MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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)

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.”

 

 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new City of Hot Springs Water Plant that will be responsible for delivering clean, reliable, and safe drinking water for thousands of Arkansans.

Exciting celebrations like these are timely reminders of just how important – and vital – water infrastructure is to the wellness of our local communities. For thousands of years, civilizations have been built around abundant water sources. A key element in urban growth, water still plays a vital role in shaping and sustaining our modern-day society.

Whether it’s a drinking water storage facility, treatment plant, wastewater system, flood mitigation, or even a navigable waterway like the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), reliable water infrastructure not only ensures residents have the supply they need for their own households, but it also ensures a thriving ecosystem and economy. 

Oftentimes, the word “infrastructure” takes our thoughts directly to the roads we drive on, the buildings that house our local businesses, and the power grids that keep our homes lit and warm. These are the tangible, physical structures that support our economic activity and transportation needs.

On the other hand, water infrastructure often goes unnoticed, either because of its literal inability to be seen or because we come to expect what they produce so readily, it tends to be forgotten. These systems allow our daily lives to function so smoothly that when working properly, they’re hardly noticed and often taken for granted. But when failure occurs, dysfunction and disruption can be felt almost immediately.

Arkansas is a water-rich state. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, we proudly hold over 600,000 acres of surface water. With 4.8 trillion gallons of water in our lakes, 200 trillion gallons in the ground, and Arkansans using an average of 157 gallons of water a day, our state relies heavily on a robust infrastructure system that can meet our demands and support this incredibly abundant resource.

Our growing state demands water infrastructure that can keep up with its pace. I’m grateful to our state and local leaders for their proactive investment in updating our infrastructure to ensure safer drinking water while also supporting our economic and environmental needs. Their dedication to mitigating flood risk to protect families, property, agriculture, and other economic infrastructure is also greatly welcomed, and I am always dedicated and proud to partner with their efforts on the federal level to build a more prosperous, sustainable Arkansas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

With an area covering over 20,000 square miles, the Fourth District is the largest Congressional District in the state. From the Ouachita Mountains to the Delta, our district’s unique natural landscapes boast some of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Arkansas.

This expanse, however, really underscores the need for multiple district offices, allowing folks from all over to access their representative in Congress without driving hundreds of miles. 

That’s why I have offices located in Russellville, Hot Springs, El Dorado, and Pine Bluff. The staff in these offices live and work in these communities, too. They’ve built their lives around investing in the future of their local schools, churches, and the folks who live there. They understand the needs of the surrounding communities better than just about anyone and are well-equipped to assist with any federal issue you may be facing.

While my offices in Washington, D.C., or across Arkansas are only a phone call or email away, we still understand the great value of meeting the folks we serve face-to-face. That’s why my office will be hosting mobile office hours in various locations across the Fourth District during April to meet with you in your home county.

No appointment is necessary to attend these mobile hours, and a member of my staff will be available to assist you with any federal issue you’re currently dealing with. Whether it’s a passport issue, challenges with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Medicare and Medicaid, or Social Security Administration (SSA), my team is ready to help!

To view all upcoming mobile office hour times, dates, and locations, please visit my website at Westerman.house.gov/mobile-office-hours. 

It remains an honor to serve every one of my constituents in Congress. Being raised right here in the Fourth District, my Arkansas roots run deep, which is why I cannot imagine any greater privilege than working on behalf of my friends and neighbors in our nation’s Capital on the issues that matter most to them and their families.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), in conjunction with New York State Senator John Liu, Assembly Members Ron Kim and Nily Rozic, and Council Member Sandra Ung will hold a local Passport Day to help constituents apply for or renew a passport.

The event is set to take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the United States Post Office in Flushing, Queens located at 41-65 Main Street. It follows several other passport events that Meng has arranged at post offices throughout the borough over the past three years, and this upcoming one will be the first in 2026.

“With the summer travel season around the corner and local families preparing to take trips abroad or plan business travel, now is the time for Queens residents to address their passport needs,” said the five elected officials. “We are thrilled to hold this Passport Day in our borough so that constituents have an easy and convenient way to apply for or renew their passports, and we look forward to seeing them at the event on April 19.”

To receive a passport, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, and they need to complete the application form which Postal Service clerks at this upcoming event can assist with on-site. The required supporting documents must also be submitted and details can be found here. 

The following is what constituents should bring:

1. If applying for a first-time passport, bring an original copy and photocopy of proof of identity AND U.S. citizenship documents.
2. For a renewal, bring the most recent passport and name change documents if there are any.
3. Children under age 16 must apply in person with two parents or guardians using form DS-11. Applicant must provide U.S. citizenship evidence. Parents must show relationship and present ID. If one or both parents or guardians is absent, more documents are needed.
4. Debit/credit card, or check/money order made payable to “Postmaster” for acceptance fees.
5. Check/money order made payable to “U.S. Department of State” for processing fees.
6. A color passport photo taken in the last six months, or a photo can be taken on-site with an additional fee.

 The costs of applying for and renewing a passport can be found here. 

