MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today called on Chairman James Comer to immediately convene a public hearing and launch a full Committee investigation into whether senior Trump Administration officials, or those acting on their behalf, may have traded on nonpublic information tied to military operations and national security decisions related to the ongoing war in Iran.

In a letter sent to Chairman Comer, Krishnamoorthi warned that recent reports involving senior officials and prediction market activity tied to anticipated military action raise serious ethics, legal, and national security concerns that demand immediate congressional oversight.

“The ongoing war in Iran has driven significant movements across defense, energy, and related markets and heightened public concern that senior officials with access to nonpublic information regarding military operations and national security decisions could, directly or indirectly, engage in financial activity that appears to benefit from those developments.”

The letter specifically raises concerns regarding reported financial activity involving Secretary Pete Hegseth, Special Envoy Jared Kushner’s failure to file the required public financial disclosure report, and separate reports that individuals with access to protected or nonpublic information may have profited through prediction markets tied to the timing of U.S. strikes on Iran.

“The seriousness of the allegations raises a broader question that extends beyond any single official or department: whether the Trump Administration’s senior leadership, including Cabinet and White House personnel, is subject to robust and consistently enforced ethics safeguards sufficient to prevent officials—or those acting on their behalf—from trading on, or appearing to trade on, nonpublic information related to war, sanctions, energy policy, procurement, or other market-moving government decisions.”

Krishnamoorthi specifically asks Chairman Comer to:

1. Determine whether existing executive branch ethics rules, guidance, and training adequately govern stock trading, prediction market activity, and other financial transactions by senior officials with access to sensitive information related to military operations, national security decisions, sanctions, or other market-moving government actions.

2. Review the public financial disclosure reports, transactional disclosures, and any other available records for relevant senior Trump Administration officials, including Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jared Kushner, to assess whether any financial activity raises actual or apparent conflict-of-interest, insider trading, or ethics concerns.

3. Investigate whether any senior Administration officials, their immediate family members, or individuals acting on their behalf engaged in financial activity involving defense, energy, or related sectors in close proximity to military operations or other sensitive national security decisions.

4. Examine whether agency ethics offices, including at the Department of Defense, were made aware of any such financial activity and, if so, what steps were taken to review, restrict, or mitigate any actual or apparent conflicts of interest.

5. Assess whether additional safeguards, trading restrictions, divestiture requirements, or enhanced disclosure obligations are necessary to ensure that senior officials with access to sensitive war-related information are not able to personally profit from those decisions.

6. Require testimony from Secretary Hegseth, Special Envoy Kushner, and any other relevant officials before the full Committee to address these matters under oath.

The letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

AMSTERDAM, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today announced his selection of 20 community development and improvement projects that he has submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations in an effort to bring federal investment to the Capital Region through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Community Project Funding process.

“No one knows the needs of our communities better than the people in it; so, it stands to reason that any efforts to improve and address the needs of our Capital Region should be envisioned by our community,” Congressman Tonko said. “The beauty of the Community Project Funding process is that we can unleash the full potential of these locally-developed projects with federal dollars. I’m so grateful to the many applicants who developed these worthy initiatives. You have my pledge to fight tooth and nail to include these 20 projects in our federal budget and bring these dollars home for the benefit of all in our region.”

Project Title: Bridges to Transformation Initiative

Recipient: Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region, Inc.

Amount Requested: $1,059,585

Project Title: Capital Region Translational Research Initiative

Recipient: Albany Medical College

Amount Requested: $2,000,000

Project Title: City of Albany Corning Preserve Playground

Recipient: City of Albany

Amount Requested: $900,000

Project Title: City of Amsterdam Department of Public Works Building

Recipient: City of Amsterdam

Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Project Title: City of Cohoes Public Library Update

Recipient: City of Cohoes

Amount Requested: $649,250

Project Title: Critical High Need Medical Equipment for Schenectady County

Recipient: Schenectady County

Amount Requested: $436,522

Project Title: Expanding Access to Rural Healthcare with (Otolaryngologists) ENT Services at St. Mary’s

Recipient: St. Mary’s Healthcare

Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Project Title: Garnsey Park Infrastructure Improvements

