MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail Act to block a Trump Administration proposal that would dramatically expand handgun shipments through the U.S. mail. Rep. Stevens is leading the charge to strengthen public safety by preventing handguns from being shipped without background checks, recordkeeping, or licensed dealer oversight.

The Trump Administration proposal would allow anyone with access to a mailbox to send and receive handguns through the mail, undermining longstanding federal safeguards. Stevens’ legislation would stop the rule change and preserve existing protections designed to keep illegal firearms out of communities.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens pushing to make sure the Trump Administration doesn’t put families at risk of more gun violence: 

Michigan Public: Rep. Stevens, Congressional Dems fight plans to allow mailing of handguns

By: Colin Jackson

• A new bill in Congress would stop the U.S. Postal Service from allowing the mailing of handguns by anyone other than a federally licensed firearm dealer.

• That practice had already been illegal for nearly a century. But the U.S. Department of Justice found the old law to be unconstitutional in an opinion released earlier this year.

• U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D, MI-11) sponsors the bill to bring back the ban. She said the law isn’t something the executive branch can just get rid of.

• “No court has invalidated it, and Congress hasn’t repealed it. And so, this legislation simply says the Post Office cannot administratively override a federal law on its own,” Stevens said.

• “I don’t want to be in line at a post office, watching anybody put a gun down on the counter and asking it to be mailed to somebody who has not gone through a background check, not passed any of the background check procedures.”

• Stevens said the bill has the backing of anti-gun violence groups like Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, and Everytown for Gun Safety. Some of her Democratic colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives have also joined her in the effort, including Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-4), and Jill Tokuda (HI-2).

The Hill: House Democrat introduces bill to block Postal Service from mailing handguns

By: Sophie Brams

• Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) introduced a bill Friday aimed at blocking a rule proposed by the Trump administration that could allow handguns to be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service.

• The bill, which was first shared with The Hill, would prohibit the Postal Service from “finalizing, implementing, or enforcing” any proposed or future rule that changes regulations governing the mailing of firearms and uphold a nearly 100-year-old federal ban on the practice.

• “Michiganders want common-sense safeguards that protect families and support law enforcement, not reckless policies that create new loopholes for illegal guns”

• Stevens’s bill has the backing of major groups fighting gun violence across the U.S., including the organization led by former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was left partially paralyzed after being shot in the head during a 2011 assassination attempt.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Following the New Hampshire Congressional delegation’s calls for the Department of Education to issue the delayed Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for fiscal year 2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs, GANs have begun to be released. TRIO supports individuals from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first person in their families to earn college degrees, students with disabilities, among others, in accessing and achieving postsecondary success. There are ten TRIO programs in operation across New Hampshire, including three Upward Bound programs.

“TRIO Upward Bound programs change lives. They give first-generation and low-income students the support and confidence to get to and through college,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased the Department finally issued this June 1 grant award, but this should never have come down to the wire. Students and program staff deserve certainty, not last-minute chaos, and I will continue pushing for the Department of Education to restore the intended mission of TRIO Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers and issue future TRIO grant award notifications in time for programs to plan and operate without disruption.”

“By helping Granite Staters prepare for academic success and become leaders and innovators, TRIO Upward Bound programs create life-changing opportunities for young people who wouldn’t otherwise have the support to pursue higher education,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m relieved that the Department of Education released this funding, but students and institutions should never have had to face this unnecessary uncertainty and anxiety in the first place.”

“The UNH TRIO Upward Bound program gives first-generation and low-income New Hampshire youth transformative opportunities for academic and professional growth,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m glad to see that the Department has finally released funding for the program, but it should never have taken this long. My New Hampshire colleagues and I will keep fighting to put college within reach for all Granite Staters.”

“I am relieved that the life-changing work of New Hampshire’s TRIO Upward Bound programs will continue uninterrupted,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “But for the second year in a row, the Department of Education has created needless chaos by slow-rolling funding that is a genuine lifeline for New Hampshire students and educators. I will not quit fighting for every penny promised to our people.” 

“We are incredibly thankful to Congressman Chris Pappas, and the entire New Hampshire Congressional delegation, for their swift and continued advocacy on behalf of TRIO programs across the state. Had the June 1 Upward Bound Grant Award Notification been delayed for the UNH program, the consequences would have been significant. Without the timely release of federal funding, we would have faced the very real possibility of suspending operations, including our Summer Academy – the cornerstone experience for the 114 high school students we serve each year,” said Josh Gagnon, Immediate Past NH Educational Opportunity Association President and current Director of the UNH TRIO Upward Bound program. “TRIO programs like Upward Bound continue to receive strong bipartisan support in Congress because they know that TRIO Works! The majority of our students come from low-income families and will be the first in their family to attend college, and they consistently exceed federal objectives. This past year, 96% of graduating seniors enrolled in college immediately following high school graduation, 80% earned New Hampshire Scholars designation through completion of a rigorous curriculum, and nearly 80% of our alumni earned their college degree. The timely release of TRIO funding ensures that students can continue receiving the academic support, college advising, career exploration, and transformative educational opportunities that prepare them for future success.”

