MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Renews Calls to Remove Controversial Statue on Texas Rangers Home Opener at Globe Life Field

Calls for continued community dialogue and pushes for the removal of the “One Riot,
One Ranger” statue

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that the Northern California UFCW Plan, which is based in Concord, California, a city he represents, will receive $2.6 billion in pension relief funding made possible by the Democrat-passed American Rescue Plan that the Congressman was proud to vote for in 2021. This funding will enable the plan to continue to pay retirement benefits for its 138,516 participants in the service industry without reduction for many years into the future.

“In the midst of the COVID epidemic, Democrats fought tooth and nail to protect the lives and livelihoods of working Americans and their families, ultimately passing the American Rescue Plan to prevent cuts to the hard-earned benefits of retirees and workers. This funding, that will benefit hundreds of thousands of workers and retirees, including those here in our district, is a direct result of those efforts and I am proud to have helped bring this money home,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.

The application for this funding was submitted to the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program by the UFCW – Northern California Employers Joint Pension Plan (Northern California UFCW) and approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). The SFA Program provides funding to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and will ensure that millions of America’s workers, retirees, and their families receive the pension benefits they earned. 

Congressman DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce where he is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

BROOKLYN, NY — Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) presented two Community Project Funding checks totaling $1,100,000 for projects serving the East New York and City Line communities, delivering federal investments in immigrant workforce development and public infrastructure.
 
At the first event, Velazquez presented a $250,000 check to Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services (BACDYS) to support workforce development, adult literacy classes, skills training, career development, after-school tutoring, and intervention services for justice-involved residents across Brooklyn and Queens. This is the second time Velazquez has secured Community Project Funding for the organization.
 
Founded to support first-generation Bangladeshi newcomers, BACDYS now serves the broader East New York community including individuals from Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The organization provides wraparound services to low-income residents, including housing and food assistance, adult education, youth programs, immigration services, small business support, and public benefits enrollment.
 
“I have witnessed firsthand the essential role that BACDYS plays in improving the lives of our immigrant friends and neighbors,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Now more than ever, it is imperative that we rally behind immigrant service providers like BACDYS. In the face of unprecedented challenges, these organizations serve as beacons of hope, resilience, and empowerment for our immigrant communities.”
 
“BACDYS was founded to serve our immigrant community, and this funding allows us to continue that mission. From adult literacy to workforce development to services for justice-involved residents, these programs change lives. We thank Congresswoman Velazquez for her continued investment in our work and for standing with immigrant communities when it matters most.” – Herb Reigner, Executive Director, BACDYS
 
At the second event, Velazquez presented an $850,000 check to the New York City Department of Transportation for the permanent construction of Liberty Avenue Plaza at the intersection of Liberty Avenue, 101st Avenue, and Drew Street. The project will transform underused roadway into a vibrant public gathering space and reconfigure traffic circulation to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
 
“This federal investment is about more than infrastructure. It is about bringing resources directly back to the community, improving daily life for residents, the business corridor, and families,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for public plazas and community-centered spaces. This is what federal investment should look like: targeted, community-driven, and impactful.”
  
“I commend Congresswoman Velázquez for her longstanding dedication and continued fight for the communities in Council District 37,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “The $1.1 million she secured guarantees that BACDYS will continue critical community development work and advance a new vision for Liberty Avenue Plaza. I’m grateful for her commitment to the long-term health and sustainability of City Line as part of her legacy.”
 
“When we invest in world-class plazas and public spaces, we’re investing in gathering places where neighbors connect and as a result, communities prosper,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Thank you Congresswoman Velazquez.  With this support, the upgrade of Liberty Avenue Plaza will enhance street safety and bring an enriching, dynamic public space to City Line and East New York.” 
 
“Liberty Avenue Plaza is the heart of our community. This federal investment will give families and local businesses a real gathering space they can be proud of. We are grateful to Congresswoman Velazquez for fighting for this funding and for showing up for the people of City Line and Ozone Park.” – Khairul Islam Kukon, Board Member, City Line Ozone Park Business Association
 
The two projects are among 13 Community Project Funding initiatives that Velazquez secured in the FY2026 spending package, totaling over $15.5 million for New York’s 7th District.
 
For pictures from the events, click here.
 

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 – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced the Facilitating Accelerated Supply of Targeted (FAST) Housing Act. The bipartisan legislation, co-led by two members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, would launch a demonstration program for up to 15 communities in need of workforce and affordable housing to compete for federal funding. 

