MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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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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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