MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, following her calls, Representative Sharice Davids welcomed news that a company seeking to use land in south Kansas City for a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility will no longer move forward with the sale, following strong community opposition.

“Community voices matter,” said Davids. “This site was intended to support economic development and job creation — not to house a massive ICE detention facility that would strain infrastructure, divert resources from local law enforcement, and undermine public safety. I’m glad to see this proposal halted and will keep working on thoughtful immigration policies that provide a clear pathway to citizenship, secure our border from violent crime and drug trafficking, and do not overwhelm our systems.”

Earlier this week, Davids publicly opposed the proposed 7,500-bed detention center and sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers about the administration’s plans to expand large-scale immigration detention facilities in the Kansas City metro area. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) made a similar demand this week.

Davids’ letter raised concerns about the impact of large-scale detention centers on local emergency services, law enforcement resources, economic development agreements, and public safety. She also requested detailed information about federal coordination with local officials, the use of local taxpayer-funded resources, and safeguards to protect American citizens and legal residents.

While the proposal in Kansas City, Missouri will not currently move forward, a separate contract remains in place between ICE and CoreCivic to house detainees at a facility in Leavenworth, Kansas. Davids is awaiting formal responses from the Department of Homeland Security to the questions outlined in her letter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor regarding Black history and stolen legacies. 

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) condemned President Trump’s decision to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act “Endangerment Finding,” which requires the EPA to protect people from pollution that drives extreme weather and its costly, dangerous impacts under the Clean Air Act.

“Trump has cemented his legacy as the most pro-polluter, anti-health President in history. He’s inflicting costly and dangerous harm on Americans and our way of life. It’s a corrupt decision that guts vital Clean Air Act protections and flies in the face of established science.

“Florida is uniquely vulnerable to unabated climate pollution and the enormous costs we pay in property insurance, high electric bills and more intense hurricanes. The escalating cost of living does not matter to Trump. He sides with polluters and their profits every day over the health and well-being of our neighbors.

“In 2024, Floridians experienced 11 extreme weather disasters that caused more than $135 billion in damage and claimed at least 286 lives. Across the Tampa Bay area, neighbors were hit by back-to-back hurricanes, and many families are still rebuilding their homes and businesses. Last summer’s record-breaking heat sent more construction workers and outdoor employees to the hospital and cost Florida an estimated $11 billion in lost annual productivity. At the same time, insurance companies are raising rates or pulling out of our state altogether, leaving families with fewer choices and higher costs.

“The EPA is supposed to protect our families and our environment. But today’s actions aren’t based on facts or science. They rely on a misleading Department of Energy report that cherry-picks data to support the Republican, pro-polluter sellout.

“Rescinding the Endangerment Finding gives polluters a free pass to pollute the air we breathe while families pay the price with higher health care costs, higher insurance premiums, and greater risks to their livelihoods from extreme weather. This reckless move ignores science, puts corporate polluters first, and puts our community at risk. I will fight to restore these protections and hold polluters accountable.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced his office is seeking applicants for the paid 2026 Summer Internship Program, to be offered in his Washington, D.C. office.

This program is open to college students and young professionals interested in learning about the legislative process and assisting with the responsibilities of a congressional office. Interns will perform a range of tasks, including constituent outreach, legislative writing, and more—with the possibility of earning school credit. Summer internships are split into two six-week sessions and will be offered from May to August 2026, with specific dates to be discussed during the interview process. All applications must be submitted via Congressman Allen’s website by Friday, March 20, 2026. 

“Working in a congressional office provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in how our government operates and to network with individuals from all walks of life. In our office, we employ a bottom-up approach to empower others to be the best they can be. Many of our past interns have used the skills gained during their internships to transition into a variety of successful career paths. My staff and I look forward to welcoming these talented young professionals to our team this summer,” said Congressman Allen.

Those interested in a summer internship can apply on Congressman Allen’s website or contact the Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-2823 with any questions

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) announced that he secured $17,816,80 for his constituents and the greater city of Chicago through Community Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2026. Quigley successfully advocated for all 15 of his funding requests to be included in the final government funding legislation, which has now been signed into law. The approved projects include four projects previously announced in January.