Recipient: Town of Clifton Park

Amount Requested: $280,000

Project Title: Guy Park Manor Resiliency Park

Recipient: New York Power Authority (“NYPA”) on behalf of New York State Canal Corporation (“NYSCC”)

Amount Requested  $2,120,000

Project Title: Hoosick Regional Emergency Fly Car

Recipient: Town of Hoosick

Amount Requested: $80,856.52

Project Title: Malta Water District #1 Water Storage and Quality Improvement Project

Recipient: Town of Malta 

Amount Requested: $3,000,000

Project Title: Mobile Laboratory for Monitoring PFAS

Recipient: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, on behalf of The University at Albany

Amount Requested: $1,329,000

Project Title: North Plant Odor Mitigation Project

Recipient: Albany County

Amount Requested: $1,600,000

Project Title: Office of Violence Prevention

Recipient: City of Albany

Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Project Title: Rensselaer Hollow Preserve Trailhead Connection Project

Recipient: City of Rensselaer

Amount Requested: $496,800

Project Title: Route 7 Safety Improvements

Recipient: Town of Niskayuna

Amount Requested: $2,800,000

Project Title: Town Complex Sewer Upgrades

Recipient: Town of Halfmoon

Amount Requested: $564,200

Project Title: Town of Amsterdam Harrower Sewer Extension

Recipient: Town of Amsterdam

Amount Requested  $4,500,000

Project Title: Village of Scotia Water System Project

Recipient: Village of Scotia

Amount Requested: $950,000

Project Title: Watervliet ADA Municipal Building Access Project

Recipient: City of Watervliet

Amount Requested: $913,000

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Davids says, “‘Ad astra per aspera’ is exactly what this mission represents.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

SEATTLE, WA – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is announcing her Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that are funded by the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bills. In total, she secured $18,399,144 for 14 projects in the greater Seattle area.

“I am so grateful to represent a district where our local governments, organizations, and community members are deeply committed to creating solutions to our most pressing problems — from tackling climate change to providing affordable housing,” said Jayapal. “Advocating for federal money for these innovative projects is one of the most important parts of my job. During a time when so many in our community are struggling due to Trump’s cuts, I am so proud to have worked to secure more than $18 million in funding to support these incredible projects that will help to make our district a better place to live.”

This funding is expected to create up to 150 direct jobs through public market development, support small businesses and local entrepreneurs, and deliver 22 acres of new parkland and community gathering space. In addition, this funding will support the creation of nearly 500 affordable homes, including 200 homeownership units — the largest Habitat for Humanity development in the country — along with 85 to 100 homes for seniors and veterans and 200 workforce rental units for working families. 

Jayapal secured the following funding for projects across WA-07:

• $3,150,000 for the City of Seattle’s Fort Lawton Redevelopment
• $2 million for the City of Seattle’s Lake City Community Center and Affordable Housing Redevelopment
• $2 million for the City of Lake Forest Park Lakefront Park Community Center Project
• $1,145,144 for the City of Seattle’s Seattle Waterfront Elliott Bay Seawall Project, Phase 2
• $850,000 for the City of Burien Public Market Project
• $1 million for the Port of Seattle’s Seattle Waterfront Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
• $4 million for Sound Transit’s Link Reliability Improvements
• $1,092,000 for Southwest Suburban Sewer District’s Sewer Rehabilitation Project – Phase one
• $850,000 for the City of Shoreline’s Trail Along the Rail Project
• $500,000 for the University of Washington’s Critical Campus Building Access Fixes
• $281,000 for the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Shoreline Restoration Effectiveness on Vashon and Maury Island
• $250,000 for the City of Seattle’s Third Avenue Revitalization
• $250,000 for the Port of Seattle’s Pier 86 Grain Terminal Switcher Locomotive Replacement
• $1,031,000  for the University of Washington’s Cold Lab

“I want to thank Congresswoman Jayapal for her efforts in securing over $6 million in community project funding for Seattle’s Lake City Community Center and Affordable Housing Development, Third Avenue Revitalization, Elliot Bay Seawall Project and the Fort Lawton Redevelopment,”  said a representative from the City of Seattle. “These funds are crucial to building long-term housing for all Seattleites, protecting our city, and ensuring our downtown corridor is functioning for the millions of visitors to come this summer for FIFA 2026 World Cup. We are deeply appreciative of the Congresswoman’s leadership in Congress and look forward to continued partnership.

“The Lakefront Community Center project will provide multiple indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces that currently don’t exist in the City,” said Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French. “This project allows the City to partner with community groups and provide spaces for nature, art, educational opportunities and low-impact recreation right on the shore of Lake Washington. The project is adjacent to the Burke Gilman Trail and will be a boon for everyone in our community. We couldn’t have completed the project without the federal funding sponsored by Representative Jayapal with the support of Senators Murray and Cantwell.”

“This funding moves us closer to realizing a bold vision for a Burien with even greater access to healthy food, local goods, and strong community. This project will connect our microbusinesses with an opportunity to thrive while celebrating the unique characteristics and vibrant culture that makes Burien so special,” said Burien Mayor Sarah Moore. “We are grateful for Congresswoman Jayapal’s support and advocacy on behalf of Burien. This effort is directly contributing to the creation of tangible improvements for our residents and small businesses.”

“The Port of Seattle is deeply appreciative of Representative Jayapal’s incredible efforts to support the maritime economy while simultaneously helping us achieve our decarbonization and climate resiliency goals,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins. “In particular, the $1 million in dedicated funding to conduct a joint vulnerability assessment on the impacts of sea level rise to the Seattle waterfront will help the Port and its local government partners anticipate – and prioritize investment to address – climate related risks to critical public infrastructure and important transportation and freight corridors that people depend on to get to work. And her successful work to secure funding for a new switcher locomotive for the Pier 86 Grain Terminal will not only reduce carbon gas emissions but also lower air pollution in near-Port communities. In a challenging time at the federal level for environmental and sustainability efforts, Representative Jayapal’s community project funding is truly a bright spot, and we look forward to working with her and many other waterfront partners to implement this work.”

“Sound Transit is undertaking the largest transit expansion in North America—helping to transform the Puget Sound region with a 252-mile network of light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail. Building and operating this system requires investing in state-of-the-art track and signaling technology,” said Dow Constantine, Sound Transit CEO. “Thanks to generous support from two of our dedicated Congressional transit champions, Senator Murray and Congresswoman Jayapal, Sound Transit can advance Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) – the gold standard in signaling – through final engineering and design. CBTC will improve reliability, reduce delays, and increase service frequency, resulting in shorter waits, less crowding, and a more dependable light rail experience for passengers.”

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, Southwest Suburban Sewer District is pleased to have received this grant for our Salmon Creek Basin Rehabilitation Project,” said Bill Stephani

General Manager – Southwest Suburban Sewer District. “We extend our sincere thanks to U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal for her support and assistance in securing these funds. Southwest Suburban’s motto, ‘Dedicated to Preserve the Purity of Your Environment,’ reflects our commitment to protecting public health and responsibly maintaining our infrastructure. This rehabilitation project will help ensure a resilient and sustainable sewer system for decades to come.”

“The Trail Along the Rail project addresses a growing demand for alternative transportation options to reach regional transit, such as light rail and bus rapid transit,” said Shoreline Mayor Betsy Robertson. “The trail will provide an important north/south connection between Shoreline’s two light rail stations, making it easier to get around the region without using a car. We are grateful for Representative Jayapal’s work to ensure we bring federal tax dollars back to Shoreline and make projects like this possible.”

“The University of Washington is grateful for the $500,000 in funding, allowing us to replace older doors with ADA-compliant ones,” said Roney Worden, Interim Vice President of Facilities, University of Washington. “This investment supports critical upgrades to buildings, including improved entryways and essential accessibility features that ensure safe, reliable access for our community.”

“This is great news. We appreciate Rep. Jayapal securing federal funding to advance our understanding how shoreline restoration efforts on Vashon-Maury Island are benefitting the marine environment,” said Washington State Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller. “Our aim is to apply what we learn to help restore Puget Sound’s coastal shorelines, support community science, and strengthen environmental stewardship.”

“Support for the UW Cold Lab allows us to greatly expand our abilities to solve past and present mysteries of Earth’s coldest places, from polar regions to the upper atmosphere,” said Joel Thornton, interim dean of the College of the Environment. “These places are changing rapidly, and understanding how and why is critical since they have an outsized impact on our global environment and society. We are thrilled to receive this funding, and grateful to the Washington delegation for securing it.”

More detailed information on each of these projects can be found here. Since the reinstatement of CPF by the Democratic House leadership in the 117th Congress, Jayapal has secured over $57 million for 42 community projects in WA-07. The full list from FY22 can be found here, FY23 here, and FY24 here. View an interactive map of previous projects Congresswoman Jayapal has secured funding for here.

Issues: Environment, Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

MEMPHIS, TN — Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) hosted the 2026 Congressional Art Competition reception at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center in Gibson County. At the reception, Congressman Kustoff announced the winner, Tammy Le from Lakeland High Preparatory School.

“Congratulations to Tammy Le from Lakeland High Preparatory School for winning the Eighth Congressional District’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Every year, I am impressed by the talented student artists across West Tennessee. I look forward to seeing Tammy’s piece, ‘Open 24/7,’ hang in the United States Capitol for the next year.”

The Congressional Art Competition takes place each year and is open to all high school students in the Eighth Congressional District. Click here for more information.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

Re:Vision Nonprofit Secures Land for Third Urban Farm, Expanding Community Food System in Southwest Denver

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley: “I hope Melania talks to Chairman Comer and Trump to make this happen. Survivors have waited long enough.”

As a Survivor of Sexual Abuse, Pressley Has Led Calls for Congressional Hearing that Centers Survivors

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement after First Lady Melania Trump echoed Congresswoman Pressley’s longstanding calls for a Congressional hearing that centers survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Pressley has been a dedicated advocate for survivors’ justice and has led committee Democrats in calling for a full Congressional hearing to ensure survivors’ firsthand accounts are heard.

“I’ve been calling for a public hearing with survivors for nearly a year. They deserve answers, accountability, and healing,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I hope Melania talks to Chairman Comer and Trump to make this happen. Survivors have waited long enough.”

In February 2026, Congresswoman Pressley joined survivors of Epstein’s abuse and members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus to demand transparency, accountability, and healing for survivors.

As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Pressley has led Democrats on the House Oversight Committee calling for a full, public Oversight hearing to prioritize the individuals who survived the horrific abuse associated with  by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their associates, and whose firsthand accounts may not be sufficiently represented in the Department of Justice’s records.

Rep. Pressley has led the demand for a hearing with survivors as the Committee has continued its investigation and after the Congresswoman successfully helped pass a motion by Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Congresswoman Summer Lee to force the Committee to subpoena the Epstein files.

In recent interviews, Rep. Pressley described why her work to subpoena the Epstein files is deeply personal to her.

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a champion for justice for survivors of sexual violence and reproductive freedom.

In July 2024, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2024. In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.

In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.

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

Bacon, Panetta Introduce the Bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act

“Article One, Section Eight, Clause One of the Constitution gives Congress authority over tariffs and trade, and it’s time Congress stands on its own two feet and does its job,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act as a step toward restoring Congress’s role, providing relief to American businesses and consumers, and preventing the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs. Across-the-board tariffs like these raise costs for families and create unnecessary economic uncertainty.”

“American consumers and businesses have shouldered the consequences of President Trump’s illegal and incoherent tariff policy,” said Rep. Panetta. “My legislation would lift the most recent across-the-board tariffs under Section 122 and make whole those who have been harmed. Although Congress abdicated its Constitutional obligations for trade policy over the past few decades, it’s past time for us to reclaim our authority from the executive branch not just with lawsuits, but with legislation.”

“President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs are a clear attempt to sidestep Congress and reimpose his failed tariffs after the Supreme Court struck them down,” said Rep. Sánchez. “I am proud to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act to strike down these new tariffs and give needed relief to the American families who have suffered from higher prices as a result of Trump’s tariff regime.”

President Trump’s most recent tariffs were improperly imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Section 122 allows for the President to impose a 15 percent tariff for balance of payments, which was created when the U.S. dollar was on the gold standard. Following the Supreme court’s ruling in February negating his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy tariffs, the Trump Administration has imposed a 10 percent tariff on all imports to address “balance of payments.” Since the U.S. no longer operates on the Gold Standard, there is no legal justification for using this authority.

The Stop Global Tariffs Act is cosponsored by: Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03).

Full text of the bill is available here.

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference alongside Members of the House Democratic Caucus to demand an end to Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice and announce that Democrats will compel a vote on a War Powers Resolution once the House is back in session.

LEADER JEFFRIES: I’m joined by several prominent members of the congressional delegation representing various parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx, all gathered with one unified voice. It’s time to end Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East. Candidate Trump promised that he wasn’t going to start wars, he was going to stop them. President Trump has done the exact opposite. He’s gotten the country involved in this reckless war of choice and billions of dollars are being spent to drop bombs in Iran, while Republicans are unwilling to spend a dime to make life more affordable for the American people. It’s unacceptable. The cost of living in this country is way too high. America is far too expensive. Housing costs, healthcare costs, grocery costs are out of control. And now, as a result of Donald Trump’s costly and reckless war of choice, gas prices are skyrocketing here in New York City and all across America. It’s unacceptable.

A two-week ceasefire is not sufficient. We need a permanent end to Donald Trump’s costly and reckless war of choice. And House Democrats are committed to bringing about that outcome. Upon our return, we will force another vote on the House Floor around the War Powers Resolution that will compel the Trump administration to cease military hostilities immediately so we can all focus on the issues that we know matter to everyday Americans—driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system, getting ICE under control and ensuring that we are actually improving the quality of life of everyday Americans and the people that we all proudly represent here in New York City.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Westminster town officials to tour the Westminster Senior Residences, a 50-unit affordable senior housing facility that was constructed using significant federal investments.

“After more than a decade of planning, it’s inspiring to see this project completed and fully leased,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This is what happens when federal, state, local, and private partners work toward a shared vision, and it’s what smart public investment looks like. I’m especially proud that federal ARPA dollars and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits helped close the financing gaps and ensure these homes remain affordable for years to come. The thoughtful design, the proximity to the Senior Center, and the partnerships with local service providers will help longtime Westminster residents stay connected, engaged, and supported in their community. This should serve as a model for senior housing not just in Massachusetts, but across the country.”

“This senior housing project was on the Town’s wishlist for decades,” said Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. “We partnered with Commonwealth Community Developers and although it took multiple grant applications and several years, we finally found  the right mix of federal and state assistance along with an ARPA contribution from the Town that made the project possible and brought us to where we are today. Thanks to the support and efforts of our townspeople and local officials, we were able to achieve this milestone for our senior community.”

The Westminster Senior Residences is a 100% affordable, age-restricted (62+) development located directly behind the Town of Westminster’s Senior Center. The project, more than a decade in the making, was developed by Commonwealth Community Developers and is managed by Maloney Properties. After opening last fall, all 50 one-bedroom units were fully leased by the end of the year.

“We’re grateful for the strong support for the development from all of our elected officials,” said James J. Perrine, President of Commonwealth Community Developers. “Congresswoman Trahan has been with us from the start, resulting in the receipt of $1.2 million federal tax credits, enabling us to raise $10.6 million in private equity. She also supported over $4.3 million in federal ARPA funds from the State’s Executive Housing and Livable Communities and another $200,000 for the Town of Westminster’s local ARPA funds. The Town originated the project, provided the land adjacent to the senior center, and contributed $200,000. This truly is the result of partnership at all levels of government, and we are grateful for the Congresswoman’s leadership.”

The project’s total development cost of approximately $22.4 million was financed through a mix of federal, state, local, and private sources. Federal investments were central to making the project financially viable, including $1.2 million per year in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) over 10 years, which generated more than $10.6 million in private equity. The project also received $4,577,965 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which Trahan supported passage of and helped close critical financing gaps to ensure long-term affordability for low-income seniors. The Town of Westminster contributed $200,000 in local ARPA funding, a 99-year land lease, and fee waivers exceeding $200,000.

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