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

Maine’s Congressional Delegation is calling on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to immediately resolve its payment issue with a Maine contractor that serves island communities. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden condemned USPS for failing to pay the Rockland-based Penobscot Island Air (PIA) more than $349,000 for mail-delivery service and demanded answers about why USPS has, according to PIA, repeatedly failed to make timely payments for several years. After PIA announced it would not make its scheduled deliveries on Tuesday in protest, USPS agreed Wednesday to immediately pay 25% of the outstanding balance, and PIA promptly resumed service. But questions and concerns still remain. 

“For decades, Penobscot Island Air has helped the USPS deliver essential mail to Maine’s island residents. We urge you to immediately resolve the outstanding back payments and provide clarification on how these payment lapses occurred, as well as how delays can be prevented in the future,” the delegation wrote. “From Matinicus to Vinalhaven, island communities in Maine rely on the USPS to pay bills, receive life-saving medications, and stay connected with friends and family. Penobscot Island Air is an indispensable bridge between the mainland and islands that helps the Postal Service fulfill its promise of reaching every American, even in the most rural communities.”

USPS’s failure to pay PIA is the latest example of recent disruptions to mail delivery in Maine. Over the past several months, delegation offices have received hundreds of complaints from constituents about delayed and inconsistent deliveries—particularly in rural communities.  

Together, these issues underscore the importance of ensuring that USPS has the necessary resources and staff to fulfill its mission of providing all Americans with reliable, affordable, and universal mail service—and that its agreements with contractors like PIA are fully honored.  

The letter is available here and is copied below. 

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Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

We write to seek clarification regarding reports of Penobscot Island Air’s (PIA) payment issues with the United States Postal Service (USPS). For decades, Penobscot Island Air has helped the USPS deliver essential mail to Maine’s island residents. We urge you to immediately resolve the outstanding back payments and provide an explanation of how these payment lapses occurred, as well as how delays can be prevented in the future.

From Matinicus to Vinalhaven, island communities in Maine rely on the USPS to pay bills, receive life-saving medications, and stay connected with friends and family. Penobscot Island Air is an indispensable bridge between the mainland and islands that helps the Postal Service fulfill its promise of reaching every American, even in the most rural communities. 

On April 21, Penobscot Island Air alerted island residents that they would be halting mail deliveries for the day due to the back payments they are owed by the USPS. According to PIA, these back payments amount to over $349,000. While PIA had received partial payments for the balance, the last payment they received was on March 13. They had also made numerous attempts to resolve these payment issues through direct outreach to the USPS. The amount owed, the ongoing delay in payment, and the failure to resolve these issues in a timely fashion are alarming and unacceptable. 

Mail deliveries for the USPS account for almost a fifth of PIA’s annual revenue. We are concerned that PIA’s operations will continue to be disrupted without reliable processing of this critical stream of income. The USPS cannot afford to jeopardize a dedicated, decades-long partnership, and Maine island residents cannot afford any discontinuation in service, even for a few days.

Penobscot Island Air is one of many contractors in the state that deliver mail to island communities by air and sea. This incident raises concerns over whether the USPS is faithfully fulfilling the terms of all these contracts.

While it is promising to hear that the USPS has reached a partial payment agreement to pay Penobscot Island Air about 25% of its outstanding balance, we need greater assurance from the USPS that Maine island contractors will receive fair and prompt compensation for the services they provide. We respectfully request detailed answers to the following questions and ask that USPS continue to work urgently with Penobscot Island Air to resolve these back payments immediately and ensure that future payment processing is timely and consistent.

1. What is the current balance of back payments USPS owes to Penobscot Island Air?

2. Can you provide a timeline of the USPS payments to PIA over the past three years, including when payments were due and when they were paid?

3. Can you provide an explanation for these delays in payment to PIA?

4. What specific steps will the USPS take to prevent lapses in payment from occurring in the future and to ensure that payment is processed in a timely and consistent manner?

5. Can you provide a list of all the USPS contractors in Maine who deliver mail to island communities?

6. Do any other island contractors have balances owed to them by the USPS?

Thank you for your attention to this time-sensitive issue. We look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As communities across the country mark Earth Day and Arbor Day this week, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the Neighborhood Tree Act, legislation that would establish the Neighborhood Tree Fund at the United States Department of Agriculture and authorize $2 billion in federal grants for tree-planting programs nationwide. According to the EPA, trees and vegetation in urban areas can lower energy use, clean the air, limit stormwater runoff and enhance quality of life, and 73% of Americans wish their neighborhood had more trees.  