“During this year’s Appropriations process, I was proud to secure nearly $18 million in funding for Chicagoland. These critical funds will support and expand essential services in our community, from transportation and urban development to safety and public health,” said Quigley. “We have an amazing community that needs the support of our federal government to make improvements and repairs. I’m proud to support local works that would otherwise be overlooked by Congress. These projects will modernize and renovate equipment for our city’s fire department, CTA stations, outdoor spaces, and more.”

Previously called earmarks, Community Project Funding allows lawmakers to set aside funds in federal appropriations bills to address specific needs in their districts. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Quigley helps craft these bills and advocates for funding for infrastructure and social services at home. Since 2021, Congressman Quigley has secured roughly $58 million dollars in Community Project Funding for Chicagoland. 

As a senior member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, Quigley secured over $5 million to update roads, CTA stations, and an underpass on Oak Street Beach:

• “We extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman Quigley for his continued support of regional public transit and for securing this vital funding,” said Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen. “These funds will allow us to fast-track essential upgrades at two stations, ensuring a safe and welcoming travel environment for those who account for the 2.7 million rides taken at both locations last year.”
   
• “This funding allows us to significantly upgrade and enhance a heavily used connection between two of Chicago’s greatest assets, the lakefront and The Magnificent Mile. Enhancing the Oak Street Beach Underpass will create a safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors while supporting the vitality of the surrounding area. We applaud Congressman Mike Quigley’s leadership and continued support in helping make this important investment possible. bringing these critical infrastructure funds to Chicago,” said Kimberly Bares, President and CEO, The Magnificent Mile Association.
   
• “The City of Des Plaines is thrilled to be awarded Community Project Funding for the Algonquin Grade Separation Project. The City of Des Plaines has 32 railroad crossings, which is among the highest for a municipality in the United States. There is a vast need to provide an unimpeded through route from the east side to the west side of the City. Algonquin Road is centrally located in the City and fulfills this need.  With this investment, we move closer to completing a project that will reduce emergency response times, alleviate traffic delays, mitigate congestion, while improving air quality and overall public safety,” said Thomas Semanic, Management Analyst, City of Des Plaines.
   

Quigley also secured over $1.3 million to fight hunger and homelessness in Chicagoland:

• “The Department of Housing thanks Congressman Quigley for providing $850,000 in funding for Belray Apartments,” said Lissette Castañeda, Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner. “This investment will support the rehabilitation of the existing Belray building as well as the attached new construction, ensuring ongoing delivery and enhancement of permanent supportive housing opportunities for adults experiencing homelessness. Sustained federal support like this helps ensure long-term housing stability, along with critical community resources for all Chicagoans.”

• “The Palatine Township Haven Project represents a transformative investment in our community, strengthening our Township Center while expanding access to critical services for all 115,000 residents, especially those most in need. We are grateful to Congressman Mike Quigley for his support in advancing this important initiative. Through the collaboration of partners across all levels of government, along with the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring every resident has access to the services, dignity, and support they deserve,” said Andy-John G. Kalkounos, Palatine Township Supervisor.
   

The Congressman also procured over $6 million to improve public safety and health in the community, including new equipment for the Chicago Fire Department, new bulletproof vests for police officers, new parts for a local wastewater plant, and replacements of lead pipes in Arlington Heights’ water lines:

• “A serviceable ballistic vest can mean the difference between an officer going home at the end of a shift or a family facing a lifetime of loss,” said Arthur Hannus, Executive Director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. “Chicago police officers are required to replace expired ballistic vests at their own expense, despite the dangers they face every day.  That reality is why the Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to provide life-saving replacement vests. Since the program’s launch, we have replaced nearly 15,000 vests for Chicago officers. We are profoundly grateful to Congressman Quigley for recognizing this critical need and standing with us in the essential work of protecting those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities.”
   
