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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) for Survivors Act to promote the safety and security of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and stalking. The legislation would allow survivors to take time off from work without fear of penalty, requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations to assist survivors dealing with the aftermath of violence, provides access to unemployment benefits, and establishes insurance discrimination protections to support survivors–ensuring they are not punished for their abusers’ crimes.

“When we talk about domestic violence, we must recognize how many survivors are financially tied to their abuser, which ends up being a significant reason they stay with an abusive partner,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Survivors have unique needs in their journey to safety and economic independence, and this bill will support their ability to provide for their families.”

Highlights of the SAFE for Survivors Act include:

Increases Access to Leave

• The SAFE for Survivors Act allows survivors to take time off from work—five weeks of leave, two weeks of which must be paid—without penalty in order to contend with the consequences of gender-based violence, including attending court appearances, seeking legal assistance, and getting help with safety planning. For too many, access to these essential services can mean the difference between life and death.

Provides access to unemployment benefits

• The SAFE for Survivors Act allows survivors in every state access to unemployment benefits if they are fired or forced to leave their job because of abuse.

Enhances workplace protections

• The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits discriminatory employment practices in connection with survivors of domestic or sexual violence and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to assist survivors dealing with the aftermath of violence.

Provides Insurance Protections to Support Survivors

• The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits denial or restriction of insurance coverage based on the status of the applicant or insured regarding abuse or abuse related claims, ensuring that survivors are not punished for their abusers’ crimes.

“Survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault should not be forced to choose between their health and safety and their paycheck,” said Senator Murray. “But right now, too many survivors, who often need to put significant time, energy, and financial resources into leaving their abusers, can’t afford to miss a day of work—this is heartbreaking and wrong. We must do everything we can to change this unjust reality—because survivors deserve some basic financial security to give them the flexibility to leave a dangerous situation. The SAFE for Survivors Act would take a huge step toward ensuring no one is stuck between worrying for their safety and making ends meet.”

In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the legislation is co-led in the House by Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI-04).

“I know what it’s like to flee an abuser. In a life-or-death situation, no survivor should have to worry about money or a job. We need the SAFE for Survivors Act so that survivors can have economic protections they need as they work to rebuild their lives,” said Congresswoman Moore.

Gender-based violence is prevalent in the United States, with almost 1 in 4 women experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, and more than 1 in 5 women reporting an attempted or completed rape during their lifetime. Individuals who experience intimate partner violence, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and stalking often find that abuse and threats follow them from home into the workplace. This type of violence has direct consequences for survivors’ safety and economic security, which can affect their ability to recover, provide for their families, and remove themselves from dangerous situations.

The legislation is endorsed by National Partnership for Women amp; Families, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Just Solutions, Legal Momentum, Center for American Progress, Futures Without Violence, A Better Balance, Women’s Center amp; Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Jewish Women International, Center for Survivor Agency and Justice, Legal Voice, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Congresswoman Dingell last introduced this bill in 2024 alongside Senator Murray and Congresswoman Moore. Since entering the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Dingell has been a champion of policies supporting domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, including the Take It Down Act, Justice in Sentencing for Survivors Act, Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act, and Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. Congresswoman Dingell also serves as co-chair of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence.

The full text of the legislation is HERE.

A one pager is HERE.

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) led 26 of her colleagues in requesting the Trump Administration to redesignate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because of ongoing civil unrest and armed conflict in the country. The initial 18-month protected status designation is set to expire on Wednesday, May 27. In a letter to the heads of the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, the lawmakers stressed that the United States must extend TPS for Lebanon and continue providing refuge to Lebanese nationals escaping crisis. 

“The United States has long offered refuge to those seeking shelter from catastrophe. The ongoing unrest in the Middle East and the complex crisis in Lebanon provide an imperative to honor this commitment and support Lebanese nationals in their time of need. As such, we urge the administration to redesignate and extend TPS for Lebanese nationals before its scheduled expiration on May 27, 2026,” the lawmakers wrote.

In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the effort is supported by U.S. Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Jesus Garcia (D-IL-04), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03).

