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

Headline: Newhouse Selected to Chair House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on being selected as the next Chairman for the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture. 

“It’s truly a privilege to receive the gavel for the Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee,” said Rep. Newhouse. “These are two issues that are at the center of our agriculture industry and natural resources in the State of Washington, and I look forward to working closely with Chairman Thompson on moving the Farm Bill this Congress. 

It is also an honor to fill the shoes of my late friend, Doug LaMalfa, who led this subcommittee as a fighter for these issues in Northern California. I am thankful for this opportunity and ready to get to work.” 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson said, “Rep. Newhouse is a valued and engaged member of our committee, and I am proud to see him stepping up to lead the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture. He has proven himself to be a true advocate for our country’s working lands and specialty crop producers, and I know this subcommittee will thrive under his leadership. Mr. LaMalfa left big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt in my mind that Rep. Newhouse is the right person to carry on his legacy.” 

The subcommittee is responsible for policies and statutes relating to forestry and all forests under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture; regulatory issues impacting national forests; and related oversight of such issues; policies, statutes, and markets relating to horticulture, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamentals; bees; and organic agriculture.

The late Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) chaired the Subcommittee before he passed away on January 6, 2026. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressmen John Garamendi (CA-08) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24), two senior members of the House Armed Services Committee, demanded that the Department of the Navy respond to concerns regarding the Department of the Interior’s Draft Proposed Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which would open vast areas of U.S. coastal waters to new offshore drilling near locations where military readiness activities vital to national security take place.

“Our military must be able to train and operate without interference from incompatible industrial activities,” said Congressman Garamendi. “The proposed expansion of offshore oil and gas leasing raises serious concerns about its potential impact on military readiness, particularly in areas that have long been recognized as vital to our national defense. These proposals, which could jeopardize military operations, demand careful review, robust interagency coordination, and transparency.”

“California is home to a broad network of military installations, test and launch ranges, and naval training areas that are essential to our national defense,” said Congressman Carbajal. “The Trump administration’s offshore oil leasing plan cuts through many of these critical sites, creating potential conflicts that could undermine our military readiness. We need strong oversight to ensure this plan doesn’t put our coastline or national security at risk.”

The Department of the Interior proposal, released on November 20, 2025, includes 34 potential lease sales off the coast of Alaska, in the Gulf of Mexico, and along the California coastline – covering approximately 1.27 billion acres. Many of the proposed leasing areas overlap with critical military training and operational zones essential to U.S. national security.

In the letter, Congressmen Garamendi and Carbajal question whether the Department of the Navy has been adequately notified of or consulted on the proposal and urge the Department of Defense to conduct thorough compatibility reviews through the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse. The lawmakers emphasized that oil and gas activities pose risks to testing, training, and operational missions, including those conducted in the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range, along the Pacific coast, and in strategically sensitive waters off Alaska.

The lawmakers requested information from the Navy regarding its awareness of the proposal, potential impacts on warfighting capabilities, any ongoing or planned assessments, and whether the proposal has been referred to the Department of Defense’s Siting Clearinghouse for formal review. 

Read the full letter HERE:

In addition to Representative Garamendi and Carbajal, the letter was also signed by Representatives Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Mike Levin (CA-49), Dave Min (CA-47), Robert Garcia (CA-42), and Julia Brownley (CA-26).

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Haley Stevens (MI-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) today introduced a bill to prohibit the Trump Administration or any federal agency from interfering in the opening and operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The New York Times reported that Detroit billionaire Matthew Mouron, owner of the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday, February 9. Hours later, Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge – a bridge that would bring economic prosperity to Michigan and the U.S., but would compete with the Ambassador Bridge.

“Donald Trump is unsurprisingly putting good-paying Michigan jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth at risk by threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” said Stevens. “I know the importance of Michigan manufacturing and that’s why I’m demanding Trump drop this reckless threat, let the bridge open, and stop playing games with our jobs and our economy.”

