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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

July 22, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR TWO VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR NATION

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement today regarding the introduction of two bills to name the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinics on St. Thomas and St. Croix in honor of two Virgin Islanders who gave their lives in service to our country:

“Today, I am pleased to introduce two bills to name VA facilities in the Virgin Islands in honor of Virgin Islands veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The St. Thomas Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be named the ‘Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic’ and the St. Croix Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be named the ‘Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic,’” said Congresswoman Plaskett.

“Director Patrick Farrell and the team at the Caribbean VA Healthcare System deserve recognition for bringing this matter to our office. Their engagement was instrumental in moving these bills forward. If enacted, these namings would stand as a lasting tribute, ensuring that Sergeant First Class Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata are never forgotten, and that every veteran who walks through the doors of these clinics is reminded of the courage of those who came before them,” Congresswoman Plaskett continued.

Director Farrell shared the following statement:

“Today’s introduction of legislation to honor Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III and Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake by naming the Virgin Islands Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (VA Clinics) in their memory marks an important step toward preserving the legacy of Virgin Islands Veterans, and a testament that we are sincerely grateful for the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For me, this initiative is deeply personal. I had the privilege of knowing both David and Floyd, and while history will rightly remember them as fallen heroes, I will always remember them as friends, fellow Soldiers, and proud Virgin Islanders whose lives embodied honor, humility, and selfless service. It is my hope that every Veteran, family member, employee, and visitor who enters these clinics in the years ahead, will be reminded of their sacrifice and inspired by their enduring legacy. I am grateful to the Office of Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett for advancing this meaningful effort and helping to move this vision one step closer to becoming a lasting tribute.”

“Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake and Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III were exemplary Virgin Islanders who each made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We remember their lives and their service with solemn gratitude, and we honor their memory so that others may follow their example and answer the call to duty,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded.

Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake first enlisted in the active-duty Army in 1988 and joined the Virgin Islands National Guard two years later. Sergeant First Class Lake was assigned to the Virgin Islands Army National Guard and was working at the National Guard headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Sergeant First Class Lake deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in October 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

Lieutenant Colonel Canegata’s service in the Virgin Islands National Guard began in 1995. In 2005, he rose to Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning. In December 2006, Lieutenant Colonel Canegata deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.   

On January 20, 2007, Sergeant First Class Floyd Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata, along with 10 other soldiers, were killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Baghdad, Iraq.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus led eleven other members of Congress representing Upper Basin and Lower Basin states in sending a bipartisan letter to House leadership today urging them to include measures in a supplemental appropriations package that would mitigate the effects of extreme drought on the Colorado River.

“Bureau of Reclamation projections recently released show Lake Mead will drop below its record low of 2022 by the end of next month,” Congresswoman Titus said. “The lake is expected to drop even further to 31 feet below that level by mid-2028. We can wait no longer to address this crisis and the impacts it will have on the millions of people who rely on the Colorado River.”

Other Members of Congress signing the letter were Representatives Biggs, Stansbury, Crane, Vasquez, Stanton, Correa, Ansari, Costa, Grijalva, Hamadeh, and Gosar.

The letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Reps. Tom Cole and Rosa DeLauro, chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, stated: “Any emergency funding package that aims to bolster our national security must recognize the immediate threat that prolonged drought and rapidly declining water levels in the Colorado River and its reservoirs pose to the millions of people whose lives and livelihoods depend on this resource. Federal investments are needed to build water supply resilience and reduce consumptive water use throughout the Colorado River Basin.”

The letter notes that in 2022 Congress provided $4 billion for drought mitigation measures. “Now is not the time to let federal support dry up. We recommend that the supplemental appropriations package include emergency funding for water infrastructure investments and upgrades in the Colorado River Basin and that significant funding is directed towards long-term planning for water reductions, conservation, and smart augmentation measures to protect the health and future of the Colorado River,” the Members said.

They also expressed support for a long-term agreement among the seven Colorado River Basin states that recognizes the natural limitations of the Colorado River. “Funding is urgently needed to limit the pain that could be felt by communities across the Basin in the near term and may smooth the path forward for post-2026 operating agreements.”

This letter was endorsed by Trout Unlimited; Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO); Family Farm Alliance; National Audubon Society; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP); Great Basin Water Network; The Nature Conservancy.

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement ahead of her vote against the Republican-led National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“While I appreciate that there are many important provisions in this legislation that I wholeheartedly support, like a pay raise for our troops and expanded support for military families, I simply cannot vote to authorize $1.15 trillion to President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth while they continue to seek supplemental funding for their dangerous and costly war in Iran.