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

Dear Secretary Mullin and Secretary Rubio:

This letter respectfully requests the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of State, to redesignate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We urge you to continue to protect Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States and permit those affected by the ongoing crises in Lebanon to continue to find safe haven in our country by extending the initial 18-month TPS designation scheduled to expire on May 27, 2026.

The situation in Lebanon remains unstable and the conditions needed for safe and dignified return for TPS-holders are not yet in place. The country is experiencing continued civil unrest and an escalating armed conflict that has extended from the country’s Southern Border to the Bekaa Valley and Southern Suburbs of Beirut, posing significant threat to civilian safety. The conflict has caused more than 1 million people, or 20 percent of the country’s population, to flee from the south to other regions of the country where they are living as Internally Displaced Persons. Missile strikes have occurred regularly throughout the past two months, killing numerous civilians and worsening the humanitarian crisis. This armed conflict and foreign intervention continue to generate significant instability and dangerous conditions for civilians.

In addition, to the security concerns, Lebanon’s socioeconomic conditions remain strained. The country is still recovering from a prolonged three-year stalemate that has impacted governance, economic stability, and public services. While there have been signs of progress, essential systems continue to struggle as a result of the ongoing crises.

The United States has long offered refuge to those seeking shelter from catastrophe. The ongoing unrest in the Middle East and the complex crisis in Lebanon provide an imperative to honor this commitment and support Lebanese nationals in their time of need. As such, we urge the administration to redesignate and extend TPS for Lebanese nationals before its scheduled expiration on May 27, 2026.

We appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to your response.

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is demanding answers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the despicable conditions at the Sycamore Meadows apartment complex in Superior Township. The HUD-funded apartment complex is facing scrutiny due to neglectful property management, inadequate maintenance services, and unhealthy and unlivable conditions.

In a new letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Congresswoman Dingell is raising concerns over prolonged periods without functioning furnaces during the winter months, recurring sewage backups and flooding, foul odors, rodent and insect infestations requiring tenants to cover vents, black mold, holes in ceilings, and ongoing drainage and plumbing issues.

“The residents of Sycamore Meadows deserve a safe, healthy environment to live in, along with management that both cares about and responds to their needs quickly. Residents should not have to report issues like mold growth or flooding multiple times to even get a response from property management, and HUD needs to step in when that is the case. These properties must continue to ensure that the needs of their tenants are adequately addressed in an efficient manner, and processes to address issues are resolved through a fair, timely, and transparent process. It is HUD’s responsibility to ensure that these properties meet these standards,”said Congresswoman Dingell. 

Congresswoman Dingell is demanding immediate action and answers to a series of questions from HUD, including asking for the Secretary’s timeline for addressing the living conditions facing residents at Sycamore Meadows.

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

Dear Secretary Turner:

This letter is regarding the Sycamore Meadows apartment complex in Superior Township. The Township Supervisor, board members, county officials, and legal aid groups have shared deeply concerning reports regarding its management and the conditions facing residents at the complex and have asked me to intervene. Reports include neglectful management, inadequate

maintenance services, and unhealthy, unlivable conditions. Sycamore Meadows is a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized property and is therefore subject to stringent oversight by the Department to ensure it provides quality, affordable rental housing to tenants.

In 2021, the property was sold to a group that was subsequently convicted of mortgage fraud and ultimately defaulted on their Fannie Mae mortgage. Fannie Mae foreclosed on the property and petitioned the Washtenaw Circuit Court to appoint Tarantino, a Texas company, as a receiver of the property. Tarantino began managing the property in early 2025, in a manner that can only be described as despicable and unacceptable.

At least one building is experiencing persistent sewage backups and flooding severe enough to force residents to vacate the property, and the township to temporarily house them. Residents

have also reported prolonged periods without functioning furnaces during the winter months, recurring sewage backups and flooding, foul odors, rodent and insect infestations requiring tenants to cover vents, black mold, holes in ceilings, and ongoing drainage and plumbing issues.

