MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Nebraskans are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to navigate unnecessary red tape while recovering from disaster.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in favor of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 352 to 32. This legislation, which passed the Senate on June 22, 2026, now heads to President Trump to be signed into law. 

“For too long, the idea of home ownership has increasingly become out of reach for countless American families. Today, the House took meaningful action to help working families pursue the American Dream and enter the housing market,” said Congressman Guthrie. “By reducing unnecessary red tape, increasing access to home loans, and prioritizing individual homebuyers over large corporations, this housing package will help Americans achieve their dream of home ownership.”

Background:  

H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:  

• Removes unnecessary regulatory barriers to streamline housing development and affordability by allowing the use of ready-to-use, pre-approved home designs so builders can get permits faster and build homes more quickly, 
• Addresses concerns about large investors unfairly competing with individual homebuyers by limiting investor purchases to no more than 350 single-family homes,  
• Modernizes outdated banking regulations to expand local lending while maintaining financial responsibility by simplifying bank exams and updating thresholds so well-run banks can focus more on lending and less on paperwork, and 
• Expands community and rural banks’ access to stable deposits so they can lend locally and support small businesses, farmers, and households. 

A one pager provided by the House Financial Services Committee can be found HERE. 

A section-by-section summary of H.R. 6644 compiled by the House Financial Services Committee can be found HERE.  

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

Today, Representative Sharice Davids once again voted to pass the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, major legislation aimed at lowering housing costs, expanding affordable housing supply, and strengthening renter protections. Following years of work led in part by Davids, the bill passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support and now heads to President Trump’s desk.

“Rising housing costs are hitting families across Kansas, and people are tired of feeling like homeownership or affordable rent is moving further out of reach,” said Davids. “This bipartisan bill takes practical steps to build more housing, strengthen protections for renters and homeowners, and crack down on large corporate investors buying up homes. It’s the kind of commonsense work Congress should be focused on to help lower costs and create more stability for families.”

Davids previously voted for the legislation when it passed the House in May. The updated version reflects years of bipartisan work to cut red tape and remove unnecessary barriers to new home construction, as well as providing needed relief to community banks. The legislation would:

• accelerate construction of multifamily, manufactured, and rural housing;
• expand access to small-dollar mortgages;
• prohibit large institutional investors that own more than 350 single-family homes from purchasing additional single-family houses;
• strengthen protections for families living in federally assisted housing;
• establish a renter complaint hotline and public resource center to help resolve disputes with large institutional investor landlords; and
• support community banks, credit unions, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), and rural lenders that help finance housing projects and mortgages.

Across Kansas, there is a shortage of rental homes that are affordable and available to low-income households, causing many families to spend more than half of their monthly income on housing. It’s estimated that in 2021, Kansas had more than 55,000 fewer rental homes than needed. Also, currently 40 percent of renters in Johnson County are housing cost-burdened, meaning these families and others across the state must forgo necessities — food, healthcare, childcare — to afford rent.

Last year, Davids released her Housing Affordability Agenda, outlining a path forward for bipartisan legislation in Congress to ensure every American has access to safe, decent, affordable housing and the amenities needed to thrive. Her agenda centers on expanding supply, reducing cost burdens, and strengthening consumer protections in the housing market.

In February, Davids convened local housing and community development leaders in Olathe to discuss strategies to expand affordable housing access for Kansans. Also, she and former Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS-02) previously urged U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to schedule a vote on bipartisan legislation that boosts affordable rental housing options in rural, suburban, and urban Kansas. Davids has also secured federal funding for multiple housing projects across Kansas’ Third District, from rural to urban to suburban communities.

A section-by-section analysis of the bill can be found here. Bill text can be found here. A roundup of stakeholder support for the bill can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), as well as Reps. Cohen (D-TN), Gottheimer (D-NJ), Raskin (D-MD), Schrier (D-WA), and Suozzi (D-NY), are introducing legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Americans who were active in rescuing and aiding Jewish refugees and others during the Holocaust. The Medal will be displayed at the U.S. Holocaust Museum.

