MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today pressed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for assistance on a suspected cancer cluster in Keyport, New Jersey during a hearing on the agency’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

During the hearing, Pallone pushed Administrator Zeldin for a firm commitment to provide federal engagement. 

“Earlier this month, I sent EPA a letter about a suspected cancer cluster in Keyport, New Jersey, which is in my district, demanding that the agency work with other federal and state partners to secure the site and address the ongoing contamination. Corporate polluters have been let off the hook for too long in this area, and the community is paying the price, and I think this matter deserves the full attention and force of our public health and environmental agencies. The Region Two administrator, I do want to say, has been cooperative. He met with my staff last Friday to discuss this cancer cluster and remediation of the landfill that we believe may be causing it,” Pallone said.

“So I just wanted to mention it to you and ask you to prioritize this issue as we proceed with the region two administrator to address remediation and the health concerns, if I can ask for your commitment,” the Sixth District Congressman asked. 

Zeldin responded that he was “very well aware of it,” and that the “Region Two administrator has briefed me on it. I know how much of a priority it is. This is an issue that New Jersey DEP has been on the lead on enforcement at the landfill, they have not asked for our assistance, but we stand ready to help.”

Download video of the hearing exchange here.

Pallone’s questioning came after weeks of escalating concern from Keyport residents living near the former Aeromarine landfill, a site with a decades-long history of contamination that has never been fully remediated. More than 40 cancer cases have been reported in the surrounding community, including 28 clustered on a single street, raising urgent questions about potential environmental exposure.

Earlier this month, Pallone formally called on federal and state agencies to launch a coordinated investigation into the site, secure the property, and assess risks to public health. The landfill, which was shut down in 1979 due to major failures, has since been linked to the presence and migration of hazardous substances including benzene, PCBs, heavy metals, and methane gas. Despite repeated violations and nearly $900,000 in fines issued in recent years, the site remained unsecured and had not been properly capped or cleaned up.

Last Thursday, Pallone’s staff convened a multi-agency meeting with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Department of Health, EPA Region 2, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the Governor’s Office to establish a coordinated response. The Congressman’s office outlined a three-part approach focused on comprehensive environmental testing and cleanup, a full review of potential health impacts, and clear, consistent communication with residents. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for later this week. 

Yesterday, Pallone also spoke directly with state and local officials in Keyport, including DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak and Mayor Rose Araneo, to hear from the community and reinforce the need for immediate action.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. — Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement after the attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner:

“This evening’s shooting at the White House Press Correspondents’ Dinner is once again a sad reminder of the violence and divisions we have at home and around the world. I am relieved that the President, his official party, members of Congress, and the press are all reported to be safe. 

Having attended this dinner in the past, I can attest to the importance of this occasion to put aside our partisan differences with conversation and humor. 

We must find bipartisan ways to restore civil debate free of the politics of hate and hyper-inflated division that fuels the contempt today. We must find ways to make our country’s government trusted on behalf of the American people.”said Congressman Costa. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned the premise of a Republican-inspired hearing on efforts to eliminate FACE Act safeguards. In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said recent blockade outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Memphis, where performing abortions is a felony, “was about intimidation” and denied women access to essential health services and primary care.

The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act has been the law since 1994 and prohibits obstruction of access to reproductive health services facilities.

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part:

“Democrats are fighting to ensure that every American can access high-quality health care, practice their faith freely, and rely on the rule of law. The majority (Republicans), however, seeks to hand individual health care decisions to a handful of radical activists, impose their preferred religious views on everyone else, and give cover to lawbreakers—even violent ones—when it benefits them politically…

“In December, seventeen people were arrested for blocking access to the Planned Parenthood clinic in Memphis—the only one remaining in the area, just blocks from my home. The other clinic had been forced to close because of the Administration’s deep Medicaid cuts. These protesters weren’t stopping abortions. Abortion in Tennessee is a felony at all stages of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest. The people entering that clinic were seeking routine, preventive services like blood pressure checks, breast cancer screenings, and STI treatment. It functions like any other doctor’s office, accepting insurance and serving patients whose reasons for visiting vary and are private. This wasn’t about protecting life—it was about intimidation and imposing one group’s beliefs on everyone else… 

“Here’s the kicker: some of those arrested were anti‑choice activists whom President Trump had recently pardoned for earlier FACE Act violations. These individuals had already been convicted of obstructing access to reproductive health care. The FACE Act plays a critical role in protecting the rights of patients and providers. This Administration and the MAGA movement want to dismantle it. Repealing the FACE Act would give political and legal cover to people who believe they can decide who should—and should not—receive health care.