Background:

The New Hampshire delegation previously called on the Trump administration to restore Congressionally-approved funding for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire’s Statewide Family Engagement Center grant and TRIO grants for the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Talent Search and McNair programs. They also called on the administration to restore funding for New Hampshire’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Following their advocacy, it was announced in March of 2026 that funding would be restored for the McNair and Educational Talent Search programs, and the delegation continues to advocate against efforts by the Trump administration to weaken and undermine other TRIO programs.

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

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse has been leading House Democrats’ fight against Donald Trump’s ludicrous $1.776 billion slush fund for political allies. The fund was created through an unconstitutional settlement after the president dropped his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)—an agency he ultimately oversees.

In addition to bringing together more than 90 House Democrats in an effort to lobby the courts to block Trump’s billion-dollar fund, Rep. Neguse voted in the Judiciary Committee last Wednesday to subpoena Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other executive officials involved. He is also backing a bill proposed by Ranking Member Jamie Raskin to prohibit federal funds from being used for this so-called “anti-weaponization fund.”

Additional updates on the matter below. 

Rep. Neguse on MS Now’s All In With Chris Hayes

NEGUSE: I think a very clear red line has been drawn in the sand. And you get the sense, as you covered in the opening moments of your show, that some Republicans, some not all, but some are finally beginning to realize the depths of, I think this administration’s corruption, which is just unprecedented. 

[…] Part of it, I think, by the way, Chris [Hayes, Host], is animated by the reality that many of us, myself included, were in the Capitol complex on January 6th. Many of us were on the House floor. And to think that they are now going to proceed with this corrupt slush fund to essentially reward people who are convicted of attacking police officers and subverting the peaceful transfer of power, it’s just beyond the pale. So, I think you’re going to see a muscular response on behalf of House Democrats in the Congress. 

Watch the full interview HERE. 

House Democrats accuse Trump of ‘corruption unparalleled’ over IRS settlement talks 

In a statement, Neguse — who heads the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force, which was set up last year to push back on the Trump White House — wrote, “Donald Trump’s absurd $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS is one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen from this administration.”

“House Democrats are taking a stand for the American taxpayers that would be forced to foot the bill for this mess, and are calling on the court to block any unconstitutional settlements in the matter.”

Read HERE from MS NOW News. 

Democrats: DOJ’s $1.776B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund ‘raises the specter of corruption unparalleled’

Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), the assistant House Democratic leader […] called the president’s lawsuit against the IRS “one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen” from the Trump administration. 

“The case is unlawful, unethical, and lacks the bare minimum required to file a lawsuit: two opposing parties. House Democrats are taking a stand for the American taxpayers that would be forced to foot the bill for this mess, and are calling on the court to block any unconstitutional settlements in the matter,” Neguse added.

Read HERE from The Hill.

DOJ sets up $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund after Trump drops IRS lawsuit

A group of House Democrats called the move a “$1.7 billion slush fund” that Trump could use to “reward allies, including the nearly 1,600 defendants convicted or charged in connection with the January 6th attack on the Capitol.”

Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., called the news “one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen from this administration.” The House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force filed a motion seeking to block what Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called “pure fraud and highway robbery.”

Read HERE from NBC News. 

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
May 26, 2026                                                   202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF MABLE BRADY

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of Mable Brady:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mable Brady, matriarch of the Brady family on St. Croix. Alongside her husband, Allan Brady, Sr., Mrs. Mable opened Brady’s Restaurant in the late 1960s, building it into one of the most treasured and award-winning establishments in Christiansted. For many years, she stood at the heart of its kitchen, feeding our community with food and love. Brady’s Restaurant also served as a meeting place for my family for decades. Mrs. Mable cooked well into the early 2000s, a testament to her devotion and her joy in the craft.

“Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, a faithful friend, and a constant source of kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, and all who loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced that Moira McKenzie of Bristol’s Virginia High School won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District. Her artwork is entitled From Sea to Shining Sea and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Patrick County High School students, Kamiya Reynolds and Alexis Cox, secured 2^nd and 3^rd place finishes respectively. Reynolds’ United We Stand and Cox’s Ancestry Origins will be displayed in Rep. Griffith’s Abingdon and Christiansburg offices. Eastman Credit Union served as a financial sponsor of this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Eastman Chemical Company helped frame the artwork of all three placed finishes.

