Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — The office of Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is now accepting applications for Community Project Funding (CPF) for the 2027 Fiscal Year. 

As part of the annual appropriations process, eligible entities may submit applications to their members of Congress for project-specific funding. Recently, Golden secured nearly $14 million in the most recent appropriations process, including CPF to support: 

• improvements to support working waterfronts;
• investments that reduce pressure on property taxes, such as wastewater treatment facilities; and
• modernization and new equipment for emergency responders such as police and fire departments.  

Eligible applicants this year may include but are not limited to state and municipal governments and their agencies, colleges and universities, and certain types of nonprofit organizations. 

Interested parties should visit Golden’s website for more information about the types of projects and organizations that are eligible this year, or email Deputy District Director Zach Schmesser at GoldenCPF@mail.house.gov with any questions. All applications must be received by 4 p.m. on March 11, 2026.

Golden for years has been one of the most effective members of Congress in securing funding for projects in his district. In FY 2024, Golden secured more than $25 million of CPF — the most of any Democrat in Congress. 

“Helping worthwhile projects get the funding they need is one of the most direct ways I can support our District, and my staff and I are more than happy to chat through any proposals that could benefit Mainers,” Golden said. “If you have any ideas or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about the CPF application process. We’re here to help.” 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) are leading members of Congress in demanding immediate action from the Trump Administration after retirees across the country reported they never received their required Form 1099-R tax documents from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and were unable to reach live assistance to resolve the issue. When OPM fails to deliver required tax documents or provide live assistance, retirees are left at risk of filing late, incurring IRS penalties, or losing access to refunds they rely on to cover everyday expenses.

 

In a letter to Trump’s OPM Director Scott Kupor, the lawmakers pressed for answers after constituents said they did not receive their Form 1099-R, the document required to report federal retirement income, despite OPM’s stated policy that physical copies would be mailed to annuitants without an email address on file after January 31.

 

“It is unacceptable for the federal agency responsible for the tax documentation of millions of retired Americans to fall short in providing timely, reliable service to all of them. We strongly urge you to address this serious gap in support and ensure that every impacted retiree can obtain the documents they need to file their taxes,” the lawmakers wrote.

 

Constituents report waiting well beyond the two-week delivery window communicated by OPM. Many who attempted to contact the agency’s Retirement Services helpline encountered jammed phone lines, excessive wait times, or were unable to reach a representative at all.

 

In their letter, the members requested detailed information on how many 1099-R forms remain unmailed, current call wait times, customer service performance metrics, and what corrective actions OPM plans to implement.

 

The letter is also signed by Wesley Bell (MO-01), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), J. Louis Correa (CA-46), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).

 

Full text of the letter is here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the start of Women’s History Month, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution calling on the Senate to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The Convention establishes an agenda for national action to end discrimination against women and ensure the advancement of women in political, social, economic and cultural fields through legislative action and legal protections. It was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1979 and signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 but has never been brought before the full Senate for a vote.

Currently, 189 U.N. member states have ratified the Convention. The United States joins Iran, Palau, Somalia, Sudan and Tonga as the only members of the United Nations who have yet to ratify the Convention. In light of the Senate’s inaction, dozens of U.S. cities, counties and states have passed resolutions in support of the Convention’s ratification. D.C. enacted the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women Act in accordance with the principles of the Convention.

“As the first woman to chair the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, I understand firsthand the profound impact ratifying the Convention would have,” Norton said. “During my tenure, I issued the first federal guidelines recognizing sexual harassment as a violation of equal employment laws. Ratification would strengthen the legal foundation for combating gender discrimination in our courts and demonstrate to the world that the United States is fully committed to ending gender discrimination.

“I urge my colleagues in the Senate to finally ratify this important Convention. It is long overdue.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) are original cosponsors of the resolution. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses impacted by severe flooding last December.

“The communities I represent need federal support to rebuild from the devastating floods in December,” said Rep. Larsen. “These loans are an important step in the disaster relief process, and I will keep fighting for more funds to help families and businesses in Northwest Washington make a full recovery.”

The declaration covers Skagit, Snohomish, Island, Whatcom, and San Juan counties in the Second District.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

Disaster recovery centers will be launched soon throughout the counties covered in the declaration.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is April 27. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24.

More information from SBA is available here.

Apply online for the funding here.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

Rep. Larsen has been working to secure flood resources for affected businesses and families. This month, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for a major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to help repair state infrastructure damaged in December’s historic flooding.

Last month, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors, which is currently pending approval. Back in December, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington delegation in a letter to President Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA),Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and other lawmakers introduced the Tax Exemption for American Medalists (TEAM USA) Act, legislation designed to ensure that when our athletes dominate the global stage, the IRS does not get to treat their excellence as a taxable offense.

The TEAM USA Act eliminates the “Victory Tax” for all American medalists, ensuring that the rewards of gold, silver, and bronze remain exactly what they are: symbols of national glory.

“America’s Olympians exemplify the spirit and greatness of our Nation. When our Olympians bring home the gold, they shouldn’t be punished with a burdensome tax bill, as well. The TEAM USA Act rewards the hard work, success, and the American Dream,” said Rep. Kelly.