“This is not about religion—and certainly not about religious freedom…Repealing the FACE Act would elevate one narrow set of beliefs at the expense of all others. That is the opposite of religious liberty.”

Congressman Cohen said that the Committee should be reviewing President Trump’s misuse of the pardon power and unlawful executive orders that overstep Congress’ Article 1 authorities.

See his entire remarks here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

• Jessica Waters, senior scholar in residence, Justice, Law and Criminology, American University; 
• Chris Ferrara, Senior Counsel, Thomas More Society;
• Roger Severino, VP of Economic and Domestic Policy, The Heritage Foundation; and
• Eva Edl, convicted FACE Act defendant

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul — chairman of the Homeland Security Committee’s Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events — sent a letter with U.S Congressman Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the congress members urged the administration to empower the National Guard to address potential drone-related threats and ensure a “unified federal security posture” at the games.

 

Full text of the letter can be found here or below.

 

Dear Secretary Hegseth, Acting Attorney General Blanch, and Secretary Mullin:

 

We are writing to request immediate interagency action from the Department of War, Justice, and Homeland Security to secure the airspace over the eleven U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Beginning June 11, the tournament’s high-threat environment requires resources beyond current state and local Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) capabilities.

 

While the Safer Skies Act was a vital step toward securing our domestic airspace, the tournament’s unprecedented scale requires us to build upon that foundation immediately. Potential personnel shortages and complex jurisdictional divides between event organizers and host cities risk creating a fragmented environment that requires a unified federal security posture.

 

We must work towards a stronger and more unified federal operational framework to address the jurisdictional lines between FIFA and the host cities. These gaps can be met by deputizing National Guard members to perform 6 USC § 124n authorities. With its rapid deploy ability, nationwide scalability, and extensive experience responding to domestic emergencies, the National Guard is uniquely positioned to assist federal and state authorities with C-UAS mitigation and unified coordination for World Cup security.

 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring an unprecedented number of global spectators to our homeland, and the eyes of the world will be on the United States. Ensuring the safety of these events and attendees is a responsibility we must meet with no room for error. Thank you for your service to the country and prompt attention to this concern. We look forward to working together to secure this historic event.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), and U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-CA) announced more than $22 million in federal funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for the Port of Hueneme in Ventura County, California and for the Port of Richmond in Contra Costa County, California.

The funding the lawmakers secured will improve efficiency and safety and help support the much-needed upgrades to infrastructure at the ports. The grant program is administered by the Maritime Administration.  

• Port of Hueneme was awarded $11,250,000 
• Port of Richmond was awarded $11,224,449 

“A vital engine for clean jobs and workforce development, the Port of Hueneme drives economic growth and promotes climate resiliency across our region,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “To keep the Port strong and competitive, I worked alongside Senators Schiff and Padilla to secure federal funding for critical infrastructure upgrades. These federal investments will help the Port of Hueneme carry out its critical functions while prioritizing safety, maximizing efficiency, and guaranteeing responsible stewardship. Ensuring the Port’s sustainability and resilience is essential for our environmental and economic prosperity, and I will continue to support investments like these that serve our community and help safeguard our future.” 

“America’s economic strength is built on investments in our ports,” said Congressman Garamendi. “That’s why I’m proud to announce over $11 million in critical funding for the Port of Richmond. This investment reinforces the port’s vital role in our economy and our community. I thank Senators Schiff and Padilla for their partnership and leadership in securing this critical investment.” 

“As vital economic drivers for California and the nation, it is crucial that we support the infrastructure upgrades needed at our ports. I am proud to have partnered with my colleagues to bring back federal funding for our ports, so they remain leading gateways for imports and exports,” said Senator Schiff. 

