Media Advisory: Congressman Michael Guest Hosting 2026 Military Academy Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03)

Media Advisory: Congressman Michael Guest Hosting 2026 Military Academy Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Brandon, Miss. – Congressman Michael Guest is hosting his annual Military Academy Day at Brandon High School (3090 MS-18, Brandon, MS 39042) on April 11th, 2026, from 9:00 A.M – 12:00 P.M.

Congressman Guest will congratulate appointees and recognize those who have been appointed in the past. 

Military service academies are looking for outstanding leaders and well-rounded young men and women in perspective candidates. This Military Academy Day will provide an opportunity to learn about the nomination and appointment process, as well as the unique opportunities each of the academies offer, from the perspective of cadets, midshipmen, admissions officers, liaison officers, and alumni. 

Congressmen and Senators are looking for individuals who excel in these fields: academics, community service, athletics, and physical aptitude. Young men and women are nominated to military service academies based on these fields and the academies evaluate and select for appointment.

Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi’s Third Congressional District. Currently serving his fourth term, Congressman Guest is the Chairman of the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks, Jacobs Call for Free & Fair Presidential Election in Benin

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

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, today released the following statement in advance of the April 12 presidential election in Benin:

“As Benin prepares for Sunday’s presidential election, it faces a number of challenges threatening to derail its democracy. Political elites have weaponized the justice system to prevent Renaud Agbodjo and other opposition figures from running for election. Additionally, the executive branch has expanded its powers at the expense of the legislature, weakening the checks and balances intended to prevent one-man rule. Sunday’s election allows the Beninese people to weigh in on these developments and choose their future path.

“We urge Benin’s leaders to respect the will of the people and ensure a free and fair presidential election by upholding the rule of law and allowing citizen election observers to freely report on all aspects of the electoral process. We stand with civil society groups calling for this election to form the basis of an open and inclusive dialogue to reaffirm Benin’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered governance. Failing to do so would undermine the hard-fought democratic gains that Benin has achieved and risk returning to the corrupt autocratic rule that the Beninese people rejected 30 years ago.”

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Díaz-Balart to Deliver $9 Million for Veterans Community Center in Collier

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

GOLDEN GATE, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, invites members of the media to attend a check presentation ceremony on Tuesday April 7 at 10:00 a.m.

The event celebrates the $9 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Díaz-Balart for the Collier County Veterans Community Center building, which will be used to repair the interior of an existing building that will serve as a multi-purpose community center for veterans, thereby improving community access for the thousands of veterans that live in Collier County.

WHAT: Check Presentation Ceremony

WHO:

  • Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Delegation
  • Commissioner Burt L. Saunders (District 3)
  • Commissioner William L. McDaniel Jr. (District 5)
  • Commissioner Chris Hall (District 2)

WHEN:

Tuesday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:

VFW Golden Gate Post 7721

800 Neffs Way

Naples, FL 34119

RSVP:

All interested credentialed media may RSVP to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov

Background:

This project received funding through the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026.

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Rep. Garamendi Statement on Trump FY27 Budget

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s FY27 budget request:

“President Trump’s budget is a cruel attack on American families. Instead of funding programs that could help alleviate the soaring costs of healthcare, housing, food, and energy, President Trump has chosen to fund his unnecessary war in Iran, a conflict that has already taken the lives of 13 servicemembers and shows no indication of slowing down.

“This budget fails to recognize the real harm Trump has caused Americans by starting this war without justification, and it ignores the reality of what a 50 percent increase in military spending, up to $1.5 trillion, would truly mean. It means fewer children being fed at school, higher energy bills, rising food costs, more hospital closures, and fewer healthcare services, all while costing Americans significantly more.”

“By requesting more money for the military than at any point since World War II, President Trump is asking all of us to sacrifice our schools, our homes, and our health—but for what? For more nuclear weapons that must never be used, and for another endless war in the Middle East, all while exploding our national debt.

“President Trump’s budget is nothing more than a cruel and senseless attack on the American people, and I pledge to do everything in my power to limit this reckless spending and fight to provide a more affordable way of life for the people I represent.”  

