences are with their families.”

The War Powers Resolution (War Powers Act) of 1973 requires the President to report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying U.S. forces against enemy forces if Congress has not declared war. 

After 60 days, the President may certify in writing to Congress the need for continued forces for an additional 30 days. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed the Gang of Eight ahead of the strikes in accordance with the consultation requirement of the War Powers Resolution. 

Subsequently, on March 2, President Trump sent a letter to Senator Chuck Grassley, President Pro Tempore, notifying him of the strikes. 

Tragically, six American troops have been killed during Operation Epic Fury. 

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

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Advance Farm Bill from Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse voted to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 from the House Agriculture Committee. The legislation advanced with a bipartisan vote of 34-17. 

“Rural America is facing an affordability crisis. Throughout central Washington, I have heard from farmers and ranchers who are struggling due to high input costs and market uncertainty,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 strengthens support for specialty crop growers, invests in agricultural export programs, and improves forest health to reduce the risk of wildfire. As a third-generation farmer in the Yakima Valley I know firsthand the challenges facing farm country, and I am proud to support this critical piece of legislation to deliver assistance to Rural America when it is needed most.” 

Bill text for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 can be found here. 

Section by section can be found here. 

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

Headline: Newhouse Statement on Court Order Impacting Columbia River System Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement regarding U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon’s ruling in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) litigation: 

“Our dams remain under attack. This latest ruling increasing spill throughout the year will harm salmon populations while straining our electric grid. Once again, environmental activists are using judicial allies to threaten our hydroelectric system, which provides clean, baseload energy to millions in our region. These vital pieces of infrastructure allow irrigation and navigation for farmers, their commodities, and many other products that move on the rivers. The dams and salmon can, and do, coexist, and I remain committed to ensure the system has the resources needed to improve fish passage at lower spill levels.” 

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

Headline: Newhouse Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address: 

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a lengthy speech that emphasized the state of our union is strong. Our Southern Border is secured, inflation is down, our Nation is safer, and we are reversing the damage caused by the Biden administration.  With a Republican majority in DC, we have delivered on our promise to reduce government spending, keep taxes low, and establish energy dominance. Through the Working Families Tax Cut, we have prevented the largest tax hike in American history, increased the Child Tax Credit, and increased wages for middle class families. As I wind down my tenure in Congress, I remain committed to working with this administration to advance policies that benefit my constituents throughout Central Washington.”

Rep. Newhouse’s guest for the State of the Union was State Senator Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by City of Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, Vice Mayor Ed Smith, and Interim City Manager Lew Bauman to announce $1.92 million in federal funding for the City of Monterey to make critical repairs to Monterey Municipal Wharf No. 2.

“The Monterey Municipal Wharf was built in 1926, exactly 100 years ago, and for the last century this wharf has been the working spine of this waterfront,” said Rep. Panetta. “Repairing the structure is about not just the rehabilitation of the Wharf, it’s about investing in our infrastructure and our Monterey Bay ecosystem and economy. I’m proud deliver this federal funding today to ensure the federal government is playing its part to support our local communities.”

“I personally thank Congressman Panetta for his advocacy in securing this federal funding for our Monterey’s Wharf II,” said Mayor Williamson. “The community bond that our iconic wharves epitomize connects our rich cultural heritage with today, highlights our economic vitality that has supported generations of Montereyans, and reminds us of our important environmental stewardship responsibility. Built in 1926, Wharf II has served Monterey’s working waterfront for nearly a century. Preserving it isn’t just about repairing a structure; it’s about ensuring that 100 years from now, future generations can stand there and feel the same connection to Monterey Bay that we do today.”

“On behalf of the City of Monterey, I extend gratitude to Congressman Panetta for his leadership in securing nearly $2 million of federal funding the ‘Monterey Wharf Critical Repairs’ project,” said Interim City Manager Bauman. “Our iconic wharves are the centerpiece of our beautiful Monterey Bay and represent decades of history, culture, and economic vitality. Preserving them is an investment for the Monterey region, now and for future generations.”  

The funding announced today will be used to restore wharf infrastructure to ensure continued usage, economic support for fishing operations, and public safety.

Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package. For FY 2026, he secured $2.77 million in community project funding for local projects across Monterey County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19^th Congressional District.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Marc Veasey Calls on Major League Baseball and Texas Rangers to Remove Statue Honoring Segregationist Figure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) sent a letter to Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, and Texas Rangers Co-Chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, raising serious concerns about the reported installation of a statue honoring a segregationist law enforcement officer associated with efforts to block the integration of Mansfield High School in 1956 following the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

In the letter, Congressman Veasey stated that honoring a statue tied to resisting school integration contradicts the inclusive values baseball represents and undermines the legacy of pioneering leaders such as Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, who helped make baseball a sport that belonged to everyone, regardless of skin color.

“Ballparks should be places where families gather, and fans of every background feel welcome,” said Rep. Veasey. “Honoring a figure tied to resisting school integration—and doing so with imagery that evokes racist violence—sends exactly the wrong message about who belongs in that space.”

Rep. Veasey urged Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers to remove the statue and requested answers about whether MLB reviewed or approved the monument and what guidelines govern commemorative displays at league ballparks.

The full letter can be found here.

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