“America is a nation built on the pursuit of greatness, and our Olympians and Paralympians are the ultimate proof of that spirit,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “When our athletes win, the whole country wins with them. We should be doing everything in our power to celebrate these victories. We are proud of these Americans, we are proud to be American, and we should never get tired of seeing our flag at the top of the mast.”

The legislation is also co-led by Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Tony Wied (R-WI), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).

The TEAM USA Act is retroactive to January 1, 2026. You can learn more about the legislation here.

Previously, Rep. Kelly released this video message wishing good luck to Butler County native Ava McNaughton, a goalie on the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, and all of Team USA.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, announced the promotion of Katie Crane Bankert to Chief of Staff.

Katie has been a key member of Congressman Williams’ team since 2018, most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff. Over the past eight years, she has held various roles in the Washington, D.C. office, building extensive experience in legislative strategy, public policy, and team leadership. Katie holds a Master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. She brings nearly a decade of Capitol Hill experience, positioning her well to lead the office and advance priorities important to the constituents of Texas’ 25^th District.

“Katie’s leadership, institutional knowledge, and dedication to our team make her exceptionally qualified to serve as Chief of Staff,” said Congressman Williams. “Her experience across nearly every function of our office and her longstanding commitment to our constituents will be invaluable as we continue our work on their behalf.”

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25^th Congressional District of Texas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

South Texas deserves a fair shot to compete for a military facility that will support up to 15,000 personnel.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in response to strikes in Iran: 

“It’s a time of reckoning for those who chant ‘Death to America.’ President Trump is right when he calls the effort to eradicate Iran’s nuclear weapons program and give its people the opportunity to seize their freedom ‘a noble mission.’ The evil Iranian regime has been the leading state sponsor of terror for decades. It has killed thousands of people within and beyond its borders, including hundreds of Americans. It must be defanged and dismantled.

“The President did not take this action lightly or impulsively. He has warned Iran repeatedly that it must change its policies and its actions. He has negotiated with Iran in good faith and with great clarity. It was the Iranian regime that chose to ignore those warnings and make a mockery of those negotiations. In doing so, its tyrannical leaders made an enormous miscalculation.

“Our Commander in Chief has made clear that his goal is not just to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It is also to give the Iranian people a chance to take back their country. Self-determination and freedom will be theirs to claim. I hope they will.
 
“Like every American, my thoughts and prayers are with our brave and capable men and women in uniform who are carrying out this noble but hard and dangerous mission. I know that they will have the unwavering support of every American, and I am confident that they will acquit themselves with honor and distinction.
 
“May God protect our troops and the innocent Iranian people – and once again – as He so often has, bless America,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [3/2/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced a series of four town hall meetings across the First Congressional District, which includes large portions of Washington and Multnomah counties and all of Clatsop, Tillamook, and Columbia counties.

 

Bonamici will answer questions from attendees and provide an update about her work in Congress. The town hall meetings will be in Hillsboro, Scappoose, Tillamook, and Portland.

 

“These are very challenging times for many, and it’s important for me to hear from the people I represent,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Town hall meetings give Oregonians an opportunity to tell me what is on their mind and to hear from me about the work I’m doing. I look forward to meeting with people from across the district and answering their questions.”

 

Members of Bonamici’s staff will be at the town hall meetings to assist anyone who is experiencing problems with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, immigration, and IRS.

 

Hillsboro Town Hall Meeting

Monday, March 9 – 6 p.m.

Glencoe High School

2700 NW Glencoe Rd, Hillsboro

 

Scappoose Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 – 6 p.m.

Scappoose High School 

33700 SE High School Way, Scappoose

 

Tillamook Town Hall Meeting

Saturday, March 14 – 11 a.m.

Tillamook High School 

2605 12th St, Tillamook

 

Portland Town Hall Meeting

Monday, March 23 – 6 p.m.

**location to be announced**

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse introduced the bipartisan Federal Retirement Safety Act, a bill that allows survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence to maintain privacy and confidentiality from their abusers when accessing their hard-earned retirement benefits. 

Under current processes, retiring federal employees must obtain written, notarized consent from a current or former spouse if they change or update their retirement benefits distribution. This paperwork includes sensitive personal information, such as phone numbers and home addresses, which, if shared, endangers survivors of spousal abuse.

The Federal Retirement Safety Act protects survivors by directing the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to waive the spousal consent requirement for individuals impacted by domestic and intimate partner violence, similarly to what is already available to others in the event of extenuating circumstances like the death of a spouse or an inability to determine their whereabouts. 

“Our bill is a common-sense and critical reform that protects survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they can maintain their privacy from those who have caused them immense and unimaginable harm. I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this effort to advance the safety of everyone in our community,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.  

The bill is co-led by Republican Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK), as well as Democratic Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who also serve as Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence. 

“Survivors of domestic abuse should have the freedom to access their retirement benefits without exposing their contact information to an abusive partner. Our bill secures essential protections to help survivors fully control the benefits they have earned without endangering themselves,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. 

View the Federal Retirement Safety Act one-pager HERE. 

Read bill text HERE. 

It is endorsed by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Jewish Women International (JWI), Volare (formerly known as the Network for Victim Recovery D.C.), and Futures Without Violence.

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