“By upgrading key infrastructure at the Ports of Hueneme and Richmond, we’re strengthening our supply chains, supporting good-paying jobs, and moving goods more reliably across California and the nation,” said Senator Padilla. “As the fourth-largest economy in the world, California depends on ports like these as critical gateways for trade and growth. I’ll continue fighting for investments that deliver lasting benefits for the workers, businesses, and communities that rely on them.” 

“This $11.25 million federal investment in the Port of Hueneme prospers the local and regional economy and strengthens the national supply chain,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port of Hueneme Director. “Funds will rehabilitate an essential wharf and deepen the berth to support larger vessels requisite to growing import/export volumes. This funding doesn’t just improve our docks; it creates good paying jobs in logistics. We thank Senators Schiff and Padilla and Representative Brownley for their support of the Port of Hueneme and their leadership on supply chain initiatives.” 

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Issues: 119th Congress, Transportation and Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON — Representative Lauren Underwood, a member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons at a subcommittee hearing. Underwood challenged Lyons on ICE’s failure to provide a full accounting of the cost of Operation Midway Blitz to taxpayers, details that she has sought in formal inquiries to the agency for months. Within hours of Underwood’s questioning, Lyons resigned his position.

ICE provided an incomplete response to Underwood in writing following the hearing, reporting the cost of Operation Midway Blitz to taxpayers at over $15 million.

This response failed to provide the comprehensive data Underwood has repeatedly requested. This includes key cost categories such as equipment purchases; personnel and overtime expenses; travel and lodging; legal liabilities, including litigation, settlements, and administrative claims; as well as any outstanding obligations tied to the operation.

Underwood’s questioning directly stemmed from her January 21, 2026, oversight letters to ICE, CBP, and DHS leadership, which requested a detailed accounting of Operation Midway Blitz, including total expenditures, operational scope, and enforcement outcomes. Those requests sought information necessary for Congress to assess both the use of taxpayer funds and compliance with federal law, but key questions remain unanswered by the Trump administration.

Full text of Underwood’s letters can be found here:

Investigative letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 

Investigative letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

Investigative letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

ICE’s written response to Rep. Underwood [From ICE on behalf of Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director – April 21, 2026]:

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) to reintroduce the Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act. This bipartisan legislation would remove administrative hurdles for small farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), which would expand their economic opportunities and improve access to healthy, affordable food for families.

“Central Valley producers grow the food that feeds our nation, but unfortunately, complicated administrative hurdles make it hard for them to provide food to families in our own communities,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill reduces these barriers and equips small farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to accept benefits through programs like SNAP and WIC. By expanding access to fresh, locally-grown food for lower-income families and opening new markets for producers, we can both strengthen our agricultural economy and improve food access across the Valley.”

“Too often, local farmers and ranchers cannot access the federal programs designed to help feed our communities, not because of a lack of need or demand, but because the system is too complicated to navigate,” said Rep. Scholten. “By cutting through unnecessary red tape for farmers to participate in these nutrition programs, we can enable more local producers to succeed while ensuring families have better access to fresh, affordable food. Our bipartisan effort is about making government work the way it should – advancing practical solutions that are responsive to the people it serves.”

“The Farmers Market Coalition is extremely pleased to see the introduction of this bill. Farmers markets and the farmers who sell at them face many barriers to accepting SNAP and other Federal Nutrition Benefits, and this bill would make necessary improvements to remove red tape and streamline the process. These changes will increase income for American farmers and improve access to healthy food for low-income shoppers,” said Jamie Hadji, Board President, Farmers Market Coalition.

Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“Every family deserves nutritious, affordable food, and that food can be grown right here in Minnesota. Farmers and producers are the lifeblood of Minnesota’s ag economy, and we should be doing everything we can to help farmers sell their products to families in their local community,” said Senator Smith. “By cutting red tape and providing necessary technology and equipment, this bill will make it easier for them to accept nutrition program benefits, while simultaneously helping folks using federal nutrition programs get healthy, local food at farmers markets.”

The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to:

• Streamline the application process for farmers and ranchers to participate as authorized vendors under various nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. 
• Streamline the equipment/technology systems needed by farmers to process the benefits.
• Provide free wireless or mobile processing equipment and systems for farmers markets.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chair of the Americans Abroad Caucus, reintroduced the Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act. The legislation would establish a bipartisan commission to examine the concerns of the roughly nine million U.S. citizens living and working abroad.

