MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) joined Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), and nine members of Congress to introduce the Freeze ICE Act to stop the rapid recruitment of unvetted individuals at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since the start of the Trump administration, ICE has hired more than 12,000 new personnel and slashed agent training from 22 weeks to just 47 days putting untrained federal agents on the streets. The effort comes as masked ICE agents continue to make grave errors, including arresting U.S. citizens, entering homes without judicial warrants, and using excessive force against people across the country.  

“Over the past year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has hired more than 12,000 agents with insufficient training and little accountability, leading them to terrorize American streets and tear apart communities. Congress needs to pass the Freeze ICE Act to impose a hiring freeze at ICE and put proper accountability measures and procedural reforms in place to ensure the safety of Americans,” said Congressman Garamendi. “I am gravely concerned about the steps Trump has taken to try and turn ICE into a secret police force, something that should never happen here in America. I thank Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher for her leadership in reining in ICE before even more grave mistakes are made.”

In addition, to Representatives Garamendi and Fletcher the bill was sponsored by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Congressman Danny Davis (IL-07), Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) joined Congresswoman Fletcher as original co-sponsors of this legislation.

Congressman John Garamendi recently voted no on the DHS funding bill that would have given ICE even more money for their slush fund. Last year, Congressional Republicans directed an additional $75 billion in funding to ICE in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which enabled ICE to ramp up its mass deportation campaign.  ICE is now the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Rep. Scott Secures $13.67 Million in Funding for Hampton Roads Community Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) secured $13.67 million in new federal funding for community projects throughout Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District.  The funds were allocated as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) government funding package.  These projects will support investments to improve the lives of workers, students, and families. 

“I am proud to champion these investments which will deliver the resources our communities need to thrive,” said Congressman Scott. “These projects will lead to increased support for young people, improved neighborhoods and better services. I look forward to the positive impacts that these projects will bring throughout the district.” 

Rep. Scott secured a total of $13.67 million in federal funds. The projects that will receive funding in Virginia’s 3^rdDistrict include: 

• An Achievable Dream Inc., Social and Emotional Support and Crisis Prevention Initiative, $790,000;
• City of Chesapeake, Myer’s Road Sidewalk Expansion, $1,150,000.
• City of Chesapeake, Schooner Trail Park, $500,000;
• City of Hampton, Hampton Therapeutic Recreation Center Accessibility and Expansion Project, $850,000;
• City of Newport News, Peninsula Digital Infrastructure Expansion Initiative, $2,000,000;
• City of Newport News, Safe Haven Empowerment Center Facility Improvements, $2,000,000;
• City of Newport News, Youth Diversion Program: Friday Night Nets, $750,000;
• City of Norfolk, Homeless Housing Center Improvements, $850,000;
• Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, Hampton Roads Youth Crime Prevention and Community Engagement Program, $860,000;
• Hampton Roads Transit, Paratransit Fleet Expansion, $850,000;
• Old Dominion University, Improving Success in Siting Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Reduction using Digital Twins as Decision Support Initiative, $1,031,000;
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Norfolk District, General Reevaluation Report – Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management, $500,000;
• Urban League of Hampton Roads, Incarcerated Persons Reentry Initiative, $1,039,000;
• Virginia Peninsula Community College, Wellness & Workforce Center, $500,000.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) and 21 California colleagues demanding Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to deploy ICE or other immigration enforcement personnel at the upcoming Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California:  

“This should be a moment of celebration, unity, and economic opportunity, not a flashpoint for fear, polarization, and violence,” the lawmakers wrote. “Across the country, aggressive and often indiscriminate ICE operations have caused real harm. They have led to multiple deaths, sparked justified national outrage, and caused lasting damage to trust and well-being in communities.”

“Having ICE at the Super Bowl would undermine public safety, disrupt communities, and threaten the peaceful enjoyment this event should bring to the region and the nation,” the lawmakers continued. “Members of Congress from California are united in a simple principle: public safety is built through trust, not fear. We trust you will give this letter your full and fair consideration under all applicable laws and regulations. We demand DHS rely on standard large-scale event security and coordination with local partners, not immigration enforcement that jeopardizes safety, unity, and economic success.

To read the full letter, click here.  

