MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

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

QUEENS, NY – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement following the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, D-Bronx:

“Today, I join New Yorkers in mourning the passing of Congressman Eliot Engel. For more than 30 years, he served the people of New York with integrity and a deep commitment to public service. 

“I had the privilege of working with Engel when he served as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, addressing the many challenges we face around the world, and took inspiration from his leadership on the committee for my own role as Chair and now Ranking Member. From negotiating the Harkin-Engel protocol to end the worst abuses of child labor in the cocoa industry, to being on the vanguard of calls to come to the defense of the people of Kosovo, Eliot’s legacy will live on not just here in New York and the U.S. Congress, but around the world.

“He leaves behind a lasting legacy and will be greatly missed not only as a colleague, but as a friend. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, former Congressman Eliot Engel. I had the pleasure of serving in the House with Eliot for thirty-two years. All public servants should strive to emulate the principles and compassion he displayed when addressing the issues that confronted our country and his constituents.

“As the Chair and the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot worked tirelessly to protect our national security and shape a foreign policy that advanced America’s interests while upholding the highest of our values. We worked closely to ensure Members of Congress were briefed on Russian attempts to influence or interfere in the 2016 federal election and to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. We traveled together to Israel and were partners in advocating for the close U.S.-Israel relationship. Eliot courageously stood against efforts to isolate and cut off aid to Israel as it faced existential threats.

“Throughout his career, Eliot was a staunch fighter for New York and a champion for his beloved home borough, the Bronx. His service to his constituents never wavered as he stood up for democracy, justice, and equal opportunity. He truly represented what it means to better one’s community and one’s country. Eliot served New York and his nation well, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.”

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) released the following statement after learning of xAI’s work stoppage on the Colossus Water Recycling Plant:

“Memphis and xAI officials broke ground on the greywater plant last October, and it must move forward without delay. This project was a key commitment to the community, and construction should proceed on an expedited timeline with clear, firm assurances on completion. The Memphis Sand Aquifer is one of our most vital resources and must be protected. The greywater facility was central to that commitment. Memphis deserves certainty that this project will be built as promised. I support Mayor Young’s call for ironclad assurances and join him in pushing to ensure this project is completed.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon and Kaptur Introduce Bipartisan BLOCK PUTIN Act to Hold Hungarian Government Enablers of Russia Accountable