• “The Village of Arlington Heights is excited for the opportunity to work with Congressman Quigley on funding the safe removal and replacement of roughly 3,500 lead service water lines within our community. Due to the Village’s age, there are an extraordinary number of residential lead water service lines. The lead service lines are generally located in the middle of the community in older homes, often affecting our elderly population at a higher rate,” said Cris Papierniak, Director of Public Works and Engineering for the Village of Arlington Heights. “The Village has been trying to aggressively remove lead service lines since 2021, but has been saddled with the estimated $44 million dollar cost upon project completion. The funding provided by Congressman Quigley will make a significant impact on the program, and we look forward to potential future funding opportunities.”
   
• “This federal investment is an important contribution toward much-needed upgrades at our wastewater treatment facility,” said Barrington Village President Mike Moran. “Thanks to the initiative and dedication of our staff, the Village was able to secure funding that helps advance this project, protects public health and preserves our local water resources. We are grateful for Congressman Quigley’s support and remain focused on delivering long-term value to our community.”
   
• “Village staff worked diligently to identify and secure this highly competitive federal funding,” said Village Manager Scott Anderson. “While this grant represents a portion of the overall project cost, it helps offset expenses that would otherwise fall to our residents and allows us to move forward responsibly with critical infrastructure improvements. It reflects our commitment to long-term planning, fiscal stewardship and environmental protection.”

This year’s approved CPF requests also included nearly $4 million for outdoor sports and recreation, including local renovations for a field house, a biking trail, and a rowing lagoon. One project will give funds to Chicago Public Schools, so they can build an artificial turf field for elementary school students:

• “The North Branch Trail Alliance (NBTA) of Greater Chicago is so thrilled to hear about the expansion of the trail network to include the funding for the Weber Spur Trail for the Chicago Department of Transportation, thanks to the efforts of Congressman Mike Quigley. There have been so many advocates within the city, county, state, and federal government, but special thanks to the community, including local partners at the North River Commission and the North Mayfair Improvement Association that advocated to make this happen. By taking one more step forward in the process, the Chicago Department of Transportation will build a more robust trail network in the State of Illinois,” said Jim O’Reilly, North Branch Trail Alliance (NBTA) of Greater Chicago.

• “I’d like to extend my appreciation to Congressman Mike Quigley for advocating for our parks and securing funds for restoration of the Horner Park Field House, the pedestrian underpass in Lincoln Park at Oak Street and the historic Lincoln Park Rowing Lagoon,” said General Superintendent & CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “Originally built in 1956, upgrades to the Horner Park field house will ensure the Park District can continue to offer robust and engaging programming for years to come. The restoration of the underpass at Oak Street will improve access, usability, and safety of the critical lakefront connection, and restoration to the rowing lagoon, listed on the National Register of Historic places, will ensure the public can continue to safely recreate in and around the lagoon and the 1938 boat house. We are grateful to the Congressman for his commitment to improving the lives of Chicago residents by investing in our beloved neighborhood parks.” 

• “The parents and staff of Onahan have been diligently working to upgrade the current field at Onahan Elementary as it is the only open green space in the area. A new field will have a tremendous impact on not only the students, but the entire community. We are grateful to Rep. Quigley for his support of this project. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common cause,” said the Onahan Elementary School Council.

Congressman Quigley also acquired nearly $1.1 million to improve flooding mitigation in Graceland West. These funds will construct green alleys with permeable pavement, increasing water infiltration and decreasing the amount diverted towards the sewers:

• “Non-permeable concrete and non-absorptive grass/sod/turf coupled with intensified precipitation and snowmelt contribute immensely to urban flooding. To help with our urban flooding and provide pollinator and beneficial insect habitat, GWCA has installed 17 GWCA Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Sites.  Each is at least 100 sq. ft., absorbs over 2,000 gallons of stormwater annually and returns excess to the aquifer, not a sewer.  50 member-neighbors are working on our green initiatives.  Green alleys, green roofs, and bioswales specifically designed to return stormwater to the aquifer were recommended in addition to these efforts. We are immensely thankful to Congressman Quigley and his knowledgeable staff for their needs analysis, coordination, follow up, and for securing funding for green alleys needed in our Graceland West neighborhood,” said the Graceland West Community Association.