Additionally, utility vouchers have not been processed in a timely manner, and residents have reportedly faced threats from DTE to shut off power, including during the winter. In many instances, management has allegedly responded that nothing could be done to address these conditions. These living conditions are dangerous and inhumane, and HUD must act immediately.

Local and county officials, as well as legal services, have attempted to intervene and assist by raising the issue with Tarantino, but they have been unresponsive and unwilling to address these issues.

Given the seriousness of these allegations, I am requesting HUD take immediate action to address the conditions at this property. To better understand HUD’s oversight of Sycamore Meadows and the standards and processes HUD uses to evaluate habitability and living conditions, please respond to the following questions no later than Monday, June 1, 2026:

1. What is your timeline for addressing the living conditions facing residents at Sycamore Meadows?

2. What are HUD’s current determinations on the living conditions of the property, and how often are these properties evaluated? Through what process are these determinations made, and what criteria contribute to these determinations?

3. What official at HUD is responsible for the oversight of this housing complex, and when is the last time they have engaged with the Township to discuss the status of the complex?

4. What proportion of units are inspected during evaluations, and is this cross-section of the complex the same units across multiple inspections, or is it a random sample each inspection?

5. How many buildings in the complex are facing sewage backups? What protocols are in place for HUD to address situations like this?

6. What actions has HUD undertaken to ensure the continued quality of life and dignity of Sycamore Meadows Tenants? Furthermore, what steps is HUD taking to ensure Sycamore Meadows has policies, procedures, staffing, and training in place to provide adequate maintenance and transparency for tenants?

7. Through what process can tenants raise concerns over continued failures to address maintenance issues, living conditions, and appeal procedures to HUD and property management?

8. What processes are in place for HUD to determine when a property manager has been neglectful and failed to meet HUD standards for affordable housing? What action is taken when that determination is made and how can the process be improved to respond to complaints in a timely manner?

The residents of Sycamore Meadows deserve a safe, healthy environment to live in, along with management that both cares about and responds to their needs quickly. Residents should not have to report issues like mold growth or flooding multiple times to even get a response from property management, and HUD needs to step in when that is the case. These properties must continue to ensure that the needs of their tenants are adequately addressed in an efficient manner, and processes to address issues are resolved through a fair, timely, and transparent process. It is HUD’s responsibility to ensure that these properties meet these standards.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced a bipartisan resolution to raise awareness of the mental health crisis in the agricultural industry, designating May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL). Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. 

“Farmers in Washington state and across the country face a variety of challenges, from extreme weather and skyrocketing costs to changing markets at home and abroad,” Congresswoman Schrier said. “Our agricultural industry is under stress, which has taken a toll on farmers’ mental health. I am proud to introduce this resolution to raise awareness of this rural mental health crisis and commit to supporting our producers in every way we can as they feed our country, uplift our economies, and bolster rural America.”

In Washington state, suicide rates within the agricultural industry are nearly 25% higher than the overall state rate. Top mental health risk factors faced by farmers, ranchers, producers, and farm workers in Washington include economic hardship, regulatory burdens, high physical and psychological demand, and a stigma against mental health services – according to a 2025 state report. 

“Our farmers are proud, salt of the Earth people, but they face tremendous pressures in a tough industry,” Congressman Bost said. “The stress that comes with the profession is real, with a suicide rate 3.5 times higher than the general population. Volatile markets, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather don’t just threaten a family farm’s bottom line, they take a toll on mental health, too. This legislation is a step towards making sure they know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to struggle alone.”

 “Colorado farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers face unprecedented challenges from severe drought to increased costs that can take a toll on their mental health,” Senator Bennet said. “I’ve consistently worked to expand access to affordable, reliable mental health care for all Coloradans and am grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Providing visibility and awareness to address these challenges is essential for progress.” 
“Farmers, ranchers, and ag workers have some of the toughest jobs in the country,” Senator Fischer said. “Right now, a struggling farm economy is making life even harder – and it weighs heavily on the minds of those who feed and fuel our nation. This resolution designates May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day and sheds light on the resources available for those in need. I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan, bicameral effort as we keep working to ease the strain in farm country.”  

