MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Today, Congressman French Hill (R-AR-02) and Congressman Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01) announce the relaunch of the bipartisan Congressional Skilled Workforce Caucus to champion skilled workforce development and inform Members of Congress on issues facing American workers and employers who depend on a trained, capable workforce. Hill and Jackson will serve as Co-Chairs of the caucus for the 119th Congress.The Skilled Workforce Caucus will serve as a forum for Members to coordinate on federal policy priorities related to skilled workforce training, career and technical education, apprenticeships, and the pipeline of workers needed across healthcare, aviation, technology, and the sectors that build and power our nation.

The need is urgent. The construction industry alone is projected to need 349,000 additional workers in 2026, with roughly 41% of the current construction workforce expected to retire by 2031. The healthcare sector faces a parallel crisis, with more than 189,100 registered nurse job openings projected annually through 2034. Across aviation, technology, and energy, the story is the same as demand continues to outpace the pipeline. If left unaddressed, the skilled labor shortage could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost economic output.

Rep. French Hill said, “For decades, we pushed young people toward four-year degrees, which had the unintended consequence of making trade schools and skilled labor look like a second-rate career path. The fact is, our skilled workers are the backbone of our economy, integral to everything that makes this nation great, from our healthcare and technology industries to the workers who build our homes and maintain our infrastructure. While we continue to applaud those who attend our great colleges and universities, this caucus will make sure Congress pays equal attention to the skilled workers who make modern American life possible. I am proud to work with Congressman Jonathan Jackson to ensure their voices are heard in Washington.”

“Our nation needs a skilled workforce prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century economy,” said Rep. Jonathan Jackson. “I am honored to join Rep. Hill in relaunching the Skilled Workforce Caucus to bring Members of Congress together around a shared commitment to strengthening workforce development and expanding opportunity for working families. By investing in career and technical education, apprenticeships, and workforce training, we can create more pathways to family-sustaining careers, close skills gaps across critical industries, and build an economy where prosperity reaches every community.”

Additional caucus members will be announced in the coming weeks.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO, IL — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), State Senators Celina Villanueva, Javier Loera Cervantes, State Representatives Abdelnasser Rashid, Norma Hernandez, Edgar Gonzalez Jr., Aarón M. Ortíz Theresa Mah, Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, Alderperson Mike Rodriguez, Alderwomen Jeylú B. Gutiérrez and Julia Ramirez, Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, Chicago School Board Member Yesenia Lopez, District Councilor Elianne “Ely” Bahena, and Summit Public Library Board President Yareli Cortez, issued the following statement regarding the illegal detentions conducted by ICE at the Bridgeview Courthouse:

“Yesterday, federal immigration agents conducted unlawful arrests at the Bridgeview Courthouse. Despite state and local laws prohibiting civil arrests at courthouses without a judicial warrant, these agents detained three people, including a woman and a small child. At no point did they present a warrant. Video evidence shows local law enforcement officers seemingly assisting with a violent arrest and even shaking hands with a federal agent afterward. Once again, ICE is illegally kidnapping people at our courthouses and local law enforcement officers seemingly helping them do it. Our community is sick and tired of criminality and the impunity. We demand a thorough and independent investigation of this matter, and accountability for all violations of our laws.”

# # # 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

ROCHESTER, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig visited Mayo Clinic in Rochester to meet with Mayo Clinic’s leadership team and receive a briefing on their Bold. Forward. strategy to cure, connect and transform healthcare for patients everywhere – including Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester, which reimagines the downtown Rochester campus and introduces a combination of innovative care concepts, digital technologies and new facilities.

During the visit, Rep. Craig had the opportunity to tour the Rochester campus transformation and discuss Mayo Clinic’s latest efforts across the enterprise to integrate cutting-edge technologies and deliver better outcomes for patients. Rep. Craig and Mayo Clinic leaders also discussed the significant economic and workforce opportunities Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester will create and the lasting impacts of this historic investment in greater Minnesota and beyond.   

“Every year, more than a million people from across the globe, including countless Minnesotans from CD2, receive world-renowned care at Mayo Clinic – and that’s because they are on the cutting edge of modern medicine,” said Rep. Craig. “Mayo is constantly adapting to serve their patients, and Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester is another critical step toward improving and expanding access to Mayo’s unmatched health care. This historic investment will not only improve patient outcomes but also create economic opportunities and good-paying jobs for generations of Minnesotans.”

###

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

WASHINGTON—Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a registered nurse, introduced legislation to lower the cost of health care for working families. The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or substance use disorder visits without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related fee. The legislation is co-led by Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Senator Angus King (ME).

