MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, DC — Today, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the Stop Deadly Denials Act to no longer allow Medicare Advantage plans to require prior authorization for necessary medical items and services. The legislation would ensure patients are able to receive fair affordable coverage without added administrative burdens from prior authorization that frequently block care. 

“Medicare DisAdvantage makes it harder for patients to get the care they need – often leading to delays and denials of care that can be deadly. We’re now seeing the Trump Administration bring this tactic to Traditional Medicare as well, denying Americans care they need, and that they would have received before the implementation of the WISeR model. I’m leading the Stop Deadly Denials Act with Rep. Khanna because we must urgently ensure corporate insurers can’t deny care to those who need it. Patients, doctors, and advocates have been sounding the alarm about denials of care for years: it’s time for Congress to address these serious concerns,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

“It’s time we stop allowing Medicare Advantage to profit off the Medicare name while denying critical coverage,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “Affordable quality healthcare is a human right. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Rep. Jayapal and stop Medicare Advantage from using prior authorization to delay and deny medically necessary care.”

“Since its inception, Medicare Advantage has gamed our health care system to profit off our seniors and people with disabilities,” said Jamie Brown, RN and NNU president. “Nurses applaud Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna for introducing the Stop Deadly Denials Act to put an end to prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. It’s time we take on corporate health insurers who use delaying and denying care to exploit our patients, and we have to stand firm in our commitment to ensure these same tactics are not used in Traditional Medicare. We must protect Medicare in our fight to pass Medicare for All!”

“Prior authorization is a tool used by Big Insurance to delay and deny care, often standing between patients and the care they need. By aligning Medicare Advantage with traditional Medicare, blocking harmful experiments like WISeR, and stopping the use of unaccountable algorithms to override physicians, this legislation will make it harder for Big Insurance to deny care to those who need it.  It also ensures transparency and accountability by requiring full public input before any future models move forward. We thank Congressman Ro Khanna for introducing this vital bill and urge Congress to pass it without delay,” said Rachel Madley, PhD, Executive Director, Center for Health and Democracy.

“Insurers shouldn’t be profiting from denying seniors the care that they need and are entitled to receive. We know that privatized Medicare plans overturn around 80 percent of their denial of care decisions upon appeal, but count on few enrollees filing those appeals. The privatized Medicare plans aggressively and mechanically deny requests for prior authorization because they know they can get away with it. The Stop Deadly Denials Act would finally put a stop to these practices and prevent perverse experiments that threaten to bring further prior authorization into Traditional Medicare,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen. 

The Stop Deadly Denial Act: 

• Eliminates prior authorization for all Medicare Advantage Part A and Part B services unless required in traditional Medicare. 
• Blocks WISeR and any substantially similar prior authorization model in Traditional Medicare.
• Prohibits CMMI from testing any prior authorization model that imposes prior authorization for Part A/B services, uses AI or algorithm-driven denials without physician review, or outsources prior authorization determinations outside Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs).
• Requires CMS to use full notice-and-comment rulemaking for all future models starting in 2027. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Cosponsors: Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), Representative Debby Dingell (D-MI), Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) 

The full list of organizations that have endorsed the Stop Deadly Denials Act of 2026 include: National Nurses United (NNU), Centers for Health and Democracy, Public Citizen, Just Care USA, Social Security Works, the Labor Campaign for Single Payer, and Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action.

Issues: Health Care

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, welcomed the Department of the Air Force’s decision to name Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland as a candidate location for the SPACEFOR-CYBER mission and highlighted the region’s strategic role in cybersecurity and national defense.

The Air Force continues evaluating JBSA-Lackland alongside Fort George G. Meade to host a critical component supporting U.S. Cyber Command. The designation reflects San Antonio’s strong cyber workforce, advanced infrastructure, and leadership in military and intelligence operations.

If selected, the mission would generate new jobs, expand economic activity, and support long-term investment across South Texas. The effort would also strengthen the defense industrial base and reinforce supply chain resilience – key priorities that support military readiness.

“As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I’ve fought for investments that strengthen our military and support our communities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “San Antonio already anchors the Air Force’s cyber operations through the 16th Air Force at Lackland and continues to expand its cyber ecosystem with assets like Port San Antonio’s Cyber Innovation Center and the University of Texas at San Antonio’s National Security Collaboration Center. With a strong pipeline of talent and growing demand for cyber professionals nationwide, our region offers the workforce, infrastructure, and mission alignment needed to support SPACEFOR-CYBER. This opportunity would create jobs, drive investment, and strengthen our nation’s ability to respond to evolving cyber threats, and I’ll keep advocating for South Texas to lead in national security and innovation.”