“Congratulations to Moira McKenzie on her victory in this year’s Congressional Art Competition in the Ninth District,” said Griffith. “Her work captures this year’s theme, ‘Celebrating 250 Years of America,’ and has earned a spot in the U.S. Capitol for all to see. I would also like to congratulate Kamiya Reynolds and Alexis Cox on securing placed finishes for their excellent entries.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for students to tap into their potential and challenge themselves. Students exercise their artistic talents and gifts with the support of educators as they play an important role in Virginia’s Ninth District. I would like to thank Debbi Martin and Grace Helms for supporting their students during this process.”

Pictured: Moira McKenzie recognized by Rep. Griffith for her winning submission.

Pictured: Amanda Boone of Eastman Chemical Company with Moira and Rep. Griffith.

Pictured from left to right: Grace Helms, Kamiya Reynolds, Rep. Griffith and Alexis Cox.

From Sea to Shining Sea

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas to VA: “If a veteran has a reasonable opportunity to have their home saved through the PCP under development, it would be cruel to foreclose on that veteran today.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a bill to prohibit permanent fencing from being installed on the grounds of the Supreme Court. Temporary anti-climb fencing was installed in May of 2022 when the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked and remained in place for approximately four months.

“Public property should be open to the public,” Norton said. “The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government, including the Supreme Court, low. We should not entrench that distance further by placing intimidating barriers between ourselves as public servants and the people we serve. Permanent fencing would send an un-American message to the nation and the world by transforming our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens. There are more effective, less obtrusive security solutions than archaic fencing. Moreover, the Supreme Court is in a residential neighborhood, and its grounds are widely used by both D.C. residents and visitors.

“While I am not aware of any plans to install permanent fencing at the Supreme Court, temporary security measures often become permanent, and this bill will signal congressional opposition to any such effort.”

Norton has previously also introduced a bill to prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the U.S. Capitol complex.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the No Fencing at the United States Supreme Court Act

May 26, 2026

Today, I introduce the No Fencing at the United States Supreme Court Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the U.S. Supreme Court.  Since 2021, I have also introduced a bill that would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the U.S. Capitol complex. 

After the Supreme Court’s draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health was leaked in May 2022, the Supreme Court installed temporary anti-climb fencing around its grounds, which remained in place until late August 2022.  While the Supreme Court has not announced plans to install permanent fencing, temporary security measures often become permanent.

While I understand the importance of protecting the Supreme Court building, Supreme Court Justices and Supreme Court employees, we can and must maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access by using the least restrictive means necessary to address security. 

Permanent fencing would send an un-American message to the nation and the world by transforming our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.  The Supreme Court has long welcomed First Amendment demonstrations without becoming a fortress. 

Public property should be open to the public. The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government, including the Supreme Court, at an all-time low.  We should not increase that distance by placing intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve.  There are more effective, less obtrusive security solutions than archaic fencing. 

Moreover, the Supreme Court is in a residential neighborhood in the District of Columbia.  The Supreme Court grounds are widely used by both D.C. residents and visitors.  Permanent fencing would block that use. 

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) lead a letter with 34 bipartisan House members to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him to strengthen NIH’s policy for determining eligibility to receive federal funding related to acquiring animals for NIH-supported research. This letter was prompted by the case of Ridglan Farms, a commercial beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin that was cited by the state for hundreds of counts of animal welfare violations in September 2025 and subsequently agreed to surrender its state commercial breeding license. Despite this, Ridglan continues to hold a USDA Class A license, which, under current NIH policy, is the sole factor used to determine a facility’s eligibility to supply animals in NIH-funded research.

“We write to express our concerns regarding current policy at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that may unintentionally allow for federal funding to continue to benefit facilities that are engaging in the mistreatment of animals,” the Members wrote. “Building upon work to reduce and ultimately eliminate unnecessary animal testing within federally funded research, including launching a Food and Drug Administration roadmap to phase down mandatory animal testing in April 2025, we urge you to take immediate action to update current policy regarding the use and acquisition of dogs in NIH-supported research.” 