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Pocan Statement on ICE Illegally Holding Salah Sarsour for More than a Week

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

MADISON, WI – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after ICE has now illegally held Salah Sarsour, President of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee and a legal permanent resident for more than 30 years with no criminal record, for more than a week: 

“Over the past year, ICE has waged a campaign of fear and terror in this country. Just last week, they took Salah Sarsour for apparently no reason other than his speaking out against Israel’s unjust war in Gaza and fighting for Palestinian rights. But a week later, we still don’t have any answers from ICE as to why. He’s been a fixture in his community for years and a leader in Milwaukee. It’s long past time for ICE to release him and stop this unjust crusade.”

Congressman Cohen Announces $2.4 Million in NIH Research Grants to St. Jude

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced four grants totaling $2,436,508 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

One, for $865,360, is from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for allergy immunology and transplantation research under the direction of Dr. Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti. This project aims to understand how a critical protein regulator of immunity and inflammation drives hemolysis – the premature destruction of red blood cells – which may help develop new therapeutics for this disease. 

A second, for $816,511, is from the National Human Genome Research Institute, for work deciphering the underlying structure of the glucocorticoid gene regulatory network, under the direction of Drs. Daniel Savic and Yong Cheng. The project aims to understand the multifactorial biochemical and genetic networks underlying glucocorticoids, which are a type of steroid, and how different portions of the genetic code contribute to both healthy and disease-associated genetic variation. 

A third, for $523,387, is from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, for work on research into synaptic vesicular transporters, under the direction of Dr. Chia-Hsueh Lee. The synapses are the space between neurons, and synaptic vesicles can contain neurotransmitters – chemicals in the brain that help neurons communicate with one another. Dr. Lee is studying how a certain types of genetic variations of a critical protein involved in the release of these vesicles, can contribute to epilepsy and cognitive impairment. Such research will help develop new therapeutics for these diseases. 

And the fourth, for $231,250, also from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is for clinical research related to neurological disorders under the direction of Dr. Heather C. Mefford. Dr. Mefford is studying how the mechanisms of how certain disease-associated genetic variants of a gene in the brain are implicated in certain types of movement disorders, epilepsy and developmental delays. Dr. Mefford’s team will also seek to investigate potential targeted therapeutic approaches for this target.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am always pleased to see substantial investments in the work done at our premier children’s research hospital. I congratulate Drs. Kanneganti, Savic, Cheng, Lee, and Mefford for securing these research funds and commend St. Jude for encouraging and supporting this important work.”

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Neal, Bonamici Continue to Fight for Seniors and People with Disabilities by Reintroducing Elder Justice Bill to Increase Funding and Strengthen Community-Based Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC— At a time when Republicans and the Trump Administration are threatening health programs and protections for seniors and people with disabilities, Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Co-Chair of the House Elder Justice Caucus Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) reintroduced legislation to fight back. With advocates calling this the most comprehensive bill in Congress on the topic, the Elder Justice Reauthorization & Modernization Act of 2026 will build on Democrats’ progress and will protect seniors and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and isolation.

The Elder Justice Reauthorization & Modernization Act of 2026 reauthorizes the Elder Justice Act (EJA) and commits dedicated funding to vital programs that address the prevention, detection, and treatment of abuse against seniors and people with disabilities. This legislation builds on the first-ever authorization of mandatory funding for Adult Protective Services in December 2020. As part of the reauthorization, the bill creates new investments in the post-acute and long-term care workforce, funds programs to address social isolation, and supports medical-legal partnerships.

“We have a responsibility to strengthen programs that prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors and people with disabilities, as our citizenry ages and as Republicans continue to wage war against the health care system at-large,” said Ranking Member Neal. “This reauthorization builds on our progress by strengthening Elder Justice programs, investing in nursing home safety, and ensuring every American can age with security and dignity. As Republicans continue to cut health care and financial security for seniors and vulnerable Americans, we are focused on creating real solutions through expanding protections, strengthening care, and ensuring bad actors are held accountable.”

“Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation continue to rise at alarming rates,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “This legislation will provide needed funding to address the physical, emotional, and financial abuse that too many older Americans experience. This bill is an important step forward in the fight to protect one of our most vulnerable populations.”

The legislation directly appropriates substantial funding for EJA programs and activities. The Trump Administration has set its sights on this funding, making significant attacks, and causing additional investments to be necessary to meet the growing needs of seniors and people with disabilities.

A summary of the bill can be found HERE.

