MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today condemned President Trump’s executive order on Tuesday that seeks to interfere with state election laws and procedures involving the eligibility of voters in federal elections.

The order purports to direct the Department of Homeland Security to create a “state citizenship list” based on data from citizenship and naturalization records, Social Security records and other federal databases.

The order directs federal officials to send the list to state election officials, and orders the attorney general to prioritize prosecution of election officials who provide federal ballots to ineligible voters (i.e., those not on the new approved lists). It also directs the U.S. Postal Service not to transmit mail-in or absentee ballots to any individual not included on the “state citizenship list.”

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Last night, Donald Trump issued an unconstitutional and anti-democratic executive order that tries to disenfranchise voters by substituting the postal service for election officials in deciding who can vote.  This is Trump’s attempt to ‘nationalize’ the election with voter lists his administration approves. Let me be clear: No President, not even Donald Trump, has the uniliteral power to change state election rules. This is a blatant power grab. It is imperative that we hold Trump and this Administration accountable and reject these brazen attempts to undermine our democracy.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s The Beat, where he emphasized that Democrats remain opposed to Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice and the continued corruption being unleashed on the American people by his administration and sycophantic Republicans in Congress.

MELISSA MURRAY: Now we are going to turn to a special guest here on The Beat for a big night in politics. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat from New York, is joining us right now. Leader Jeffries, how are you?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good, great to be with you.

MELISSA MURRAY: Great to have you. Lots of questions going on here. The President is going to make his big address tonight to the nation, an update on the Iran war. What are you hoping to hear from the President about this incredibly unpopular war?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump and Republicans have gotten us into a reckless war of choice with no plan, no objectives and no clear exit strategy. The war clearly has not made us safer, but it has made life more expensive in this country and it needs to end. Now, the American people, as you’ve pointed out, Melissa, have expressed themselves from the very beginning of this conflict because our view, in totality, is that billions of dollars are being wasted right now to drop bombs in the Middle East. But these same group of extremists, Donald Trump and Republicans in the House and the Senate, won’t even spend a dime to make life more affordable for the American people. In fact, we know what the war is doing—it’s increasing costs, gas prices are skyrocketing through the roof and it’s hurting everyday Americans all across the country.

MELISSA MURRAY: So tonight, are you hoping to hear a plan for withdrawing from Iran and, if so, what will that mean for the control of the Strait of Hormuz, which still remains in the hands of Iran?

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s a challenge that Donald Trump, of course, has created, had no clear strategy or preparation done to deal with this eventuality, and that’s part of the problem of how this President and Republicans have conducted themselves from the very beginning, sort of just unleashing chaos and extremism on the American people and on the world. Now, it will be interesting to see if the President has articulated a plan to bring our allies together in order to get the situation in terms of the Strait of Hormuz under control. But he’s not going to be able to accomplish that objective by criticizing and bullying and name-calling our NATO allies, which is what this guy has done from the very beginning of his presidency, and it’s completely and totally ineffective.

MELISSA MURRAY: So one of the criticisms of this war is that the President has never really consulted with Congress as is required under the Constitution. Last month, a War Powers Resolution that sought to restrain the President was issued, but failed in the House, it was not passed. As this unpopular war continues, do you think the momentum on Capitol Hill is going to shift, and do you there will be more Members of the Republican Party who are willing to criticize this President and the way this war has been conducted in the absence of congressional approval?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Certainly it’s my hope, but I’m not holding my breath because House Republicans have, from the very beginning of this presidency, conducted themselves not as a separate and co-equal branch of government, but actually like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trump cartel. These people continue to bury their heads in the sand and just serve like a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. The war is so deeply unpopular, it’s been so ineffective in accomplishing whatever objective Donald Trump has articulated from day to day. And, of course, it’s making life more expensive for the American people. It is my hope that upon our return, when we will have the ability to bring another War Powers Resolution to the Floor of the House, that a handful of House Republicans—we just need a few more to—join us and we can successfully enact a resolution that would require Donald Trump to end the war immediately.