Among those recognized include the War Refugee Board, who were responsible for saving the lives of 200,000 Jewish refugees and 20,000 non-Jews, as well as Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of the United States, Henry Morgenthau, Jr., former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Harold Ickes, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and Congressman Thomas D’Alesandro, Jr., of Maryland, the father of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

“I’m so proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Schiff and my Democratic colleagues to award a congressional gold medal to Americans who rescued Jews and other refugees facing near certain death during the Holocaust,” said Rep. Chu. “These heroes risked their own lives to save others and, in doing so, exemplified what it means to fight for a more just and more equal world. As we continue to face rising antisemitism, bigotry, and authoritarianism in our country and worldwide, our bill represents our unyielding commitment to ensuring the lessons of the past are never forgotten.” 

“It is more important than ever to commemorate the efforts of hundreds of individual Americans and the many organizations that aided and rescued European Jews and others facing Nazi persecution during the Holocaust. We commemorate the courage and sacrifice of these hundreds of Americans who saved thousands of lives – sometimes at grave personal risk and with U.S. public opposition at the time toward resettling Jewish refugees,” said Sen. Schiff.  

“The individuals and organizations who risked everything to rescue tens of thousands of Jews from near-certain death during the Holocaust are true heroes,” said Rep. Suozzi. “I am proud to help lead this effort to honor their tremendous courage with a Congressional Gold Medal. In a new era of rising antisemitism, their legacies inspire us to do everything in our power to stand up to this vicious hate wherever it arises.”

“It is right for Congress to honor those who rescued countless Jews and other refugees during the Holocaust. Awarding Congressional Gold Medals to individuals and groups responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives is a well-deserved honor and is long overdue,” said Rep. Cohen. 

“During the Holocaust, anti-fascist Americans stepped up to rescue thousands of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi mass murder,” said Rep. Raskin. “With antisemitism and authoritarianism on the rise globally, we must remember undaunted American activists who fought for safety and human rights for persecuted and scapegoated people. I am proud to join my colleagues to push for a Congressional Gold Medal to honor American heroes who helped save lives at great personal risk.”

Background: The resolution awards hundreds of Americans and relief organizations who were responsible for saving thousands of Jewish refugees and others during the Holocaust. In 1939, Congress rejected proposals to offer asylum to 20,000 Jewish children. In the same year, the United States refused asylum to Jewish refugees aboard the S.S. St. Louis, who were forced to return to Europe, and 254 of whom died in the Holocaust. 

This bill is cosponsored by: Reps. Bonamici (D-OR), Carbajal (D-CA), Friedman (D-CA), Goldman (D-NY), Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Jacobs (D-CA), Landsman (D-OH), Lee (D-PA), Levin (D-CA), Moskowitz (D-FL), Sherman (D-CA), Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). 

The bill is endorsed by The Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust. 

The full text of the legislation can be found here.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after she voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:

“Missouri families need and deserve relief from the high costs of everyday life, and I have been proud to work with my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee to directly address increasingly unaffordable housing prices. Today’s bipartisan vote will advance generational reforms to expand access to housing and help families in Missouri and across the country find the home they love. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will modernize and streamline outdated regulations, making it easier to build homes that families can afford.

“After months of bipartisan negotiations, the House and Senate came together to craft a bill that puts families first and will help Missourians achieve a stable living so they can put down roots and focus on raising their families.  I am looking forward to the President signing this critical legislation into law so we can continue to bring down costs in our St. Louis region and support the parents and families who make our community so great.”

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Vice-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, joined representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), fellow Members of Congress, and Armenian American community leaders in a press conference on Capitol Hill to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian prisoners of war and political detainees currently held by Azerbaijan. 

The press conference comes ahead of a House Foreign Affairs Committee vote on Congressman Sherman’s amendment calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian POWs and political prisoners. The amendment, which has garnered bipartisan support, presents an opportunity for the Foreign Affairs Committee to formally condemn Azerbaijan’s continued detention of Armenians. 

“For years, Azerbaijan has tortured, denied fair trial, and in some cases even executed Armenian POWs,” said Congressman Sherman. “The continued detention of Armenian prisoners of war and political detainees is unacceptable and contrary to basic principles of human rights and international law. Azerbaijan must immediately and unconditionally release every Armenian detainee it holds, and I look forward to the House Foreign Affairs Committee vote calling on Azerbaijan to do so.”

The press conference followed recent bipartisan approval by the House Foreign Affairs Committee of Sherman’s amendment to the House Foreign Service Act declaring that Azerbaijan should immediately release all Armenian prisoners and political detainees in its custody.