The legislative text of the bill can be found HERE.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

“The bipartisan 3,000 member Elder Justice Coalition today commended the introduction of H.R 8060 the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026,” said Bob Blancato, National Coordinator, Elder Justice Coalition. “We view this as the most comprehensive bill in Congress to address the continuing national scandal of elder abuse neglect and exploitation. We must never waver in our commitment to protect older adults from the ravages of abuse whether it is from a scammer or other human perpetrators. We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Richard Neal and Suzanne Bonamici not only for the introduction of this bill but their years as stalwart champions of preventing elder abuse.”

“The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026 includes critical support that older adults and their caregivers need to avoid and prevent financial exploitation, physical and psychological abuse and other unacceptable forms of elder abuse. We are especially gratified that the legislation recognizes the important role of aging service care workers by providing funding through FY2030 for state grants to enhance education, training, career advancement, and wages for direct care workers, as well as providing for critical staff supports like child care. These grants that will help to sustain staff and attract new employees to the sector, which is critical for our mission-driven, nonprofit members,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit and mission-driven providers of aging services. “Without staff, there is no care. We applaud Ranking Member Neal and Congresswoman Bonamici for their leadership on this bill, which will get us one step closer to an America that values older adults and those who serve them.”

“NAPSA appreciates the leadership of Representative Neal and Representative Bonamici for their commitment to states’ Adult Protective Services (APS) programs,” said Jennifer Spoeri, Executive Director, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). “We strongly endorse the reauthorization of the Elder Justice Act which is essential for APS programs to protect and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities.” 

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RELEASE: REP. HILL HOSTS 2026 ARKANSAS HBCU SUMMIT AT ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) yesterday hosted his 2026 HBCU Summit at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock. The summit’s theme was “Building Resilient Futures for HBCUs: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Economic Mobility.”

Rep. Hill was joined by several distinguished guests, including:

  • Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the HBCU Caucus
  • Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders
  • Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.
  • Asahi Pompey, President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation and President of Goldman Sachs Gives
  • Kelly Mitchell, Executive Director, White House Initiative on HBCUs
  • Dr. Terrence Tarver, Director, Public Policy, Legislative and Government Affairs, United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
  • Dr. Harry L. Williams, President, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including the four we are blessed to have here in central Arkansas, have played a vital role in expanding access to higher education for generations of Americans,” said Rep. Hill, co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus“Today’s summit was an opportunity to bring together leaders from government, philanthropy, business, and higher education to discuss how we ensure these institutions remain strong and continue fulfilling that mission for generations to come.”  

“I’m grateful to my friend and HBCU Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) for her partnership and unwavering support for HBCUs, and for making the trip to Little Rock, as well as to Governor Sanders and our keynote speaker, Goldman Sachs executive, Asahi Pompey. I also want to thank the presidents, panelists, and participants whose leadership and insights made today’s summit such a valuable conversation for our institutions and the students they serve.”

“It was a pleasure to join my colleague Congressman French Hill at the HBCU Summit this week,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams, co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus. “HBCUs have long been a cornerstone of opportunity in this country, educating generations of leaders and driving economic mobility in communities across America. I appreciated the chance to bring together leaders from across the HBCU community to talk about the real challenges our institutions face, especially aging campus infrastructure. Through the HBCU Caucus, Congressman Hill and I have worked to secure federal investments to support our campuses, and I look forward to continuing that bipartisan work while advancing efforts like the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to strengthen HBCUs for the future.”

“Congressman French Hill has been a strong advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities through his leadership as co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus,” said Governor Sanders“Arkansas’ four HBCUs have expanded opportunity for generations, and my administration is proud to support them through investments like increased funding for UAPB and workforce programs that help students turn education into careers.”

“As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, we honor the institutions that have produced generation after generation of this country’s leaders, doctors, engineers, and judges,” said Asahi Pompey, Global Head of Corporate Engagement and Chair of the Urban Investment Group, Goldman Sachs. “Strengthening these institutions is an investment in the promise of America. We thank Congressman Hill for his partnership and leadership.” 

“For nearly 190 years, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have served as the beacon of life-changing opportunity for millions of Americans,” Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams said. “The HBCU Summit, being hosted by Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Co-Chair Congressman French Hill, is a tremendous opportunity to not only highlight the tremendous work being done at these institutions but also connect their leaders directly with other business leaders and change-makers in Arkansas.”

