MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after House passage of three Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills: Commerce, Justice, and Science, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, and the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

“As House Republicans begin the second session of the 119^th Congress, we are prioritizing the interests of America and the American people with the passage of these three additional Fiscal Year 2026 full-year funding bills. These bills unleash U.S. energy dominance and nuclear deterrence, strengthen law enforcement and combat illicit drugs, and expand access to critical minerals – all while maintaining fiscal responsibility, public safety, national security, and advancing President Trump’s America First agenda.

I’m thrilled to once again deliver for Florida’s 26^th Congressional District, including communities across Miami-Dade and Collier Counties. These bills include enhanced safety for our schools and first responders, critical investments for our police departments, infrastructure improvements, environmental protection, and continued vital Everglades restoration.

I commend Chairman Tom Cole’s leadership and thank Subcommittee Chairmen Mike Simpson and Chuck Fleischmann for working directly with me to address key priorities in Florida.”

Funding Highlights for FL-26:

Ensures the safety of our schools 

• $135M for STOP School Violence Act
• Of this, $53M for school hardening measures administered by the Community Oriented Policing Services.
• $11.5M for the POLICE Act administrated by the Community Orientated Policing Services to provide active shooter training programs for law enforcement.
• Language directing the Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Community Orientated Policing Services to notify States, localities, Tribes and school districts of the availability of funding under the STOP School Violence Act upon releases, and to provide microgrants for school districts, including rural, Tribal, and low-resourced schools.

Fights against fentanyl and other illicit drugs:

• Increases funding for the DEA to end the scourge of fentanyl & other illicit drugs
• Continues supporting takedowns, including Nicolas Maduro’s “El Cartel de los Soles

Supports our local community

• $2,504,543 for Collier County Sheriff’s Office Marked Vehicle Expansion Project
• $2,004,000 for City of Hialeah Gardens High Priority Marked Police Patrol Vehicles
• $4,200,000 for Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Global Public Safety and Equipment Expansion Project
• $1,050,000 for Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Mobile Operation Command Center Project
• $500,000 for Miami Springs Police Department Marked Fleet Modernization Project
• $350,000 for Miccosukee Tribe Police Department’s Marked Police Patrol Vehicle Project
• $1,200,000 for Town of Medley Wastewater Pump Station Project
• $3,100,000 for University of Miami, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Research and Innovation Hub Equipment Expansion Project
• $450,000 for Village of Virginia Gardens Law Enforcement Technology Upgrades Project

Ensures the protection of our environment

• $425M for continued Everglades Restoration.
• $40M for the National Estuary Program, which the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will directly benefit from
• $9M for the South Florida Geographic Program, which monitors coral health and enhances water quality
• $1M carveout for South Florida expansion of water quality and ecosystem health monitoring and prediction network which uses cutting-edge technologies for long-term monitoring of Florida waters, including molecular, algal, ocean floor and seagrasses.
• Under the EPA, South Florida will receive:
• $2M to monitor coral health in South Florida.
• $1.15M to enhance water quality and seagrass monitoring in Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay.
• $1M for the expansion of the water quality and ecosystem health monitoring and prediction network which will use vetted, modern procedures for long-term monitoring of Florida waters, including molecular, algal, ocean floor and seagrasses.
• $72.274M for the EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program, which our local jurisdictions can utilize to upgrade their water and wastewater infrastructure.

Supports our first responders

• $253M administrated by the Community Oriented Policing Services Program for the COPS Hiring Grant.
• $10M for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act grant program to establish mental health and wellness programs for law enforcement officers.
• $44M for Regional Information Sharing Activities.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after he voted in favor of the FY 2026 appropriations minibus, which passed the House:

“This funding package reflects the hard work of Democrats to push back against the Trump Administration’s repeated attacks on American science. While the Administration proposed devastating cuts that would have undermined our national labs, hollowed out basic research, and weakened our global competitiveness, this agreement protects core investments in agencies like the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These programs support the fundamental research that drives innovation, strengthens our economy, and keeps the United States secure. 

“As Congress’s only PhD physicist, I will continue fighting to ensure our scientists have the support they need to keep America at the forefront of discovery.”

FY 2026 Minibus Science Funding Highlights

• Department of Energy – Office of Science:

  The bill provides $8.4 billion for the DOE Office of Science, rejecting the deep cuts proposed by the Trump Administration and making it the only major DOE research office to receive an increase relative to prior enacted levels. The Office of Science supports basic research at national laboratories across the country, including Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois’ 11th Congressional District.