“Donald Trump won Michigan, and now he’s turning his back on the working people who put him in office,” said Dingell. “Instead of fighting for Michigan workers and our economy, he’s protecting his billionaire donors. In 2017, Trump himself endorsed the bridge, calling it a “vital economic link between our two countries.” Nothing has changed. Canada is our friend, our neighbor, and one of our strongest allies. The Gordie Howe Bridge means jobs and livelihoods for Michigan families. This bill simply prevents federal interference in its opening and operation, and I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Congresswoman Stevens and the entire Michigan House Democratic delegation. It’s shameful that the President continues to put personal interests ahead of American workers. I won’t accept it and I’ll always stand up for Michigan.”

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the product of years of cross-border work, investment, and cooperation and is ready to open this spring. It’s no surprise that Matthew Moroun, owner of the dangerously obsolete Ambassador Bridge, met with the Trump Administration mere hours before the president absurdly threatened to block this safer, more efficient bridge from opening. Michiganders and the American people will not be denied this crucial new crossing by the White House’s blatant corruption,” said Tlaib.

“Trump’s threat to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a spit in the face to Detroiters who have been patiently awaiting its opening. Thanks to the incredible diplomacy of President Obama, Canada paid the entire cost of the bridge, all while supporting American workers by hiring them to work on its construction and using American steel to build it. We were getting a bridge at no cost to us, but, Trump is recklessly threatening to throw all of that away for no other reason than to inflict pain on Michiganders and Canadians alike. This awful decision would kill jobs, stifle transportation, and increase costs in Michigan,” said Thanedar.

“Canada and the United States have shared a strong, trusted partnership for centuries, and in Michigan, that relationship matters every single day. Canada is our state’s largest trading partner, and projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge represent what’s possible when we work together across borders to prioritize jobs, commerce, and cooperation,” said Scholten. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Michigan-Canada Partnership Act to block the Trump Administration from interfering with the opening of this critical bridge.”

“The Gordie Howe Bridge has been a bipartisan priority because it supports jobs, makes transport easier, and will lower costs. At the last minute, the President wants to derail this hugely important project because a billionaire campaign donor told him to,” said McDonald Rivet. “This kind of blatant corruption hurts working families, and needs to end. For the sake of Michigan’s economy, let’s pass this bill.”

Read full bill text here.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced the Local Infrastructure Tax Cuts Act, legislation co-led by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI), to deliver targeted tax relief to Michiganders and strengthen the ability of townships to invest in critical local infrastructure.

Across Michigan, townships rely on Special Assessment Districts (SADs) to fund urgent projects like repairing aging roads, replacing water and sewer lines, upgrading stormwater systems, and restoring dams. These costs (often $5,000 or more per household) are directly levied on homeowners. Under current federal law, these locally imposed special assessment taxes are generally not deductible, leaving hardworking families to shoulder the costs.

The Local Infrastructure Tax Cuts Act closes this gap by allowing eligible low- and middle-income homeowners to deduct qualified special assessment taxes paid on their primary residence for projects such as transportation, public safety facilities, schools, water, and sewer systems.

“Michigan families are paying too much out of pocket to fix their roads, upgrade their water systems, or restore critical infrastructure in their communities,” said Rep. Stevens. “When homeowners are required to pay thousands of dollars for essential public infrastructure improvements, the federal tax code should provide relief — not make life more expensive. This bill delivers commonsense tax relief while helping our communities build and modernize the infrastructure they depend on.”

“Special Assessment Districts (SADs) allow our local communities to make necessary and targeted infrastructure improvements, but too often the costs fall directly on homeowners who can least afford them,” said Rep. Dingell. “Homeowners in Michigan and across the country are feeling financial stress from skyrocketing costs of living – we must ensure important local projects don’t also become an undue burden. This bill provides meaningful relief with tax deductions and will help families manage rising costs while ensuring communities can continue to invest in critical infrastructure.”

“Families shouldn’t have to worry about their taxes skyrocketing just because their community needs safer roads, reliable water lines, or upgraded sewer systems,” said Rep. Scholten. “Local infrastructure improvements benefit everyone, but too often the cost falls hardest on working- and middle-class homeowners. The Local Infrastructure Tax Cuts Act will provide real relief by allowing eligible taxpayers to deduct these special costs, keeping household budgets stable while communities make critical upgrades. I’m proud to partner with my Michigan colleagues to stand up for families and prove that investing in infrastructure can go hand in hand with lowering costs.”