“Health care costs are out of control and stopping too many Americans from getting the care they need. Here in Illinois, families are being asked to pay hundreds of dollars out of their pockets just to see their primary care doctor for a cold, or to get treatment for a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or addiction,” said Rep. Underwood. “Our legislation will make sure financial barriers aren’t coming between Illinoisans and the primary and mental health care they need.”

“As a doctor, I saw patients delay care because of high deductibles and the high initial out-of-pocket cost of an office visit,” said Rep. Schrier. “This meant that sometimes simple conditions turned into serious ones before they’d see the doctor.  That is why I introduced this commonsense legislation that will require insurance companies to cover three primary care visits a year, in addition to outpatient mental health or substance use disorder treatment with no out-of-pocket cost. We need to ensure patients can access the care they need, when they need it.”

“Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential to keeping Maine people healthy – it is also a prevention measure that saves taxpayer dollars in the long-run,”said Senator King. “The cheapest medical procedure is the one that doesn’t have to happen because the problem was caught early. This commonsense approach, making routine healthcare visits to primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and substance use counselors more accessible and cheaper for all Americans, is the first step in supporting the longevity and success of our communities, our family and our friends.”

Approximately one-third of adults say they have skipped necessary medical care because of high costs. By lowering costs for these visits, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act would help patients access the care they need to improve their health and well-being. Additionally, research has shown that expanding access to high quality primary and mental health care drastically lowers overall costs and improves patient outcomes across our health care system.

The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act has received endorsements from leading health care organizations in Illinois and across the country, including Clinical Social Work Association, IC&RC, National Behavioral Health Association of Providers, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Mom Congress, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), PA Education Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Association on Health and Disability, Lakeshore Foundation, March of Dimes, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD), National Association of Social Workers, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH), Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, American Academy of Physician Associates, American Psychological Association Services, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National League for Nursing, International OCD Foundation, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Faces & Voices of Recovery, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

###

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

Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Trauma Outreach, Understanding, and Resiliency through Spirituality (TOURS) Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

This week, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) introduced legislation to ensure affordable access to clean water for families across the country. The lawmakers highlighted the need to address rising water costs and prevent service shutoffs that disproportionately affect low-income households.

The congresswomen are leading the Water Access Act and Water Access and Affordability Act, pieces of legislation that would provide $500 million in funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The bills would help eligible households pay their water and wastewater bills, ensuring more Americans can maintain access to safe and reliable water services. 

ICYMI, media coverage of their legislative effort can be found below:

Michigan Public: Reps. Tlaib and Dingell promote bill to create a assistance program for water utility costs

• Representatives Debbie Dingell and Rashida Tlaib joined water access advocates on Tuesday to draw attention to a bill they re-introduced in April that would create a permanent fund for help with water bills.
• Water costs have been rising across the state, as federal investment in water systems has plummeted according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan. In 2023, outstanding water bills nearly brought the city of Highland Park to declare municipal bankruptcy.
• “No person should have to decide whether they pay their water bill or buy groceries,” Dingell said. “No senior living on a fixed income should worry that turning on the faucet could mean falling behind on their medication, and no child should ever come home to a house without running water because their family couldn’t keep up.”
• Dingell said she’s pushing for her colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to consider the measure.

Michigan Advance: Congresswomen emphasize water as a human right in push to renew COVID-era water assistance program

• Speaking at a Dearborn Heights press conference Tuesday, U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) relied heavily on the framework of water as a human right in explaining the need for their two new bills that would establish a permanent federal assistance program for low-income households to pay for water.
• Dingell emphasized the national need for this program, which would serve states and families across party lines and across the country. “That’s why we’re going to keep working on this and reminding our colleagues in Congress, we have to get this done for every one of their constituents,” she said. “Water doesn’t care if somebody’s Republican or Democrat, they’re just kids, they’re just seniors, they’re people that need that helping hand.”
• Dingell also referenced rising utility rates in Michigan and nationwide as a further reason why a federal program such as this is necessary. 

WEMU: Reps. Dingell, Tlaib lead legislation to protect water access for low-income families

• U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced legislation Tuesday that would direct millions to help low-income families with their water bills. The legislation calls for $500 million to be directed to the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help struggling families pay for their water and wastewater bills and prevent shutoffs.
• U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says the water assistance program was essential during the pandemic and is the first-ever federal water assistance program to help low-income households.
• “Too many families in Michigan and across this country are finding that rising costs are turning something that is essential, a basic human right, into another source of economic anxiety and hard choices.”

