MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Emilia Sykes (D-OH) reintroduced the End Prison Gerrymandering Act. The legislation will help ensure equal representation for all by requiring the Census Bureau to count incarcerated people at their last place of residence rather than the prison in which they are held at the time of the Census.

Every ten years when the Census is conducted, incarcerated people are counted as residents of the places where they are imprisoned rather than the cities and towns they call home. This practice skews the population count and interferes with equal representation in virtually every state. Many states, including Missouri, have redistricting processes that use prison gerrymandering to give disproportionate representation to rural voters at the expense of voters in urban areas and communities of color. 

“The practice of prison gerrymandering puts the interests of partisan politicians above the wishes of our communities, using incarcerated Americans as unwilling pawns in the process,” said Congressman Cleaver. “The American people are sick and tired of partisan trickery that undermines the voice of voters, and I’m proud to join Representatives Ross, Sykes, and Pocan to introduce the End Prison Gerrymandering Act to outlaw this damaging practice once and for all.”

“North Carolina has a long history of manipulating voters’ places of residence to produce maps that benefit the party in power, including through prison gerrymandering,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Across the country, we are witnessing unprecedented attempts to rollback voting rights and dilute voters’ voices, particularly voters of color. Now more than ever, we need maps that are fair and ensure every voter can participate fully in our democracy. I’m proud to lead my colleagues introducing legislation that will end prison gerrymandering at the federal level.”

“Nearly no one would consider the facility in which they’re incarcerated home,” said Rep. Pocan. “The current Prison Gerrymandering practice is wrong, giving undue power to certain regions of the country and to elected officials who do not value their concerns. We must end this practice and count people from where they came and most likely will return to once their sentences are finished. I thank Congresswoman Ross for her leadership on this issue.”

“All Americans have a constitutional right to equal representation in their government. That’s why I am proud to co-sponsor the End Prison Gerrymandering Act, which will ensure incarcerated people are fairly counted in the places they call home, in communities where they have ties, family, and friends,” said Rep. Sykes. “This legislation will allow fair and accurate representation for all communities—rural, urban, and suburban— to create a stronger, more representative democracy.” 

The End Prison Gerrymandering Act is cosponsored by Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Summer Lee (D-PA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Chuy García (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA). 

Official text of the End Prison Gerrymandering Act is available here. 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressional Native American Caucus Co-Chairs, Representative Tom Cole (R-OK-04) and Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), reintroduced H.R. 7325, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2025, to formally investigate, document, and report on the history and policies of Indian boarding schools, as well as the long-term effects that these institutions have on Native American peoples.

Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the longest-serving Native American in the United States House of Representatives, and Davids, a member of the Wisconsin Ho-Chunk Nation and one of the first two Native women ever elected to Congress, are dedicated to offering answers and healing for survivors of these Indian boarding schools, the descendants of those survivors, and the entire Tribal communities of those survivors.

After reintroducing the legislation, the members of Congress released the following statements:

“I would not be here without the resilience of my ancestors and those who came before me – including my grandparents, who survived federal Indian boarding schools. Their experiences are not distant history; they shape our families and communities today. Establishing a Truth and Healing Commission would bring survivors, experts, federal partners, and Tribal leaders together to fully understand what happened to our relatives and to take meaningful steps toward a more honest and hopeful future for the next seven generations,” said Representative Sharice Davids, Member of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin and Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.

“For years, Indian boarding schools forcibly removed Native children from their families, stripped them of their heritage, and, in many cases, took their lives. Yet, for far too long, little has been known about these Indian boarding schools, and these stories have been kept in the shadows. This silence cannot go on. We must bring light to this dark chapter in our nation’s history – and this bill is critical to doing that,” said Representative Cole, Member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. “I would like to thank my Co-Chair, Congresswoman Davids, for her collaboration on this legislation, as we work to hopefully bring Tribal communities one step closer to the answers they deserve.”

Background:

From 1819 through the 1970s, the United States government implemented policies establishing Indian boarding schools across the nation. The purpose of these schools was to assimilate Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children by forcibly removing them from their families, communities, and cultural beliefs.