MELISSA MURRAY: You mentioned one of the dynamics that has made this war so unpopular, it has had real constraints on affordability. Now, the White House is reportedly eyeing a $200 billion funding request for the war. The President has also reportedly suggested that additional cuts to healthcare may be necessary to fund the war. How is the Democratic Caucus going to respond to these measures? Will you be opposing this? Will you seek concessions on other issues? Are you planning to make this an issue as we go into the midterm cycle?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s my expectation that there will be strong opposition amongst House Democrats and Senate Democrats, as has already been expressed by many Members across the Capitol. And, by the way, there should be some Republicans who join us. The notion that Donald Trump entered this country into a reckless war of choice, is spending billions of dollars to drop bombs in Iran, but won’t spend a dime to actually extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, to reverse the Medicaid cuts, to deal with the damage that has been done to the economy as a result of the Trump tariffs and then wants to come back to the taxpayers and ask us for as much as potentially $200 billion is out of control. And, you know, I think one of the reasons why Donald Trump is now talking about trying to do this through the budget reconciliation process is because he knows his only hope is to try to jam this down the throats of the American people in an extreme partisan way. But I think the American people, as they’ve done with the One Big Ugly Bill, will furiously react to any effort to continue to cut healthcare or cut nutritional assistance in order to actually fund Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice.

MELISSA MURRAY: Well, there was widespread public outrage about the bill that you just mentioned, but it did ultimately pass. Are there steps that you all are taking to oppose this potential funding measure if it comes to the Floor of the House? And what might it look like in the Senate?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it passed by a single vote, I believe, in both the House and in the Senate. And that was, of course, as a result of the fact that Republicans largely did what Donald Trump told them to do, notwithstanding the fact that many Republicans had previously committed not to cutting Medicaid or not to cutting nutritional assistance. What we’ll need to do is just get a handful of House Republicans to join us—we’ll just need one or two more—and I expect there will be complete Democratic opposition in the House and in the Senate, as was the case against the One Big Ugly Bill. And we just have to continue to forcefully lay things out for the American people. The American people want their taxpayer dollars spent to make their life more affordable, not actually to rip away healthcare, to unleash violent masked and untrained ICE agents to brutalize and in some cases kill the American citizens. And now, of course, dealing with this dynamic as it relates to funding a deeply unpopular war.

MELISSA MURRAY: Speaking of ICE, there is now a measure that has gone through to continue funding DHS, although there is an exemption for the provisions that would fund ICE and Customs and Border Patrol enforcement. What was the process like for that? Are you and your Caucus happy with this resolution to what has been a standoff with the administration?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, what we’ve made clear to Donald Trump and Republicans during this entire Trump-Republican shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is that we should fund TSA, fund FEMA, fund the Coast Guard, fund our cybersecurity professionals and make sure that there are actually dramatic, bold, meaningful changes to ICE so that ICE is brought back under control because we know they’re conducting themselves in a violent and extreme fashion. Immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, just and humane. We need to get the Department of Homeland Security reopened, in terms of every other part of it that doesn’t relate to Donald Trump’s violent mass deportation machine. And that’s a positive outcome from the American people while we continue to fight the battles that need to be fought in terms of the type of reforms that need to be put into place before ICE gets another dime in taxpayer dollars.

MELISSA MURRAY: So Leader Jeffries, President Trump was at the Supreme Court this morning. What do you think that was about? Why did he choose to attend these oral arguments, the first time a President has ever done so? What was the play here?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s very king-like behavior, it appears, in terms of Donald Trump showing up. I don’t know whether he was trying to intimidate the justices that he had previously appointed in some instances. But I think appropriately so—and you certainly are one of the top legal scholars in the country, but the Constitution, the 14th Amendment, the birthright citizenship clause, is very clear—and as I think it was, Justice Roberts pointed out, while the Trump administration for whatever reason is arguing that times have changed, of course, that is in fact the case, this was a Reconstruction amendment, but the Constitution remains the same, and that has not been changed. And so, hopefully, the Supreme Court justices are going to do the right thing in terms of ruling as has been the case in prior Supreme Court decisions or every other federal court that has considered this matter and Donald Trump’s last-ditch desperate effort to show up and try to intimidate the justices will go nowhere.