Rep. Stevens wrote the Local Infrastructure Tax Cuts Act after hearing directly from local leaders in Oakland County and across Michigan. Specifically, the bill:

• Creates a new tax deduction for homeowners who have to pay a special assessment on their primary home imposed by a state or local government.

• Limits eligibility for this deduction to taxpayers with income below $107,500 (for single filers), $161,250 (for head of household filers), and $215,000 (for joint filers).

• Caps the deduction at $10,000 (or $5,000 for married individuals filing separately) per year.

The bill is endorsed by the Michigan Townships Association, the National Association of Towns and Townships, and townships across Michigan.

“Special assessments are an essential tool allowing municipalities to provide critical public services and infrastructure improvements to their community—from fire service to sidewalks, water systems to streetlights. The Michigan Townships Association thanks Congresswoman Stevens for this legislation, which will assist Michigan residents in low- and moderate-income households by allowing them to claim a local special assessment as a federal income tax deduction.” – Michigan Townships Association

“The National Association of Towns and Townships strongly supports the Local Infrastructure Tax Cuts Act. This legislation offers long-overdue federal recognition of the financial burden local infrastructure places on rural and small-town homeowners, especially those living in legacy communities with aging roads, water systems, and public facilities. By making special assessment taxes deductible, Congress can empower local governments to invest in critical infrastructure while easing the cost burden on middle- and working-class families. The National Association of Towns and Townships supports this commonsense measure, and we thank Representative Stevens for her leadership on this issue.” Heidi M. Fought, President, National Association of Towns and Townships

“This Bill incentivizes property owners and municipalities to pursue much needed but often hard to swallow projects. As our infrastructure ages, we need to have creative thinking that helps with the solution.” – Rik Kowall, White Lake Township Supervisor

“Bloomfield has taken on approximately $43 million in Special Assessment Districts (SADs) over the past seven years to address road and water infrastructure needs resulting from insufficient funding from local, county, and state governments. Due to the deterioration of our roads, water, and sewer systems, neighborhoods have been forced to step up and pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to cover the costs of these necessary upgrades. Our residents need relief and support. Providing assistance would help homeowners manage rising costs and may allow many to remain in their homes. Those most affected, and from whom we hear most often, are senior citizens, retirees, and young families purchasing their first homes.” – Mike McCready, Bloomfield Township Supervisor

“This would be greatly appreciated by our residents, who must pay to reconstruct or repave roads in their subdivisions. Those roads belong to the county, but because there is no funding for residential roads, our homeowners must pay to repair their own streets. Road construction costs almost doubled in the past five years, making a special assessment a heavy burden on our residents. This proposal would provide sorely needed relief.” – Jonathan Warshay, West Bloomfield Township Supervisor
 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) voted to repeal Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canada. The resolution passed 219-211 and now heads to the Senate. Similar measures have received bipartisan approval from the U.S. Senate.

In response to this watershed rebuke of Trump’s reckless tariffs, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) released the following statement:

“Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs are hurting our manufacturers and making life more expensive for Michigan families. I was proud to stand up for Michigan and rein in Trump’s erratic policies. Michigan workers and businesses shouldn’t be forced to pay the price for his reckless, shoot-from-the-hip tariffs.”

Stevens has been leading the charge in Congress to fight back against Trump’s tariffs and has been getting results. She introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act to lower costs for Michiganders and prevent the President from unilaterally putting tariffs on food and other agricultural products. Just weeks after Stevens’ push, the Trump Administration announced it would back down on price hikes at the checkout counter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

WASHINGTON  – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) voted in favor of H.R. 22, the SAVE America Act, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21). The bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, remove non-citizens from state voter rolls, and require a valid photo ID to vote. It would also mandate in-person verification of citizenship during voter registration.

“The SAVE Act is a crucial step in preserving the integrity of our elections,” said Rep. Cline. “The right to vote is one of the most sacred responsibilities of American citizenship. Ensuring that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections is a commonsense safeguard that upholds the rule of law and strengthens public confidence in our democratic system. My vote sends a clear message that Republicans are committed to defending free and fair elections and to protecting the voice of every eligible American voter.”