• National Science Foundation (NSF):
  The minibus includes $8.76 billion for NSF — far above the Trump Administration’s proposed $3.9 billion request. The bill also includes new guardrails to prevent disproportionate cuts to individual NSF directorates, helping protect merit-reviewed, fundamental research from political interference.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST):
  Funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is preserved, including full support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which helps small and mid-sized manufacturers modernize operations, strengthen supply chains, and create jobs.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act. 

“I am thrilled to support the passage of this legislation, which counters the opioid epidemic, unleashes our nation’s vast energy potential, supports our hardworking law enforcement officers, and modernizes our nuclear arsenal,” said Congressman Guthrie. “I’m especially proud of the inclusion of $13.9 million in funding for local projects across Kentucky’s Second District. These projects will invest in crucial infrastructure projects and keep our communities safe.”

Background: 
Once signed into law, H.R. 6938 will allocate nearly $175 billion across three appropriations bills to fund projects and programs to support law enforcement, crack down on illicit drugs, unleash American energy, and support new water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.

This bill allocates over $4.3 million for six community projects requested by Congressman Guthrie. 
$817,491 to improve and replace undersized waterlines in Vine Grove, improving water pressure, reliability, and providing highly effective fire flow protection for the community.
– $854,400 towards infrastructure upgrades at the Greenville Wastewater Treatment Plant.
– $750,000 to rehabilitate the wastewater collection system for Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District, previously the Bullitt County Sanitation District, that serves the cities of Hillview, Pioneer Village, Fox Chase, Hebron Estates, and Hunters Hollow.
– $656,000 to replace 3,000 linear feet of galvanized water lines that have been in service since 1938 in Logan County.  
– $470,617 for the Barren County Sheriff’s Department to purchase critical technology improvements such as body and cruiser cameras, software for cell phone recovery and access technology to expedite criminal investigations, license plate identification management equipment, a firearm training simulator, thermal imaging equipment, and digital speed monitors. 
– $796,528 for the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office Community Response and Safeguard Initiative to purchase critical equipment and provide tactical services that are needed to safeguard the public.

Congressman Guthrie and Senator McConnell continue to work together advocating for county projects in the district. Congressman Guthrie supported a provision, secured by Senator McConnell as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, providing $9.25 million to support a water treatment plant modernization effort within the Edmonson County Water District. The package also includes a provision, secured by Senator McConnell and supported by Congressman Guthrie, for Warren County to receive $352,000 for a new emergency operations center and updated law enforcement equipment.

This legislation also notably:

– Provides $300 million for Interagency Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces to enhance multi-agency efforts to combat transnational organized crime and reduce the availability of illicit drugs. 
– Increases funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by $63 million to end the scourge of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and to continue to support notable takedowns, including the co-founder of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
– Includes provisions related to state and local law enforcement assistance and community-oriented policing services programs established under my SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.
– Provides $20.38 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure.
– Prohibits the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.
– Includes $3.27 billion for the National Park Service to support the continued success of parks like Mammoth Cave.

A one-pager on the Commerce, Justice, Science sections of this bill, provided by the House Appropriations Committee, can be found here.

A one-pager on the Energy and Water Development section of this bill, provided by the House Appropriations Committee, can be found here.

A one-pager on the Interior and Environment sections of this bill, provided by the House Appropriations Committee, can be found here.

Full text for the three-bill package can be found here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the recent House passage of funding for 11 community projects in Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District.

These projects were included in two funding packages that passed the House: H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Constructions and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act of 2026, which was signed into law on November 12, 2025, and H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026.

“My office works tirelessly each year to deliver on Louisiana priorities and pass fiscally responsible appropriations bills,” said Rep. Higgins. “From hard infrastructure projects to workforce and economic development endeavors, I will continue to ensure that our district’s needs are properly represented in the appropriations process.”
 

H.R 5371: 

• $2,000,000 for the expansion and modernization of the Ambulatory Surgery and Obstetrics Department for Abbeville General Hospital.
• $1,000,000 for workforce development efforts at the South Louisiana Community College Commercial Diving Center of Excellence.