These citizens can face difficulties in accessing basic services involving immigration, taxation, voting, and the use of financial institutions, in addition to reaching their members of Congress. The Executive Commission created by Rep. Titus’s legislation would comprise a ten-member bipartisan panel to analyze, report on, and make appropriate recommendations to address the effects of activities, laws, and policies of the federal government on Americans citizens living abroad.

“Many of my constituents are among the millions of Americans abroad who’ve encountered financial, travel, and health-related burdens. The commission created by this legislation would help the federal government analyze the challenges of being away from home and help resolve them. As Chair of the Americans Abroad Caucus, and having taught abroad myself, I am familiar with these issues and will work with my colleagues to address them. All American citizens deserve representation, regardless of where they live,” said Rep. Titus.

“Congress needs to understand the important role of U.S. citizens living and working abroad in advancing U.S. economic and national security interests. The Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act of 2026 introduced by Americans Abroad Caucus Chairwoman Dina Titus, is a welcomed effort that will educate Congress on the issues affecting the 5 to 6 million U.S. citizens while they live and work outside the U.S.  ACA thanks Congresswoman Titus for her continued commitment and support of U.S. citizens living abroad.” said Marylouise Serrato, Executive Director of American Citizens Abroad (ACA).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at the House Committee on Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY 2027 National Security, Department of State Bill. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.

“Thank you, Mr. Alford. I want to thank the Chairman, as I said, and I certainly want to thank the Ranking Member, Ms. Frankel, for her leadership in bringing forward a bill that achieves, for the most part, a bipartisan consensus on some of our issues. But clearly, as has been indicated by our Ranking Member and our Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, I’m disappointed, as I know they are, in the reductions the majority included in this bill, chiefly with regard to our support for Ukraine. I have introduced an amendment to address that, and I’ll speak about that at that time. At present, however, let me just say that the people of Ukraine and their leaders are not the only ones looking carefully at the level of support we include in this bill. The Kremlin is watching. The Chinese government is scrutinizing it as well. Let us be mindful of the signals we are sending to our adversaries, and not just our friends, not only with respect to the military side, but also with respect as to this – to the area of where we need to give aid and help to people who are struggling in the world, the soft weapons that we talk about.

“We can do better. We should do better to ensure that Ukraine has all the resources needed to complete the liberation of its sovereign territory, and to strike a blow against the forces of autocracy and all who would say, ‘I just take what I want.’ The era of that history should be over. The rules-based international order led by America since the end of the Second World War delivered the greatest period of peace and prosperity ever experienced. We must not retreat in our role of leadership in this area. If we want to keep that going, it’s up to us to lead in preserving that order. Ukraine is fighting to do just that. If they lose, we lose. If they win, so do we, as does the free world. I’m glad that this bill continues to robust bipartisan support for Israel’s security and the close U.S.-Israel security cooperation that delivers so many benefits to both our nations. No matter what one’s views are on the current politics in both the United States and Israel, ultimately, our nation shares a bond that goes beyond politics or personalities. It’s about shared values and democratic ideals, and our commitment to [the] U.S.-Israel relationship is one that is rooted in a respect for history, justice, and the fight against global antisemitism.

“With regard to how this bill was brought forward, I’m disappointed not only in the bill that I am the Ranking Member [of], but this bill as well, and as I understand almost every other bill we consider where we have not had the hearings appropriate to give us the information that we need. That lapse, in my opinion, weakens this bill and the other bills that we’re considering. But I want to thank both [the] Chairman and Ranking Member and the staff who’ve worked hard on both sides for writing a bill that reflects what we’ve called ‘an attempt at the psychology of consensus.’ We haven’t reached it in this bill, as the Ranking Member indicated, and the Ranking Member of the full committee. That is, it’s aimed towards reaching bipartisan agreement instead of toward furthering partisan conflict. I know that the Chairman and Ranking Member will continue down the road with this bill as they complete this [process]. This bill is close, and I hope we can improve and strengthen it. Thank you, [and] I yield back.”