Currently, in several states, non-citizens have been able to obtain driver’s licenses, creating loopholes where these individuals can illegally register and vote in federal elections. While federal law reserves voting in federal elections as a scarce privilege for U.S. citizens, it has often undermined state efforts to enforce proof-of-citizenship requirements.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that the Presidential 1776 Award, a new national civics competition formed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education as part of the America 250 celebration, is accepting registrations through February 21, 2026.

“I am excited to announce that the Presidential 1776 Award competition is accepting registrations,” said Congressman Baird. “This is an exciting opportunity for young Hoosiers to test their civics knowledge and showcase their interest in the founding of America, the greatest nation in history. I encourage every high school student in our district to apply, and I wish every participating student the best of luck. I know you will make our country proud.” 
 
About the Presidential 1776 Award: 
 
The Presidential 1776 Award is a nationwide civics competition for high school students interested in early American history and government. The competition focuses on the American Revolution and the key moments in the founding of our nation.
 
The competition is organized by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. The top finalists will have an opportunity to compete for three scholarships up to $150,000.

Students compete in three stages:  

1. Online multiple-choice exam. 
2. Regional semi-final competitions. 
3. A national final competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. 
 
 
Testing opens on February 22, 2026, and closes on March 1, 2026.  
 
For full rules and regulations, click here. To learn more about the contest, click here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Supports SAVE America Act to Secure Federal Elections

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted for the SAVE America Act; legislation which strengthens election integrity by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship and valid photo identification to vote in federal elections. The bill requires states to verify citizenship during voter registration and ensures non-citizens are removed from federal voter rolls. 

“Voting is a fundamental right for American citizens and only citizens should be able to vote in our elections. Last year, Michigan reported that foreign nationals were able to cast a ballot in the 2024 election. This is completely unacceptable. It makes clear that reforms are needed to stop non-citizens from registering and casting a vote. The SAVE America Act takes common sense steps to protect the integrity of our elections, restore confidence in the system, and ensure the law is enforced,” said Moolenaar.  

Last year, Moolenaar led his republican colleagues in Congress in calling on Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to explain her failures in preventing non-citizens from voting in the 2024 election. 

The SAVE America Act would require voters to present a photo ID when they cast a ballot and requires states to check for ineligible voters on their voter rolls at least once per month. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Aderholt voted ‘Yes’ on the SAVE America Act, which passed through the House of Representatives.

The SAVE America Act requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and strengthens election integrity standards.

“I am proud to have voted ‘Yes’ on the SAVE America Act to ensure that American elections are fair and free. We need to restore confidence in our voters and integrity in our elections, because it’s common-sense that American elections should be decided by American voters, and American voters only,” said Congressman Aderholt.

The Pew Research Center shows that 83% of Americans support requiring all voters to show government issued photo identification.

Americans need to use a photo I.D. to check into hotels, buy alcohol or tobacco, open a bank account, board a flight, donate blood, buy cold medicine. The SAVE America Act would simply add “voting in a federal election” to that list.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) are demanding answers to their unanswered questions regarding the recent surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) activity in Maine. In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons, the members of the Maine Delegation called for a detailed explanation and update about ICE’s presence in Maine, including what their mission is and who they are targeting.

The letter comes on the heels of ICE’s enforcement actions in Maine, inappropriately called “Operation Catch of the Day,” which began nearly three weeks ago. Since its start, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided no formal information on the people arrested and their legal status beyond a list of 19 people on its website. Meanwhile, DHS claims that several hundred people have been detained.

“We write to request your prompt response to our outstanding questions regarding Immigration and Customs Enforement’s (ICE) recent surge in activity in Maine. It has been 22 days since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that ICE would launch “Operation Catch of the Day” (OCOTD) in Maine. The January 20, 2026, announcement from DHS stated that this operation was “an immigration enforcement effort across the state of Maine targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have terrorized communities.” ICE officials told the media in Maine that the target for the operation was 1,400 individuals and that roughly 200 individuals have reportedly been apprehended thus far. The DHS website “Worst of the Worst” lists only 19 individuals apprehended in Maine,” the lawmakers began. 