“As you are aware, Ridglan Farms is a large-scale beagle breeding facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, which continues to hold a USDA Class A breeding license despite extensive evidence of animal welfare violations,” the Members continued. “There may be an opportunity to further strengthen NIH’s current policy for determining a facility’s eligibility to benefit from NIH-supported research, particularly by considering additional factors beyond whether a facility holds a USDA Class A license. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) holds the authority to review and update this internal policy and should consider additional factors, including whether a facility has received state-level animal welfare citations or surrendered an equivalent state-level license.”

“As you know, current NIH policy regarding the use and acquisition of dogs in NIH-supported research was last updated in 2013, when the agency ended the practice of using “random-source” dogs in federally funded research,” the Members go on to say. “Since then, researchers have largely turned to USDA Class A dealers, which are larger, commercial animal breeding operations, when determining eligibility for federally funded animal research. Officials at the NIH have indicated that the Class A license is the sole factor taken into account when making such determinations. Considering additional animal welfare information identified through state enforcement actions may help ensure federally funded research continues to meet the highest ethical standards.”

“HHS should consider additional steps to ensure that a USDA Class A license is not the only factor taken into account when determining whether a breeding facility is eligible to receive NIH funding or provide animals to NIH-supported research projects. As the Ridglan Farms case has demonstrated, reviewing these policies may help ensure federally funded research continues to meet the highest ethical and animal welfare standards,” the Members concluded.

A digital copy of the letter can befound here.

The full list of signers includes: Reps. Pocan, Langworthy, Beyer, Troy Carter, Casten, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Escobar, Fitzpatrick, Hayes, Hoyer, Huffman, Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Kennedy, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Malliotakis, McCollum, McGovern, Gwen Moore, Norton, Quigley, Ramirez, Ross, Salinas, Schakowsky, Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Wasserman Schultz, and Watson Coleman

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

Washington, D.C. — Last week, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse passed his bipartisan proposal to improve America’s recycling and composting infrastructure through the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The legislation will identify national composting infrastructure challenges and improve recycling data measurement and reporting—enhancing systems that enable the country to reduce waste and support communities.

Rep. Neguse’s Recycling and Composting Accountability Act was incorporated as part of Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-01) Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act during an Environment Subcommittee markup last week, and passed the full Energy and Commerce Committee today.

The bill now advances to the full House of Representatives.

“To build a sustainable future, we must create systems that encourage recycling and waste reduction, and ensure our communities have the resources to reach those goals,” said Congressman Neguse. “I’m incredibly proud to see the Energy and Commerce Committee advance our bill to address gaps in recycling and composting infrastructure to the House Floor for final consideration. This proposal establishes a comprehensive baseline of recycling and composting data, and helps lay the foundation for a healthier environment and a better planet for everyone.”

The legislation to improve the nation’s recycling infrastructure is also included in the Senate’s STEWARD Act, which passed that chamber in December 2025. 

Statements of support and additional information on the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, can be found HERE.

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

Today, U.S. Representatives James P. McGovern (MA-02) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) introduced legislation to strengthen the United States’s commitment to the aspirations of the Tibetan people for human rights and dignity. The ‘‘Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026” would empower the U.S. government to continue its engagement with the Central Tibetan Administration after the 14^th Dalai Lama has passed.

“Congress has a long-standing abiding interest in resolving the dispute between Tibet and China,” said Congressman McGovern. “Sadly, the Dalai Lama won’t be with us forever. We must ensure that the U.S. government has the authority and the tools to continue its advocacy for the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people. Essential to this effort, we must support the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate, democratically elected representative of the Tibetan people. 

“Decades after the Dalai Lama and his people fled the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution on a perilous journey to India, the CCP continues to threaten Tibetans’ faith and freedom,” said Congressman McCaul. “As I promised his Holiness when I visited Dharamshala, the United States will always with stand Tibetans in their pursuit of self-determination. I’m proud to support this important bill to permanently cement our commitment to the Tibetan people and guarantee unbreakable ties with their democratic leadership.”

The legislation:

• Makes it U.S. policy to maintain engagement with the Tibetan people directly and through their democratically elected leadership and religious and cultural leaders; 
• States that that the Central Tibetan Administration represents continuity of governance of the Tibetan people as established by the Dalai Lama;
• Supports the Tibetan people’s free exercise of their fundamental and universal human rights under international law, including the right to self-determination; and
• Affirms commitment to a resolution of the dispute between Tibet and China as a matter of strategic interest to the United States.

To carry out its objectives, the legislation directs the U.S. government to:

• Advocate for the Central Tibetan Administration to be given observer status within the United Nations system and in relevant international bodies and groupings;

• Grant officials of the Central Tibetan Administration with appropriate senior levels of engagement and diplomatic courtesies by the U.S. government, possibly to include the extension of diplomatic security and privileges and immunities.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.