MELISSA MURRAY: Alright, Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for joining us to get us started tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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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 he advanced over $46.7 million for 20 projects to benefit Contra Costa and Alameda Counties for consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. These projects would help to improve quality of life for the people of California’s 10^th Congressional District by upgrading infrastructure and transportation accessibility and increasing public and environmental safety. 

“Simply put, my number one priority in Congress is to make life better for the people I represent, and the $46.7 million we are advancing will help to do just that by investing in safety and easing congestion for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike, housing, emergency preparedness, crime prevention, and more,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am continuously grateful to our local governments and organizations for their thoughtful project submissions, and I look forward to fighting to see the projects through the legislative process to bring this important funding home.”

“For over 135 years the Iron Horse Trail has connected communities in Contra Costa, with the railroad running from 1891-1978, followed by its use as the much-beloved pedestrian and bicycle trail we enjoy today. This $1.5 million investment in the Iron Horse Trail Double Tracking Pilot is about improving safety and enhancing its use as an active transportation corridor. Creating trail separation allows pedestrians to enjoy their walks on the trail without safety concerns related to faster moving bikes. Bicyclists will be able to use their separated bikeway to get to and from work, school, and transit centers more efficiently,” said Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Supervisor (District II).

“We are deeply grateful to Mark DeSaulnier for selecting the Downtown Aqueduct Pathway Project for Community Project Funding consideration. The Congressman’s support is instrumental in helping Lafayette advance a transformative project that will create a safe, continuous, and car-free route between neighborhoods, downtown destinations, and regional transit,” said Carl Anduri, Mayor of Lafayette.

“We are deeply grateful to have the Congressman’s support of these projects, which reflect San Ramon’s commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and investing in technology that improves the daily lives of our residents,” said Mark Armstrong, Mayor of San Ramon. “We value the Congressman’s continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of the San Ramon community and appreciate the opportunity to advance to Committee review of these transformative investments that will strengthen mobility, resilience, and public safety citywide.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing innovative solutions to one of the Bay Area’s most critical regulatory challenges: reducing nitrogen discharges to the Bay while keeping costs manageable for wastewater customers. The MABR and DAS Bay Area Regional Demonstration Site will advance technologies aimed at better protecting our beautiful Bay, while potentially saving billions of dollars across our region and beyond. We’re grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s vision, leadership, and commitment to clean water infrastructure that benefits our communities and the environment both now and, in the future,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support in strengthening community safety and supporting survivors of violence. The Contra Costa Unsolved Violent Crime & Victim Safety Initiative expands the county’s ability to prioritize and investigate unsolved shootings and increase clearance rates – which is the percentage of crimes that result in an arrest or other official resolution. Moreover, the initiative pairs data-driven investigations with survivor-centered services to keep victims and witnesses safe, rebuild community trust, and make sure families affected by violence received the justice and attention they deserve,” said Diana Becton, Contra Costa County District Attorney.

“We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier for championing investments that expand opportunities for young people in East County. The Brentwood Youth Center Project will create a new 15,000 square foot facility offering culinary training in healthcare, culinary arts and skilled trades, academic support, and mental health counseling spaces—providing local youth with safe, modern, and accessible resources right in their community. This project strengthens workforce development into career pathways, supports whole person development, and ensures Brentwood’s young residents have the tools they need to thrive,” said Tamia Brown, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board.

“On behalf of Contra Costa County, I want to thank Congressman DeSaulnier for his steadfast support of Contra Costa County projects that will provide wide-benefits to the community—from transportation safety improvements on Vasco Road and the Byron Highway, to critical investments in youth development, public safety communications, and solutions that strengthen justice for victims and families. His continued partnership ensures we can deliver safer roads, stronger emergency response, expanded youth opportunities, and improved community safety for residents across all of Contra Costa and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and his commitment to bringing meaningful federal resources home to Contra Costa,” said Diane Burgis, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

“We are grateful to Representative DeSaulnier and his team for their support of this critical wastewater infrastructure work,” said Lilia Corona, Mt. View Sanitary District General Manager. “The Next-Generation Pump Station and Collection System Projects will bolster the process of replacing equipment at the end of its service life. We’re excited by this major step forward for sanitary operations in Contra Costa County, which will allow Mt. View Sanitary District to continue delivering exceptional service quality to our customers.”