H.R. 6938: 

• $5,000,000 for the University of Louisiana-Lafayette to construct a Semiconductor Technology Center for scientific research and manufacturing training.
• $1,912,500 for the Southwest Louisiana Living Shoreline, Habitat Restoration, and Public Access Initiative, which supports coastal resiliency efforts in Cameron Parish.
• $1,467,002 for the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office to upgrade its mobile and radio technologies.
• $1,650,000 for the Houma Navigation Canal to complete pre-construction, engineering, and design work.
• $1,000,000 to advance pre-construction, engineering, and design work for the South Central Coastal project, which will provide hurricane and storm damage protection for Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary parishes.
• $131,500,000 to advance critical features of the Morganza to the Gulf system, which provides hurricane and flood protection for Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.
• $750,000 for New Iberia to upgrade aging pump stations in the city’s wastewater department.
• $750,000 for Jeff Davis Parish to support construction of a new water treatment plant.
• $1,000,000 for Lafayette Consolidated Government to support the construction and replacement of water line equipment.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation introduced legislation to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Lafayette, LA, as the “Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.” 

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, and local chapters of the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans have all endorsed renaming the clinic as a tribute to Hamilton.

“Rodney Hamilton dedicated his life and career to serving America and Louisiana’s Veterans. He showed true passion for helping his fellow Veterans. It is fitting that the VA clinic he helped secure for our community will be named in his honor. I am humbled to lead this effort in Congress,” said Rep. Higgins. “Those who served deserve our humble gratitude, and in some way, when we name a public building after one Veteran, We the People honor all Veterans.”

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 original cosponsors of this legislation. Read the full text here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor on his decision to retire at the end of the 119th Congress. Below is a full transcript and video of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.

“Mr. Speaker, my dear and close friend Steve Womack, Madam Speaker, thank you for being here. My colleagues, my dear friend Mr. Scalise, the Majority Leader, and Mr. Emmer, the Majority Whip, thank you for being here. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with, obviously, mixed emotions and a reluctant conviction. There is a true story I’ve told many times over the past 60 years. It’s about a young man, myself, who was a student at the University of Maryland in College Park, just a few miles from this place.  As a freshman, like many young people, I lacked a vision for my future. I nearly flunked out of college and didn’t even enroll in the 1958 fall semester. Fortunately for me, I re-enrolled the following spring. There was a spring convocation [on] April 27, 1959. Classes were canceled from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., so that we could all go hear the guest speaker. Frankly I had planned not to attend. However, I was walking up the hill near Cole Fieldhouse where the event was located, and I saw our guest drive up in a 1958 Pontiac convertible. That, Mr. Speaker, was a cool car. (laughter) So cool that I decided to go to this convocation. That walk was my road to Damascus. It changed my life. 

“The speaker was John F. Kennedy.  In his remarks, he urged us to do our duty in those days of world chaos. In particular, he charged us students to become more active in our communities. Nancy [Pelosi] heard those same words. Like many hundreds of thousands of young people, I was deeply inspired by Senator Kennedy and his words. Jack Kemp, who was my colleague when I first came here, had a similar story. A week later, I changed my major from Business to Political Science. Seven years later, in 1966, five months out of Georgetown Law School, I was elected to the Maryland State Senate. Fifteen years after that, in 1981, the voters of the Fifth District elected me to the United States House of Representatives. 

“I stand here now after some 60 years in public service, including nearly 45 years as a Member of this House. I’ve won elections and lost a couple, celebrated triumphs and suffered setbacks, enjoyed friendships and endured hardships. As the song says: ‘some days are diamond, some days are stone.’ Happily, I’ve experienced more diamonds than stones. Shakespeare advised us all: ‘This above all else: to thine own self be true, and it must follow as night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man, or to any woman.’ In that vein, Mr. Speaker, I have decided not to seek another term in the People’s House. I make this decision with sadness, for I love this House – an institution the Framers designed to reflect the will of the American people and to serve as the guardian of their liberty and their democracy.
 