This legislation is supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Farmers Union, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Rural Health Association, the American Soybean Association, the National Pork Producers, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the Agricultural Retailers Association, and the Farm Credit Services of America. 

Click here for national resources available to those in need.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

My heart goes out to the workers and families affected by yesterday’s tragic chemical explosion in Longview. I stand with the people of southwest Washington and fully support the community’s efforts to get the answers and support they deserve. I am grateful for the first responders and local leaders working around the clock for their neighbors during this incredibly difficult time.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) in reintroducing the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act, which would incentivize manufactured home park owners to sell the park to community residents or nonprofits, rather than another developer or landlord. As housing affordability remains a top concern for communities across New Hampshire, this legislation would allow more Americans to stay in their homes by protecting residents in manufactured homes from excessive rent increases.

Pappas secured three provisions in the House-passed amended 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing legislative package, the most consequential piece of housing legislation in decades.

“Granite Staters deserve affordable, safe, and secure housing. Manufactured housing is an affordable homeownership option but right now it can also leave families more vulnerable to displacement and predatory practices when they don’t own the land they live on. This legislation would incentivize manufactured home park owners selling their land to sell to current residents, keeping people in their homes and empowering families in the future,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’ll continue fighting to put homeownership back in reach for all.”

“Housing has become even more unaffordable for families across the Granite State, and President Trump’s tariffs and war in Iran are only making things worse,” said Senator Shaheen. “I am committed to doing everything I can to lower the cost of housing for Granite Staters and make New Hampshire a more affordable place to live. By helping residents of manufactured housing communities buy their communities, they’ll be protected from predatory rent increases and get real relief from high costs.”

Across the United States, over 20 million Americans live in manufactured homes, with more than 150 resident-owned manufactured housing communities in New Hampshire, also known as “manufactured home parks.” The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act would create a 75 percent federal tax credit offsetting capital gains if a manufactured housing community is sold to a resident-owned cooperative or nonprofit, rather than another landlord, developer or corporation. This would incentivize the sale of manufactured housing communities to the residents themselves or a non-profit—lowering costs and protecting access to affordable housing in the Granite State by shielding residents from excessive rent increases that could price them out of their homes.

The bill text can be found HERE.

In the Senate, the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (ME) and Richard Blumenthal (CT). The legislation is endorsed by the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and Resident-Owned Communities USA.

“I’m excited to see Senator Shaheen reintroduce this critical bill to secure the American Dream in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Steve Saltzman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. “Manufactured housing is one of the most affordable homeownership opportunities available and we know that resident-owned communities help preserve and stabilize this opportunity by putting homeowners in control. New Hampshire is now home to 152 resident-owned communities which have preserved more than 9,000 homes for Granite Staters and their families. The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act is an important tool to bolster this proven model by incentivizing community owners to sell to the people who already live there, not an out-of-state investor.”

Pappas has worked to ensure Granite State communities have the resources they need to increase the affordable housing stock and tackle the housing crisis. He helped introduce the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to support affordable housing financing and development by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. He also co-leads the Supporting Projects to Unleash Residential (SPUR) Housing Act, Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act, and the bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Act. He and the New Hampshire delegation have welcomed more than $30 million in federal grants to build more affordable housing across the Granite State.

Shaheen is leading efforts in the Senate to lower housing costs and increase the supply of affordable units for families struggling to find a place to call home. Earlier this year, Senator Shaheen secured three commonsense provisions—the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, Streamlining Rural Housing Act and the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act in the landmark 21^st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act to expand supply of affordable housing, streamline construction and lower costs in the Granite State and across the country. In the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured upwards of $9 million in federal funding for affordable housing in New Hampshire. Recently, as part of her Affordability Action Tour, Senator Shaheen visited both West Lebanon and Laconia to discuss policy solutions to lower housing costs for communities across the state.

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 – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail Act to block a Trump Administration proposal that would dramatically expand handgun shipments through the U.S. mail. Rep. Stevens is leading the charge to strengthen public safety by preventing handguns from being shipped without background checks, recordkeeping, or licensed dealer oversight.