 

Below is a list of the 15 FY26 projects that Quigley secured funding for. To learn more about Community Project Funding and project details, go to quigley.house.gov/community-project-funding. 

• Algonquin Road Grade Separation – $1,800,000
• Belray Apartments, Chicago Department of Housing – $850,000
• Brown Line Rockwell Station Modernization Project – $1,200,000
• Chicago Fire Department Equipment – $2,959,000
• Get Behind the Vest – $1,031,000
• Graceland West Green Alleys – $1,092,000
• Haven Project – $500,000
• Horner Park Field House – $2,000,000
• Lead Line Service Line Replacement Project – $1,092,000
• Lincoln Park Rowing Lagoon – $250,000
• Oak Street Underpass Improvements – $2,000,000
• Red Line Belmont Station Improvement Project – $500,000
• Sustainable Updates to CPS Outdoor Spaces – $850,000
• Village of Barrington Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade – $1,092,000
• Weber Spur Trail – $850,000
   

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei released the following statement following yesterday’s oversight hearing on the potential impacts of a DHS shutdown:

“Under the leadership of Chuck Schumer, progressive Democrats are now demanding that Congress weaken interior immigration enforcement or risk shutting down the entire Department of Homeland Security,” said Chairman Mark Amodei.

“If you think that’s acceptable because you oppose ICE or Border Patrol operations, it’s worth remembering that DHS funds far more than immigration enforcement. Threatening to shut it down puts core national security functions at risk.

“The Coast Guard, which carries out critical maritime search-and-rescue missions, would be sidelined. FEMA’s emergency preparedness and disaster recovery efforts would be delayed and disrupted, even as states across the country are still dealing with historic winter weather. At a time of heightened global tensions, DHS cybersecurity and communications capabilities would shift from proactive to reactive defense. During the last shutdown, Americans saw firsthand what happens when TSA operations are disrupted: longer wait times, widespread flight cancellations, and unnecessary chaos. Some lawmakers are apparently willing to see that happen again. 

“None of these consequences have anything to do with immigration enforcement.

“While I’ve previously said ICE needs to refocus on its core mission, that pivot is already underway. Under Tom Homan’s leadership, tensions in Minnesota were successfully deescalated through engagement with local officials, leading to the conclusion of surge operations in the state and the deployment of body cameras for personnel remaining on the ground.

“It’s also important to note that ICE still has resources funded in the One Big Beautiful Bill if the third shutdown in less than 100 days takes place. At the same time, a continuing resolution does little to resolve the issue, as it keeps funding at FY25 levels, which are actually higher than what’s proposed for FY26.

“Policy disagreements are not the responsibility of the appropriations process; rather, they should be taken up with the authorizing committees. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to reflect on the lessons of the longest government shutdown in history, which proved it accomplishes nothing.”

Watch the full hearing here. 

Read Chairman Amodei’s full remarks here.

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living, to making healthcare more accessible and to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to make life more affordable, not to brutalize and kill the American people.

LEADER JEFFRIES: The Trump administration has failed the American people. Republicans have failed the American people. Extreme MAGA Republicans, led by Donald Trump, have failed on the economy, they have failed on healthcare and they have failed on immigration enforcement. ICE is completely and totally out of control. We know they need to be reined in now without further delay. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not brutalize or kill them, which is what took place in Minneapolis, and it’s what is taking place all across America whenever these masked and untrained ICE agents show up on the scene. 

House Democrats continue to be committed to making life more affordable for Americans, to driving down the high cost of living. We’re committed to fixing our broken healthcare system. And of course, we need to get ICE under control and deliver a country that is consistent with our values, with who we are. That’s not what we’re seeing right now under Donald Trump and Republicans who’ve gone way too far, and the American people know it, which is why Republicans continue to lose elections all across America.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), ranking member of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, and Congressman Mike Turner (R-Ohio), head of the U.S. delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly, today introduced the Respect NATO Allies Act, a bill to require congressional approval for any new tariffs imposed on North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies.