“Sacramento is the City of Trees, and our communities know how much trees can enhance quality of life. They improve air quality, lower temperatures, and make our neighborhoods healthier and more welcoming,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This is especially important as climate change drives longer and more intense heatwaves, while too many communities are left without vital shade trees. The Neighborhood Tree Act will address this gap by giving local governments the federal support they need to plant and care for trees. It’s a simple idea with real impact: when the federal government partners with local communities, we can build healthier neighborhoods and a stronger future for all Americans.”

“In cities like Cleveland, where you live often determines how much tree cover you have, and too many of our neighborhoods are being left behind. Trees do real work: they keep our air clean, lower energy costs, reduce summer heat, and even improve mental well-being. But for too long, people in low-income and Black and Brown neighborhoods haven’t had the same tree cover as the suburbs,” said Congresswoman Brown. “It’s time to take a big swing at this big challenge, and that’s why I’m so excited to introduce the Neighborhood Tree Act with Senator Booker and Congresswoman Matsui. This legislation would create a new grant program to close the tree equity gap and invest in healthier, cooler, and more livable neighborhoods.”

“During my years as Mayor of Newark, I witnessed how trees can change the trajectory of a neighborhood. Trees clean the air families breathe, reduce flooding on streets, lower energy bills, cool overheated blocks, and support the mental well‑being of entire communities,” said Senator Booker. “The Neighborhood Tree Act highlights these benefits shouldn’t be a privilege. They should reach the neighborhoods that have been overlooked for far too long, helping build healthier, stronger, and more resilient urban communities across the country.”

The Neighborhood Tree Act

• Establishes the Neighborhood Tree Fund and authorizes $2 billion in federal grants

• The Neighborhood Tree Fund will be administered by the USDA.

  • Eligible grantees are: states, tribal governments, local governments, and local community tree and volunteer organizations

• The Secretary of Agriculture is to give priority to entities that propose projects that:

  • serve low-income areas or communities with a lower tree canopy percentage and higher temperatures than surrounding areas;

  • projects that support climate mitigation and resilience;

  • and projects that advance community led urban forestry, tree-based local food production, reduce urban heat, and improve public health and environmental outcomes

The bill is endorsed by American Forests, Holden Forests & Gardens, the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, the Trust for Public Land, and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

SHARON, PA — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition during a ceremony at the Hope Center for Arts & Technology (HopeCAT) in Sharon, Pa. 

Rep. Kelly’s office received more than 50 entries from 13 local schools for this year’s competition. The winning art was selected by a panel of local judges, including artists and educators.

“I want to personally congratulate all of this year’s winners,” Rep. Kelly said. “We have so many talented students in the 16th Congressional District. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s competition.”

The winners are:

1st Place:  “Wonderland” by Ryker Riccadonna, Neshannock High School
2nd Place: “The Beholder’s Eye” by Avery Marino, Girard High School
3rd Place: “Primary Place” by Harsha Vardhni Murali Santhakumari – Fairview High School
Honorable Mention – Midnight Watch – Ellie Baker – Sharpsville High School

Find more photos of the winners on Rep. Kelly’s Facebook page.

BACKGROUND

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual bipartisan tradition where high school students from across the nation compete to display their artwork in the United States Capitol.

The artwork for the winning student from each Congressional district will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol complex for 11 months. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual contest sponsored by the Congressional Institute to encourage and foster arts and culture among high school students. 

Each year, House Members may honor one high school student from their districts by selecting a piece of artwork for inclusion in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol. Millions of visitors to the U.S. Capitol view this exhibit each year.

Learn more about the competition on Rep. Kelly’s website.

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), Caucus Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) led a group of lawmakers expressing concerns to President Donald Trump and Acting Chairman for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) William English regarding NEH funds being unlawfully redirected toward the construction of a Triumphal Arch.

The lawmakers demanded the Administration cease funding for the unauthorized project, provide clarity on the use of NEH funds, and promptly distribute appropriated funding to humanities councils and other intended recipients.

“A construction project of this nature, especially one previously described by President Trump as privately funded, falls well outside the intended use of NEH program funding. Allocating funds to a project that has no legal basis to proceed is an abuse of taxpayer dollars,” write the lawmakers.

“At the same time, museums, libraries, and local organizations nationwide wait for funding that Congress has already approved. NEH has yet to distribute appropriated funding for state and jurisdictional humanities councils, leaving these organizations in limbo halfway through the fiscal year. These institutions form the backbone of American civic and cultural life; redirecting their funding to a project that neither aligns with NEH’s mission nor reflects congressional intent risks real and immediate harm to communities nationwide,” continue the lawmakers.