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for supporting these important infrastructure and wildfire mitigation projects. The Camino Pablo Pathway will enhance pedestrian mobility and connect key parts of our community, while the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break will significantly reduce wildfire risk and strengthen emergency response capabilities across the broader Lamorinda region. These projects represent critical investments in Orinda’s safety, sustainability, and quality of life,” said Brandyn Iverson, Mayor of Orinda.

“We are grateful for the support of Congressman DeSaulnier in advancing the Lamorinda Public Safety Radio Replacement project for funding.  Through replacing and upgrading the radios used by the Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Police Departments, this project will enhance public safety throughout the region and ensure that law enforcement officers are equipped to address emergency situations, evacuations, and other critical incidents. Congressman DeSaulnier’s efforts are helping to keep our communities and law enforcement officers safe with this critical investment in public safety communications equipment,” said Jon King, Chief of Police for the Moraga Police Department.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for supporting our community’s continued efforts to make Vasco Road safer for all who rely on it. The Vasco Road Safety Improvements – Phase 3 Project delivers targeted, community‑supported safety upgrades along the corridor, including proven Federal Highway Administration countermeasures designed to reduce collisions and improve visibility. These improvements will help protect commuters and enhance regional mobility along this critical East County route,” said Warren Lai, Director of Public Works, Contra Costa County.

Lai continued, “We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his continued leadership and support of vital East County transportation investments. The Vasco Road–Byron Highway Connector Project will reduce cut-through traffic in Byron, improve regional mobility between Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties, and enhance safety by providing a more efficient route for commuters and goods movement. This project represents an important step toward long term connectivity and economic opportunity for the region.”

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for advancing Antioch’s Real-Time Operations Center project for federal consideration. This investment reflects the kind of forward-looking public safety infrastructure cities need to serve growing communities, improve coordination across government functions, and deliver smarter, more effective services to the public,” said Bessie Marie Scott, Antioch City Manager.

“Brentwood has a robust agricultural history, and a long-standing legacy of providing fresh produce and products from our locally-owned farms to tables across America. This funding investment represents the next chapter in this story and the future of farming. The Agricultural Technology Innovation Center will bring together agriculture, education, and technology to create jobs, support workforce development, and strengthen our nation’s food systems. Federal investment in critical infrastructure is the key to unlocking this opportunity, and we are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership and vision in advancing a project that delivers both regional and national impact,” said Susannah Meyer, Mayor of Brentwood.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his strong support of Concord’s Emergency Operations Center upgrades. This investment strengthens our ability to protect residents, coordinate a regional response, and ensure our community is prepared when it matters most,” said Laura Nakamura, Mayor of Concord.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for his commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response across the East Bay. The East Bay Regional Communications System – Mobile Communications Sites on Wheels Project will provide deployable, towable mobile towers that ensure backup radio coverage during disasters, domestic terrorism, or large-scale incidents—significantly enhancing the resiliency, reliability, and interoperability of communications for first responders in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. This investment ensures that when emergencies strike, our communities and safety personnel can rely on a stable, redundant system that keeps critical communications operational when they’re needed most,” said David Swing, Executive Director of the East Bay Regional Communications Authority.

“The City of Walnut Creek greatly appreciates Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership and continued support in advancing safety for our residents. This critical infrastructure project for a new traffic signal will improve the efficiency of regional traffic, emergency vehicle response times, and safety for all modes of transportation,” said Kevin Wilk, Mayor of Walnut Creek.

Infrastructure Upgrades, Transportation Accessibility, and Community Development Projects:

