Latta Tours First Solar and Whirlpool, Emphasizes U.S. Supply Chains

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Last Friday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) joined U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for visits to the First Solar manufacturing campus and one of Whirlpool’s several facilities in Ohio. The visits included tours of both campuses and discussions surrounding strengthening America’s supply chains and advancing American innovation and manufacturing. 

First Solar continues to play a key role in building domestic supply chains for solar energy, creating American jobs, and supporting local communities. The company remains committed to manufacturing in the United States and investing in its future. By the midpoint of President Trump’s term, First Solar expects to bring $1.5 billion in new U.S. manufacturing capacity online across the United States, creating 1,400 additional good-paying American manufacturing jobs. 

Whirlpool is making significant investments in Ohio, announcing a $60 million expansion that is expected to create up to 150 new jobs in Perrysburg. This investment further strengthens the region’s manufacturing base and supports continued economic growth in Northwest Ohio. 

“It was great to visit both First Solar and Whirlpool with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. When companies like First Solar and Whirlpool invest in expanding American manufacturing, they create good-paying jobs, strengthen our supply chain resilience, and help keep our nation competitive in Ohio and across the country. These investments will bring additional jobs to Wood County, further strengthening our local economy and creating more opportunities for Ohio workers,” said Latta.

Congressman Cohen Applauds Belated FEMA Assistance for January Storm Damage

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded the decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide individual assistance to those affected by the January 22-27 storms. Congressman Cohen wrote Governor Bill Lee on January 30 and February 9 asking him to seek assistance, noting that financial damage thresholds for the federal relief had been crossed.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am pleased to see that my constituents will receive the necessary assistance I have been seeking since shortly after the storms ended in January. While the Trump Administration’s response has been sluggish, I am confident that recovery from this disaster can now be fully realized.” 

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Congressman Cohen Joins Effort to Impeach Trump

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

Thirteen articles of impeachment include abuse of pardon power, unauthorized war in Iran

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, has signed on to 13 articles of impeachment against President Trump introduced by Congressman John Larson of Connecticut.

The articles include Trump’s wide-ranging abuse of the pardon power; his unauthorized use of military force in Venezuela and Iran; and his deployment of the National Guard into American cities, among other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement: 

“Trump is the most corrupt president in American history and the harm he is doing to the rule of law and our nation’s reputation on the world stage is staggering. This kind of lawlessness must have consequences and, with no future election available to remove him, impeachment is our best tool.”

Congressman Cohen introduced five articles of impeachment against Trump in November 2017 and twice voted to impeach him during his first term.

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Torres Statement on DOD Inspector General Findings Confirming Unsafe Conditions for National Guard Troops Deployed to Los Angeles

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

April 13, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres released the following statement after receiving a response from the Department of Defense Inspector General substantiating whistleblower complaints regarding unsafe conditions for National Guard troops and Marines deployed to Los Angeles in 2025:

“Last year, I raised serious concerns after hearing directly from whistleblowers about unacceptable conditions facing our service members deployed to Los Angeles, including reports of unsafe food, lack of clean water, and unsanitary living conditions.

“This week, the Department of Defense Inspector General has confirmed what those whistleblowers risked everything to report: our troops were served unsafe and unsanitary food during that deployment. That is unacceptable.

“These findings show just how unprepared the Department of Defense was for this mobilization, because it was a task they should not have been asked to do in the first place. We ask our service members to put their lives on the line for our country. The bare minimum we owe them is safe food, clean water, and dignified living conditions. Anything less is a failure of leadership.

“These findings also raise serious concerns about our military’s operational readiness. How was the food contract awarded? Did they follow the Request for Proposal (RFP) process? If we cannot properly support our troops here at home where logistics should be easy, how can we expect to sustain them in more complex deployments abroad?

“Oversight is not optional and I will continue to demand accountability from the Department of Defense and ensure that no service member is ever put in harm’s way due to negligence or mismanagement.”

Background:

  • In July 2025, Rep. Torres sent a formal letter to the Department of Defense Inspector General raising whistleblower complaints about the treatment of National Guard troops and Marines deployed to Los Angeles.

  • The complaints included concerns about food safety, access to clean water, and basic sanitary conditions.

  • The Department of Defense Inspector General has now substantiated key elements of those complaints, specifically confirming that service members were served unsafe and unsanitary food.

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Amata Welcomes HHS Newborn Hearing Grant

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pleased to welcome notice of a health services grant for universal newborn hearing screening and intervention. 

Dr. Anaise Uso in Congresswoman Amata’s office just last month in a health delegation to DC with Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Annie Noa, Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Francis Vivao, and some of the group’s family members

This is a discretionary continuation grant of $78,537 for the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). 