The lawmakers’ letter specifically demands answers from President Trump and Mr. English on the following questions:

• What is the grant purpose for the $2 million of Special Initiative funds and the $13 million of matching grant funds?
• Who is the recipient of these awards? Please provide all application materials associated with these grants.
• Did the National Council on the Humanities review and approve this funding?
• Why has the Administration not followed statutory requirements in siting the project in Area I, and when will it notify the appropriate committees of Congress as required by the Commemorative Works Act (CWA)?
• What legal authority is NEH using to provide these grants for a project that is lacking a statutorily required authorization?
• If funds are available for this project, why have congressionally directed funds for NEH activities not yet been fully disbursed to state humanities councils?
• What is the anticipated project cost of the Arch, and what other funding sources are being used for this project?
• What will be the total cost of the project to taxpayers, beyond the $15 million identified in NEH’s FY2026 Full Year Spend Plan?
• Will the Administration commit to full public disclosure of all private funding sources for the Arch, including a list of any donors and amounts contributed or pledged?

Full text of the letter can be found here.

Earlier this week, Congressman Cohen received a Congressional Research Service report he requested indicating no previous president has sought to build a triumphal arch in Washington. See his release on the findings here.

Additional Background

Despite previous claims that President Trump would only use private donations to fund his Triumphal Arch, the National Endowment for Humanities released its FY26 plan earlier this month including $15 million for this project despite the absence of congressional authorization required under the CWA.

This is happening while humanities councils are experiencing an unprecedented funding crisis. Although Congress maintained the $65 million appropriation for councils in the recently passed funding bill, funds have not yet been released. As a result, councils across the country have endured layoffs, frozen grant programs, and scaled back urgent community initiatives, including preparations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Instead of using funding as Congress intended, the Administration is using taxpayer dollars for a self-righteous project that lacks clear legal authority, while undermining the cultural and civic institutions that serve communities throughout the nation.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  This week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support along with Subcommittee Chairman Darin LaHood (IL-16), Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (IL-07) and Rep. Rudy Yakym (IN-02), introduced a resolution to designate the week of April 20–24, 2026 as National Home Visiting Week. The resolution highlights the important role the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) programs play in supporting childhood development, strengthening family relationships, and reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect.

“It’s been proven that home visiting services for pregnant women and families with young children result in improved outcomes for children’s health, well-being, readiness for school, and success for life,” Rep. Chu said. “In 2022 I was proud to partner with my colleagues to reauthorize and expand investments in the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. And I am happy to join my colleagues once again in introducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Home Visiting Week and the importance of home visiting to family and child success.”

“I’m honored to once again cosponsor the Home Visiting Resolution, which recognizes the critical role these programs play in supporting new mothers and giving our youngest children the strongest possible start in life,” Rep. Yakym said. “My predecessor and dear friend, Jackie Walorski, was a tireless champion of the Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, and her leadership in securing its reauthorization continues to pay dividends for families across the country. Jackie always reminded us that ‘case managers are first responders,’ and this resolution is a fitting tribute to their dedication and the real difference they make in communities like ours every single day.”

“Home visiting programs deliver real, tangible results for babies and new parents,” Rep. LaHood said. “The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program serves as a national model for how social programs should operate, effective and outcome driven. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution, alongside my colleagues, to highlight the positive impact these programs have on our communities and to recognize the dedicated work of home visitors who go above and beyond to strengthen families.”

“Home visiting is a powerful, proven tool that helps young children and families thrive,” Rep. Davis said. “For decades, I’ve made it a top policy priority to bring this life-transforming program to all who need it, and I was proud to work with my friend Jackie Walorski on our successful bipartisan effort to double federal investment in the Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program.  I will never stop fighting to protect MIECHV, and I am glad to join with Rep. Yakym, Chair LaHood, and Rep. Chu in leading this resolution to celebrate home visiting.”

Read the full resolution HERE.

Background:

The National Home Visiting Week Resolution notes that evidence-based home visiting programs were implemented across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Indigenous communities in 2023, serving over 280,000 families and conducting more than 2.8 million home visits.

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

 In a powerful demonstration of bipartisan leadership, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) joined forces to urge Americans to work together and highlight the power of bipartisanship in getting good done in Washington during the first-ever live event for NBC News’ “Common Ground” series. 

“Relationships matter […] if you trust somebody, you can work out deals,” Congresswoman Dingell said during the event. 

Amid an increasingly polarizing era in American politics, this event spotlighted the importance of collaboration and constructive dialogue. The discussion brought together the two lawmakers from both parties to model respectful conversation, identify shared priorities, and remind Americans there is more that unites us than divides us. The congresswomen also discussed their joint leadership on the bipartisan Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act, which would secure a site for the American Women’s History Museum on the National Mall, ensuring women’s contributions to our country’s history are properly honored in the heart of our nation’s capital.