“Experts believe the United States needs more than 5 million homes to address our housing crisis. And Chicago is facing a shortage of more than 100,000 affordable homes. The FAST Housing Act will make Chicago, Illinois, and other regions across the country that are experiencing housing shortages and increases in their workforce competitive for millions in federal funds to produce new homes,” said Quigley. “To receive federal funding, communities must ease regulatory requirements and build more housing faster. I’m proud to be partnering with Congressman Ciscomani on this transformative legislation, and I look forward to working together to see it signed into law.”

“For years, the U.S. has failed to build enough housing to keep up with today’s demand,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “This shortage has created a significant need for additional affordable housing in southern Arizona and communities across the country. We see a common theme: costs are higher, making it more difficult for families to enter the marketplace. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Mike Quigley on the bipartisan FAST Housing Act, which cuts red tape, removes barriers to construction, and increases supply for all.”

The U.S. housing shortage has made it increasingly difficult for families to live where they work, even as the federal government has created new manufacturing and technology jobs across the country through investment from the bipartisan CHIPS Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This workforce needs new housing built quickly to accommodate it. The FAST Housing Act would reward communities that remove regulatory barriers to fast-track housing production. The results will help identify effective approaches and regulatory changes to speed housing production.

The FAST Housing Act is supported by the Chicago Housing Authority, Center for Housing Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, Up for Growth Action, National Housing Conference, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Inclusive Abundance Action, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, and the National Association of REALTORS®.

“In Chicago, we’re short nearly 128,000 homes for families at the lowest income levels. That means tens of thousands of people living on that thin line between stability and uncertainty, where one setback can push a family out of housing altogether. Housing authorities step in where the market falls short, but we can’t do it alone—and we can’t do it with outdated tools. The FAST Housing Act is about giving families a real chance to move forward and strengthening the foundation of our communities,” said Matthew Brewer, Operating Chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority.

“It’s been said that ‘homes are where jobs go to sleep at night.’ I commend Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) for introducing the FAST Housing Act  which recognizes the critical link between affordable housing, employment, and economic growth. By rewarding communities that knock down unnecessary regulatory barriers, the act would accelerate construction of workforce housing, especially in communities growing because of recent federal investments. BPC’s Terwilliger Center is honored to have worked with both members in crafting this important legislation,” said Dennis Shea, chair of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

“The housing supply crisis is hitting working Americans the hardest, especially in communities where job growth is outpacing housing,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth Action. “The FAST Housing Act addresses the core issue by tying federal funding to local action and rewarding communities that remove barriers and build housing. That is the alignment we need to close the gap. I commend Congressman Ciscomani and Congressman Quigley for their leadership.”

“Access to affordable housing is essential to economic opportunity and strong communities,” said David Dworkin, President and CEO of the National Housing Conference. “As housing costs rise, we must build millions of new homes—especially in communities where federal investments are creating jobs. The FAST Act helps meet that need by encouraging local reforms and targeting resources to expand workforce and affordable housing, ensuring Americans can live near where they work and that growing communities have the housing they need to succeed.”

“The housing supply shortage and resulting high housing costs make it difficult for many Americans to find affordable homes in the communities where they work. BPC Action applauds Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) for introducing the FAST Housing Act, which will make it easier to build affordable and workforce housing in communities facing population growth due to new jobs created by bipartisan investments through the IIJA or the CHIPS and Science Act. This bill will fast-track construction by rewarding the elimination of unnecessary regulatory requirements and leveraging public resources to encourage private investment,” says Michele Stockwell, president, Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

“Federal investments through the CHIPS and Science Act and IIJA are creating jobs across the country, but that growth means little if workers can’t find homes they can afford nearby. The FAST Housing Act addresses this directly, rewarding communities that cut red tape and making it easier to build,” said Inclusive Abundance Action President Derek Kaufman. “We applaud Representatives Ciscomani and Quigley for their smart, bipartisan approach to incentivizing the local reforms needed to turn job growth into broad prosperity.”

“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to support the Facilitating Accelerated Supply of Targeted (FAST) Housing Act. The legislation would establish a demonstration program to increase housing supply in lower-income areas with an increase in new workers due to recent federal investments from the Jobs Act and CHIPS and Science Act. If enacted, the FAST Housing Act would provide public housing authorities with another tool to increase affordable housing access for the communities CLPHA members serve,” said La Shelle Dozier, Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities.