“I am also deeply concerned that this bill abandons our country’s LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers, who have put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. These provisions do not make our country safer, and in fact, they deter Americans willing and able to serve our country. Bottom line: this legislation does nothing to rein in Trump’s executive power, end this war and take our troops out of harm’s way.”

“I am grateful to my House Democratic colleagues who worked tirelessly to secure critical provisions that push for transparency and accountability from the Defense Department, authorize health care coverage for IVF and other reproductive technologies for military families and protect collective bargaining rights. These are provisions I support, but not at the expense of more American lives lost in the Middle East, skyrocketing prices for Minnesotans and a target on the backs of our LGBTQ+ servicemembers.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

If enacted, this bill would be the most consequential reduction in D.C.’s authority to govern itself in the modern history of D.C. home rule.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act. This legislation is designed to strengthen community banks, expand access to credit, and end debanking. Importantly, this bipartisan bill includes two measures authored by Huizenga that strengthen oversight and promote greater competition within the banking system.

“Washington should not be making life more expensive for Americans with needless red tape,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Less competition means fewer financing options, higher borrowing costs, and less investment on Main Street. By cutting through the red tape this bipartisan bill reduces costs and helps community lenders make life more affordable for American families. Lastly, I am glad this legislation includes my provisions to increase accountability and reduce concentration across our financial system.”

Access to affordable credit is critical for families buying a home, farmers investing in their operations, entrepreneurs starting a business, and employers creating jobs. The Main Street Capital Access Act removes unnecessary regulatory burdens on community banks, encourages the formation of new community banks, and allows local lenders to devote more resources to making loans.

Earlier today, Congressman Huizenga spoke on the floor in support of the Main Street Capital Access Act. The video of his remarks is available below.

The Main Street Capital Access Act incorporates two bills authored by Huizenga. The FDIC Board Accountability Act that strengthens governance and accountability at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as well as the Enhancing Bank Resolution Participation Act, which broadens participation in failed-bank resolutions to promote competition, protect depositors, and reduce concentration within the banking system. Together, these measures reflect Huizenga’s continued work to ensure federal policy supports community financial institutions and the small businesses and families they serve.

The Main Street Capital Access Act passed the House by a vote of 270-155 and now advances to the Senate for consideration.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of his own legislation, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2027, to keep the government open and working for the American people. After the legislation passed the House, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“Too many members of Congress mistake a cliff’s edge for political leverage – and this bill refuses to reward those who depend on obstruction and chaos. Instead, it puts certainty and stability for the nation first. There is no virtue in waiting until every option has disappeared before deciding to act. This legislation protects our national security, preserves critical services, and removes any party from seeking to manufacture shutdown leverage before elections. There are no poison pills, no political gimmicks, and no partisan riders – just a clean, straightforward stopgap. So, today leaves no question where House Republicans stand – we chose responsibility over crisis, leadership over politics, and governing over gamesmanship. That is what Article I demands, and it is exactly what the American people expect,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Rep. Dina Titus Statement on Continuing Resolution to Fund Federal Government

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted in favor of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded until December 4, preventing a risk of government shutdown on October 1. 

The CR contains no major changes to federal policies, programs or current spending levels. The bill passed the House Tuesday night in a 220-205 vote.

“It is unusual to pass a CR this far ahead of a funding deadline, but the reality is the House and Senate are far away from a deal to keep government funded and, with an election coming up, the risk of political gamesmanship is high,” Golden said. “This CR will give us space to continue negotiating an appropriations deal while removing the incentive for either party to hold the government hostage in an attempt to score electoral points.”

Golden has a long history of voting to avoid government shutdowns because of the harm they cause. This past winter, a lapse in appropriations triggered the longest shutdown in the nation’s history. As a result, millions of federal workers missed paychecks, travelers experienced long delays, food assistance benefits for needy families were disrupted and core public health and food safety programs were paused. 

A government shutdown in October would affect the more than 11,000 federal employees in Maine and could force Acadia National Park to close. 

The CR now heads to the Senate for consideration. 

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

Headline: Scott Votes Against GOP’s Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting against the House Republicans’ Continuing Resolution: 

“Congress still has more than two months to complete the appropriations process and fully fund the government before the beginning of Fiscal Year 2027. Continuing Resolutions are generally harmful to federal agencies and programs that depend on federal funding like our shipbuilding programs, because they make long-term planning difficult. There is no reason to abandon the appropriations process now and kick the can down the road until December. We should at least try to continue the work to develop the FY27 budget in a responsible and timely manner.”

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