Sherman noted that numerous reports from international organizations, human rights advocates, and legal experts have raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of Armenian detainees and the conditions under which they are being held.

“The United States must continue speaking clearly and forcefully on behalf of those unjustly detained,” Sherman continued. “Congress has a responsibility to ensure that human rights abuses do not go unanswered. I am pleased that this amendment received bipartisan support, and I will continue working with my colleagues to advance it through the legislative process.”

Sherman has long been one of Congress’s leading advocates for Armenia and the Armenian people, including through legislation, oversight efforts, and repeated calls for accountability regarding Azerbaijan’s actions in the region.

A video of today’s press conference is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced that SHORE UP, Inc. has been awarded $6,299,732 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start program to provide early childhood education and child development programs across Maryland’s First District.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“The earliest years of a child’s life are critical to their growth and future development. Through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs, SHORE UP provides early childhood education, developmental services, health screenings, and nutritional support that prepare young children for school and beyond. These programs make a lasting difference for children and families across Maryland’s First District.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26) testified before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027.

Read Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart’s remarks here and below:

“Madam Chair and Ranking Member McGovern. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill.

“The bill presented today is another step in our historic efforts to strengthen national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership, we have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts to spending under the purview of this Subcommittee since 2023. This bill continues that effort with an additional $2.7 billion reduction from the enacted level, helping to address the greatest long-term threat to our country’s stability and security, our debt.

“There are some who say cuts of this magnitude jeopardize United States leadership in the world and make us less safe. I completely disagree. In fact, it is just the opposite. The bill provides the funds necessary for President Trump and Secretary Rubio to address our national security priorities and continue transforming the world in bold and durable ways in support of freedom and security. 

“If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you. If you are an adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then you will not like this bill. The bill maintains $1.8 billion for partners in the Indo-Pacific, including $500 million in military assistance for Taiwan and robust funding for the Philippines and our partners in Pacific Islands countries.

“It demonstrates unwavering support for Israel by providing $3.3 billion in security assistance and maintaining support for other key partners in the Middle East. It recognizes the valuable partnerships in the Western Hemisphere, which continue to expand and realign under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio by:

• Increasing support for our friends and allies such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica;
• Expanding funding for counter-narcotics and related law enforcement efforts in our hemisphere, including investments to combat fentanyl trafficking; and
• Providing funds to support democratic transitions for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

“Last year, the Members of the NSRP Subcommittee focused on how to responsibly transition PEPFAR programs back to partner countries. PEPFAR is a great success story, but most of us agree the program cannot, and should not, go on forever. Working alongside the Administration, countries are now committing significant sums of their own resources as part of the America First Global Health Strategy, enabling our committee to reduce funding while still achieving the same outcomes. Just as critical as what the bill funds is what it does not fund, and how it strengthens conditions, prioritizes oversight, and demands accountability for every dollar. 

“The bill:

• Prohibits funds to the PRC and the Communist Chinese Party and prohibits funds to other countries from being used to repay debt owed to China. 
• Continues a key provision that blocks assistance to anyone that supports, finances, or facilitates the operations of the Cuban military, including the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior;
• Maintains the prohibition on all assistance to the Taliban;
• Puts Americans first by withholding funds from Mexico until it delivers water owed to the United States; and
• Supports full implementation of key Executive Orders that reflect a clear commitment to national sovereignty, a secure border, limited government, and American values, including those related to restoring free speech, supporting religious freedom, and ending censorship.

“Assessed funding for the U.N. is cut by $1.8 billion, no funds are included for the U.N. Regular Budget, and funds are prohibited to:

• The World Health Organization; 
• The United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel;
• The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA); 
• The United Nations Human Rights Council; 
• The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights;
• The International Criminal Court; and 
• The International Court of Justice.

“The bill includes a provision to ensure justice for victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, including 50 murdered Americans, by requiring full accountability for UNRWA staff who participated in heinous acts of terrorism.

“The bill maintains all long-standing pro-life provisions, bars funding for UNFPA, and prohibits spending that violates the President’s Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance policy. These measures, along with stronger oversight, ensure taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions. Thank you again for holding this hearing. I look forward to your questions.”