“San Antonio is a national leader in cybersecurity and home to the second largest cybersecurity workforce. For years, my hometown, Military City, U.S.A. has invested millions in Joint Base San Antonios (JBSA)’s infrastructure’s projects, and in Congress I’ve pushed to protect JBSA. Our large cyber-workforce, UT San Antonio’s strong cyber presence, and our community’s readiness to work with the joint forces makes San Antonio the right selection for SPACEFOR-CYBER. I will push the Department of the Air Force to make San Antonio its new home,” said Congressman Castro.

San Antonio stands as one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity hubs, with a large concentration of cyber professionals supported by military, intelligence, industry, and academic partners. The region’s capabilities position it to support advanced cyber operations and contribute to national defense priorities.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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Los congresistas Cuellar y Castro impulsan a JBSA-Lackland como principal candidato para la misión SPACEFOR-CYBER.
Miembros de San Antonio resaltan beneficios para la seguridad nacional y el crecimiento económico en el sur de Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, los congresistas Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), miembro de mayor rango del Subcomité de Asignaciones de la Cámara sobre Seguridad Nacional y miembro senior del Subcomité de Defensa, y Joaquin Castro (TX-20), miembro de mayor rango del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental del Comité de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cámara, dieron la bienvenida a la decisión del Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea de nombrar a la Base Conjunta San Antonio-Lackland como ubicación candidata para la misión SPACEFOR-CYBER y destacaron el papel estratégico de la región en ciberseguridad y defensa nacional.

La Fuerza Aérea continúa evaluando a JBSA-Lackland junto con Fort George G. Meade para albergar un componente crítico que apoye al Comando Cibernético de Estados Unidos. Esta designación refleja la sólida fuerza laboral en ciberseguridad de San Antonio, su infraestructura avanzada y su liderazgo en operaciones militares y de inteligencia.

De ser seleccionada, esta misión generaría nuevos empleos, impulsaría la actividad económica y apoyaría la inversión a largo plazo en el sur de Texas. Este esfuerzo también fortalecería la base industrial de defensa y reforzaría la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro, prioridades clave para mantener la preparación militar.

“Como miembro de mayor rango del Subcomité de Asignaciones sobre Seguridad Nacional y miembro senior del Subcomité de Defensa, he luchado por inversiones que fortalezcan a nuestras fuerzas armadas y apoyen a nuestras comunidades”, dijo el congresista Cuellar. “San Antonio ya lidera las operaciones cibernéticas de la Fuerza Aérea a través de la 16ª Fuerza Aérea en Lackland y continúa expandiendo su ecosistema cibernético con iniciativas como el Centro de Innovación Cibernética de Port San Antonio y el Centro de Colaboración en Seguridad Nacional de la Universidad de Texas en San Antonio. Con una sólida formación de talento y una creciente demanda de profesionales en ciberseguridad en todo el país, nuestra región ofrece la fuerza laboral, la infraestructura y la alineación de misión necesarias para apoyar SPACEFOR-CYBER. Esta oportunidad crearía empleos, impulsaría la inversión y fortalecería la capacidad de nuestra nación para responder a amenazas cibernéticas en evolución, y seguiré impulsando que el sur de Texas lidere en seguridad nacional e innovación.”

“San Antonio es un líder nacional en ciberseguridad y cuenta con la segunda mayor fuerza laboral en este sector. Durante años, mi ciudad natal, Military City, U.S.A., ha invertido millones en proyectos de infraestructura en la Base Conjunta San Antonio, y en el Congreso he trabajado para proteger JBSA. Nuestra amplia fuerza laboral en ciberseguridad, la sólida presencia en este campo de la Universidad de Texas en San Antonio y la disposición de nuestra comunidad para colaborar con las fuerzas conjuntas hacen de San Antonio la mejor opción para SPACEFOR-CYBER. Seguiré impulsando al Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea a seleccionar a San Antonio como su nueva sede”, dijo el congresista Castro.

San Antonio se mantiene como uno de los principales centros de ciberseguridad del país, con una gran concentración de profesionales respaldados por socios militares, de inteligencia, de la industria y del ámbito académico. Las capacidades de la región la posicionan para apoyar operaciones cibernéticas avanzadas y contribuir a las prioridades de defensa nacional.