“Thank you especially to Saposapoaluga Tuiolosega for the work leading to this grant, and everyone who helps ensure this essential program is active and available,” said Congresswoman Amata. “This grant funds ongoing efforts to make sure our people’s newborns are healthy and hearing properly right from the start, or get the treatment they need immediately. Thank you to all our medical professionals providing all the various kinds of services that are needed throughout our islands.” 

Maternal Child Health Information Systems Grant 

Congresswoman Amata was also notified of a $2,096 discretionary health services grant, also from HRSA, for Maternal Child Health Programs Information Systems, under the MCHB State Systems Development Initiative program. 

“Thank you to Dr. Anaise Uso for her work safeguarding the well-being of our mothers and young children. Every part of these programs is important and grants like these keep our systems up to date,” concluded Amata. 

ASDOH is led by Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono under the administration of Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr., and in Washington, D.C., HHS is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and HRSA by Administrator Thomas Engels. 

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Rep. Costa Announces $25.6 Million for Head Start Programs in Fresno and Tulare Counties

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, CA — Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced $25.6 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support Head Start programs serving families across Fresno and Tulare counties. These programs help ensure children enter school ready to learn by providing early education, health services, and family support.
“I’m glad to see this funding delivered for families in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Congressman Costa. “At a time when families are feeling the strain, programs like Head Start make a real difference by preparing young children for school and giving parents the support they need to work and provide for their families. This funding will expand Head Start services in the Valley, helping more children enter school ready to learn while giving working families access to dependable, affordable childcare.”
This $25.6 million builds on the $35.4 million secured last year for Head Start programs, bringing the total federal investment in the region to more than $61 million during the 119th Congress.
Background
Head Start is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that promotes school readiness for children from birth to age five. It provides comprehensive services including early education, health screenings, nutrition assistance, and parental support for underserved families.
As part of this latest funding cycle, the following grants were awarded to support local programs:

Fresno County: $2.1 million for Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC)
Tulare County: $23.5 million for the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE)

Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Accusations Against Rep. Eric Swalwell and Other Members of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Monday: 

“The allegations reported late last week against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) are deeply disturbing. Sexual assault, domestic abuse, and harassment allegations must always be taken seriously. Victims who step forward to share these stories show great courage. Perpetrators of this misconduct must be held accountable. Sadly, Rep. Swalwell isn’t the only member of Congress facing such allegations. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) are also accused of serious misconduct, and like Rep. Swalwell, they must resign or be expelled,” said Congresswoman McCollum.  

Rep. Haley Stevens Convenes State and Local Leaders and Stakeholders to Discuss Clean Water and PFAS Removal Efforts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) convened a roundtable of state and local water leaders in Pontiac to discuss water quality investments in Oakland County and future work to advance water treatment technologies, strengthen environmental protections, and lower costs. Participants included stakeholders from Oakland County Water Resources; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Great Lakes Water Authority; and the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network.

The roundtable included a discussion of Rep. Stevens’ recently-introduced Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act, which would help communities invest in new wastewater treatment technologies that do a better job at keeping PFAS out of our drinking water. The participants also had a thoughtful discussion on the broader need to support clean water access and lower costs for Michiganders on their water utility bills.

“Michiganders deserve the cleanest water in the world at a price they can afford,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “Working in partnership with local leaders and stakeholders, I’m proud to have secured millions of dollars to improve Oakland County’s water infrastructure throughout my time in Congress. We’ll keep working together to keep water bills low for Michigan families and ensure every Michigander has access to clean, PFAS-free water.”

“Meeting with our congresswoman is important because many communities are struggling to keep up their aging infrastructure, protect our water from contaminants and build more resilient infrastructure,” said Jim Nash, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. “Federal assistance is important to help local communities solve these problems without impacting the ratepayers more than they can support. This is a nationwide problem that needs a national response. Representative Stevens has a record of supporting clean water that is exemplified by this Legislation.”

“Today we saw truly innovative wastewater infrastructure on the ground in Oakland County that keeps contaminants like PFAS out of our water, saves money for ratepayers, and reduces energy use,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “I’m grateful for federal, state, and local partners who continue to invest in leading-edge solutions to protect public health and our water resources.”

“The Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act is an important bipartisan step that would help in reducing toxic PFAS discharges into rivers, lakes, and streams across Michigan,” said Tony Spaniola, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. “I commend Congresswoman Stevens for working across the aisle in the effort to improve and protect the safety of our waterways, our fish, and other natural resources.  This is not a partisan issue.  Our health and our economy depend on it.”

Stevens has been leading the fight to remove PFAS from our air and our waterways by strengthening drinking water reporting requirements, securing major PFAS cleanup funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and introducing the PFAS-Free Procurement Act. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan PROTECT Act to target PFAS contaminants in the air.  In January, Stevens secured federal funding for water infrastructure improvements in Berkley, Farmington, Auburn Hills, and Ferndale.