“Through the past 45 years, I have come to know many good, decent, patriotic Members chosen by their neighbors to represent them. They come from both parties and all parts of the ideological spectrum. The Congress I entered in 1981 was somewhat different. Most Republicans and Democrats worked together in a collegial, productive way. The leaders of the House, Tip O’Neill and Bob Michael, fostered that environment. It was, of course, not a Congress without conflict. In the year to come, I will have much more to say about the issues we have grappled with and the ways this House has changed during my time. At the outset, I said that I spoke with reluctant conviction. That reluctance is because I am deeply concerned that this House is not living up to the Founders’ goals. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to examine their conscience, renew their courage, and carry out the responsibilities that the first article of the Constitution demands. Only in that way can we ensure that our 250 years will be a preface to a stronger, brighter beacon in a free and principled democracy. A nation of laws, not of men. A nation respected around the world – for its strength, certainly. But, even more, for the ideals it represents, and the justice with which it acts. That effort must extend beyond this House. I fear that America is heading not toward greatness, but toward smallness, pettiness, divisiveness, lawlessness, and disdainfulness. We must respect and love one another. We must remember that we are not great or unique because we say we’re great, but because we are just and generous and fair. I hope that spirit can guide us the rest of this Congress, because I still have much I want to do in the coming year – not least of which is keeping the government open. To do that, we must send all our appropriations bills to the president in a bipartisan, timely fashion.
 
“There are many people I intend to thank in the coming months, but there are a few I will recognize now. First, to my family, which has borne much of the burden of my service. Stand up, family. (applause) Thank you so much. My late wife, Judy, who died too young and gave so much. My beloved daughters Susan, Stefany, and Anne, who paid a price for Dad’s absences. My grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for giving me great joy. My mother, who thankfully lived to see her son become the President of the Maryland State Senate. To my staff, for serving me and their nation with great loyalty and ability. To my colleagues, for entrusting me with leadership. To the people of Prince George’s County, particularly the African American community, without whom I would not have won my elections. To the people of the Fifth District, who gave me a majority of their votes 23 times. To my wife, Dr. Elaine Kamarck, who has made my life whole and happy. Thank you, babe. (applause) And to God, for sending me down this road so many years ago that I call the road to Damascus. I want to thank all of my colleagues, extraordinary people, decent people. People whom their neighbors respect and sent them here. The only way you got here was your neighbors said they wanted you to represent them. Thank you all. Mr. Speaker, with tremendous gratitude, I yield back.”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement in response to today’s fatal shooting by an agent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

“If this incident occurred as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey describes it, and if the video replay is accurate, the shooting appears unjustified. I know Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, my former congressional colleague, will make a thorough investigation that leads to justice. Today’s incident is just what I feared: out-of-control, masked ICE agents fatally misusing their authority and inflaming our communities. Today, it happened in Minneapolis, but it could be Memphis, which also has an outsized and aggressive ICE presence. The ICE agent recruitment plan, which emphasizes signing bonuses and targets local law enforcement officers who don’t like the restraints of their agencies and suggests ICE agents enjoy fewer restrictions, is revealing. This agency has a penchant for violence that is being supercharged by seemingly limitless resources and encouraged by totally unqualified DHS leadership.  Incidents like the one today in Minneapolis are inevitable without true accountability.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the House Floor honoring the retirement of former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and recognizing his more than four decades of service to the people of Maryland and the United States Congress.

In her remarks, Pelosi praised Hoyer’s patriotism, mastery of the legislative process and steadfast commitment to America’s working families, calling him a pillar of strength for the House of Representatives.

Pelosi also reflected on their long personal and professional relationship, describing Hoyer as both a trusted partner in leadership and a dear friend and celebrating his legacy of decency and devotion to country.

Watch Pelosi’s Floor remarks here.

Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below:

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Mr. Speaker, today is a day of joy, but also a day of some sadness that our great leader, Steny Hoyer, has announced his retirement from the Congress.

You still have another year Steny. You still have another year, and I know a lot more will come. I join you in saluting Elaine, Anne, Stefany, Susan – and Judy. We loved Judy when she was here and now we rejoice in your happiness with Elaine.

My colleagues, we all know that Steny Hoyer has been a pillar of strength for the House of Representatives and a champion for the people of Maryland for more than four decades.

His patriotism, mastery of the legislative process and steadfast commitment to America’s working families have left an indelible, positive mark on our nation.

Steny has been a steady presence in our caucus and the Democratic leadership and a valued colleague. He has been a great leader in bipartisanship in this body.

He spoke of it in his remarks, how it was when he came here. And it was at that time when many of us were here that we didn’t get along because we always agreed. We got along because we respected the differences that we brought representing our districts.

It was a very positive time, which he harkened us back to and challenged us to return to. Thank you, Steny.

His deep knowledge of the institution and respect for its traditions and commitment to public service have earned him the admiration of colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Personally, Steny has been not only a trusted partner in leadership, but a dear friend.