“The National Association of REALTORS® thanks Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) for introducing the bipartisan FAST Housing Act and appreciates efforts to ensure that communities experiencing new economic growth have the housing supply needed to support it. By encouraging communities to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers and expand the supply of affordable and workforce housing, this bill helps ensure that workers can live near the jobs being created. NAR welcomes this innovative approach to pairing federal investment with local housing reform to strengthen communities and improve affordability.”

A copy of the bill text is available HERE, and a one-page summary is available HERE.

The FAST Housing Act will:

• Provide competitive grants to fifteen geographically diverse communities that demonstrate a significant housing shortage, and anticipate job growth as a result of federal investment from the CHIPS Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act;

• Encourage local governments to remove regulatory barriers to housing construction, while maintaining safety and accountability regulations; 

• Allow local governments and public housing authorities to use federal funds to produce or preserve workforce and affordable housing, including through conversion of commercial properties and public-private partnerships; and

• Utilize results from the pilot program to identify effective approaches to speeding housing production.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pleased to announce that Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga was selected by The American Samoa Society of Washington, DC, to represent American Samoa at this year’s 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Her coronation ceremony was held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, Maryland.

2026 Cherry Blossom Princess representing American Samoa cropped for cover

“I would like to first acknowledge and thank Isapela Coggins, current President of The American Samoa Society of Washington, DC, for her ongoing 14 years of leadership, dedication, and commitment to the society. Her work and service to the Samoan community dates back to 1982 – 44 years!” said Congresswoman Amata. “We would also like to thank our outgoing 2025 Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate ‘Miss Saleilona Elizabeth Williams’ – daughter of Michael and Julin Williams of Alexandria, VA – for her dedication, service, and representing American Samoa.”

Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga, American Samoa Society President Isapela Coggins, Evelyn Siolosega Hawkins.

Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga is 23 years old and was born in Takoma Park, Maryland.  She was raised in Maryland as well as in England. Kaili is the daughter of Evelyn Siolosega Hawkins (a former student of Pavai’ai Elementary School) and Michael Shansonga of Rockville, MD.  She is the granddaughter of Nancy Fa’asi’u Glass who lives in Gaithersburg, MD, and a longtime member of the Samoan community in the Washington Metropolitan area, and the great granddaughter of the late HTC Fuapapa Matāli’i Tuanaitau Noa Soliai and Siolosega Iliganoa Tauanu’u Soliai (born in Nua Se’etaga) who lived in Pavai’ai, American Samoa.

From left – Grandmother Nancy Si’u Glass, Kaili, Congresswoman Amata, and Audrey Alo

Kaili graduated in 2025 as an Architecture major from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  During her four years, she developed a strong passion for conceptualization, image design, community-focused spaces, and the built environment.  Through her academic experience, she gained a foundation in architectural design, construction documentation, and site planning, while strengthening her ability to think critically and creatively.  Kaili has a profound interest for creativity and a love for the outdoors, particularly swimming and drawing. “I am always eager to experiment with unique materials, colors and innovative techniques,” Kaili said. “I constantly explore unique ways to express my creativity, keeping my mind engaged and inspired.”

2025 and 2026 Cherry Blossom Princesses Saleilona and Kaili

“I strive to be able to use my platform to uplift others, share the beauty of my Samoan culture, and inspire young people to pursue both creative and professional goals,” Kaili continued. “With a background rooted in both technical skill and artistic expression, I hope to ring cultural representation, humility, and authenticity to this year’s program.”

“I am grateful and thankful to the American Samoa Society of Washington, DC for this amazing opportunity and to be selected to represent American Samoa, US Territory at the 2026 National Conference of State and Territorial Societies Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate Program,” Kaili concluded. “I look forward to meeting other Cherry Blossom Princess Delegates during the week of the program (April 4th to April 11th), build relationships and share our Samoan culture.”

With Kaili’s deep roots in the strong Samoan community in the Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, she was selected by the American Samoa Society of Washington, D.C., to represent American Samoa.

Congresswoman Amata and Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga

“I’m delighted to congratulate Kaili as she serves as American Samoa’s cherry blossom princess for this year’s festival. She represents our people and culture beautifully,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to our entire supportive Samoan community in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland for all they do to show their lasting love for American Samoa, our people, our heritage, and our welcoming way with people to the nation’s capital. Thank you especially to Kaili for making sure our beautiful islands and our culture are well represented and fully included at the festival, a major DC tradition, taking on this role on behalf of American Samoa.”