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HBCU Summit Speakers:

  • Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Co-Chair of the HBCU Caucus
  • Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Founder and Co-Chair of the HBCU Caucus
  • Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders
  • Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.
  • Asahi Pompey, Partner, Global Head of Corporate Engagement & President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, Goldman Sachs
  • Video remarks from Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04)

Panel Topics and Panelists:

Campus Infrastructure and Long-Term Sustainability

  • Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Co-Chair HBCU Caucus
  • Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), Co-Chair HBCU Caucus
  • Dr. Maurice Gipson, President, Philander Smith University
  • Dr. Harry L. Williams, President, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
  • Dr. Terrence Tarver, Director, Public Policy, Legislative and Government Affairs, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

Private Capital, Innovation, and Public-Private Partnerships

  • Mr. Charles King, Southeast Arkansas College (Moderator)
  • Dr. Bruce McGowan, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  • Mr. Ventrell Thompson, Vice President of Customer Service, Entergy
  • Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of LeMoyne-Owen College
  • Mr. Curtis Howse, CEO, Synchrony
  • Mr. Andy Goodman, President, Arkansas’s Independent Colleges and Universities

From Classroom to Career: Connecting HBCU Talent to the Economy 

  • Ms. Kelly Mitchell, Executive Director, White House Initiative on HBCUs (Moderator)
  • Mr. Bill Walker, President, Arkansas Baptist College
  • Ms. Taiwan Brown, Vice President of Workforce and Talent Development, Entergy Arkansas
  • Dr. Jeffery Norfleet, President, Shorter College
  • Mr. Kyle Williams, Head of Middle Market Nonprofit Banking, JPMorgan

Rep. Aguilar Delivers $1 Million for Omnitrans Zero-Emission Electric Buses and Infrastructure to Improve Commutes and Inland Empire Air Quality

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Transitioning to a fully electric bus fleet will help create jobs, make commutes smoother, and reduce air pollution in the Inland Empire

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,000,000 in community project funding for Omnitrans’ Battery Electric Buses and Installation of Charging Infrastructure project. This funding will create jobs, make commutes smoother for residents and improve air quality in the Inland Empire, which is among the worst in the nation, by allowing Omnitrans to purchase a new zero-emission electric bus and install charging infrastructure on the sbX Green Line, Omnitrans’ rapid bus transit line.
Additionally, Omnitrans will hire and train an apprentice specializing in zero-emissions bus maintenance to help ensure the long-term success of its electric bus fleet. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“As our region grows, it’s crucial that our public transportation system can help people get to where they need to go quickly, efficiently and cleanly,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m proud to deliver $1 million for Omnitrans and the Inland Empire’s air quality by expanding and ensuring the long-term success of their electric bus fleet and charging infrastructure. When we invest in clean transit here in California, we’re creating jobs, promoting a better, healthier, more sustainable future for Californians and ensuring future generations can build their lives here. I’ll keep fighting for more federal resources that help reduce air pollution, strengthen our transportation infrastructure and improve public health so that Inland Empire families can thrive.”
“Omnitrans has always prioritized enhancing air quality in our region,” said Erin Rogers, CEO/General Manager, Omnitrans. “We are grateful for Representative Aguilar’s support in this effort to further our zero-emissions goals and improve the quality of life in our community.”
In January 2026, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $7.4 million in federal community project funding grants for seven projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District. 

Rep. Garamendi Joins Colleagues in Opposing the Presence of ICE Agents at Airports

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, joined Congressmen Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and 39 Members in a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, and White House Border Czar Tom Homan firmly opposing the deployment of armed ICE agents to airports around the country. 

In the letter, the Members emphasize that this “unprecedented and unnecessary action causes chaos and fear at our airports, fails to support TSA workers—whose pay Republicans in Congress have repeatedly blocked—or reduce security lines, and serves as an intimidation tactic to coerce Congress into passing harmful, anti-democratic legislation.” 

The Members said in the letter that “No President has ever sent armed ICE agents to airports. They are not qualified to screen passengers or manage airport security, and their lawless actions around the country underscore that their presence will cause confusion and fear at some of our nation’s largest airports.” 

The Members reiterated their support for funding TSA, FEMA, and certain other DHS components while Congress negotiates necessary reforms to rein in ICE and CBP. The Members also asked a series of oversight questions to better understand the scope and rationale for this deployment. 

Members signing this letter include: Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-00), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). 

A copy of the letter can be found here.