He mentioned the presidency of John F. Kennedy. When President Kennedy was president, Steny and I worked in the office of Danny Brewster of Maryland. That’s when I got to know him. I was just out of school. He was in law school. And sadly, sadly, we saw the assassination of the President and that was a horrible thing.

As he concludes his extraordinary leadership and service in the Congress, we celebrate his legacy of decency and devotion to our country. He has been just so remarkable.

Our gratitude to him and his family is boundless. We wish them every happiness in the years ahead.

Steny, you have been a leader to us. You have been a mentor to many.

You have been really an example of leadership, and perhaps can be viewed as one of the most substantial, respected Members of Congress in the history of this body.

Thank you for your leadership.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today marking the fifteenth anniversary of the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, which took the lives of Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and House staffer Gabe Zimmerman; and injured thirteen others, including then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:

“Today marks fifteen years since a gunman stole the lives of six Arizonans and wounded thirteen others, including our dear friend and former colleague Gabby Giffords, in Tucson.

“This horrific act of violence shocked the nation and forever changed countless lives. In the face of unimaginable trauma, Gabby emerged as a symbol of courage and resilience—reminding us what public service, love of country and perseverance truly look like. Gabby inspired us all when she returned to the Capitol just seven months later to represent her constituents and cast a vote on the House Floor.

“Today, we honor the lives that were lost and stand with the survivors like Gabby, who remain an inspiration for us to finally end the gun violence epidemic once and for all.”

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

Headline: Scott Statement on FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 6938, the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act:

“This bipartisan Minibus Appropriations Act repudiates many of the draconian cuts requested by President Trump in his FY26 budget request. While it does not increase federal investments to keep pace with inflation, this package will provide a modest overall funding increase for FY26. Democrats were successful in securing language reasserting Congress’s power of the purse. The bill also includes funding to help bring down costs for the American people and eliminates all of the partisan poison pill policy provisions included in the earlier House-passed versions of these bills. 

“As co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, I helped secure increased funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program, a critical federal-state partnership that has guided Chesapeake Bay restoration for more than 40 years. This bill also maintains funding for a variety of Chesapeake Bay-related programs across the federal government helping to clean the Bay, increase recreational opportunities, and expand our local economy. 

“The minibus also makes key investments in scientific research, including funding for the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, or Jefferson Lab, in Newport News. Jefferson Lab is conducting research at the forefront of nuclear physics to help us better understand the building blocks of our universe. Jefferson Lab is also leading a Department of Energy project building state-of-the-art data management infrastructure that will enable researchers throughout the United States to study fields previously inaccessible due to technological limitations. This bill provides the funding that Jefferson Lab needs to continue its research and develop this computing infrastructure. 

“Additionally, the minibus maintains funding for the Community Relations Service (CRS) at the Department of Justice. I recently led a letter urging the Department of Justice to preserve this important agency. CRS plays a critical role in responding to community conflict through collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and local communities to facilitate peaceful resolutions and to reduce incidents rooted in hate. The minibus also includes funding to support re-entry and rehabilitation services for individuals returning to their communities or who need help – some of the most effective programs that help reduce crime and recidivism. 

“Finally, I am pleased that the bill includes $4.97 million in Community Project Funding for Virginia’s Third Congressional District. These projects will directly benefit the Hampton Roads community by making critical investments in our communities. I am also pleased that this bill includes $4 million for the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River dredging which is an important priority supporting our local economy. I am honored to represent Virginia’s Third Congressional District in Congress, and I will continue fighting to make sure that federal resources are available to strengthen the Hampton Roads community.”

Community Project Funding requested by Congressman Scott included in the FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act include:

• Old Dominion University, Improving Success in Siting Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Reduction using Digital Twins as Decision Support Initiative, $1,031,000;
• An Achievable Dream Inc., Social and Emotional Support and Crisis Prevention Initiative, $790,000;
• Urban League of Hampton Roads, Incarcerated Persons Reentry Initiative, $1,039,000;

• City of Newport News, Youth Diversion Program: Friday Night Nets, $750,000;

• Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, Hampton Roads Youth Crime Prevention and Community Engagement Program, $860,000;
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Norfolk District, General Reevaluation Report – Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management, $500,000.

For more information and to access factsheets on the FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, Interior Minibus Appropriations Act, please click the links below:

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