MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

DORAL, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented a combined $5,250,000 in federal funding to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

South Florida is a hub for major global events, from hosting the Shield of the Americas Summit to hosting upcoming events such as the G-20 Summit in Doral, part of Florida’s 26^th District, and Miami serving as one of the U.S. cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With increased global attention on the region, it is more important than ever to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and our brave law enforcement.

Congressman Díaz-Balart said, “I’m proud to deliver $5.25 million to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office to expand their public safety capabilities and invest in a cutting-edge Mobile Command Center that will be critical during emergencies and major operations. When disaster strikes or a critical incident unfolds, our deputies need to be able to respond with speed, coordination, and the right equipment–this critical funding makes that possible.

I am so thankful to Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz for her leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to keeping every corner of Miami-Dade safe.” 

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said, “I am grateful to Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart for his continued leadership and unwavering support of public safety in Miami-Dade County. This critical federal funding will allow us to strengthen our capabilities, enhance our readiness, and ensure we are fully prepared to protect our community and the millions of visitors expected for major international events like the G-20 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Investments like these directly support our mission of safety, security, and service, and help us continue building a stronger, safer Miami-Dade!”

Background

These projects received funding through H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on January 23, 2026.

The $4,200,000 funding for the MDSO Global Public Safety and Equipment project will be used to purchase a Unified Command Center, Command Bus, Mobile Field Force Gear, Total Containment Vessel with Hauling Vehicle, Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), Patrol Bicycles with Vehicle Trailers, Cybersecurity equipment and computer CPUs.

The $1,050,000 funding for the MDSO Mobile Operation Command Center project will be used to purchase two District Mobile Operations Centers (MOCs) for MDSO. MOCs serve as a mobile command post for critical incidents, natural disasters, and major events. The MOCs would have technology to serve as a mobile workstation for active scenes and aid units to conduct investigations.

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart represents Florida’s 26th Congressional District and serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He is the Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation and a staunch supporter of law enforcement, with a proven track record of delivering critical funding to enhance public safety and improve quality of life across South Florida.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Founders and Co-Chairs of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, and Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), the first Democratic Iranian-American Member of Congress, received an unsatisfactory response from the Department of Defense after they demanded answers on the U.S. military strike on a girls elementary school in Iran:

The Members released the following statement:

“This response from the Department of Defense is completely unacceptable.

“Donald Trump started an illegal and reckless war of choice with Iran, and a reported U.S. military strike killed at least 175 civilians at an elementary school, many of them children. One month later, Secretary Hegseth refuses to answer questions from Congress. The American people deserve transparency and accountability.

“We must do more to protect civilians in combat zones, in accordance with U.S. laws, international commitments, and our values of human dignity.”

Crow, Jacobs, and Ansari led 118 Members of Congress in seeking answers on civilian harm during Operation Epic Fury. In their letter, the lawmakers requested detailed information about the strikes on Shajareh Tayyebeh school, the nature of the military targeting, and the steps taken to mitigate and respond to civilian harm.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) raised concerns about recent guidance changes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that could undermine press freedom and free speech. In a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Congresswomen Dingell and Matsui warned that the new interpretation of federal guidance could create uncertainty for broadcasters, discourage coverage of candidates, and limit the public’s access to important information to make knowledgeable opinions and choices in the democratic process. 

“This reinterpretation represents a significant departure from nearly a century of statutory history and decades of bipartisan FCC precedent designed to protect editorial judgment and prevent government interference in speech. This action appears to be part of a broader pattern of public statements and regulatory actions by you that distort the power and purpose of the FCC and raises further concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of its authority to influence lawful speech,”the members said. 

“By signaling that a candidate’s broadcast appearance could trigger new political filing obligations and equal time demands, the guidance introduces regulatory uncertainty that could predictably discourage broadcasters from airing lawful, newsworthy content, thereby chilling free speech,” they continued.

Congresswomen Dingell and Matsui are urging the FCC to reverse its guidance and reaffirm its commitment to protecting a free and fair press.

“We urge the FCC to restore clarity and confidence by reversing its guidance and reaffirming that it will not use its authority to intimidate broadcasters or suppress lawful expression. Our democracy depends on a free press that can exercise independent judgment without fear of retaliation from the government,” the members concluded. 

Congresswoman Dingell is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees policy matters related to the FCC. Congresswoman Matsui is also a member of the committee and is the Ranking Member of its Communications and Technology Subcommittee 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

This letter is regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent guidance reinterpreting the equal time rule and its implications for free expression and independent journalism.

This reinterpretation represents a significant departure from nearly a century of statutory history and decades of bipartisan FCC precedent designed to protect editorial judgment and prevent government interference in speech. This action appears to be part of a broader pattern of public statements and regulatory actions by you that distort the power and purpose of the FCC and raises further concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of its authority to influence lawful speech.

As you know, the equal time rule originates from Section 18 of the Radio Act of 1927 and requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunities to legally qualified candidates who request airtime. Recognizing that a rigid application of this requirement would undermine effective election coverage, Congress established multiple exemptions in 1959 to preserve the ability of broadcasters to report on newsworthy events and candidates. Among these, the bona fide news interview exemption has long been understood to protect editorial discretion in news and talk programming. The FCC itself reaffirmed in 2006 that the interview portion of late-night programs fall within the bona fide news interview exemption.

The FCC’s recent guidance appears to abandon this longstanding practice. By signaling that a candidate’s broadcast appearance could trigger new political filing obligations and equal time demands, the guidance introduces regulatory uncertainty that could predictably discourage broadcasters from airing lawful, newsworthy content, thereby chilling free speech. When broadcasters alter programming decisions, avoid discussions, or decline interviews out of fear of regulatory scrutiny, the public is deprived of information and perspectives that are essential to our democracy. This outcome is not inconsequential, and thus it is deeply troubling that you would rather use your authority as Chairman of the FCC to suppress speech instead of protecting it.

The FCC was never intended to function as an arbiter of political content or as a mechanism for influencing editorial decisions. Efforts that leverage the value of broadcast licenses to shape or constrain lawful expression undermine First Amendment protections, erode public trust in independent institutions, and threaten democracy.

We urge the FCC to restore clarity and confidence by reversing its guidance and reaffirming that it will not use its authority to intimidate broadcasters or suppress lawful expression. Our democracy depends on a free press that can exercise independent judgment without fear of retaliation from the government.

As the Members of the committee of jurisdiction over the FCC, we appreciate your attention to this matter.

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 11^th, 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.

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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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 7^th 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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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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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.”

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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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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