In total, there were more than 526 government-funded and church-run Indian boarding schools, and, by 1926, nearly 86 percent of Indian school-age children were forcibly attending these schools. Yet, little is known about what happened at these boarding schools or what happened to the Native children who attended them.

In Oklahoma alone, there were 76 federal boarding schools, making up about 19 percent of the total amount of boarding schools that existed. Federal boarding schools in Oklahoma were often overflowed due to intentionally mixing more than 30 different tribes in attempts to unsettle relations and prevent the speaking of common languages.

In Kansas, there were 14 federal boarding schools, including the Shawnee Indian Manual Labor School in Fairway in Kansas’ Third District, which is now preserved as the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site. According to the Kansas State Historical Society, this school operated from 1838 to 1862 and enrolled nearly 200 children at it largest.

H.R. 7325 will establish a commission to formally investigate, document, and report on the histories of Indian boarding schools, Indian boarding school policies, and the long-term effect of those schools and policies on Native American peoples. The commission will develop recommendations for federal efforts based on the findings, as well as offer answers and healing for survivors, the descendants of survivors, and the communities of survivors.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Holiday, FL – Earlier today, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis visited a federally-funded free income tax preparation site in Pasco County operated by IRS-certified volunteers. The program is sponsored by Seniors in Service Tampa, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes volunteers to provide essential services to the community.

Free tax preparation services are currently available at two Pasco County locations: the Regency Park Civic Center, located at 10240 Regency Park Boulevard in Port Richey, and the Holiday United Church of Christ, located at 4826 Bartelt Road in Holiday. These sites have served the community since 2005 ,and are staffed by experienced volunteers who average more than 10 years of service preparing tax returns.  The free tax preparation program is intended to assist low and moderate income individuals, including both working and retired residents, who need help filing their tax returns. Due to limited capacity, services are prioritized for individuals and families with incomes under $100,000. All tax returns are filed electronically, with refunds typically issued within 10 days to two weeks.

During his visit, Congressman Bilirakis thanked the volunteers for their longstanding service to the Pasco County community and highlighted recent efforts to simplify the tax filing process. He noted that, following the passage of the Working Families Tax Credit Act, taxpayers may now qualify for additional deductions, including income earned from tips or overtime pay, financing a new American-manufactured vehicle in 2025, and an additional $6,000 deduction for seniors aged 65 and older.

Tax preparation appointments are still available for Pasco County residents. To schedule an appointment online, visit events.seniorsinservice.org/taxprep. Residents may also call (813) 819-9864.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – This week, the bipartisan Congressional Scouting Caucus, led by U.S. Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-18), and Pete Sessions (TX-17), introduced a resolution celebrating Scouting America Day.

Scouting America was incorporated in Chicago, Illinois, on February 8, 1910. Since then, millions of young men and women have joined Scouting and have learned the values of patriotism, courage, and self-reliance.

“I am proud to join my colleagues, fellow Eagle Scouts and co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Scouting Caucus, Representatives Thompson and Sessions, in introducing today’s resolution,” Rep. Bishop said. “Congress continues to recognize that Scouting engages young men and women, instills in them values, builds their character, and promotes leadership. All of this makes our nation stronger from coast-to-coast, across industries, and in public service – from Congress and our courts to the White House and our Armed Forces as well as state and local governments throughout the country.”

“I have been involved in Scouting for more than 50 years, which has made a profoundly positive impact upon my life,” Rep. Thompson said. “The lessons learned from Scouting are invaluable. I am grateful for my colleagues on the Scouting Caucus for celebrating this cause and ensuring the legacy of Scouting will continue to grow for generations to come.”

“As an Eagle Scout, I know firsthand that Scouting America is more than an organization; it is a proving ground for character,” Rep. Sessions said. “For 116 years, Scouting has instilled duty to God, service to country, and responsibility to others in generations of young Americans. This resolution recognizes an institution that strengthens our communities, prepares leaders, and quietly builds the moral backbone of our nation, and I am proud to serve as a co-lead in honoring its legacy.”

 “On behalf of the entire Scouting movement, we extend our gratitude to the Scouting Caucus and to our nation’s leaders for this joint resolution recognizing Scouting America Day,” said Roger Krone, President and CEO of Scouting America. “Across the country each day, Scouts commit themselves to serving God and country. They hike, climb, shoot, paddle, and build character and leadership through service to their communities and to the nation. None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our religious and civic partners and the dedication of more than half a million volunteer leaders.”

Read the full resolution text on Congress.gov.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

AURORA — Today, Congressmen Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) conducted an unannounced oversight visit of the GEO ICE facility in Aurora.

Watch their video message here

The visit is their first since a federal judge granted Crow and Neguse emergency relief to visit federal immigration facilities unannounced, following the Trump Administration’s previous attempts to block them from doing so.

Under federal law, Members of Congress have the right to conduct unannounced oversight of DHS facilities used for immigration detention, including facilities run by ICE and those operated by private companies. Last month, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem secretly imposed a policy that Members of Congress must provide seven days’ notice before being granted access to federal immigration detention facilities, but Judge Jia Cobb last week temporarily ruled against the Trump Administration’s position.

In a joint statement, Congressmen Crow and Neguse said:

“The Trump Administration is trying to block Members of Congress from doing our jobs of conducting oversight. So we took them to court. The law is clear: Members of Congress have the right to conduct oversight of federal immigration facilities. 

“Last year was the deadliest year at federal detention facilities in decades. Billions of taxpayer dollars are being used to carry out a violent and lawless immigration agenda. Coloradans deserve transparency and accountability.”

Since his election to Congress, Crow has fought to promote transparency, oversight, and accountability in federal immigration detention centers. He introduced bipartisan legislation guaranteeing Members of Congress the right to conduct unannounced, in-person oversight visits of ICE detention facilities, including to check on any concerns related to public health and the humane treatment of detained individuals.

Today’s oversight visit was Crow’s eleventh at the GEO ICE facility in Aurora since 2019. Crow’s staff have also visited the facility more than 80 times to conduct oversight. Public reports of such visits, along with conditions at the facility, are published on Crow’s website.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

McGovern Condemns Political Violence, Alleged Attempt at OMB Director Vought’s Life

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Amodei released the following statement:

“Serving the people of Nevada has been the honor of my lifetime. Nobody is prouder of our Nevada Congressional District than me. Thank you for the honor. Every achievement worth doing began with listening to Nevadans and fighting for our values.

I came to Congress to solve problems and to make sure our State and Nation have strong voice in the federal policy and oversight processes. I look forward to finishing my term. After 15 years of service, I believe it is the right time for Nevada and myself to pass the torch.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick demanding transparency about national security impacts following recent firings at the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), particularly within the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS). 

“Recent public reporting indicates that senior leadership within OICTS was removed or reassigned following internal pressure, including the placement of a senior official on administrative leave,” Dingell stated. “These developments have raised serious concerns about the Department’s commitment to sustaining expertise, momentum, and enforcement capacity in addressing technology threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and other foreign adversaries.”

“As you know, OICTS was established during President Trump’s first term and has been widely viewed on a bipartisan basis as a critical office for securing U.S. technology supply chains, communications infrastructure, and Americans’ sensitive data,” Dingell continued. “The office played a central role in developing the rule restricting internet-connected passenger vehicles and related hardware and software with links to China or Russia, based on clear national security and data-security risks.”

“I have consistently supported BIS’s mission to protect the United States from foreign technological threats, including prior Department of Commerce actions to address risks posed by connected vehicles and communications technologies,” Dingell concluded. “These technologies are deeply embedded in our daily lives and critical infrastructure and are no longer hypothetical risks. Allowing foreign adversary technologies to enter our domestic market threatens not only consumer privacy, but U.S. economic security and national resilience.”

Read the full text of the letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

Legislation Reaffirms That DHS, ICE, and CBP Agents Cannot Be Deployed at Election Sites

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) secured over $15 million in community project funding for local projects across California’s 19^th Congressional district. This significant federal support will assist local initiatives, including improving public safety, bolstering infrastructure, creating community spaces, modernizing emergency communication systems, building affordable housing, and more.

