MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced the Turn the Tide Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would deliver more than $65 billion in federal funding over the next ten years for substance use treatment and prevention. This legislation would expand critical treatment programs, prioritize prevention and increase access to care by addressing workforce shortages. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan introduced this legislation in the Senate.

“It’s clear that investing in substance use treatment and prevention works,” said Congressman Pappas. “This administration has repeatedly tried to devastate our efforts to combat and prevent addiction, but what we actually need is continued investment to ensure treatment and prevention programs can reach everyone across our communities. This crisis is deeply personal for Granite Staters, and I will always fight to deliver New Hampshire the resources we need to save lives and help our communities stop this crisis.”

Specifically, the Turn the Tide Act:

• Increases State Opioid Response (SOR) treatment grant funding to $5.5 billion per year over the next five years and provides needed flexibility so that providers can treat patients who have non-opioid related substance use disorders, such as methamphetamine or other substances.
• Expands the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program and ensures states receive more consistent funding to support patients in recovery.
• Establishes a new grant program modeled off of the successful Manchester Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team program to assist children who have been exposed to trauma, often as a result of substance use disorders among family members or friends.
• Requires that private insurers and Medicare Part D plans cover Naloxone without any co-pay or deductible requirements and prohibits insurers from setting up administrative barriers, like prior authorization, that delay start of medication-assisted treatment.

Last year Pappas led 50 of his House colleagues in urging Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellation of almost $12 billion in federal grants for state health services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included $80 million in public health funding for New Hampshire. He also led a call for the Administration to immediately reinstate illegally fired SAMHSA workers alongside leading members of the Addiction, Treatment, Recovery Caucus, Mental Health Caucus, and Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. A court ultimately ordered that the workers be reinstated in December 2025.

In January 2026 the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reverse its massive, sudden, and unexplained cuts to critical mental health and addiction prevention grant programs. After organizations across New Hampshire began to receive grant cancellation notices from the Department of Health and Human Services, they quickly pressed Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellations, and within days the Administration began reinstating this critical funding for New Hampshire organizations.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), and nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the lawmakers. “… Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

“These fatal shootings by your agents demand real accountability and immediate action to ensure this violence does not continue,” continued the lawmakers. “Failure to impose meaningful consequences sends a message to your Department that agents can act with impunity, risking public safety and people’s lives. We call on you to take immediate corrective action.”

On July 7, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens, who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle. 

On July 13, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of the killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head. 

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of this Administration. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In previous shootings, ICE has also claimed that victims were “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have not been substantiated as evidence has emerged.

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the lawmakers are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops. 

The letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo José Hernández (PR-AL), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

Rep. Panetta’s Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act would strengthen protections for undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. His legislation aims to reduce barriers that prevent survivors from seeking justice and ensure they are not penalized for coming forward. The three men traveling with Mr. Salgado Araujo when he was shot, all now detained by ICE, have each filed for U-Visa protection. The program currently faces wait times of more than seven years, which Rep. Panetta’s bill would address.

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Venturella is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:

We write to ensure accountability in the aftermath of two horrible deaths over the past week in Texas and Maine. On Tuesday, July 7, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the father of three U.S. citizens, and a 35-year resident of the United States, was driving to work when officers in an unmarked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle attempted to stop his van. Reports indicate that Mr. Salgado Araujo was not even the actual target of ICE at the time; the ICE operation was targeting two Guatemalans, who were not among the men in the van. ICE claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle” and an ICE agent shot him in response. Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have provided any evidence to substantiate this claim. On July 13, just 6 days later, ICE fatally shot a 25-year-old Colombian national, Johan Sebastian Guerrero, in the head multiple times, even though he was not part of a targeted enforcement action. DHS claims that Mr. Guerrero merely attempted to flee in a vehicle, and that an ICE officer shot him out of concern for “public safety.” DHS does not allege the officer feared for his safety. Video footage shows officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero and throwing him on the street, even after shooting him in the head.

Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status. DHS agents have shot at least 22 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals with no criminal records.

In several of these cases, DHS and its component agencies made unsubstantiated allegations about individuals its agents have shot and even killed, including Renée Good, Alex Pretti, Ruben Ray Martinez, Marimar Martinez, and Julio Sosa-Celis. DHS claimed that the shooting victims were attacking law enforcement officers, attempting to “weaponize” their vehicles, and even called them domestic terrorists. In each case, evidence later emerged that contradicted these claims, showing that DHS representatives made false statements and DHS agents acted inappropriately, resulting in several cases against DHS’s victims to be dismissed with prejudice. As such, Trump’s DHS has lost the trust of the American people and can no longer be considered a reliable source of facts.