Congressman Garamendi and Khanna are joined by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), J. Correa (CA-46), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), and Juan Vargas (CA-52).  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Darren Soto (D-FL)

Last month, ICE agents toured an industrial warehouse in Orlando to potentially convert into a detention facility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

• Before 2016, CMS generally prevented urban hospitals that reclassified as “rural” from simultaneously receiving both urban and rural benefits. However, in 2016, two federal court ruled that urban hospitals could classify themselves as both urban and rural.
• This opened the door for urban hospitals to double-dip on benefits and essentially choose the best of options offered to both urban and rural hospitals
• Through dual classification, these hospitals can access higher urban Medicare wage indexes while also qualifying for rural-only benefits, such as a lower eligibility threshold for the 340B Drug Pricing Program, increased graduate medical education funding, and potential designation as sole community hospitals, rural referral centers, or Medicare-dependent small rural hospitals.
• These advantages divert limited federal resources away from truly rural hospitals that rely on them to keep their doors open and maintain access to care.
• This loophole has led to a dramatic increase in dual classifications, rising from just three hospitals in 2017 to more than 425 by 2023.
• The Defend Rural Health Act restores the integrity of federal rural health programs by eliminating the “dually classified” loophole and establishing stricter eligibility standards.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressional Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement with one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), Express Scripts, Inc., and its affiliated entities.
 
“For years, the Diabetes Caucus has been focused on lowering the cost of insulin for the millions of Americans who rely on it to manage their blood sugar levels and on holding PBMs accountable for their role in insulin’s high cost. This settlement is an important victory for people with diabetes over companies that have steered patients towards higher-cost drugs to pad their own bottom lines. We encourage other PBMs to take responsibility, lower costs, and help make insulin more affordable and accessible for American families.”
 
The Diabetes Caucus has been working on this issue for nearly a decade and released a report that called out PBMs’ insulin price gouging practices as early as 2018.   

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

February 06, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) led a group of lawmakers in a letter to the Department of Justice yesterday calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to pursue legal action against states that refuse to provide a religious exception for vaccine mandates.
“Religious freedom is the cornerstone of our Republic,” said Rep. Steube. “It is inexcusable that New York, California, Maine, and Connecticut refuse to provide people of faith with a religious exemption from their vaccine mandates. This is not only a direct violation of the Free Exercise Clause, but it is also a grave assault on civil liberties. Your constitutional rights should never take a backseat to a vaccine mandate. That is why I am requesting Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon launch formal investigations of all states that continue to violate the constitutional rights of the American people via coercion and infringement on their religious beliefs.”
Rep. Steube is joined by Representatives Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Troy Downing (R-Mont.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Keith Self (R-Texas), and Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas). 
Background: Under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, Americans are guaranteed the right to practice their faith without undue interference from the government. However, there are no religious exemptions to mandates under the existing laws of California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York. This is despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor that held public schools must provide opt-out provisions for families with objections based on religious grounds. 
Read the letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released a statement following the February 3rd Sudan Humanitarian Fund event hosted at the U.S. Institute of Peace. According to the United Nations, last year alone humanitarian needs in Sudan totaled $6 billion.

“Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is the world’s largest and most urgent, with an estimated 33.7 million people in need of assistance. President Trump himself called on the international community to do more, yet America is doing shamefully little.

“The U.S. pledged $200 million for Sudan — barely half what Trump is spending on his ballroom and a fraction of what the U.S. would typically contribute to a crisis of this magnitude. This isn’t just insufficient, it is a moral failure and an abdication of American leadership. The Trump administration’s foreign aid cuts have only made the humanitarian situation in Sudan more dire. We have the resources. We have the influence. We have a responsibility. The administration must do more, urgently.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; and Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement on the expiration of the New START Treaty:

“The expiration of the New START Treaty — the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia — leaves the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals without legally binding constraints for the first time in more than 50 years.

“New START was not perfect, and Russia’s violations of the agreement and other treaties eroded global arms control norms. Nevertheless, the treaty directly advanced U.S. foreign policy and national security interests: it reduced the number of nuclear weapons, helped prevent a dangerous arms race, and provided U.S. national security agencies reliable, verifiable insights into Russia’s arsenal.

