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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 250^th 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

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. 

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), along with Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Don Beyer (VA-08) and Sean Casten (IL-06), introduced the Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger-Barklage Act, a bill to ensure that parents who have lost a child are entitled to 12 weeks of bereavement leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Currently, FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain life events, such as birth or adoption, a serious health condition, or to care for an immediate family member. During this leave, an employer cannot terminate an employee who qualifies for such leave. However, there are no such protections for parents grieving the loss of a child. 

The Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger-Barklage Act would amend the FMLA to add “death of a son or daughter” to the list of eligible life events for unpaid leave and allow parents the time to grieve without the fear of losing their jobs. The bill is named in memory of Sarah Grace Weippert, Noah and Katie Farley, Erica Kluger, and Blake Barklage, whose parents have worked tirelessly to ensure other grieving parents who have lost a child are afforded the time to heal in the face of unimaginable loss. 

“The death of a child is an unthinkable loss. Grieving parents should not have to worry about their job stability during such a terrible time,” said Rep. Schneider (D-IL). “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to update to the Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure parents can take the time off they need to grieve and heal. By guaranteeing unpaid bereavement leave, we can give grieving parents some peace of mind. The families after whom this bill is named have turned their tragic loss into advocacy on behalf of other families experiencing the same loss and I’m inspired by their strength.”

“After the tragic loss of their beloved 17-year-old son, Blake, the Barklage family of Doylestown chose to turn unimaginable grief into advocacy so that other parents facing the loss of a child are met with greater understanding and support. After meeting with them and learning more about Blake’s life and the legacy they are building in his honor, I knew we had a responsibility to help carry that mission forward. No mother or father should be expected to return to work while carrying the heartbreak of losing a child and added fear of losing a paycheck,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA). “The Sarah Grace-Farley-Kluger-Barklage Act will help ensure grieving parents have protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act so they have the time and security to mourn. This is not just about policy—it is about affirming a basic standard of compassion, dignity, and humanity for families in our community and across the nation facing the unthinkable.”

“Losing a child is a parent’s worst heartbreak, and they deserve protected time off from work to grieve,” said Rep. Beyer (D-VA). “Expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to include parental bereavement is a simple but necessary act to help parents who are already dealing with a tragedy.” 

“The loss of a child is unbearable,” said Rep. Casten (D-IL). “Any parent enduring such heartbreak deserves the time and space to grieve and heal. I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to ensure parents have support during such a profound loss.”

“On behalf of grieving parents, and in memory of Noah and Katie Farley, Erica Kluger, Sarah Grace Weippert, and Blake Barklage, we thank the sponsors of this bill for their compassion and common-sense approach to American workers who suffer the loss of a child,” said Kelly Farley and Barry Kluger, authors of the 2011 Farley-Kluger Initiative. “The introduction coincides with the 25^th anniversary of Erica’s passing and the birthday of Blake Barklage who passed five years ago. This legislation will enable those who suffer this tragedy to take the time necessary to deal with this loss and be productive colleagues and employees, not to mention stronger family members.”

“We are deeply grateful to see Blake’s memory honored through the addition of ‘Barklage’ to the Sarah Grace-Farley Kluger Bereavement Leave Act. As a family, we have tried to turn unimaginable loss into something that can help others, and this work is deeply personal to us,” said Tom, Alison, and Alexis Barklage. “No parent should be expected to return to work just days after losing a child. Grief is profound, lasting, and life-changing—it cannot be contained within a few days of leave. Expanding FMLA to provide meaningful bereavement leave is an important step in supporting families in their darkest moments. Keeping Blake’s memory alive through this work means everything—and knowing it may help other families brings purpose to our loss.”

Bill text is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, multiple grants. Details of funded projects include $377,650 to clinical research of neurological disorders. Additionally, $764,572 will support mental health research of depression. Also, $513,812 will go to pancreatic cancer treatment research.

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Many Americans are counting on the efforts of institutions like Virginia Tech to help advance research and potential treatments.

“These HHS grants for more than $1.6 million help Virginia Tech provide more support of important research initiatives.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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

“The frequency of floods in Boston has tripled in the past few decades. For the people I represent in the in MA-7th, that is not an abstract statistic. It means higher costs, lost homes, and long-term trauma.”