After shooting and killing Mr. Salgado Araujo, ICE agents took into custody the three other men who were in the van with him: his brother, Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, and two employees, Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego and Daniel Tirado Pantoja. All three of these men have independently disputed ICE’s account and stated that Mr. Salgado Araujo did not try to ram any agents with the van. Now, reports are emerging that these men—eyewitnesses to the shooting who can provide essential evidence to investigators—have been placed in removal proceedings. This is completely unacceptable.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time ICE has attempted to deport homicide witnesses in its custody. After a coroner ruled Geraldo Lunas Campos’ death at the ICE detention facility Camp East Montana a homicide, his family had to get a court order to ensure ICE did not deport the detained witnesses to the crime. One witness was moved and deported before the court got a chance to rule. It is essential that the same miscarriage of justice does not occur here.

We are calling for immediate independent investigations into both of these deaths, without interference. We are also calling on ICE to stop any removal proceedings against the witnesses to Mr. Salgado Araujo’s killing for the duration of the investigation. Investigators must be given access to the testimony of Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, Daniel Tirado Pantoja, and Victor Hugo Salgado Araujo, and the witnesses should have no threat of retaliation or deportation to provide their testimony.

Similarly, DHS must not interfere with any investigations into the death of Mr. Guerrero. Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.

In order to ensure justice occurs in these cases, as well as ensuring that such incidents do not continue to happen, please provide answers to the following questions as soon as possible, but no later than July 30, 2026:

1. Will you commit to allowing all noncitizen witnesses to remain in the United States for the duration of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), DHS Office of Inspecter General (OIG) and any state or local investigations into both of these deaths, so they may provide eyewitness testimony to investigators?

2. Will you commit to not interfering with any ongoing investigations, and to ensuring truly independent investigations into both of these cases, as well as completing investigations into the other ICE-related shootings that have occurred?

3. Will you commit to ensuring that all investigators, including those from the FBI, OIG, and any state and local offices have access to all witnesses and evidence related to both of these deaths?

4. Given the enormous amount of funding provided to ICE and CBP both last year and this year, will you commit to immediately providing body cameras to all ICE and CBP agents and ensuring that footage is made available in any ongoing investigations, including any footage of all victims of DHS-related fatal shootings?

5. Please provide a detailed breakdown, including providing copies of all training materials, on how much and what kind of training your officers undergo, as it relates to vehicle stops including when or how discharging weapons into vehicles is or is not permissible.

These fatal shootings by your agents demand real accountability and immediate action to ensure this violence does not continue. Failure to impose meaningful consequences sends a message to your Department that agents can act with impunity, risking public safety and people’s lives. We call on you to take immediate corrective action.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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

July 16, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON–U.S. Representative Greg Steube today introduced the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026, legislation that gives small, independently owned craft distilleries a pathway to ship their products directly to consumers across state lines. The bill is co-led by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and is endorsed by the American Craft Spirits Association. “The federal government should not stand between a small distillery and an adult customer in a state that allows direct shipment,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 cuts the red tape and lets craft distillers ship directly to their consumers, while keeping states in the driver’s seat and keeping real safeguards in place. It’s a win for small businesses and for consumers who deserve more choices.” “It’s time to get rid of outdated regulations and establish a safe, legal way for small businesses to ship spirits to consumers,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “This commonsense bipartisan bill will create new markets for craft distillers, provide more certainty for our local businesses, and give consumers more choice.” “ACSA thanks Congressman Steube for introducing this legislation and helping elevate the conversation around market access and shipping for American craft distillers,” said Emily Pennington, CEO, American Craft Spirits Association. “We appreciate his leadership in bringing attention to the challenges small, independent craft distilleries face in reaching adult consumers. ACSA looks forward to working with the Congressman and policymakers at both the federal and state levels to develop practical solutions that expand consumer access, shipping and help American craft distilleries grow.” The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 allows independently owned craft distilleries producing no more than 250,000 gallons of distilled spirits annually to ship their products directly to consumers in another state, as long as both the shipping and receiving states permit direct shipment. The bill requires purchasers to verify they are of legal age, requires shipping containers to be marked as containing alcohol and to require an adult signature upon delivery, and limits shipments to personal use only, not resale. State attorneys general retain the authority to bring civil enforcement actions against violations under the Webb-Kenyon Act, a 1913 federal law that preserves state enforcement authority over alcohol shipments. The legislation preserves state authority over direct shipment laws while cutting red tape for small distillers seeking to reach customers beyond their home state. The full text of the Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 is available here. 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

PALATINE, Ill. — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today joined Palatine Police Chief William Nord, Deputy Chief David Brandwein, and local leaders to present the Palatine Police Department with $239,000 in federal Community Project Funding he secured for the department’s Community Engagement and Patrol Enhancement Project. The funding will be used to purchase new police motorcycles and electric bicycles, giving officers greater mobility to patrol parks, school zones, trails, bike paths, and other areas traditional patrol vehicles cannot easily access while strengthening traffic enforcement and community policing. The investment will help officers better serve residents throughout the Village of Palatine. 

“Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and every police officer deserves the tools they need to protect our communities,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “I was proud to secure this funding to help the Palatine Police Department strengthen public safety, support the dedicated officers who serve this community every day, and ensure taxpayer dollars are invested where they’ll make a real difference for the people of Palatine.”

The Community Engagement and Patrol Enhancement Project will improve officer mobility, strengthen traffic enforcement, expand community policing, and help the Palatine Police Department continue building strong relationships with the residents it serves. 

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

This week, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)’s Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026) passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a unanimous vote of 66-0. The bipartisan, biennial bill protects Northwest Washington’s environment, supports Columbia River Treaty negotiations and authorizes critical investments in Northwest Washington ports, inland waterways, flood management systems and other water resources infrastructure.

“You cannot have a big league economy with little league infrastructure. In the Pacific Northwest and across the country, investments in ports, harbors and inland waterways support good-paying jobs and are key to long-term economic growth,” said Rep. Larsen, who is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 continues bipartisan efforts to improve water resources infrastructure in Northwest Washington and across the country. I look forward to bringing this bill to the House floor for a vote later this year.”

Since 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment and other aspects of water resources infrastructure. WRDA 2024 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and included many of Larsen’s local priorities, including funding environmental infrastructure assistance to Western Washington communities and expanding the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) to make it easier for the Corps to partner with Northwest Tribes on projects.

Washington State Wins in WRDA 2026

The 2026 WRDA invests in Washington state transportation and infrastructure priorities, including restoring the Puget Sound, addressing Nooksack River flooding and ensuring that critical Corps projects across the state can continue. Wins for Washington in WRDA 2026 include: 

• Nooksack River Flooding: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk reduction in the Nooksack River, which Whatcom County can use for long-term planning to address flooding concerns. Rep. Larsen has been working with local leaders to develop a plan to address Nooksack River flooding. Earlier this year, he advocated for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funds to help communities recover from December 2025’s devastating floods and has championed FEMA flood mitigation grant funding so that local communities can prepare for future floods.
• Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters (PSAW): Increases the per project funding cap to $20 million, ensuring projects like Spencer Island restoration in Snohomish County continue to move forward. In 2018, Rep. Larsen successfully included an amendment in WRDA 2018 to increase the per project cap for PSAW to $10 million.
• Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP): Allows the Corps to cost-share the relocation of related infrastructure for PNSERP projects at Lilliwaup Estuary, Tahuya Estuary, Snow Creek and Salmon Creek and Nooksack Estuary. Rep. Larsen previously worked to authorize $451 million for PSNERP in WRDA 2016. The Puget Sound is the largest estuary by water volume in the United States, and Rep. Larsen’s bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Estuary Program through 2031 to protect the Puget Sound and other estuaries around the country passed the House last December.
• Columbia River Treaty: Extends temporary authority for the United States to pay for pre-planned storage of water in Canada while United States and Canada continue to negotiate a new Columbia River Treaty. The United States’ current authority expires in 2027. The hydropower that the Columbia River Treaty provides benefits towns and cities across Northwest Washington, and Rep. Larsen has advocated for the Columbia River Treaty’s renewal for over a decade. Larsen supports efforts to negotiate a modern Columbia River treaty that manages flood risks and ensures a reliable clean energy supply, and is working with local stakeholders to gather input ahead of negotiations.
• Preventing Invasive Aquatic Species: Clarifies that indirect costs incurred by non-federal partners remain eligible for credit or reimbursement under the Corps’ Watercraft Inspection authority, which funds state efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. Invasive golden, quagga and zebra mussels continue to expand their footprint in the Pacific Northwest. Early detection monitoring, watercraft inspection and decontamination and eradication efforts are critical to preventing further spread.
• Lower Columbia River Channel Maintenance: Clarifies that the cost of constructing a dredged material disposal facility for operation and maintenance of the Lower Willamette and Lower Columbia River is a federal responsibility that can be drawn from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). These facilities are necessary for dredging operations to maintain the Columbia River waterway, which moves over $31 billion in cargo annually and supports 40,000 local jobs.
• Lower Columbia River Turning Basin: Authorizes the Chief’s Report for Lower Columbia Turning Basin improvements. Traffic has continued to grow in the Lower Columbia River, with an increase in larger vessels that need room to safely turn and park. These improvements will allow for the better positioning of vessels, increase opportunities to use nearby tug service and improve efficient movement of vessels transporting goods.
• HMTF Allocations for Donor and Energy Transfer Ports: Removes discretion for administration to utilize a provision in WRDA 2020 requiring funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are donor ports.
• Office of Community Outreach and Affordability: Creates an Office of Community Outreach and Affordability within the Corps to help communities that may have difficulty navigating the Corps’ planning and construction processes.
• Corps Study Process: Requires the Corps and the non-federal sponsor to establish an agreed-to timeframe (with milestones) for studies and allow the non-federal sponsor to request time extensions based on project complexity and sponsor’s goals.  