• $5,000,000 for the County of Contra Costa to design a new roadway connection that will improve regional mobility between Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties using a connector route that shifts interregional traffic from Byron Highway and local roads in the Town of Byron to Vasco Road, to accommodate higher traffic volumes.
• $5,000,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct safety countermeasures along a 12.1-mile segment of Vasco Road between Marsh Creek Road and the Alameda County line in unincorporated Byron, California to decrease the number of accidents on this busy thoroughfare.
• $4,000,000 for the City of Brentwood to construct infrastructure and site improvements to prepare a site to house the Brentwood Agricultural Technology Innovation Center.
• $2,800,000 for the City of Lafayette to construct the Brown Avenue to Pleasant Hill Road segment of the Aqueduct Pathway, a fully accessible Class I separated bicycle and pedestrian facility located within the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) aqueduct corridor in downtown Lafayette, California.
• $2,000,000 for East Bay Regional Park District to construct a dedicated bus staging and drop-off area designed to accommodate regional transit agencies and other visitors, and remove aging rail infrastructure to replace it with accessible, multi-use pathways as part of the second phase of a project to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.
• $2,000,000 for the City of Lafayette to construct a 48-unit development of supportive and affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• $2,000,000 for the City of San Ramon to continue buildout and close gaps in the citywide fiber optic network supporting transportation operations, public safety, and future smart city technologies.
• $1,750,000 to the City of Walnut Creek to install a new traffic signal at the intersection between Treat Boulevard and Arkell Road in Walnut Creek, California, which is currently controlled by stop signs.
• $1,500,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct separated wheeled (bicycle, e-bike, and scooter) and pedestrian pathways in the Iron Horse Corridor from Bollinger Canyon Road to Crow Canyon Road in the City of San Ramon to separate wheeled and pedestrian modes and improve user safety.
• $1,300,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct a new youth center in Brentwood, California that will provide academic counseling and employment training in the culinary field.
• $1,296,000 for the City of Orinda to complete pavement rehabilitation work and widening on the Camino Pablo Pathway in Orinda, California to expand and maintain aging infrastructure that currently sees heavy pedestrian use.

Public and Environmental Health and Safety:

• $5,000,000 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the City of Concord’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure that it can continue to function as a critical hub for regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
• $3,150,000 for Central Contra Costa Sanitary District to add Densified Activated Sludge (DAS) technology to Central San’s existing large-scale Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) demonstration site and share results with wastewater agencies across the region. DAS and MABR are complementary, cutting-edge technologies that could enhance nitrogen removal and environmental protection while leveraging existing treatment facilities.
• $2,000,000 for the City of San Ramon to replace the Police Department’s aging Records Management System (RMS), associated software, and supporting equipment. The project will modernize the City’s public safety technology infrastructure by implementing a next-generation RMS, preserving and migrating existing police records, and integrating with electronic files. The project may also incorporate a unified interface that allows officers and investigators to securely access data from multiple regional law enforcement systems within a single platform, improving efficiency, and reducing the need to switch between separate applications.
• $1,800,000 for the County of Contra Costa to build two mobile communications sites to enhance the resiliency of first responder radio communications in the event of a natural disaster or other widespread threat.
• $1,684,990 for the City of Antioch to establish a Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) to serve as the Antioch Police Department’s central hub for intelligence and information-sharing, integrating existing technologies—including gunshot detection, public safety cameras, and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)—into a unified, citywide system that enhances crime monitoring, investigative efficiency, and officer response.
• $1,650,000 for the County of Contra Costa to expand Contra Costa County’s ability to prioritize and investigate unsolved nonfatal and fatal violent crime, prevent future crimes, and enhance victim/witness safety through coordinated, data driven investigations, focused prosecution, and survivor support services.
• $1,000,000 for the City of Orinda to maintain and improve the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break to reduce the probability of catastrophic fire spread while improving firefighter access and operational effectiveness, specifically by maintaining previously treated areas, conducting hazard tree identification and abatement, and expanding interagency coordination.
• $936,930 for the Town of Moraga to replace and upgrade existing police radios, a combined total of 65 handheld portable radios and 44 vehicle mounted mobile radios, used by the Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda police departments.
• $923,000 for Mt. View Sanitary District to initiate pump station and collection systems upgrades by studying the root causes of system stress and the most efficient and effective repair methods.

Selection and submission of projects to the Appropriations Committee is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. Each project submitted must meet the criteria set forth by the Committee, which can be found here, and must then be passed in the Committee and by both the House and Senate before it becomes law. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, hosted the 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action in Washington, D.C. The two-day event brought together HBCU presidents, researchers, students, federal agency leaders, and Members of Congress to advance a shared agenda: securing the research infrastructure investments necessary for HBCUs to achieve R1 Carnegie Classification status and remain competitive in federal grant funding. The event was designed to address this challenge directly by building partnerships and congressional momentum to support legislation for long-term investment in HBCU infrastructure and research like the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act.

“The truth is, HBCU’s have always had the talent to meet the moment, but what we have not always had is the level of investment required to sustain it,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “For too long we have been asking HBCUs to do more with less, we’ve asked them to produce world class graduates with limited resources, and we’ve asked them to compete for research funding within systems that were not designed with them in mind.” 

HBCUs contribute nearly $16.5 billion to our annual economy and have long served as engines of opportunity for millions of Americans, many of them first-generation college students. They account for just 3% of colleges and universities nationwide but produce nearly 25% of Black STEM graduates and 33% of Black science and engineering PhDs. They also educate 42% of Black engineers and half of black educators nationwide.

Achieving R1 research status would unlock significant pathways for federal and private funding streams for these institutions, enabling them to further expand research output, attract top faculty, and create economic opportunities in the communities they serve.

Joining Congresswoman Alma Adams were Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and Chair of the Financial Services Committee, Representative French Hill (AK-02), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Representative Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture, Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Representative Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Troy Carter (LA-02), reflecting a strong bipartisan commitment to America’s more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their 300,000 students.

“I was pleased to join Congresswoman Alma Adams’ 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action and share a panel with Dr. Harry Williams, President of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, on the importance of building sustained, strategic partnerships critical to the success of our historically black colleges and universities,” Rep. French Hill said. “One-time contributions are not enough. Industry, philanthropy, and government must partner to build research capacity, strengthen financial stability, and develop the workforce pipelines that our HBCU students need. I look forward to continuing that work with my friend and fellow HBCU Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Adams.”

“We cannot continue to expect institutions to compete without providing the resources that competition requires… That is exactly why I have continued to push for more comprehensive approaches, including the Ignite HBCU Excellence Act,” said Congresswoman Adams, announcing the planned reintroduction of her comprehensive HBCU funding package. 

Over the course of March 25th and 26th, participants engaged in panels and presentations covering the full landscape of HBCU research development. Day One opened with a panel on understanding R1 research classification and why achieving that designation is critical for HBCU competitiveness, featuring university leaders including Chancellor Dr. James R. Martin II of North Carolina A&T State University, President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick of Howard University, and President Dr. Daniel K. Wims of Alabama A&M University. Additional sessions focused on faculty grant competitiveness, infrastructure investment, and public-private partnerships. 

Undersecretary of Education Nicholas Kent and representatives from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Pentagon highlighted federal funding opportunities and the government’s role as a critical partner in building HBCU research capacity.  

Day Two centered on translating research into real-world impact, with panels on technology transfer and commercialization at HBCUs and a forward-looking conversation on PhD pathways featuring the next generation of HBCU researchers.

“At the end of the day… it’s about ensuring that our students have access to the same opportunities to innovate, to discover, and to contribute,” concluded Congresswoman Adams. “When we invest in HBCUs, we are investing in the future of this country.” 

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) made the following statement regarding Saturday’s “No Kings” Rally at Church Park and the subsequent march involving police intervention:

“I attended the Indivisible-organized ‘No Kings’ rally on Saturday and spoke to the crowd, joining others in celebrating our First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. I have a proud record of holding Trump accountable and took the opportunity to amplify my condemnation of his corrupt and unconstitutional actions. I did not participate in the march after the rally and was surprised and disappointed to hear that some protestors were pepper sprayed and mistreated by Memphis police as it concluded. 

“Obviously, I don’t know the facts since I wasn’t there. But in a matter involving issues of free speech, lawful assembly and due process, I expect Mayor Young, the City Council and the Police Department to conduct a full and fair review and that reforms will be implemented as needed.”

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) has requested $77,113,331 for 20 local projects in the Fiscal Year 2027 spending bills.

“This funding will create good-paying local jobs and improve infrastructure, public safety and education in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “I will keep working with local leaders to bring home federal money to support working families and strengthen our communities.”

Larsen submitted the requests to the House Appropriations Committee as the Committee begins work on legislation to fund the federal government. The spending bills will include earmark funding for community projects that local leaders and stakeholders identified as critical to their communities. Larsen secured more than $13.9 million for 15 Northwest Washington projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending packages.