The Trump Administration proposal would allow anyone with access to a mailbox to send and receive handguns through the mail, undermining longstanding federal safeguards. Stevens’ legislation would stop the rule change and preserve existing protections designed to keep illegal firearms out of communities.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens pushing to make sure the Trump Administration doesn’t put families at risk of more gun violence: 

Michigan Public: Rep. Stevens, Congressional Dems fight plans to allow mailing of handguns

By: Colin Jackson

• A new bill in Congress would stop the U.S. Postal Service from allowing the mailing of handguns by anyone other than a federally licensed firearm dealer.

• That practice had already been illegal for nearly a century. But the U.S. Department of Justice found the old law to be unconstitutional in an opinion released earlier this year.

• U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D, MI-11) sponsors the bill to bring back the ban. She said the law isn’t something the executive branch can just get rid of.

• “No court has invalidated it, and Congress hasn’t repealed it. And so, this legislation simply says the Post Office cannot administratively override a federal law on its own,” Stevens said.

• “I don’t want to be in line at a post office, watching anybody put a gun down on the counter and asking it to be mailed to somebody who has not gone through a background check, not passed any of the background check procedures.”

• Stevens said the bill has the backing of anti-gun violence groups like Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, and Everytown for Gun Safety. Some of her Democratic colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives have also joined her in the effort, including Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-4), and Jill Tokuda (HI-2).

The Hill: House Democrat introduces bill to block Postal Service from mailing handguns

By: Sophie Brams

• Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) introduced a bill Friday aimed at blocking a rule proposed by the Trump administration that could allow handguns to be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service.

• The bill, which was first shared with The Hill, would prohibit the Postal Service from “finalizing, implementing, or enforcing” any proposed or future rule that changes regulations governing the mailing of firearms and uphold a nearly 100-year-old federal ban on the practice.

• “Michiganders want common-sense safeguards that protect families and support law enforcement, not reckless policies that create new loopholes for illegal guns”

• Stevens’s bill has the backing of major groups fighting gun violence across the U.S., including the organization led by former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was left partially paralyzed after being shot in the head during a 2011 assassination attempt.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Following the New Hampshire Congressional delegation’s calls for the Department of Education to issue the delayed Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for fiscal year 2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs, GANs have begun to be released. TRIO supports individuals from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first person in their families to earn college degrees, students with disabilities, among others, in accessing and achieving postsecondary success. There are ten TRIO programs in operation across New Hampshire, including three Upward Bound programs.

“TRIO Upward Bound programs change lives. They give first-generation and low-income students the support and confidence to get to and through college,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased the Department finally issued this June 1 grant award, but this should never have come down to the wire. Students and program staff deserve certainty, not last-minute chaos, and I will continue pushing for the Department of Education to restore the intended mission of TRIO Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers and issue future TRIO grant award notifications in time for programs to plan and operate without disruption.”

“By helping Granite Staters prepare for academic success and become leaders and innovators, TRIO Upward Bound programs create life-changing opportunities for young people who wouldn’t otherwise have the support to pursue higher education,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m relieved that the Department of Education released this funding, but students and institutions should never have had to face this unnecessary uncertainty and anxiety in the first place.”

“The UNH TRIO Upward Bound program gives first-generation and low-income New Hampshire youth transformative opportunities for academic and professional growth,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m glad to see that the Department has finally released funding for the program, but it should never have taken this long. My New Hampshire colleagues and I will keep fighting to put college within reach for all Granite Staters.”

“I am relieved that the life-changing work of New Hampshire’s TRIO Upward Bound programs will continue uninterrupted,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “But for the second year in a row, the Department of Education has created needless chaos by slow-rolling funding that is a genuine lifeline for New Hampshire students and educators. I will not quit fighting for every penny promised to our people.” 