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El congresista Henry Cuellar es miembro del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos. Anteriormente, fue Representante del Estado de Texas y Secretario de Estado de Texas.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman David Scott (D-GA).

“Today, we mourn the loss of Congressman David Scott, who faithfully served the people of Georgia for more than 50 years. Congressman Scott was a tireless advocate for his constituents, especially the veterans in his community, and he worked relentlessly to reform the VA on their behalf. He was also a trailblazer as the first Black Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, where he advocated on behalf of America’s farmers and our agriculture sector. A dedicated public servant throughout his career, he achieved meaningful policy victories in both the Georgia statehouse and Congress by seeking common ground to improve the lives of his constituents and the American people. I join his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning this tremendous loss.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

PRESS RELEASE – CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) reintroduced legislation to strengthen the federal response to seasonal and pandemic influenza (“The Influenza Act”).

“Catching the flu can mean long-term health consequences, lost time at work and school, missed time with loved ones and in severe cases, death,” said Rep. Larsen. “Strengthening U.S. flu infrastructure is especially important in light of the ill-informed decision by the Secretary of Defense to no longer require flu shots for America’s servicemembers. Congress must take action to make sure flu vaccines are available for anyone who wants one and to prepare for future outbreaks.”

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has classified the ‘25-’26 flu season as a “high severity season for children,” estimating that 143 children have died from the flu so far. 85% of those children were not fully vaccinated against the flu.

Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Elenor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) have signed on as original cosponsors of the legislation.

The Coalition to Stop Flu also expressed its support for the Influenza Act:

“For far too long, our country has seemingly accepted tens of thousands of annual deaths from flu as inevitable — including the 293 children who lost their lives to flu last season,” said Tom Daschle, former Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Coalition to Stop Flu. “And pandemic influenza remains an extraordinary threat to our nation’s health and prosperity. More can, and must, be done. The Influenza Act provides commonsense solutions to improve our ability to prepare for and respond to seasonal and pandemic flu.”

“Physicians across Washington see firsthand the toll influenza takes on our patients, especially the most vulnerable,” said Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, President of the Washington State Medical Association. “The Washington State Medical Association supports the Influenza Act because it strengthens the tools we rely on—vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments—while expanding access and improving public confidence. This is a critical step toward reducing preventable illness and saving lives.”

What Does the Influenza Act Do?

The Influenza Act would build on the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy to strengthen the federal government’s seasonal and pandemic influenza ecosystem.

The legislation would speed up vaccine development for new flu variants, invest in new flu detection technologies and authorize funding for federal programs that research influenza treatment and support critical health infrastructure. The bill would also require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to devise a strategy to distribute vaccines to areas that urgently need more supplies and conduct outreach efforts in rural communities about vaccine misinformation. The Influenza Act would strengthen efforts to develop an influenza vaccine that combats all flu variants. It also aims to address gaps in vaccine accessibility and confidence so that people understand the science supporting flu vaccines.

You can access the full text of the Influenza Act HERE.

You can access a one-pager on the Influenza Act HERE.

Why the Influenza Act Matters

Often underestimated, seasonal and pandemic flu are real and enduring challenges to public health. During the ‘24-’25 season, 293 children died from the flu nationwide, the highest recorded amount since the CDC started tracking the figure in 2004. For the current season, the CDC estimates as many as 31 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 23,000 deaths from the flu through April 11, 2026.

A recent study showed influenza cost the U.S. economy $29 billion from direct medical costs ($16 billion) and productivity losses ($13 billion) in the ’23-’24 flu season.

Larsen Works to Combat Flu and Disease Outbreaks

Rep. Larsen has long supported federal funding for seasonal and pandemic flu infrastructure. Larsen previously introduced the Influenza Act in 2023 and 2022. He also introduced two bills to better protect Americans from seasonal and pandemic flu in 2020. In 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act, legislation that Larsen introduced to require the development of a national aviation preparedness plan for future public health emergencies.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee; Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Matt Paxton, President of the Shipbuilders Council of America, and Brian Schoeneman, Chairman of USA Maritime, held a joint press conference in support of the SHIPS for America Act to revitalize the maritime industry:

“Today, I am encouraged to see continued bipartisan consensus on the need to strengthen America’s maritime industry. The SHIPS Act will do exactly that. We are committed to securing passage of this legislation and to continuing the vital work of revitalizing our maritime sector,” said Congressman Garamendi. “Today’s hearing on shipbuilding is an encouraging sign of growing bipartisan momentum and interest in both revitalizing our nation’s shipbuilding industry and advancing the SHIPS Act. For over a year, we have seen promising progress, reflected in a growing coalition of supporters both on and off Capitol Hill, and we are confident that we can usher in a new era for American workers, shipbuilders, and our national security. I thank Chair Trent Kelly and the leadership on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, as well as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation for arranging this critical hearing.”