 Applications for both first-time passports and renewals will be accepted at the upcoming event on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Two years ago, Meng helped to reduce extremely long processing times for passport applications and renewals that had been caused by skyrocketing demands for passports. In 2023, standard processing times for passports ranged from 10-13 weeks and expedited requests took approximately 7-9 weeks. Meng pushed the State Department to decrease this huge backlog, including pushing then-Secretary of State Antony Blinkento address the problem during a congressional hearing. The lengthy wait times were shortened, and now standard processing times are down to 4-6 weeks and expedited processing is just 2-3 weeks.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Artemis II Orion crew capsule, Integrity, carrying NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after its ten-day journey around the moon. The astronauts were safely recovered from the Orion capsule and will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. 

“Today’s successful completion of the Artemis II mission and safe return of our brave astronauts is a historic achievement,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “From launch to landing, Artemis II has captured the attention of the world and spurred inspiration among us all. The mission tested key capabilities required to support crew on future Artemis missions and carried out important lunar science activities. While the Artemis II mission may have ended, our return to the Moon is just beginning. We are now one step closer to once again landing American astronauts on the lunar surface and establishing a long-term presence in deep space. I want to highlight the tremendous work of NASA’s employees and partners, without whom this mission would not have been possible. This was a monumental accomplishment in human space exploration, and I am confident there will be many more to follow.”

Today’s safe reentry of Orion and return of the crew marks the completion of the Artemis II mission. After Orion is recovered, NASA will continue to evaluate and inspect the spacecraft and review the data collected on the Artemis II test objectives as they prepare for future missions.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Following the release of the Administration’s budget, which completely eliminates LIHEAP, Gonzalez and 73 members are demanding the rejection of this proposal

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
April 11, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RICHARD SCHRADER

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today issued the following statement on the passing of Richard Schrader, beloved son of St. Croix, author, poet, and cultural icon of the U.S. Virgin Islands:

“The Virgin Islands has lost one of its great storytellers and most devoted culture bearers. Richard Schrader spent his life making sure that who we are, including our traditions, our folklore, our history, would never be forgotten.

“From his early years on to his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Mr. Schrader embodied the resilience and pride of the Virgin Islands people. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, he picked up a pen, and in doing so, gave our islands a voice that will endure for generations.

“Over nearly four decades and across twenty-eight books, Mr. Schrader catalogued our Virgin Islands traditions and folklore with extraordinary vividness and love. Works like St. Croix by Night, Notes of a Crucian Son, and In A Heartbeat: Stories of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard are not just books, they are our living memory. He was rightly honored as the Virgin Islands Humanities Council’s Humanist of the Year and penned the 2003 Inaugural Poem, a testament to how deeply his words are an integral piece of the fabric of our community.

“Mr. Schrader was a consummate gentleman. A reminder of Crucian men with quiet strength, tremendous capacity to give love and an enduring commitment to family, community and country. I will miss his kind words, his reassuring smile and the sense of safety, even in his advanced years, I would have when he was around or when his great niece Angeline Muckle Jabbar started, “I spoke to my Uncle….”

“I send my prayers for God’s comfort and peace to his wife Claudette, his children, and all who loved him — the people of the Virgin Islands grieve with you. Mr. Schrader’s stories will remain in our memories, reminding us of the pure strength and God-given grace of Virgin Islanders.”

###

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

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) today welcomed the Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state following the severe storms and flooding that hit the state in December.

“This is great news for the Northwest Washington communities that were hit hard by the December floods and need federal support to recover,” said Rep. Larsen. “Yesterday, I visited flood-affected communities, including meeting with the mayors of Nooksack, Sumas and Everson, visiting an SBA Disaster Assistance Center, touring a flood mitigation project in Ferndale that is raising homes out of harm’s way, and meeting with the Whatcom County Fire District to talk about flood recovery and mitigation. I have seen firsthand how hard these communities were hit, and I know how important this declaration is to getting people the help they need. My office will continue working with local jurisdictions and Tribes to ensure everyone eligible for assistance is able to access the federal funds they need. I will continue to work with Secretary Mullin and the President to add resilience funding to this disaster declaration. I witnessed the importance of this money while touring home elevation projects in Ferndale. We have a lot of work ahead of us to get these dollars out the door, and my office is ready to help.”

In Washington’s Second District, the declaration makes Individual Assistance available in Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties and for the following Tribes: Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes and Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. The declaration also makes Public Assistance available in Island, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties and for the following Tribes: Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Tulalip Tribes. A full list of counties and Tribes eligible for individual and public assistance is available here.

Under the declaration, Individual Assistance can help eligible individuals and households with disaster-related needs, while Public Assistance can support emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities.

More information about the declaration and the portal to apply for release are available here.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

As the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Larsen has a leading role on the committee that oversees FEMA, and he advocated for this declaration with the administration, including directly with FEMA Acting Administrator Karen S. Evans. 

In February, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for FEMA Public Assistance. In January, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors. In December, Rep. Larsen joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for Washington state—that request was approved.  

Larsen has been working with local leaders, first responders, Tribal governments and federal partners to support flood recovery efforts across Northwest Washington and to help communities secure the resources they need not only to recover, but to reduce future flood risk.

###

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries