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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) held a virtual event to congratulate Riddhi Singhvi of Stillwater Area High School for winning the 2026 Fourth Congressional District App Challenge. Singhvi’s app, Bite Balance, was chosen by an independent judge from the Fourth Congressional District. 

Bite Balance is a wellness application designed to improve user health by replacing calorie counting and manual food logging with simple, AI-driven insights. Bite Balance helps users understand how food, activity, and rest work together to support gut health and daily energy use. Users take a photo of their meals, which the app analyzes to assess nutrition quality, fiber, and food processing, generating a Gut Balance Index. This information is combined with real-time data from wearables devices, i.e. an Apple Watch, tracking activities, sleep, and stress levels. Producing a single, easy-to-read “Bite Balance” score. The app also provides three core insights: nutrition quality, energy balance, and recovery to guide users to healthier and more mindful choices. By eliminating tracking and focusing on long-term habits, Bite Balance aims to offer a science-based, user-friendly approach to wellness that empowers people to better understand their bodies and build sustainable health routines.

Congresswoman McCollum also congratulated second-place winner Ethan Finch of Stillwater Area High School for his app ArticuRace, and third-place winner Karthik Uppala of Math and Science Academy for his app EchoLens.

“It is a pleasure to congratulate Riddhi Singhvi as the winner of the 2026 Fourth Congressional District App Challenge, and recognize Ethan Finch and Karthik Uppala for their outstanding entries,” said Congresswoman McCollum. Bite Balance is Riddhi’s first solo entry to the MN-04 Congressional App Challenge. Riddhi and her brother, Coolsjes, a rising senior had previously entered second place during the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. 

This year’s judge was Metropolitan State University senior Calvin Yang, who is majoring in Computer Science. Yang’s experience includes an internship at Trusted Semiconductor Solutions working on AI models and integrations. His relevant focus is on Algorithms and Data Structures; Organization of Programming Languages; Database Management Systems; and Machine Learning.

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide STEAM competition where students create an application or “app” for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices. Fourth Congressional District middle and high school students are encouraged to enter next year’s competition by submitting an app of their own creation by late October 2027. 

Students and educators can find more information about the competition at mccollum.house.gov.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei released the following statement on the latest developments in Minnesota:

“A pivot to ICE’s core mission in Minnesota is needed. Prioritizing the most dangerous criminal aliens and focusing enforcement on individuals who have gone through due process and have final orders of removal is the stated core mission. Over the past 60 days, we’ve been compiling data to better understand the internal culture and operational decisions that existed prior to the recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis.

The fact that Tom Homan, along with CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and former Deputy CBP Commissioner and Acting ICE Director Ron Vitiello, have been sent to assess the situation is an encouraging indicator that a pivot is happening; led by career law enforcement professionals, who have served under both Republican and Democratic Administrations. Those are the people who are now in charge in Minnesota. Additionally, Governor Walz talking on the phone with the President to coordinate efforts is another step in the right direction. What we’ve seen in the last 72 hours looks completely different from before, and that shift must continue. I look forward to the shooting investigation results in both instances in a timely manner. 

That said, there is another player in the room who has not been exemplary, and that is the local agitators and politicians who have encouraged the continued interference with immigration enforcement operations. They share equal responsibility for creating a warzone mentality on the ground. State, local, and federal agencies must unify their efforts, leveraging their distinct authorities and resources to restore safety and order in Minnesota.

For those calling to shut down the Department of Homeland Security under the belief that it would be wise for the nation, I beg to differ. It is beyond reckless to shut down FEMA during unprecedented winter weather events that affect approximately 30 states. Sidelining the Secret Service, impeding Coast Guard operations, disrupting TSA during an already strained travel environment, and weakening CISA, who is responsible for critical cyber security protection, would defy logic and public safety.

The loss of any American life is tragic, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of both Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti. As the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, I expect thorough and transparent investigations into what went wrong and immediate actions to ensure something like this never happens again.

I look forward to having bipartisan conversations with Mr. Homan and his team in the coming days.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today condemned President Trump’s decision to freeze federal funding that Congress already approved for the Gateway Tunnel project saying:

 

“Trump froze federal funding Congress already approved for the Gateway Tunnel, and now nearly 1,000 union workers who are on the project right now are about to be sent home and construction is days from shutting down. Over the life of the Gateway Tunnel project, we’re going to see 100,000 jobs created and 20 billion dollars in economic activity, but Trump is willing to blow that up because of some made up culture war. Existing Hudson River rail tunnels are 115 years old, they were wrecked by Sandy, and if just one of those tunnels breaks down, three out of every four trains into New York stop running. Trump can restore Gateway funding today or he can own the damage he is about to cause to commuters and the regional economy. This is plain reckless, and New Jersey knows exactly who is responsible.”

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 French Hill (AR-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 by a vote of 341-88, and H.R. 7147, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 by a vote of 220-207:

“By passing these final appropriations bills, House Republicans are demonstrating that regular order can still work in Washington. After years of relying on bloated, last-minute continuing resolutions and stopgap measures, we are moving back to a process where Congress debates and passes spending bills the way it is supposed to. That is how you get better outcomes and more accountability for taxpayers.

“These bills deliver for our troops and their families, strengthen border security, fund important medical research, and invest in critical infrastructure, all while saving taxpayers money. This is another step toward restoring fiscal discipline and responsible governance, and making sure the federal government is working for the people of Arkansas and the country.”

Background:

H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, includes appropriations for the following agencies: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; and Defense. H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, funds the Department of Homeland Security.

Here are a few items of note that were included in the four appropriations bills that passed the House today:

• Supports apprenticeship programs to build strong American working families and increases funding to train workers and educate students in rural America.
• $418 million for rural health, including increased funding for America’s rural hospitals.
• $1.9 billion to support community health centers.
• $49 billion for the National Institutes of Health for biomedical research to find cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, rare diseases, and chronic diseases impacting Americans.
• Increases funding by $20 million for special education, including $5 million for rural education.
• $500 million for charter schools.
• Maintains funding for the Pell Grant’s discretionary maximum award level.
• Invests in transportation safety and rebuilds America by increasing funding for the FAA by $1.588 billion and providing the FAA with resources to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers.
• Reinforces English language proficiency requirements for truck drivers.
• Champions America’s military superiority and provides a 3.8% pay raise for all service members and a 1% civilian employee pay increase.
• Bolsters public safety and homeland preparedness by enhancing resources to detect and counter the spread of deadly drugs like fentanyl.
• Strengthens U.S. national security and border protections by providing $513 million to sustain 22,000 Border Patrol agents.
• Invests $20 million to hire critical positions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to counter the threat from China.
• Directs $20 million for the procurement, deployment, and operations of body-worn cameras for agents and officers performing immigration enforcement activities.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and House Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded Chairman Jim Jordan hold a House Judiciary Committee hearing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem following the fatal federal agent shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis who were peacefully exercising their First and Second Amendment rights. 

The House Judiciary Committee Majority’s own website says that “the Committee’s oversight responsibility for the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security” is “[p]articularly important in our time.”  Yet not a single witness from DHS has appeared before the Judiciary Committee during this Congress.

“This Committee has devoted years of oversight to alleged First Amendment violations by social media companies and has subpoenaed foreign companies over censorship concerns abroad. Mr. Chairman: look what’s happening right in front of our eyes. Federal agents have shot dead two American citizens in the past two weeks for doing no more than exercising their fully protected rights to protest, observe, and record law enforcement in public,” wrote the Members.

The lawmakers want answers regarding the killings of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse and lawful gun owner who was filming law enforcement activity, and Renée Nicole Good, an unarmed mother of three who was observing an ICE operation from her vehicle.

Immediately following the shootings, Secretary Noem publicly labeled both victims “domestic terrorists” without evidence. But video footage viewed nationwide and verified by multiple news outlets contradicts DHS’s claims and all but proves that the shootings were without any legal justification.

Footage shows Mr. Pretti holding a cell phone when he was tackled by multiple agents and shot repeatedly in the back. Video also appears to show agents removing a firearm from his possession before another agent fired ten shots. Minneapolis Police have confirmed that Mr. Pretti had a valid permit to carry under Minnesota law and no criminal record.

Similarly, video evidence shows that Ms. Good was shot while seated in her car observing an ICE operation. Although DHS claimed she attempted to run over agents, footage shows her steering her car away from the agent who fired three shots into her vehicle.

“The attempted cover-up by DHS requires an inquiry by the House Judiciary Committee. Mr. Chairman, if your commitment to the First and Second Amendments—not to mention the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process—is genuine, as we have always believed it to be, then this Committee cannot look away when federal agents gun down Americans for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights,” wrote the Members.

The lawmakers’ demand comes amid reports that Secretary Noem will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3.

Click here to read the letter to Chairman Jordan.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar, Walberg, Scott, and Owens Introduce National School Choice Week Resolution

Congressman John Moolenaar, the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, alongside Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced a resolution to recognize January 25 to January 31 as National School Choice Week. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Moolenaar’s fellow co-chair of the School Choice Caucus, will introduce the resolution in the U.S. Senate. 

“Students deserve to have the chance to pursue the best education available to them, one that provides the best environment for learning, and one that provides them the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Parents must have a role in their child’s education. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as we introduce this resolution to recognize parents’ rights in their children’s education,” said Moolenaar. 

“When parents have access to a wide range of educational options—traditional public, charter, private, magnet, or homeschooling—students are more likely to thrive both in and out of the classroom. School choice recognizes this reality by empowering families to select learning environments that best match their children’s unique needs and talents. School Choice Week affirms our shared commitment to helping every child succeed,” said Walberg. 

“National School Choice Week is a celebration of opportunity and a reminder that education is not one-size-fits-all. When families have a choice, kids have a chance!” said Scott. “My life’s experience attending schools with fewer resources as well as schools offering greater opportunities has shown me the importance of empowering parents to choose quality education for their kids. Having more good teachers and mentors can change the direction of one’s life. It certainly did for me!” 

“Our most important national resource is our children, and ensuring that they are the best educated in the world should be our foremost priority. Where you live should not limit you to the quality or type of education your children can receive. There are more options out there for students and their families than they may realize and good schools across the education spectrum,” said Owens. “I encourage parents everywhere to seek out opportunities that help their children achieve their potential.” 

The text of the resolution can be found here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

“With fire in my soul and the facts on my side, I have raised hell about the injustice of denying 700,000 taxpaying Americans the same rights given to residents of the states – for 35 years.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — On Friday, January 23, the National Science Foundation (NSF) sent out an outrageous “Dear Colleague Letter” purportedly asking the scientific community for input on how to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). In the letter, the NSF reiterated its intent to “restructure” the research institution and the weather-related capabilities it operates. The agency also asked for input on opening “ownership of the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab building [located in Boulder, Colorado] for private use.” 

In response to the NSF’s letter, Congressman Joe Neguse intends to mobilize a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to submit a formal response in the comment process. 

“I urge all Coloradans to make their voices heard. The National Science Foundation is accepting public comments until March 13th,” said Congressman Neguse. 

Neguse has forcefully condemned the White House’s plans to dismantle NCAR since reports first surfaced. Earlier this month, he succeeded in protecting funding for vital programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations legislation. However, Neguse voted against the CJS bill as a result of its omission of statutory language that he proposed and fought for — on a bipartisan basis — to prevent attacks on the cutting-edge research institution.

“Donald Trump’s blatant and unlawful retaliation against Colorado must end. His latest attempt would destroy the federally-connected agencies and institutes tasked with keeping our communities safe and hand off their life-saving work to the highest bidder. It’s reprehensible and we will continue to fight against it on all fronts. NCAR is a vital, cutting-edge research institution, and dismantling it would be reckless, dangerous, and place the United States at a serious competitive disadvantage,” said Congressman Neguse. 

Individuals interested in submitting a document responding to NSF’s letter must do so by March 13, 2026. The NSF’s letter concerning NCAR is available HERE. 

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