“A significant part of my job is to ensure that the Congressional power of the purse is felt right here in our home,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Once again, I’m proud to have secured a significant amount of federal investment that will help improve the quality of life for people in California’s 19^th Congressional District. My work to obtain this type of funding is about making sure that the federal government plays its part in our local communities.” 

Rep. Panetta secured funding for 14 local projects that will directly benefit California’s 19th Congressional District. These projects include:

• $3,150,000 for the City of Santa Cruz’s Wharf Resilience and Rehabilitation Project which will demolish and retrofit a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf that has sustained significant damage from storms.
• $850,000 for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s Boulder Creek Complete Streets Improvement project, to support the construction of sidewalks, curb extensions, center median islands and other traffic calming infrastructure, bike lanes, and transit stop enhancements within Boulder Creek.
• $1,000,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County to construct a new 7,500 sq ft youth center, which will serve an estimated 400 youth per year, with an average daily attendance of 150 kids and teens, via after school and out-of-school time programs that offer academic support, art, fun physical activities, music, cooking classes, and more.
• $682,000 for the City of Scotts Valley’s Public Safety Answering Point Radio Equipment Project, to purchase a dual analog digital encrypted radio (P25) system for the Scotts Valley Police Department to replace their current outdated radio equipment.
• $250,000 for the City of Capitola’s Traffic Safety Project, to support the construction of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Bay Avenue and Hill Street in Capitola, California. The project is part of a broader corridor improvement effort focused on three key intersections along Bay Avenue.
• $1,920,000 for the City of Monterey to make critical repairs to the Monterey Wharf, including repairs to restore structural load-bearing capacity, ensuring continued use, economic support for fishing operations, and public safety.
• $850,000 for the City of Seaside’s San Pablo Bridge Project, to support two phases of the San Pablo Pedestrian Bridge’s demolition and reconstruction.
• $2,000,000 for the City of San Jose’s Yerba Buena Bridge Construction project, which will support the development of construction plans, project management, permitting, inspection services, environmental monitoring, demolition, construction, and improvements to the existing hillside.
• $1,000,000 for the City of San Jose’s Guadalupe River Trail Construction from Branham to Chynoweth Project, which will construct the next segment of the Guadalupe River Trail, connecting to the existing alignment that travels from Lake Almaden Park north to Chynoweth Avenue. The new segment would include 0.54 miles from Chynoweth Avenue north to Branham Lane.
• $500,000 for the City of San Jose’s Ending Sideshows in South San Jose project, to upgrade the intersections of Ruby/Tully, Quimby/Murillo, and Aborn/Voltaire to add hardscape features to minimize maintenance requirements, beautify the area, and continue to deter sideshows.
• $250,000 for the County of Santa Clara’s Martial Cottle Park Improvements Project, to support the implementation of Phase 1 of the 31-acre Historic Ranch Site Plan. The complete plan includes a combination of site and utility improvements, existing building/structure reuse, existing building/structure stabilization, and new building/structure construction.
• $935,000 for the Cambria Community Services District’s Fire Apparatus Replacement, which will support the acquisition of a new frontline fire engine.
• $850,000 for the City of Atascadero to make improvement to the Atascadero Police Station, which will provide safety and security improvements, create crime scene investigation offices and associated storage space, and upgrades and dedicated space for dispatch, patrol, investigations, records, and administration.
• $850,000 for the City of Paso Robles’ Pine Street Affordable Housing project, to support the purchase and subsequent conveying of approximately one acre of property to the Paso Robles Housing Authority to construct at least 30 affordable housing units.

The federal funding announced today is what Rep. Panetta worked for to be included in the most recent appropriations package.

In the 116th Congress, legislation was signed into law that brought back the process to allow U.S. Representatives and Senators to request and secure federal funds for programs and places that matter most to their districts and states. The projects that Rep. Panetta fights for address clear and present needs in California’s 19th Congressional District and represent his commitment to ensuring that the federal government plays its part in our communities.

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