MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s request for a $1.5 trillion defense budget: 

“Americans don’t want foreign wars, they want cheaper health care, groceries, and gas at home.

“As the President wages a war of choice with Iran, he’s now asking for the largest defense budget in history. Trump says we can’t afford child care or health care but wants to give a blank check to fund more military adventurism abroad.

“As a combat veteran, we should never hesitate to use our military to protect Americans and our interests. But we must acknowledge that the Pentagon has failed to pass an audit eight years in a row, and simply spending more money doesn’t mean a stronger national defense. We must use American taxpayer dollars responsibly and make smart investments to keep us safe. Our servicemembers, their families, and the American people deserve better.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
April 3, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND
PETER G. THURLAND, SR.

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) shared the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand, located on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the ”Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand”:

“Peter G. Thurland, Sr. was a giant in the St. Croix community as a master craftsman, a dedicated musician, a proud veteran, and a tireless champion of the arts. He helped build the Christiansted Bandstand with his own hands, performed there throughout his military service, and spent decades ensuring the next generation of Virgin Islands musicians had a stage on which to shine. It is a profound honor to introduce this legislation to permanently affix his name to a landmark he helped create and loved deeply.”

Born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix, Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr. was a celebrated trombone and baritone horn player who devoted his life to musical excellence. Shortly after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland joined the United States Navy on June 12, 1917, serving as a proud member of the Navy Band. He was instrumental in the construction and design of the Christiansted Bandstand, where he performed with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in September 1921.

In 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, training generations of young musicians who performed free monthly concerts at the Christiansted Bandstand — a gift to the community that endured for three decades. He led the band until 1968, when he passed the baton to his son upon retiring for health reasons. Widely revered across the Virgin Islands as a master craftsman and skilled cabinetmaker, Mr. Thurland’s contributions to the cultural and civic life of St. Croix remain immeasurable.

“The Thurland family is honored with the naming of the Christiansted Bandstand for our grandfather Peter G. Thurland Sr,” said Karen Thurland, granddaughter of Mr. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. “Not only was he part of the building of the bandstand with the Christiansted enlisted U.S. Navy men, he also played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf on March 31, 1917. Peter G. Thurland Sr., besides being a musician was a master joiner, educator, family man who made many contributions to the St. Croix community.”

Congresswoman Plaskett continued, “I am proud to introduce this legislation, which was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. The Christiansted Bandstand is more than a landmark — it is a living testament of St. Croix’s rich cultural heritage. Renaming it in honor of Peter G. Thurland, Sr. ensures that every resident and visitor knows the name of one of our island’s most beloved sons. I am committed to advancing this bill through the legislative process.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, April 2, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) presented West Mead #1 Volunteer Fire Department with $400,077 for a critical public safety project benefitting communities in Crawford County.

“Local volunteer firefighters do so much for our communities, all without receiving a paycheck. They are incredible public servants,” said Rep. Kelly. “These funds will help the department serve West Mead Township, Meadville, and all Crawford County. These are taxpayer dollars at work in our local communities.”

This new pumper/tanker would replace the current pumper that is 30 years old and does not have the capacity to service mutual aid partners that do not have access to a municipal water system.  This new pumper tanker would increase capacity from 1,000 gallons of water to 2,500 gallons of water and provide the ability to inject a foam solution into the water that would increase effectiveness 3-5 times.

Call volume increased by 25% from 2021 to 2023 for West Mead #1, and this new pumper/tanker would allow them to carry out their critical emergency services duties effectively and efficiently.

BACKGROUND

Congressional leaders resumed Community Project Funding (CPF), formerly known as ‘earmarks’, for the 119th Congress. With increased transparency and stricter guidelines, lawmakers were permitted to submit up to fifteen (15) funding requests during the appropriations process. Rep. Kelly fielded input from local leaders throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania before selecting these projects.

Details on CPF rules and guidelines can be found here.

This funding comes after Rep. Kelly secured more than $50 million in Community Project Funding requests from 2022-2024.