For the legislative text of WRDA 2026, click here.

For a summary of WRDA 2026, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6963, legislation designating the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the “Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.”

“Rodney Hamilton dedicated his life and career in service to the United States of America and our Veterans. His lifelong advocacy made it possible to establish Lafayette’s state-of-the-art VA clinic, and it is fitting that every Veteran assisted by this clinic will know his name,” said Rep. Higgins. “I am proud to have led this Louisiana delegation effort, and look forward to its swift passage in the Senate.” 

Louisiana delegation members Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA), Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA), and Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA) are co-sponsors of the legislation. Supporting organizations include the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans state chapters. Read the full text here.

Congressman Higgins led debate in favor of the legislation on the House floor before it passed unanimously by voice vote. Watch his full remarks here. 

Rodney Hamilton was born in 1932 in Fort Worth, Texas, and moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1948, where he would reside until his death in 2020. At the age of 17, Hamilton joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was wounded in combat in September 1951 and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his tenure in the Marine Corps, Hamilton became a Lafayette community leader. He served in Lafayette’s city government from 1968-1972 and later founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition.

As a longtime Veterans advocate, Hamilton played a crucial role in establishing the VA clinic in Lafayette, which opened in 2016. The road leading to the Lafayette VA Clinic was named in Hamilton’s honor in 2017.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths. The members are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

In their letter, the Members wrote, “Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status. DHS agents have shot at least 22 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals with no criminal records.”

They continued, “In several of these cases, DHS and its component agencies made unsubstantiated allegations about individuals its agents have shot and even killed, including Renée Good, Alex Pretti, Ruben Ray Martinez, Marimar Martinez, and Julio Sosa-Celis. DHS claimed that the shooting victims were attacking law enforcement officers, attempting to ‘weaponize’ their vehicles, and even called them domestic terrorists. In each case, evidence later emerged that contradicted these claims, showing that DHS representatives made false statements and DHS agents acted inappropriately, resulting in several cases against DHS’s victims to be dismissed with prejudice. As such, Trump’s DHS has lost the trust of the American people and can no longer be considered a reliable source of facts.”

“We are calling for immediate independent investigations into both of these deaths, without interference… Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations,” the lawmakers concluded.

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella is available here.

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

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) pressed administration leaders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for answers on the federal response–or lack thereof–to the nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The parasitic, foodborne infection has spread nationwide, but Michigan has emerged as an epicenter of the crisis, reporting more than 5,000 cases as of July 17.

In their letter to the acting heads of the CDC and FDA, the lawmakers expressed their concerns that recent federal staffing cuts and hollowed-out public health infrastructure are crippling the government’s ability to track the infection, warn the public, and isolate the source.

“While cases have been reported nationwide, Michigan has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, with thousands of confirmed illnesses and new cases continuing to be identified each day. The rapid increase in cases, coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle our nation’s public health infrastructure, raises serious questions about the federal government’s ability to effectively detect, investigate, and respond to public health emergencies,” the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers closed the letter with a series of questions and reiterated the importance of a strong public health system: “The people of Michigan — and all Americans — deserve confidence that the food they purchase and consume is safe. They also deserve a strong federal public health system that works in close partnership with state and local h
ealth departments to rapidly identify foodborne threats, provide clear and timely guidance to the public, and prevent additional illnesses.”

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Acting Director Bhattacharya and Acting Commissioner Diamantas:
 
We write as members of Congress from Michigan, with serious concerns regarding the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic infection which has now been detected in at least 34 states and continues to spread without an identified source. While cases have been reported nationwide, Michigan has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, with thousands of confirmed illnesses and new cases continuing to be identified each day. The rapid increase in cases, coupled with the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle our nation’s public health infrastructure, raises serious questions about the federal government’s ability to effectively detect, investigate, and respond to public health emergencies.

Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness that causes frequent diarrhea, along with other symptoms which can be severe, including abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and dehydration. To the best understanding of experts in foodborne illness, infection can occur when people consume food contaminated with infected human fecal matter. It generally does not spread from person to person, and the incubation period can take days to weeks after exposure, making outbreaks difficult to trace and contain. Furthermore, many individuals never receive diagnostic testing, while others experience mild or no symptoms, meaning numerous infections likely go unreported. As a result, the official case numbers may represent only a fraction of the outbreak’s actual size.

Michigan has reported more than 3,700 cases — by far the largest concentration identified anywhere in the country — with reported cases increasing by approximately 20 to 30 percent each day. Michigan records roughly 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually, meaning the current numbers are extremely alarming. The scale of the current outbreak represents one of the largest foodborne illness investigations the state has undertaken in recent years.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been working tirelessly to interview individuals testing positive for cyclosporiasis for common food exposures. Their work has pointed to potential sources of illness, including lettuce and salad greens. However, identifying the contaminated product and preventing additional illnesses requires the full capacity of our nation’s public health infrastructure, particularly where supply chains cross state and international borders.

To date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — the two regulatory entities primarily responsible for responding to foodborne illness outbreaks — have yet to identify a specific source responsible for the outbreak, meaning Americans searching for the best available guidance from experts on how to keep themselves and their families safe are left without one reliable, central source for information. It is more important than ever that Americans receive timely, detailed, and science-based guidance on how to reduce their risk of infection and how to best protect themselves and their families.

While the nature of the parasite is likely a factor in a source not yet being identified, staffing cuts at key agencies like CDC and FDA raise serious questions about a lack of necessary expertise and of the ability to adequately respond to the outbreak. Since Fiscal Year 2024, CDC staffing has reportedly declined by about 27 percent, including staff at the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), which is responsible for preventing the spread of illnesses like cyclosporiasis. Likewise, thousands of employees were fired from the FDA in early 2025, including staff from the Human Foods Program, which oversees food safety at the agency. These cuts have limited agencies’ ability to prevent, track, and respond to this kind of outbreak.

We are also concerned by changes that have weakened the nation’s foodborne illness surveillance systems. The Administration has made states use of FoodNet, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, optional for all but two pathogens, limiting yet another tool we have historically relied on. FoodNet has long provided critical data to help investigators identify, monitor, and track cases of foodborne illness caused by eight specific pathogens including cyclospora. Experts have warned that the loss of this data could hinder health officials’ ability to track cases and identify trends that could point to a particular source.

Given the seriousness of this outbreak and the concerns surrounding the ability of CDC and FDA to manage this ongoing outbreak with limited resources, we respectfully request your response to the following questions by July 24, 2026.

1. What is CDC’s current assessment of the scope of the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, including the total number of confirmed and suspected cases by state?

a. Can you explain what factors may be limiting the ability to obtain an accurate case count?

2. What investigative steps have CDC and FDA taken to identify the source of this outbreak? Has the CDC and FDA met with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding this outbreak?
   
3. Do CDC and FDA agree with the assessment of Michigan health officials identifying lettuce or salad greens as the possible source of illness?

4. What barriers are preventing CDC and FDA from acting on leads identified by Michigan investigators?

5. When do CDC and FDA anticipate being able to identify the source of this outbreak?
  
6. How many CDC and FDA personnel are currently assigned to this investigation, and how does that compare to staffing levels for comparable foodborne illness outbreaks over the past five years?
  
a. Do you plan to hire additional staff to manage and investigate the source of this outbreak?

7. How has making states’ participation in FoodNet optional for cyclosporiasis surveillance affected CDC’s ability to detect, monitor, and investigate the current outbreak?
 
a. Is there any plan for CDC to recommend restoring mandatory participation in FoodNet? If not, why?

8. Can you detail the coordination between CDC, FDA, state health departments, and other partners to identify the source of contamination?

9. What steps is CDC advising the public to take to keep themselves safe? Please share the latest food safety guidance that has been issued.

10. What efforts are CDC and FDA taking to spread awareness and educate the public on the risks of illness and preventative measures?

The people of Michigan — and all Americans — deserve confidence that the food they purchase and consume is safe. They also deserve a strong federal public health system that works in close partnership with state and local health departments to rapidly identify foodborne threats, provide clear and timely guidance to the public, and prevent additional illnesses. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.