“We are a great nation because we are a great maritime nation. But for years, we’ve fallen behind in providing the maritime industry with the resources it needs. If we want to restore America’s maritime strength, it will take robust investment in our shipbuilding industry in both military and commercial. We need to put more American-built ships in the water—ships that carry goods, support our economy, and strengthen our security. We also must maintain those ships and ensure we have the workforce to crew and support U.S.-flagged vessels with American workers,” said Congressman Kelly. “We must push Congress, the Administration, industry, and all stakeholders to get this bill across the finish line. Time is of the essence. We need to take decisive steps and get this done.”

“American shipyards can and must build the fleet of the future right here at home, and the SHIPS for America Act is the catalyst we need to get us there,” said Matt Paxton, President of the Shipbuilders Council of America. “By aligning a national maritime strategy with stable investment, this bipartisan legislation recognizes the national security impact of our industry and would allow us to effectively counter global distortions in the shipbuilding and ship repair markets. We have the momentum, the industry backing, and the urgency to restore American shipbuilding and ship repair, and we look forward to continuing our work with Rep. John Garamendi and Rep. Trent Kelly to see this critical mission through.”

“The SHIPS for America Act represents the most meaningful maritime legislation in the last half century or more,” said Brian Schoeneman, Chair of USA Maritime. “The critical need for a vibrant U.S. Merchant Marine and a revitalized American maritime industry is on display daily.  We can’t afford to wait any longer.  It’s time to get it done.”

Representatives Garamendi and Kelly are co-authors of the SHIPS for America Act, comprehensive legislation designed to revitalize the United States’ shipbuilding capacity and commercial maritime sector.

Since the introduction of the SHIPS for America Act in December, the urgency of strengthening the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities has emerged as a matter of bipartisan priority. This focus has intensified following the USTR’s findings regarding China’s dominance in global shipbuilding, as well as President Trump’s signing of a shipbuilding-related executive order and the subsequent release of the Administration’s Maritime Plan.

Watch Rep. Kelly’s remarks HERE, Rep. Garamendi’s remarks HERE, and the full press conference HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of Congressman David Scott:

Today, I join those throughout Georgia and across the country mourning the loss of a giant, Congressman David Scott. Born in the Jim Crow era, Congressman Scott went on to make history as the first African American to be Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture while fighting at every step along the way for the people he was privileged to represent.

Growing up as a child on a farm in a small town in South Carolina, Congressman Scott never forgot his humble roots and always supported our nation’s farmers throughout his public service journey. David championed rural communities, ranchers and producers while making sure that families across the country have access to affordable, nutritious food. 

Congressman Scott helped secure $150 million in scholarships for students attending 1890 African American Land-Grant colleges and universities. In recognition of David’s incredible legacy, his beloved Agriculture Committee has advanced legislation to permanently name these grants in his honor.

Throughout his decades-long tenure on the Financial Services Committee, he led numerous programs that have made a real difference in the lives of our nation’s homeowners, particularly those who struggled to keep a roof over their heads during the worst of the financial crisis. Among his many legislative accomplishments, Congressman Scott was particularly proud to fight for our nation’s veterans by ensuring that the Atlanta VA Medical Center provided the best possible care for our returning heroes.

Though he will be remembered by most for his barrier-breaking Congressional service, David started an advertising agency, produced and performed in a televised special about Langston Hughes and created and hosted a national radio show focused on Black American life. Truly a trailblazing Renaissance Man, he will be deeply missed by his constituents and his colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus. Our prayers are with his loved ones during this tremendously sad time. May David Scott forever rest in power.

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today released a statement in response to a detailed Congressional Research Service (CRS) report he requested that establishes no previous president has sought to build a triumphal arch in Washington. 

Donald Trump proposed building one in October 2025 at a dinner for donors to his proposed ballroom. White House spokesman David Ingle later said: “President Trump is right. The American people for nearly 200 years have wanted an Arch in our Nation’s capital to showcase our great history.”