“We are incredibly thankful to Congressman Chris Pappas, and the entire New Hampshire Congressional delegation, for their swift and continued advocacy on behalf of TRIO programs across the state. Had the June 1 Upward Bound Grant Award Notification been delayed for the UNH program, the consequences would have been significant. Without the timely release of federal funding, we would have faced the very real possibility of suspending operations, including our Summer Academy – the cornerstone experience for the 114 high school students we serve each year,” said Josh Gagnon, Immediate Past NH Educational Opportunity Association President and current Director of the UNH TRIO Upward Bound program. “TRIO programs like Upward Bound continue to receive strong bipartisan support in Congress because they know that TRIO Works! The majority of our students come from low-income families and will be the first in their family to attend college, and they consistently exceed federal objectives. This past year, 96% of graduating seniors enrolled in college immediately following high school graduation, 80% earned New Hampshire Scholars designation through completion of a rigorous curriculum, and nearly 80% of our alumni earned their college degree. The timely release of TRIO funding ensures that students can continue receiving the academic support, college advising, career exploration, and transformative educational opportunities that prepare them for future success.”

Background:

The New Hampshire delegation previously called on the Trump administration to restore Congressionally-approved funding for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire’s Statewide Family Engagement Center grant and TRIO grants for the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Talent Search and McNair programs. They also called on the administration to restore funding for New Hampshire’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Following their advocacy, it was announced in March of 2026 that funding would be restored for the McNair and Educational Talent Search programs, and the delegation continues to advocate against efforts by the Trump administration to weaken and undermine other TRIO programs.

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

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse has been leading House Democrats’ fight against Donald Trump’s ludicrous $1.776 billion slush fund for political allies. The fund was created through an unconstitutional settlement after the president dropped his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)—an agency he ultimately oversees.

In addition to bringing together more than 90 House Democrats in an effort to lobby the courts to block Trump’s billion-dollar fund, Rep. Neguse voted in the Judiciary Committee last Wednesday to subpoena Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other executive officials involved. He is also backing a bill proposed by Ranking Member Jamie Raskin to prohibit federal funds from being used for this so-called “anti-weaponization fund.”

Additional updates on the matter below. 

Rep. Neguse on MS Now’s All In With Chris Hayes

NEGUSE: I think a very clear red line has been drawn in the sand. And you get the sense, as you covered in the opening moments of your show, that some Republicans, some not all, but some are finally beginning to realize the depths of, I think this administration’s corruption, which is just unprecedented. 

[…] Part of it, I think, by the way, Chris [Hayes, Host], is animated by the reality that many of us, myself included, were in the Capitol complex on January 6th. Many of us were on the House floor. And to think that they are now going to proceed with this corrupt slush fund to essentially reward people who are convicted of attacking police officers and subverting the peaceful transfer of power, it’s just beyond the pale. So, I think you’re going to see a muscular response on behalf of House Democrats in the Congress. 

Watch the full interview HERE. 

House Democrats accuse Trump of ‘corruption unparalleled’ over IRS settlement talks 

In a statement, Neguse — who heads the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force, which was set up last year to push back on the Trump White House — wrote, “Donald Trump’s absurd $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS is one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen from this administration.”

“House Democrats are taking a stand for the American taxpayers that would be forced to foot the bill for this mess, and are calling on the court to block any unconstitutional settlements in the matter.”

Read HERE from MS NOW News. 

Democrats: DOJ’s $1.776B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund ‘raises the specter of corruption unparalleled’

Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), the assistant House Democratic leader […] called the president’s lawsuit against the IRS “one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen” from the Trump administration. 

“The case is unlawful, unethical, and lacks the bare minimum required to file a lawsuit: two opposing parties. House Democrats are taking a stand for the American taxpayers that would be forced to foot the bill for this mess, and are calling on the court to block any unconstitutional settlements in the matter,” Neguse added.

Read HERE from The Hill.

DOJ sets up $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund after Trump drops IRS lawsuit

A group of House Democrats called the move a “$1.7 billion slush fund” that Trump could use to “reward allies, including the nearly 1,600 defendants convicted or charged in connection with the January 6th attack on the Capitol.”

Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., called the news “one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen from this administration.” The House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force filed a motion seeking to block what Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called “pure fraud and highway robbery.”

Read HERE from NBC News. 

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