The bill was introduced ahead of the Munich Security Conference, the annual international forum held in Munich, Germany, where political leaders, military officials, and experts, including many from NATO countries, gather to discuss global security challenges.

“NATO is the United States’ greatest strategic alliance and the relationship with our transatlantic allies must be preserved,” said Ranking Member Sánchez. “This is a simple bill. Congress has constitutional authority over trade and any new tariffs against our closest friends and allies should require congressional approval to protect those relationships and our national security.”

“NATO is a cornerstone of America’s national security, and at a moment when Russia and China are testing our resolve, we should be strengthening Allied unity,” said Congressman Turner. “Congress must re-claim its role in trade relations with our NATO allies, keeping faith with the alliance that keeps America safer and protects strategically vital regions like the Arctic, while also protecting American workers and manufacturers.”

In January, President Trump threatened to impose 10 percent tariffs on eight NATO countries – Denmark, the UK, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands – over their opposition to the United States’ threat to annex Greenland. The tariffs could have risen to up to 25 percent. The president withdrew the tariff threat after reaching a framework for a potential agreement regarding Greenland and the Arctic region.

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

The president signed the fiscal year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill into law on Tuesday. Norton has secured nearly $15 million in Community Project Funding for D.C. in FY 26.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: WATCH: Carter champions his Undersea Cable permitting reform bill on House floor

Rep. Carter speaks on the House floor

Watch the Floor Remarks Here

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025. 

“Undersea fiber optic cables carry roughly 95 percent of all intercontinental internet traffic and nearly all transoceanic digital communications. 

“Trillions of dollars in financial transactions – trillions! Global trade data, cloud computing, and secure government communications depend on these cables every single day. 

“They are critical infrastructure, just as essential as ports, as pipelines, or power grids.

“Yet despite their importance, the United States has allowed overregulation and duplicative permitting to stand in the way of deploying and maintaining this infrastructure. 

“Especially on the West Coast, where permitting delays and overlapping approvals have made it effectively impossible to lay new cables in certain areas for decades. 

“The [Natural Resources] Chairman [Bruce Westerman] just described what we’re talking about here.

“These projects weren’t stopped because they failed environmental review. 

“They were stopped because of bureaucracy.

“That is the problem H.R. 261 is designed to fix.

“Today, even when an undersea cable project has already received full authorization from a federal or state agency, it can still be forced through an additional, duplicative permitting process within national marine sanctuaries. 

“That extra layer adds years of delay, drives up costs, and discourages investment without providing meaningful environmental protection.

“H.R. 261 clarifies that once a project has been lawfully approved at the state and federal levels, it should not be required to obtain an additional permit for the same activity.

“And let me be clear: This bill does not weaken environmental protections. 

“All existing environmental laws, reviews, and interagency coordination requirements remain fully intact. 

“This is about eliminating redundancy—not eliminating oversight.

“This matters for states like Georgia.

“Georgia’s economy depends on global connectivity, from the Port of Savannah and our logistics and supply chain networks to manufacturing, defense contractors, data centers, and a growing technology sector. 

“Reliable undersea cable infrastructure supports jobs, it supports trade, and economic growth across the country.

“There is also a serious national security component to this.

“Undersea cables carry sensitive government and military communications. 

“Delays in installing, repairing, or maintaining this infrastructure create real vulnerability to our national security.

“Even today, our adversaries like China are actively targeting global communications networks, especially cutting undersea cables that connect us to our allies like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.  

“Secure, resilient connectivity is not optional; It is a strategic necessity.

“H.R. 261 is the solution that offers a balanced, commonsense solution. 

“It cuts unnecessary red tape, it preserves environmental safeguards, it strengthens our economy, and most importantly, it protects America’s national security.

“I implore this Congress to pass this legislation to secure America’s technological dominance and fortify our national security.”

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