Planet Detroit: Dingell, Tlaib urge permanent federal water assistance: ‘A basic human right’ 

• U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) are backing legislation that would create universal drinking water access for low-income households and provide $500 million for a COVID-era federal water assistance program.
• Dingell and Tlaib reintroduced the Water Access and Affordability Act in April. It would provide $20 billion annually for 10 years for a low-income water affordability program at the Environmental Protection Agency.
• This legislation includes automatic enrollment in access programs and measures to reduce enrollment burdens; assistance for low-income households; a prohibition on water service disconnections and associated fees; and provisions for equitable treatment of owner-occupied households and rental households, among other measures.

CBS Detroit: Detroit organization, lawmakers fight for low-income water assistance program

• Michigan Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Debbie Dingell secured federal funding for the low-income water affordability program (LAWA) during that time, bringing relief to more than 30,000 households in Michigan.
• More than 170,000 households experienced water shut-offs between 2014 and 2020, according to the community organization, We the People of Detroit.
• Michigan Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Debbie Dingell secured federal funding for the low-income water affordability program (LAWA) during that time, bringing relief to more than 30,000 households in Michigan.
• “We cannot let any household in this country go without running water, and I’m bound and determined to do that. And if I have to, I’ll go talk to Donald Trump myself, and he hates me,” Dingell said.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced and congratulated the 2026 Service Academy Appointees from the 41st Congressional District. 

“I want to congratulate the outstanding students who have been appointed to attend our service academies,” said Rep. Calvert. “Nominating extraordinary students from our region to attend the academies is one of the highest honors I’m afforded as a U.S. Representative. In addition to the students, I want to thank their families, friends, teachers, and everyone who supported them. Our volunteer military is shaped by selfless citizens who step forward to serve, and I’m humbled by the inspiring leadership and achievements these students demonstrate at such a young age. Their dedication brings honor to our community, and I am proud to recognize each of their successes.”

The following candidates were nominated by Rep. Calvert through a highly competitive process conducted by the Congressional Nominations Selection Committee. After review by the respective academies, each student received and accepted an Offer of Appointment during the 2026 admissions cycle. They will join the Class of 2030, entering in June 2026. 

U.S. Air Force Academy:

• Ian Cho, Eastvale – Eleanor Roosevelt High School
• Ethan Miller, La Quinta – La Quinta High School
• Matthew Woodroof, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta Valley High School (Class of 2025) – attended the US Air Force Preparatory School.

U.S. Naval Academy:

• Kevin Chen, Eastvale – Marine Military Academy
• Jera Nalu Likins, Menifee – Santa Rosa Academy (Class of 2025) – attended the US Naval Academy Preparatory School.

U.S. Military Academy at West Point:

• Daniel Kambe, La Quinta – Xavier College Preparatory
• Alexander Krishan, Winchester – Murrieta Mesa High School (Class of 2025) – attended the US Military Academy Preparatory School.

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:

• Sean Lee, Corona – EF Academy Pasadena
• Luke Woodroof, Lake Elsinore – Elsinore High School

The achievements of these appointees reflect the strength and potential of our community. Their commitment to serve and pursue excellence at our nation’s prestigious academies deserves our highest admiration. We celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the leadership and positive impact they will bring to our country. Let us be inspired by their dedication as we continue to support future generations who strive for excellence and service.

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 2026 Fall 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.

Fall internships will be offered from August to December 2026, with specific dates to be discussed during the interview process. All applications must be submitted via Congressman Allen’s website by Friday, July 17th, 2026. 

Upon the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“Working in a congressional office provides a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience into how our government operates and 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 in the coming months.”

Those interested in a fall internship can apply on Congressman Allen’s website. 

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 noted that the U.S. Supreme Court by tradition waits until late June of its term to release opinions in major cases. The three cases decided today are an indication that tradition still stands. The court’s April 29 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, a major voting rights case, was an exception, and followed a successful referendum in Virginia that increased the number of Democratic-leaning districts in Congress. Congressman Cohen has introduced Articles of Impeachment against Chief Justice John Roberts addressing that issue among others.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Justice Roberts could have held to Supreme Court precedent and waited until this month to release the majority opinion in Louisiana v. Callais, a major voting rights case, but elected to release it in April so state legislatures – including the one in Tennessee – could dilute Black voter representation and improve the prospect that Republicans can retain control of the House in November. That’s what happened to my District in Memphis and it affects all majority-African-American districts. They are political, political, political, Republican, Republican, Republican, or just dumb as nails to not know what they were doing with Callais. You can’t forgive them for they knew what they were doing. This court has just spoiled itself: Ethics violations galore and political interference unmatched — shame, shame shame, John Roberts and company. His partisan timing with Callais makes the court another wing of the Trump White House, not an independent branch of government, and should be roundly condemned. Justice Roberts’ conduct is impeachable and I urge my colleagues to bring my Articles of Impeachment to the floor.”