“We’re living in an environmental justice crisis made worse by Trump and Republicans who insist on rolling back climate resilience programs, and the harm falls disproportionately on marginalized people.”

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

Pressley Has Led Efforts in Congress to Fight for Accountability and Healing for Survivors

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – On the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered an impassioned speech for survivors of sexual violence and trauma—including for activists with the farm workers’ movement, including Dolores Huerta, who shared their stories publicly earlier this month.

As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has been a dedicated advocate for survivors’ justice and has led Oversight Committee Democrats in calling for a full Congressional hearing to ensure the firsthand accounts of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse are heard.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: On House Floor, Pressley Speaks to Survivors of Sexual Violence After Dolores Huerta, Others Shared Their Stories

U.S. House of Representatives

March 26, 2026 

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to speak to survivors of sexual violence in my district, across the country, and around the world. 

As a survivor of sexual violence myself, your stories matter. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. The shame that you carry, that was never yours to carry. 

For too long, survivors have suffered in silence while abusers have carried on without consequence. 

Last week, our sister survivor, Dolores Huerta shared her story publicly for the first time.

She revealed that she feared if she came forward, there would be no justice or accountability, only the vilification of a workers’ movement she had dedicated her life to. The burden, the pain, the silence she carried. 

For women and mothers, it’s far too often an experience, the brutal violence, only to hide their pain, wake up every day, carrying on for their children, for their community, for their family, while they are shattered inside. 

No survivor should have to suffer in silence. Society tells us our silence will stop the shame and trauma. It does not.

And while I will always respect and fight for survivors who choose privacy if it is part of their healing journey, I want you to know that I believe you. 

I believe you if your voice shakes. I believe you if it happened decades ago. I believe you if you shared your story in real time or buried it away for years.

I believe you.

Abusers may think they wield power through violent acts, but let me tell you, anyone who violates another person in this way is small and broken.

They should not be feared. They should be named, shamed and held accountable for survivors everywhere.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced that his office will host its first Service Academy Information Night of the year, an in-person event for high school students interested in applying to the nation’s prestigious military academies. The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6pm EST at Chesapeake College, located at 1000 College Circle in Wye Mills, Maryland (Room HEC 110).

The event will provide an overview of the application and nomination process for the nation’s five U.S. Service Academies, including the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from academy representatives.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“This is an opportunity for high school students in Maryland’s First District to learn about pursuing an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy and a future in military service. These institutions play a critical role in developing our nation’s future military leaders, and students and families should attend this session to learn how to apply and navigate the nomination process.”

To register for this event or request additional information, please RSVP to MD01Academy@mail.house.gov. Attendance is limited to applicants and their families and is not open to the media.

For more information, including details on the application process opening in June 2026, please click here.

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Yountville – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) presented a $250,000 check to Mayor Margie Mohler and City Manager Brad Raulston for the Town of Yountville’s Resiliency Microgrid Project. The funding will help to build a microgrid to improve energy reliability in the town, which is frequently impacted by wildfires and power disruptions.

Rep. Thompson presents microgrid funding to Town of Yountville

“Projects like the Yountville Microgrid help ensure that communities have access to power during traditional grid outages.” said Thompson. “By leveraging renewable energy sources and increasing battery storage capacity, we can help Yountville residents today and in the future.”

“The Town of Yountville is honored to receive this federal funding, which affirms our commitment to climate resiliency and sustainable development,” said Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler and Vice Mayor Pam Reeves. “These funds will help us advance environmentally responsible design, reduce our long-term environmental impact, and strengthen our community’s ability to adapt to a changing climate.”

This project will integrate renewable energy sources and increased battery storage to create a standalone power grid that can operate independently from the traditional power grid. This will provide reliable power when natural disasters occur.

The funding for this project is part of the $13,317,000 secured this year by Thompson for community projects in our district.

Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a limited number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this program, each House member may submit up to 20 project requests on behalf of their district for competitive review by the House Appropriations Committee. Projects selected for funding must meet strict transparency and accountability requirements before being included in federal appropriations legislation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Contact: Alexis Torres