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee who has long sought the removal of Trump lackey Pam Bondi as Attorney General, today welcomed the decision to remove her from running the U.S. Justice Department. Congressman Cohen released the following statement in response to the announcement:

“Pam Bondi tried to do Trump’s bidding in a transparent display of loyalty over truth and justice, and it could not go on forever. Her mishandling of the Epstein files which continue to keep a focus on Trump’s yearslong bromance with the convicted pedophile sex trafficker, was just one of the many reasons Trump could not retain her. Trump gave her the impossible task of going after Leticia James, James Comey, John Brennan, Jack Smith and Adam Schiff, his perceived enemies, who have done nothing to deserve prosecution but have worked to preserve our democracy. Her department’s inexcusable failures to investigate the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti after they were killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis was a betrayal of the Department of Justice’s mission. The effort to staff U.S. Attorneys’ offices with unqualified Trump loyalists proved embarrassing. She was always in way over her head and it’s good she is out.

“I am concerned that Trump has placed his personal lawyer Todd Blanche in charge of the DOJ.  Blanche was recently tapped to personally intervene in the Epstein case and met privately with his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. Continuing to place Donald Trump’s personal vendettas over the rule of law is anti-democratic and the American people won’t tolerate more of it. A solid, independent Attorney General with impeccable credentials and a reputation for integrity is what the country needs, not another lackey”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement on President Trump firing Attorney General Pam Bondi:

Pam Bondi will go down as the worst, most incompetent, and most corrupt Attorney General in American history. Her firing was long overdue—and richly deserved. 

From the day she arrived at the Department of Justice, Bondi’s primary objectives were painfully clear: to go after the President’s enemies and to protect Donald Trump at all costs. From directing prosecutors to bring baseless charges against Democratic politicians and refusing to release the full Epstein files in accordance with the law, to her embarrassing, unprofessional behavior during high-profile public hearings (including lying under oath), Bondi demonstrated time and again that she lacked the judgment, temperament, and decision-making required of the nation’s top law enforcement official. 

And these are just the top-line failures. That so many of these pursuits required redirecting critical resources from far more pressing matters—combatting organized crime, prosecuting corruption, protecting the American people from all manner of threats—has objectively made our country less safe, and done incredible damage to the DOJ’s reputation. 

For Donald Trump, loyalty has always been a one-way street. Bondi’s firing only reaffirms what we’ve known for years: that no amount of blind fealty or blatant corruption on his behalf will spare you from his erratic impulses. I have little doubt that many others will learn that same lesson before his time in office is up. 

Whoever is chosen as the next AG, they have a serious and solemn responsibility to ensure the DOJ returns to its core mission of serving the American people—and not capitulating to the paranoia and petty grievances of a man whose sole aim is to protect and enrich himself. 

It should be noted that the House Oversight Committee was set to depose Bondi on April 14 over the DOJ’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and her shambolic handling of the Epstein files. Getting fired doesn’t get her off the hook. Bondi is still legally obligated to appear before the Committee and testify under oath. I, for one, am very much looking forward to that testimony. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on Trump firing Pam Bondi as Attorney General:

“Good riddance to one of the worst Attorney Generals in our nation’s history. She weaponized the Department of Justice to target immigrants, working families, and anyone Trump deems an enemy of the state – all to protect the real criminals in the Trump Administration.

“In February, I confronted Bondi at a House Judiciary hearing about her lawless actions and demanded she resign or face impeachment. She was an instrument of Donald Trump’s lawless, authoritarian agenda and like Kristi Noem and Greg Bovino, she still needs to be held accountable for the crimes committed under her watch.

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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), released the following statement after President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi:  

“Every American should be relieved that one of the most blatantly partisan attorneys general in American history, Pam Bondi, has been fired. Unfortunately, her weaponization of the Justice Department will live on through her predecessor and fellow Trump personal attorney Todd Blanche.

“Bondi’s legacy, beyond being one of the chief architects of the political weaponization of the Justice Department, will be her abuse of power to protect President Trump’s involvement in the Epstein files and her failure to prosecute the overwhelming corruption of his administration.

“To my constituents, I remain committed to conducting executive oversight and ensuring the Justice Department, and the broader administration, acts in the public interest, regardless of who is in office.” 

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