B-roll of today’s facility tour and roundtable discussion is available here.

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Rep. Adams Reintroduces Bill Establishing U.S. Army Security Agency Monument in Arlington National Cemetery

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Thursday, April 9, 2026, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) reintroduced the bipartisan Army Security Agency Monument Act to authorize the placement of a monument at Arlington National Cemetery honoring the veterans of the United States Army Security Agency (ASA). 

“The classified nature of the Army Security Agency’s work has kept these service members from the recognition they deserve,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The Army Security Agency Monument Act corrects this injustice by establishing a monument for the ASA at Arlington National Cemetery, recognizing their dedicated service and sacrifice for our country. It is long past time that we honor our ASA veterans and thank them for their service”

The ASA, which served as the Army’s signals intelligence (SIGINT) branch from 1945 to 1976, provided critical intelligence that supported U.S. military operations during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. ASA personnel intercepted Soviet and Vietnamese wartime communications, improved Army communications security against foreign interference, and conducted sophisticated electronic countermeasure operations that were instrumental in protecting U.S. military personnel and contributed to Army mission successes.

“During the Korean War the United States Army Security agency provided real time intelligence on North Korean and China’s troop movements that liter saved the lives of thousands of Republic of Korea soldiers and civilians,” said GeneralSe Woo Pyo, Defense Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. “The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean people wholeheartedly would like to encourage the monument honoring the service and sacrifice of the United States Army Security Agency to be erected in Arlington National Cemetery.”

“One can see how all ASA veterans, collectively and individually, while serving worldwide, have earned the privilege and honor to finally receive due recognition by Our Nation.  We are not the Unsung Heroes of the Unknown Army Unit, we are, and proudly served, and saved thousands of lives, as Army Security Agency Soldiers,” said Cecil Carver, Board Member of the National Army Security Agency Association (NASAA) and Vietnam War Veteran. “ASA worked tirelessly 24 hours a day and 7 days every week during their entire existence. The ASA soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice in many recognized battles and tragedies but could never be mentioned among the casualties for we were not supposed to have been there. But we were.” 

Much of the ASA’s work remained classified for decades, with some operations only recently declassified and others still secret. As the Vietnam War came to an end, the Army Security Agency was reorganized and merged with the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), but its veterans remain a distinct group whose work was marked by courage and discretion.

The bill can be found here.

The bill is co-sponsored by:

Rep. Mark Harris (NC-8)

Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-2)

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10)

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10)

Graves Announces Plans to Retire at the End of this Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

KANSAS CITY, MO – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of this session. Graves released the following statement:

“When I first ran for State Representative back in 1992, my aspiration was to represent my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri. I was a twenty-seven-year-old farmer who just wanted to stand up for a way of life and his community.  I never could have imagined where that decision would take me.

For 8 years in the Missouri House and Senate, I fought for Northwest Missourians. From deregulating vehicle inspections, to standing for chain gangs, to securing funding for rural schools in the desegregation fight, I never lost sight of why I was sent to Jefferson City. Then, in 2000, the good, hardworking people of Missouri’s Sixth District entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.

For 26 years, I have had the privilege of serving, culminating in becoming the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and passing some of the most significant legislation in our nation’s history.  The responsibility entrusted to me is not something I have ever taken for granted. Not for a single day.

What I’m most proud of is the work my team did when Washington made life harder for the people of Missouri’s Sixth. Together, we stood with hundreds of thousands of Missourians in their toughest moments.  We helped them cut through red tape and navigate a system that often felt stacked against them.  We got them answers and fought to deliver real results when they needed them most.

I’ve said all of that to say this: After considerable reflection, 2026 will be my final year in Congress.  This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one. I believe in making room for the next generation. It’s time to pass the torch and allow a new guard of conservative leaders to step forward and chart a path forward for Missourians.

That doesn’t mean I’m slowing down, not even close.  As I enter the 4th quarter of my life, I have more left in me. As many of you know, I don’t let grass grow under my feet. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. I’m going to fight to protect Missouri interests as we work to shape this year’s Highway Bill. I plan to finish this last term the same way I started, full speed ahead.

Maintaining our strong democratic republic will always depend on good people stepping up to serve from every corner of our great nation. I’m grateful for my colleagues in both parties, for the people I’ve worked alongside, and even for the opponents who challenged me and made me better. Public service isn’t easy. It takes hard work, humility, a thick skin, and a willingness to fight for what’s right.

At the end of the day, I’m still the farmer from Northwest Missouri. You’ll find me back home on the farm nearly every weekend, after all, it is planting season. In fact, I’ll probably be on a tractor this weekend. And come Monday, I’ll be heading back through Kansas City on my way to D.C. to keep doing the job you sent me there to do.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

It has been the honor of a lifetime.”

 

 

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