“Women are a very important part of the history of this country, and there’s so many stories people do not even know. […] We do not look at this as Democrats or Republicans, we look at it as people in this country should know the history of so many incredible women,” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

Both members of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Congresswomen Dingell and Malliotakis have worked together on a number of bipartisan legislative efforts. This includes legislation to prevent Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from overcharging plans and underpaying pharmacies, legislation incentivizing hiring individuals with disabilities by modernizing the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, legislation to eliminate federal taxes on overtime pay for all union workers, and more.

NBC News’ “Common Ground” brings together leaders with different perspectives who agree on solutions to the issues that matter most to Americans. Common Good highlights stories that uplift and inspire, reflecting the connections that unite us and the people making a difference. Originally started as a television special on NBC News’ Meet the Press, this was the network’s first live event for the series.

Watch the congresswomen’s conversation HERE.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03), along with Reps. Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), Tracy Mann (KS-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Mike Bost (IL-12) introduced the bipartisan Homegrown Fertilizer Act to boost domestic fertilizer production and storage, lower costs for farmers, and reduce reliance on unstable global supply chains.

The bill would provide grants and low-interest loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand fertilizer production and improve storage capacity here at home—helping make sure farmers have reliable, affordable access to the inputs they need.

This legislation is led in the Senate by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS).

“Farmers in Kansas and across the country are getting squeezed by high input costs, and fertilizer is a big part of that. This new bill invests in more domestic manufacturing and storage, so producers aren’t at the mercy of supply disruptions caused by chaotic policy decisions. By boosting competition and supporting innovative, lower-cost alternatives, we can bring down fertilizer prices, help farmers keep their operations running strong, and ultimately lower grocery costs for families at the checkout line,” said Representative Davids.

“Our farmers are already dealing with tight margins and unpredictable markets—and global conflicts are only making things worse,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “When fuel and fertilizer prices spike, it hits our farmers first. This bill is about cutting through those challenges by investing in American production, lowering costs, and giving farmers more certainty so they can keep doing what they do best.”

“American farmers are struggling, and we should be using every option available to increase competition and grow our domestic supply of inputs like fertilizer. That’s why I’ve helped introduce this bipartisan bill that will help lower costs, shore up our supply chains, and break the stranglehold a handful of companies have over the fertilizer market. I will not stop fighting until Iowa farmers get the relief and transparency they deserve,” said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.

“Trump’s war with Iran has thrown fertilizer markets and supply chains into disarray at a time when farmers are already paying higher prices due to inflationary tariffs. I am proud to support the Homegrown Fertilizer Act to support a steady, reliable supply of the fertilizer American farmers need to feed our communities and the world,” said Congresswoman Angie Craig.

“Right now, farmers in Illinois are waking up wondering how they’ll keep up with rapidly rising fertilizer costs. It’s time to put control back where it belongs — in their hands and here at home. This legislation will strengthen domestic fertilizer production, bring down costs, and ensure our farmers’ success isn’t tied to forces beyond our borders,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski.

“I’m proud to co-lead the Homegrown Fertilizer Act, which cuts red tape for small and mid-sized fertilizer producers and expands USDA access to loans and grants to grow domestic production and storage. This means more competition, more supply, and more fertilizer made here in the United States for our farmers,” said Congressman Mike Bost.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) condemned President trump’s racist post against Indian and Chinese immigrants.

“During WWII, over 100,000 Americans were torn from their homes and forcibly incarcerated in U.S. internment camps because they were deemed disloyal. The message was clear: Japanese Americans could never truly belong. Their very presence was a threat.

That logic didn’t begin or end there. For much of U.S. history, Asian Americans have been cast as forever foreigners – regardless of whether they were born here or have spent decades building their lives in this country.

Now, as trump attempts to strip citizenship away from thousands of naturalized Americans, he posts a racist rant on social media – claiming there is “no loyalty” among today’s immigrants, singling out Indian and Chinese communities specifically. Meanwhile, the rant claims European immigrants are the only example of successful assimilation. Also, trump uses racial stereotypes to describe a Chinese American attorney as “very smart, very evil, and very devious.”

I came to this country with my family at three years old. With the support of hard-working parents and a country that provided limitless opportunity, we went from going to flea markets to having a successful small business. I served my country on active duty for four years before joining the Air Force Reserves for 21 years. I have dedicated my career to serving my neighbors and my country.

Immigrants make our country great. Nothing trump says will change that.

trump is also the worst President ever. He dodged the draft, called our veterans suckers and losers, increased inflation with his unconstitutional tariffs and unconstitutional war, constantly seeks to divide Americans, and falls asleep at public events. He should resign in shame.”