The lawmakers continued, “On January 29, 2026, we learned from Senator Collins that Secretary Noem would be halting the operation; however, we have not seen any written correspondence corroborating this announcement. While state and municipal leaders along with stakeholders in Maine have reported a reduction in ICE’s presence related to this recent surge—absent a formal notice from DHS of the end of the operation—we have outstanding questions regarding the scope of this operation as detailed in various correspondence with the Legislative Affairs offices of DHS and ICE.”

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

+++

 

Dear Secretary Noem and Director Todd Lyons:

We write to request your prompt response to our outstanding questions regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) recent surge in activity in Maine.

It has been 22 days since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that ICE would launch “Operation Catch of the Day” (OCOTD) in Maine. The January 20, 2026, announcement from DHS stated that this operation was “an immigration enforcement effort across the state of Maine targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have terrorized communities.” ICE officials told the media in Maine that the target for the operation was 1,400 individuals and that roughly 200 individuals have reportedly been apprehended thus far. The DHS website “Worst of the Worst” lists only 19 individuals apprehended in Maine.

On January 29, 2026, we learned from Senator Collins that Secretary Noem would be halting the operation; however, we have not seen any written correspondence corroborating this announcement.

While state and municipal leaders along with stakeholders in Maine have reported a reduction in ICE’s presence related to this recent surge—absent a formal notice from DHS of the end of the operation—we have outstanding questions regarding the scope of this operation as detailed in various correspondence with the Legislative Affairs offices of DHS and ICE. To address these urgent concerns, we request that you provide answers to the following questions and information requests by Wednesday, February 18, 2026:

1. Please confirm whether Operation Catch of the Day is ongoing in Maine?
   1. Please clarify if the operation has been completely halted, reduced, or has not yet changed?
   2. If it has only been reduced, please detail the current scope and nature of this operation?
   3. What further information can ICE provide regarding any ongoing activity?
2. What is the objective of launching “OCOTD” in Maine?
3. Which individuals are being targeted?
4. How many DHS/ICE (any federal) agents were deployed to Maine specificallyfor “OCOTD?”
   1. How many additional agents have arrived to Maine for this operation?
   2. What agencies did they represent?
5. What is the total number of arrests made to date (from the time you are responding to this inquiry) as part of OCOTD?
   1. Barring any legal restrictions, please provide a name and justification for each criminal arrest—such as what is posted on DHS’ “Worst of the Worst” website and clarify whether the individual has been convicted of or just charged with the crime listed?
   2. Where are detainees apprehended in this operation being taken (please list name of states and facilities)?
   3. Among those arrested, do any have final removal orders?
   4. Among those arrested, how many have criminal convictions verses criminal charges
   5. How many discretionary arrests of asylum seekers?
   6. How many arrests are of refugees whom US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have decided to re-interview?
6. Please share where and how ICE compiled its list of “1,400 targets” for OCOTD?
7. Why are detainees of OCOTD who are asylum seekers, those without a criminal record, and waiting to appear before an immigration judge, being taken into custody?
8. There have been numerous arrests of individuals without criminal records—what is the justification for these arrests? This is contrary to the DHS statement that the objective of OCOTD is to arrest the “worst of the worst.”
   1. How is ICE classifying “the worst of the worst?”
   2. Does this include those with parking citations, for example?
9. Are there any concurrent, separate operation(s) and/or targets being pursued in tandem with OCOTD?
   1. If so, please what are those operation(s)?
   2. Are there any U.S. citizens on ICE’s target list in Maine?
10. It appears the individuals who have been listed in DHS’s announcement about “Operation Catch of the Day” do not also appear on the “”Worst of the Worst” website under Maine arrests, despite being characterized as “worst of the worst”? Please explain.

We have repeatedly asked for this basic information over the past three weeks. Senator King made request on January 23; Congresswoman Pingree sent you a letter with a similar series of questions on January 22; and further, we have jointly requested to be briefed on your agency’s operation—all with no response. We expect answers to the questions posed here, as well as responses to our previous inquiries, within a week, as congressional oversight is not optional. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,

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