Today’s CRS report concludes: “No specific statements referencing the need for an arch were identified that were attributable directly to a sitting President or their staff prior to 2025.” 

On July 31, 2025, the Trump White House released a statement saying: “For 150 years, Presidents…have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed. President Donald J. Trump has expressed his commitment to solving this problem on behalf of future Administrations and the American people.”

In December last year, Congressman Cohen received a CRS study he requested establishing that, contrary to President Trump’s assertion, no previous president had sought to build a White House ballroom. A federal judge has ruled such a structure would require Congressional approval and a project now under construction has been suspended.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Donald Trump lies about a lot of things, but his messianic zeal to brand our capital city as a tribute to himself is not only beyond offensive, it is historically unprecedented. I received a report from the Congressional Research Service earlier today that says no president or White House staffer has ever proposed building a triumphal arch in Washington. Trump insists they have, and he’s wrong. In December, I requested a similar CRS report after Trump’s repeated assertions that presidents for the past 150 years had sought to build a White House ballroom. That CRS report indicated no previous president had sought one.

“We don’t need an arch or a ballroom. Trump’s ego is insatiable and his easily disproven lies are inexcusable. He must be denied these homages to himself.”

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

JOLIET – Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced the projects in the 14th District submitted for consideration for Community Project Funding in FY2027.

If funded, the projects below will have extraordinary benefits for our community: ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water, strengthening rural access to health care, helping residents get good jobs, providing vulnerable populations access to necessities like emergency shelter and food, and making public transit stronger in northern Illinois.

“Making sure that our community’s needs are reflected in federal funding has always been a top priority of mine in Washington,” said Underwood. “Our families will feel the enormous impact of these 20 projects every day. We’re making sure our drinking water is clean and safe across northern Illinois, strengthening access to quality health care in rural communities, improving our public transit systems, and so much more. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring these federal dollars home.”

Underwood recently secured $13 million in Community Project Funding in FY 2026, and has secured more than $53 million in Community Project Funding for IL-14 since 2021.

Community Project Funding is an initiative that allows Members of Congress to directly request federal funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent, coupled with strict transparency and ethics requirements. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Underwood has certified that she and her immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects selected. Underwood’s certification forms for the projects listed are available here, listed in alphabetical order. 

Below are descriptions of the projects submitted for consideration, in alphabetical order by project sponsor:

Project Title: DeKalb Metra Rail Extension Preparation
Project Sponsor: City of DeKalb Transit  
Amount Requested: $1,200,000
Project: This funding would be used to advance the extension of Metra commuter rail service along the Union Pacific West Line between Elburn and DeKalb, Illinois. The funding will help the City of Dekalb prepare its regional rail and corridor service development plans, and help fund environmental analyses for the extension. DeKalb is a major employment and education hub for our community, anchored by Northern Illinois Univeristy (NIU). NIU is the only Illinois public university without passenger rail access, and DeKalb has been without passenger rail service since 1971.

Project Title: Grand Prairie Water Commission Alternative Water Source Program Regional Transmission Main (Segment B) Project
Project Sponsor: City of Joliet
Amount Requested: $5,000,000
Address of Sponsor: 150 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to construct water pipes to deliver treated Lake Michigan water to communities served by the Grand Prairie Water Commission. The new pipes will extend and connect to two water delivery structures in Joliet, and provide a safe and sustainable water supply for residents in Joliet, Crest Hill, Channahon, Minooka, Romeoville, and Shorewood.

Project Title: The Mendota Civic Center Revitalization
Project Sponsor: City of Mendota
Amount Requested: $253,000
Address of Sponsor: 800 Washington Street, Mendota, IL, 61342
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to modernize the Mendota Civic Center, a 17,000 square-foot building that serves as the main community gathering space for Mendota and surrounding rural communities. The Civic Center houses Mendota Area Senior Services, hosts monthly youth programs, and offers affordable meeting and event space for local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations. This project would fund badly needed HVAC upgrades, ADA improvements, and the replacement of carpeting, bathroom fixtures, ceiling tiles, and outdated equipment to make sure the community center remains a pillar of our community.