“The president must move urgently to negotiate a legally binding successor. President Biden bought critical time by extending New START, but Trump has largely squandered that runway by slashing the State Department’s arms control bureau and gutting the workforce responsible for negotiating these agreements. Failing to reach a legal New START successor will send a terrible signal both to Vladimir Putin and to China, which is engaged in its own nuclear buildup, and roll back the clock to the nuclear free-for-all of the Cold War.”

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

Today, local elected leaders throughout the 41^st Congressional District celebrated the inclusion of more than $67 million for Riverside County projects in the appropriations package passed by the House of Representatives earlier this week and signed into law by President Trump. Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) secured the funding for the projects through the Community Project Funding process. 

At Rep. Calvert’s request, funding was included for the following 41st Congressional District projects:

• $4 million for the Magnolia Avenue Widening Project in Corona
• $1.7 million for the Corona Trails Improvement Project
• $8 million for the Lake Elsinore Water Quality Project
• $2.4 million for the Norco Recycled Water Distribution and Transmission Mainline Project
• $5 million for the I-15 Express Lanes Southern Extension Project
• $2.5 million for the Scott Road/Bundy Canyon Road Widening in Menifee
• $5 million for the Quail Valley Septic to Sewer Conversion Project
• $5 million for the French Valley Airport Contract Control Tower Project
• $5 million for the I-10 Singleton Road Interchange Project in Calimesa
• $5 million for the Indian Canyon Drive Project in Palm Springs
• $3 million for the Inline Baggage Handling System Improvement Project at Palm Springs International Airport
• $5 million for the Via Vail Roadway Improvement Project in Rancho Mirage
• $5.6 million for the Cook Street Bridge Project in Palm Desert
• $5 million for the Washington Street Pavement Resurfacing Project in La Quinta
• $5 million for the Whitewater Channel Lining in Indian Wells

“The City of Corona appreciates Congressman Calvert’s leadership in securing federal appropriations for two high-priority infrastructure projects that align with local and regional mobility goals,” said Corona Vice Mayor Wes Speake. “Investments for the Magnolia Widening Project and Trails Improvement Project will close important multimodal gaps and expand access to trails, parks, and regional destinations—improving safety, mobility, and strengthening the quality of life for Corona residents.”

“On behalf of the City of Lake Elsinore, my colleagues and I would like to thank Congressman Ken Calvert and his office for securing this critical funding for the Lake Elsinore Water Quality Project,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Robert E. Magee. “This funding will help augment the council’s substantial financial commitment to the Nanobubbler systems we have deployed across the lake. A cleaner, healthier lake strengthens lake Elsinore, our tourism, supports local businesses, and drives Lake Elsinore’s economic viability while enhancing the quality of life for our residents. This investment is not just about water quality—it’s about the future of Lake Elsinore and ensuring our city continues to grow, thrive, and remain a destination we are proud to call home.”

“Water conservation is an increasingly critical issue in California, and the City of Norco has proactively taken steps to address this challenge and implement recycled water infrastructure,” said Norco Mayor Robin Grundmeyer. “The federal funding secured for this project will significantly aid our efforts to construct a reclaimed water pump system, build a storage reservoir, and complete essential system improvements, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our local water system. These advancements will also enable us to provide a source of recycled water to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona, as well as to our community parks. This investment is not only a crucial step towards water sustainability but also a significant commitment to the future well-being of Norco. We appreciate Representative Calvert’s unwavering support for this project and his diligent efforts to secure this vital federal investment for Horsetown USA.”

“Thank you to Representative Calvert for securing $5 million for RCTC’s 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension,” said RCTC Chair and Cathedral City Mayor Raymond Gregory. “As Riverside County communities continue to grow along the nationally significant I-15 corridor, funding RCTC’s request will help move us closer to easing congestion and improving mobility for residents while bolstering our economy.”

“We appreciate Congressman Calvert’s continued commitment to bringing federal funds to our region and his support of Menifee,” said Acting Menifee Mayor Bob Karwin. “The Scott Road/Bundy Canyon Widening Project will provide significant improvements to this vital multi-jurisdiction corridor that connects Interstate 215 to Interstate 15, enhancing regional safety and circulation.”

“Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) is grateful to Representative Calvert for securing $5 million in federal funding for our Quail Valley Septic to Sewer conversion project, a critical wastewater project in an underserved community,” said Eastern Municipal Water District Board President Stephen Corona. “This infrastructure upgrade will improve downstream water quality throughout the watershed, public health, and the vitality of the community and our region.

“This $5 million federal investment is a major step forward for French Valley Airport and the region,” said Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington. “It moves us closer to delivering an air traffic control tower that will improve safety, support local jobs, and strengthen the continued growth of our regional aviation economy. I’m grateful to our Congressional delegation for their partnership and commitment to our community.”

“This federal investment is a major milestone for the City of Calimesa and a project that has been decades in the making,” said Calimesa Mayor Jeff Cervantez. “Completing the I-10/Singleton Road Interchange will correct a long-standing operational deficiency on one of our region’s most important transportation corridors, improve safety and traffic flow for residents and commuters, and unlock significant economic development opportunities on both sides of the freeway. We are grateful to Congressman Calvert for his leadership and support in securing this funding and for his continued commitment to improving infrastructure in Calimesa and the Inland Empire.”

“Securing funding for the Indian Canyon Drive Project and for an updated baggage handling system at Palm Springs International Airport is critical to maintaining safe, reliable access to our community,” said Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. “On behalf of the City Council, our residents, and the millions of visitors who rely on these vital transportation gateways, we extend our gratitude to Congressman Calvert for his leadership and commitment to delivering these important investments. We are committed to ensuring Palm Springs remains a world-class destination, and that is now more possible with federal funding support.”

“Road closures on Indian Canyon Drive due to flooding and blowing sand have a significant negative regional impact on public health, safety, and the quality of life for both residents and visitors in the Coachella Valley,” said Riverside County Supervisor and CVAG Chair V. Manuel Perez. “This roadway is the most direct route to Desert Regional Medical Center, the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, and serves as a critical link connecting communities north of Interstate 10 to jobs, schools, medical facilities, and other essential services in the western Coachella Valley. The $5 million secured by Congressman Calvert to help construct a bridge that will keep the road open will deliver substantial benefits to the Coachella Valley. This investment will improve safety, reduce congestion, and save time and money for residents and visitors alike. On behalf of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, we greatly appreciate Congressman Calvert’s leadership, support, and advocacy for this vital project.”

“The City of Rancho Mirage is most grateful and appreciative to Congressman Ken Calvert for securing $5 million dollars for the Via Vail Roadway Improvement Project, a vital component towards the city’s affordable housing mandate,” said Rancho Mirage Mayor Lynn Mallotto. “This funding, from the Transportation, Housing and Urban Appropriations, ensures continued progress in providing quality affordable housing to seniors, veterans, and those in the workforce.”

“Securing funding for the Cook Street Bridge advances Palm Desert’s commitment to making smart, long-term infrastructure investments,” said Palm Desert Mayor Evan Trubee. “By planning ahead and strengthening critical corridors like Cook Street, we’re building a more resilient city.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Calvert for his unwavering support in championing the inclusion of $5 million in federal funding for the Washington Street Pavement Resurfacing, Ramp Improvements, and Drainage Improvements Project,” said La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans. “This significant investment, which was approved in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, is vital for enhancing our city’s infrastructure, improving safety for our residents, and ensuring the continued flow of commerce in our community.  Washington Street is a primary artery in our city, and the approved funds allow us to move forward with critical drainage and paving work that will benefit our residents, businesses, and visitors.  We thank the President and Rep Calvert for recognizing the urgency of this project.”

“Congressman Ken Calvert delivered exactly what our region needed,” said Dr. Toper Taylor, Mayor of Indian Wells. “His work to secure federal funding for the Whitewater Channel Lining project is a major win for Indian Wells. Just as importantly, he moved quickly to convene a meeting on the Coachella Valley’s dust problem—an issue that affects public health, quality of life, and long‑term economic vitality. I appreciate his responsiveness and his commitment to helping us solve challenges that matter to our residents.  Ken Calvert is the most effective and impactful member of Congress I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.”

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