# # # 

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

Lafayette, CO — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet led the state’s Democratic Congressional delegation in demanding the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately expedite DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, renewal applications for Coloradans currently in limbo. They are joined by Senator John Hickenlooper and Representatives Diana DeGette, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen.

As the son of hardworking refugees and naturalized citizens, Rep. Neguse has been at the forefront of Congress’ fight against the Trump administration’s cruel immigration actions, including fighting to protect DACA recipients. Last week, he announced legislation with Senator Bennet pushing back against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, and in July 2025 he became the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit (Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al.) successfully challenging the administration’s attempt to unlawfully block Members of Congress from conducting critical oversight at detention facilities.

Colorado is home to more than 12,000 DACA recipients. Under the Trump administration, USCIS review of DACA applications has slowed to a crawl, with wait times for renewal applications increasing from 15 days in Fiscal Year 2025 to more than two months in Fiscal Year 2026. That’s a 360% increase in processing times in just the first five months of the fiscal year. These delays are causing job losses and workforce disruptions, as DACA recipients are left without valid work permits through no fault of their own.

“We write to express our deep concerns about the growing backlog of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications for hundreds of Coloradans that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not yet processed…Colorado is home to over 12,000 DACA recipients. They are Americans in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute to this nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Our constituent services teams regularly hear from hardworking Coloradans concerned about the status of their renewal applications and the threat that the ongoing delays pose to their families,” wrote Neguse, Bennet, and fellow Colorado lawmakers. 

For 14 years, DACA recipients (“Dreamers”) have strengthened communities across the country, fueled the economy, and built lives in the United States. 87% of DACA recipients nationwide are in the workforce, and they contribute approximately $17 billion annually to the economy.  

In Colorado, from the Front Range to mountain and rural towns, Dreamers are pillars of their communities.

“The USCIS backlog of DACA renewal requests is hurting many students, health care workers, first responders, law enforcement officers, and wildland firefighters during what is expected to be a severe wildfire season. These DACA recipients are pillars of their communities, and their lives are now on hold while their DACA renewal applications remain pending with USCIS. These delays affect not only DACA recipients themselves, but all Coloradans.”

The state’s Democratic congressional delegation closed their letter by reiterating their call for the agencies to streamline processing and seeking answers regarding any changes in policy or procedure that may be contributing to delays, as well as the extent to which immigration enforcement actions have the ability to impact these individuals. 

Read the full letter HERE and below. 

 

June 18, 2026 

The Honorable Markwayne Mullin Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Washington, DC 20528

The Honorable Joseph B. Edlow Director U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 5900 Capital Gateway Dr. Camp Springs, MD 20746

Dear Secretary Mullin and Director Edlow, 

We write to express our deep concerns about the growing backlog of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications for hundreds of Coloradans that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not yet processed. We urge USCIS to expedite the processing of these applications. 

Colorado is home to over 12,000 DACA recipients. They are Americans in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute to this nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Our constituent services teams regularly hear from hardworking Coloradans concerned about the status of their renewal applications and the threat that the ongoing delays pose to their families. 

As you know, the DACA program grants two-year, renewable work permits to undocumented adults who were brought to the United States as children. DACA recipients must comply with strict background checks and maintain clean criminal records, and they must re-apply to renew their status every two years. Since its creation fourteen years ago this week, the DACA program has allowed more than 800,000 previously undocumented individuals to remain active, contributing members of their communities without fear of deportation. 

Under the Trump administration, USCIS review of DACA applications has slowed to a crawl. Reports show wait times for renewal applications have increased to a median of 70 days between October 2025 and February 2026, up from a median of 15 days in fiscal year 2025. This leaves DACA recipients in legal limbo and undermines the intent of the DACA program. 

The USCIS backlog of DACA renewal requests is hurting many students, health care workers, first responders, law enforcement officers, and wildland firefighters during what is expected to be a severe wildfire season. These DACA recipients are pillars of their communities, and their lives are now on hold while their DACA renewal applications remain pending with USCIS. These delays affect not only DACA recipients themselves, but all Coloradans. 

We urge you to expedite all DACA renewal applications without delay, and we request answers to the below questions no later than June 30, 2026:

1. How long is the current average USCIS review period for a DACA renewal application?
2. What is the scope of the recent delays, and what are the primary drivers? Has anything significant changed in how DACA renewal applications are processed that has contributed to the backlogs or delays?
3. Is there guidance we should provide to constituents who contact our offices about DACA renewal delays?
4. For individuals whose DACA renewal has lapsed due to processing delays, are they at risk of accruing Unlawful Presence (ULP) which may lead to removal, detention, or other enforcement actions?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

###