Project Title: City of Ottawa Public Transit Fleet Replacement
Project Sponsor: City of Ottawa
Amount Requested: $720,000
Address of Sponsor: 301 W Madison St, Ottawa, IL, 61350
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to purchase new vehicles for the North Central Area Transit (NCAT) system’s aging fleet. NCAT’s rural transit system serves seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and the general public throughout LaSalle County. Nearly half of NCAT’s vehicles have exceeded their operational lifespan, making it more difficult for residents to use the system to get to work, school, medical appointments, and access essential services. This project would purchase five buses to replace aging vehicles and expand NCAT’s service hours, coverage, and ability to deliver reliable and accessible public transit for our community.

Project Title: Spring Valley Water Main Extension and Connection
Project Sponsor: City of Spring Valley
Amount Requested: $522,500
Address of Sponsor: 215 N. Greenwood Street Spring Valley, IL 61362
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to replace and construct new water infrastructure between the City of Spring Valley and the City of Peru’s. Spring Valley uses a single water source, a critical vulnerability that threatens access to clean, safe water for families in northern Illinois. This project will make sure Spring Valley has a redundant and secure source of water during emergencies and allow more flexibility for maintenance and repairs, ensuring our community has uninterrupted access to safe drinking water.

Project Title: Enhancing Law Enforcement Effectiveness in Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence
Project Sponsor: Guardian Angel Community Services
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Address of Sponsor: 168 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to support the operations of Guardian Angel Community Services, a critical organization in our community that supports survivors of domestic violence. The project will provide housing assistance and basic supplies for survivors, salaries and benefits for staff, program materials, training, resource development, and help with travel and administrative costs. 

Project Title: The Hall Township Food Security & Affordability Infrastructure Project
Project Sponsor: Hall Township 
Amount Requested: $750,000 
Address of Sponsor: 108 Wolfer Drive, Spring Valley, IL, 61362
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to renovate and repurpose an empty salt shed building in Spring Valley into a permanent food storage and distribution facility for the Hall Township Food Pantry, which serves residents across Bureau County. The project will allow the pantry to replace the building’s roof, lay a new food-safe floor, install new LED lighting, and put in an overhead garage door and ADA-accessible entrance. This investment directly increases the availability of healthy food for seniors and working families in our community. 

Project Title: Joliet Junior College Public Safety Institute
Project Sponsor: Joliet Junior College
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Address of Sponsor: 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used by Joliet Junior College (JJC) to create a regional hub to train fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical professionals in our community. The project will allow JJC to renovate existing space on their main campus for new training academies and expand their existing EMR and EMT programs. This funding would support the purchase of fire training equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) packs, fill stations, live burn props, forcible entry simulators, and rescue mannequins. Additionally this funding would support the purchase of EMS training tools like advanced medical simulators and transport equipment. It also would provide funding for the purchase of law enforcement training resources like forensic equipment, body camera systems, defensive tactics gear, and virtual simulation systems to support learning objectives including deescalation training and crisis intervention training.

Project Title: Phase 3 Fairmont Stormwater System Rehabilitation Project
Project Sponsor: Lockport Township
Amount Requested: $1,334,500
Address of Sponsor: 1463 Farrell Road, Lockport, IL 60441
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to upgrade and replace critical stormwater infrastructure in our community in Fairmont. The project will replace failing ditch and culvert stormwater drainage with buried, reinforced concrete pipe and lay a new sidewalk to improve safety for families. This project addresses longstanding infrastructure needs in Fairmont and will help reduce flood-related property damage.

Project Title: Oswego School District Student Success & Workforce Development Project
Project Sponsor: Oswego Community Unit School District 308 
Amount Requested: $3,081,449
Address of Sponsor: 4175 Route 71, Oswego, IL, 60543
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to renovate the Oswego school district’s multipurpose building to convert underutilized office space into specialized classrooms for students with disabilities. The project makes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades and reconfigures walls, doors, finishes, flooring, and lighting. The renovated spaces will include a mock apartment with laundry and kitchen facilities, a working café, and a retail storefront to teach job and independent living skills for young adults with disabilities.

Project Title: Electric Buses for Pace’s Southeast Aurora On Demand Service
Project Sponsor: Pace Bus
Amount Requested: $800,000

Address of Sponsor: 550 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to purchase two battery-powered buses for Pace’s Southeast Aurora On Demand service. These buses will replace aging, gas-powered buses and help advance Pace’s commitment to converting their fleet to zero-emissions vehicles. Electric buses operating this route will reduce emissions for families living in Aurora and lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Project Title: Improving Rural Health Rapid Response in Putnam County
Project Sponsor: Putnam County Board
Amount Requested: $281,250
Address of Sponsor: 120 N. 4th Street, Hennepin, IL 61327
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to purchase an equipped ambulance for Putnam County Emergency Medical Services. Putnam County EMS is the only ambulance serving over 250 road miles of road in our community, covering ethanol and machining plants, farms, and residences. Their current EMS fleet is aging, with the oldest vehicle, a 2001 model, exceeding 150,000 miles. The project will help Putnam County upgrade their fleet with a new ambulance with up-to-date medical and communications technology that meets modern standards of care for our families.