In 2020, Rep. Kelly also delivered two BUILD Grants for the 16th Congressional District, including $25 million for improvements along State Route 228 in Butler County, and $21 million for the City of Erie’s Bayfront Parkway Project. In 2018, he also secured a BUILD Grant for the State Route 228 project worth $20 million.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on the release of President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request:

“President Trump’s landmark budget request makes the continued rebuilding of America’s military a top priority. As Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I applaud the President’s leadership and steadfast commitment to our national security. The budget request includes several priorities that echo initiatives the Defense Subcommittee has advanced under my leadership, including historic pay raises for our junior enlisted servicemembers as well as all troops, investing in the production of munitions at scale, increased shipbuilding, and the domestic sourcing of critical minerals. As we have seen in Ukraine and throughout the Middle East, modern warfare is changing rapidly. It is essential to America’s national security that Congress provides the right resources, in terms of both quality and quantity, to confront the threats we face today and tomorrow. I look forward to our upcoming budget hearings with Department of War leaders and working with my colleagues to craft a Fiscal Year 2027 defense appropriations bill.”

 

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

DORAL, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, invites members of the media to attend a check presentation ceremony on Monday, April 6th at 10:00 a.m.

The event will highlight the more than $5.25 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Díaz-Balart for the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) to strengthen public safety capabilities ahead of major international events, including the G-20 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

WHAT: Check Presentation Ceremony

WHO:

• Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee on House Appropriations
• Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz
• Local Officials

WHEN:

Monday, April 6th at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office

9105 NW 25^th St

Doral, FL 33172
RSVP:

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

Background:

The funding supports two key initiatives: the Global Public Safety and Equipment Expansion Project and the Mobile Operations Command Center Project, which will enhance law enforcement visibility, increase officer presence and improve rapid response to threats. This will ensure MDSO is equipped to monitor, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity during high-profile, globally attend events.

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.

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.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

President Trump’s Budget Continues to Put America First

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

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request outline, which was delivered to Congress over two months late: 

“Since taking office, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have created a cost-of-living crisis for the American people. President Trump’s illegal tariffs have raised prices for consumers. Their Big Ugly billionaire tax cut and spending law has taken away health care and food assistance away from millions of Americans to give permanent tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires. Fuel prices are skyrocketing as a result of his dangerous and unlawful war in Iran. It is not a surprise that President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget utterly fails to address the needs of the public he serves. 

“The President’s request for $1.15 trillion in defense spending is outrageous and unacceptable, especially when President Trump and Congressional Republicans intend to make further cuts to critical services that Americans rely on at home. Our nation cannot be secure without investments in our country’s critical health care, education, nutrition, and infrastructure.

“As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I will always work to provide our service members with the resources they need to perform their missions and come home safe. But I refuse to provide a blank check to the Pentagon. 

“The Pentagon does not have a funding problem. It has a problem with efficiently spending the funding that Congress has provided them – and accounting for it. That includes the recent $150 billion in defense spending included in Republicans’ Big Ugly Law, the vast majority of which has not been spent by the administration. The White House will reportedly ask Republicans for another $350 billion in defense spending through a second reconciliation bill this year – all while the Pentagon has failed for years to pass an audit.

“President Trump ran on a promise to bring inflation under control and keep America out of wars overseas. Again and again, he has broken his word to the American people and is now asking them to pay for the costs of his disastrous mistakes. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are dangerously out of touch with Americans. We simply cannot afford their agenda.”

 

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

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Dean of the Minnesota Congressional delegation, issued the following statement upon reports that President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi: 

“When Pam Bondi is remembered by history, it will be as President Trump’s blindly loyal coconspirator who was completely incompetent,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Attorney General Bondi has willfully and actively violated the Constitution, federal law, and judicial orders. She not only fired the director of the Departmental Ethics Office, but also oversaw the mass resignation of thousands of attorneys dedicated to defending the Constitution and the American people. These brave public servants refused to obey her direction to weaponize the department against Trump’s political enemies. Bondi will always be remembered for her massive cover-up to protect Trump by hiding millions of documents linked to the Epstein files and her refusal to acknowledge the suffering of the victims.