Project Title: Flewellin Memorial Library Renovation and Modernization
Project Sponsor: Shabbona Township
Amount Requested: $1,778,762
Address of Sponsor: 204 S. Pontiac St, Shabbona, IL 60550
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used by Shabbona Township to renovate and modernize the Flewellin Memorial Library. The project will upgrade their aging building, making it a safe, accessible, energy-efficient community hub that supports education, literacy, and community engagement for residents. 

Project Title: Somonauk Fire Protection District: Critical Life Safety Equipment Replacement
Project Sponsor: Somonauk Fire Protection District
Amount Requested: $474,000
Address of Sponsor: 145 W. DeKalb Street, Somonauk, IL, 60552
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to upgrade and replace critical, life-safety equipment for the Somonauk Fire Protection District. The fire department’s current inventory of SCBAs has reached the end of its certified service life and is currently out of compliance with current standards. The project will replace the safety equipment and make sure first responders can safely respond to the full range of emergency calls in their rural service area.

Project Title: Sugar Grove Fire Community Training Facility
Project Sponsor: Sugar Grove Fire Protection District
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Address of Sponsor: 25 S Municipal Dr, Sugar Grove, IL 60554
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to construct a regional Fire Training Complex for the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District. The new facility will include dedicated classrooms and specialized training areas for Auto Extrication, Aircraft Rescue, Water and Ice Rescue, Driver Training, and more, along with secure equipment storage. The new complex will serve both the fire district and Waubonsee Community College’s Fire Science Technology Program.

Project Title: The Preston Heights Health & Economic Opportunity Kitchen in Joliet, Illinois
Project Sponsor: Will County
Amount Requested: $285,000
Address of Sponsor: 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to construct a commercial kitchen facility at the Labor of Love Community Garden in Preston Heights near Joliet. The new facility will serve as a public community resource for food education, food safety certification, job training, and small business incubation for members of our community. The project will allow Labor of Love to expand their STEAM Summer Program and Healthy Eating Active Living sessions by creating a safe, hands-on environment for their programming.

Project Title: Village of Plainfield Environmental Infrastructure Program (Village of Plainfield)
Project Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District 
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Address of Sponsor: 24401 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL, 60544
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to construct new water infrastructure in Plainfield to help our community receive potable water from Lake Michigan. Plainfield is one of the fastest growing communities in Will County and the State of the Illinois, and current demand for water is routinely exhausting our community’s capacity to serve residents. The project will construct a second storage tank for Lake Michigan water and make sure our water supply is reliable, safe, and clean.

Project Title: Village of North Utica Church Street Water Main Replacement Project
Project Sponsor: Village of North Utica
Amount Requested: $1,636,000 
Address of Sponsor: 248 W Canal Street, North Utica, IL 61373
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to replace aging water infrastructure along Church Street in Utica, including over 150-year-old lead pipes that pose significant public health risks. The project includes replacing water pipes, removing and upgrading lead service lines connecting to homes and businesses, restoring impacted properties, and resurfacing Church Street. 

Project Title: Phase 2 of the Lake Michigan Water Source Receiving Stations Project 
Project Sponsor: Village of Oswego
Amount Requested: $2,640,000
Address of Sponsor: 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, IL 60543
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to construct new water infrastructure in our communities in Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville and ensure we have a sustainable drinking water supply. The project will support Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville’s connection to the DuPage Water Commission system and their transition to Lake Michigan as our water source. 

Project Title: Wheatland Township Senior Center 
Project Sponsor: Wheatland Township
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Address of Sponsor: 4232 Tower Court, Naperville, IL, 60564
Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to construct a new facility to host senior services, community programming, and food services to serve our rapidly growing community. The new facility will include a multipurpose room, a commercial kitchen and a pantry to support senior meals and community food services. The new facility will provide a permanent home for senior programming that currently lacks dedicated space as well, creating an accessible, ADA-compliant facility that will serve as a community anchor.

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