“One thing we can be confident of: Whoever Trump chooses to replace her will unfortunately continue the cover-up of Trump’s corruption and the trampling of Americans’ rights.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined small business leaders at Shopify’s new West Coast port in Bellevue to disuss tariffs and how AI is changing small business commerce.

Tariffs drive up operating costs, especially for smaller businesses that operate with thinner margins. Small business importers paid over $300,000 more on average in tariffs last year. These fees are often passed along to consumers, who paid $1,700 more for everyday products in the last 12 months due to tariffs. Washington state is particularly impacted by changes in trade policy, with four-in-ten jobs tied to international commerce.

AI is the biggest change in how people buy and sell since the internet began. The growing adoption of this tool presents both challenges and opportunities for small businesses. While larger corporations have implemented AI at a faster rate, small business adoption is accelerating: 58% use generative AI tools, more than doubling from 23% in 2023. Shopify has been at the forefront of AI-powered commerce, recently enabling its merchants to sell directly through AI platforms like ChatGPT and integrating new AI shopping features with Google.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. As the global policy and technological landscape continues to rapidly shift, we need to ensure that entrepreneurs can keep up with their larger competitors. That’s why I’ve championed smart trade and technology policy in Congress to ensure that businesses of all sizes can drive global commerce and continue to innovate,” said DelBene. “I thank Shopify for hosting this insightful discussion and their work to support small businesses in our community and across the country.”

“AI is the biggest unlock for small businesses in a generation. For the first time, a merchant selling handmade goods out of their home in Washington has the same tools as a Fortune 500 retailer, and that levels the playing field in a way that wasn’t possible before. We appreciate Congresswoman DelBene’s commitment to the entrepreneurs building here, and look forward to continuing to work with her advocating on their behalf,” said Jeff Sadosky, Head of U.S. Government and Public Affairs, Shopify.

Small businesses participating in the discussion included glassybaby (Bellevue), Olson’s Tack Shop (Bellevue), sskein (Bellevue), Further Records (Kirkland), Loma Hair Care (Monroe), CrownBees (Woodinville), and indi chocolate (Seattle).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced that the West Paris Post Office will reopen Saturday, April 4, after being closed since 2021. 

The reopening comes after years of delays and a lack of transparency from the United States Postal Service (USPS) about the future of the town’s post office. Since its abrupt closure, Golden has repeatedly pushed the USPS for a concrete reopening plan, and has introduced bipartisan legislation that would prevent similarly unannounced closures in rural communities. 

The new West Paris Post Office is located at 141 Bethel Road, which was previously home to the Ledgeview Living Center. After failing to renew its lease at 238 Main Street in May 2021, the USPS declined to offer any specific plans or deadlines for a reopening — a dilemma that some locals said “left a void in the community.”  

“Restoring faith in government starts with making it work at the local level, and I’m glad West Paris residents no longer have to travel to another community to access basic mail services,” Golden said. “While the USPS should have been more prompt and transparent throughout this process, this reopening is a happy ending to the saga — and welcome news for the many families who have reached out to me about equal access to the post office.”

“The American Postal Workers of Maine is more than excited to have the doors open again to the West Paris, Maine, Post Office. The Post Office is an integral part of all communities by providing rural mail delivery, getting medications to its residents, especially veterans, voting by mail, parcel services and money orders,” said Jennifer Garland, executive vice president of the American Postal Workers Union of Maine. “The APWU of Maine would like to thank Rep. Golden for keeping attention focused on and fighting with us to re-open this office for the West Paris community and the employees of this office.”

The agency’s handling of the West Paris Post Office was one motivation for Golden and a group of bipartisan colleagues to introduce the Protecting Postal Performance Act in March 2025. Among other reforms, it would require the USPS to hold a public hearing and provide six months advance notice before closing post offices in underserved communities. The bill is endorsed by the United Postmasters and Managers of America.

Golden has sought to increase accountability for USPS leadership throughout his time in Congress. Following his outreach to Postmaster General DeJoy in 2023, USPS reopened its Etna facility that had been closed for more than two years. In 2024, USPS also announced that it was postponing plans to consolidate the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility in Hampden after bipartisan efforts led by Golden and other members of Congress. 

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