Northwest Washington Community Project Funding Requests

Larsen requested the following federal funding to invest in Northwest Washington communities:

Improving Public Health and Safety

– Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: The funding will expand and upgrade the district’s centralized wastewater treatment facility to ensure reliable wastewater treatment for residents, businesses and visitors in Eastsound and on Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)

– Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: The funding will add equipment for a new operating suite dedicated to obstetrics and upgrade the existing surgical suite at Island Hospital, improving the hospital’s maternal and neonatal health capabilities, especially for rural communities and military families. ($2,715,000)

– Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: The funding will design, engineer and construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements along Broadway Avenue in Everett to significantly reduce the risk of accidents. ($3,000,000)

– Island County Sheriff Radio Upgrade Project: The funding will upgrade their aging handheld and mobile radios, allowing the radios to be interoperable with other federal, state and local radio systems. ($1,459,405)

– Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: The funding will expand the entrance of Cordata Elementary School to ensure that access is controlled and meets the district’s safety standards. ($300,000)

Investing in Job-Creating Infrastructure

– Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: The funding will replace a structurally deficient public dock that community members rely on to conduct essential business and receive services on rural Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)

– Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: The funding will build a facility that will provide comprehensive Sustainable Aviation Fuel qualification, supporting the aviation and manufacturing sectors that are critical to Washington state’s economy. ($3,000,000)

– Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: The funding will design and construct an in-water fueling station at Blaine Harbor to serve commercial fishing, seafood processing, marine trades and recreational users. ($2,800,000)

Strengthening Local Emergency Response

– Slater Road Elevation Construction: The funding will elevate vulnerable sections of Slater Road, one of the only access routes serving the Lummi Indian Reservation and Lummi Island, and replace bridge infrastructure to protect against flooding risks. ($15,000,000)

– Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation out of the Floodplain: The funding will relocate the district’s primary fire station in Everson, out of a FEMA designated floodplain, strengthening regional disaster resilience and ensuring equitable access to reliable emergency services for rural and Tribal populations. ($11,032,429)

– Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: The funding will develop a dual-use emergency facility that will function as a disaster shelter, an emergency supply coordination hub and a meeting and operations space during floods and other emergencies. ($1,500,000)

– Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: The funding will construct a 3,680 square foot addition to house new vehicles and equipment, enhance training capabilities, revamp space for medical and health care providers and provide dorm space for volunteers. ($1,451,247)

– Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: The funding will purchase and install new emergency generators and associated infrastructure for county government offices, preventing disruptions to essential county operations during power outages. ($1,031,250)

Investing in Schools and Education

– Mariner Library and Community Campus: The funding will build an expanded public library to provide educational opportunities, workforce training, job search assistance, small business support and access to high-speed internet and technology, serving more than 12,000 residents annually. ($10,000,000)

– Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: The funding will replace a failing oil-fired boiler system with modern electric heat pump boilers, upgraded electrical infrastructure and backup power generation, ensuring reliable heating and support emergency response and temporary sheltering capability for east Skagit County. ($4,500,000)

Protecting Local Environment and Water Access

– Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: The funding will daylight Japanese Gulch Creek and create a nearshore estuary, revitalizing the stream corridor for salmon rearing and improving an informal walking path with a multiuse path, soft armored shoreline protection and pedestrian amenities. ($2,124,000)

– Channel Drive Waterline: The funding will replace a failing waterline in La Conner and provide clean drinking water for nearly 100 residents, as well as an adequate supply of water for fire protection needs. ($1,500,000)

– Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: The funding will replace the existing Division 22-1 drinking water reservoir to improve the water supply’s seismic resiliency to protect the water and fire protection services for 1,000 people. ($700,000)

Investing in Critical Infrastructure

– Concrete Sauk Valley Road Bank Stabilization: The funding will repair an eroding riverbank that supports Concrete Sauk Valley Road in eastern Skagit County, allowing the road to reopen and avoid a 32-mile detour that delays the reliable movement of freight, add costs for businesses and motorists and significantly harms the response time of emergency services. ($5,000,000)

– Hub Building Restoration Project: The funding will restore a historic building for use as a public events center, creating a gathering space for community groups and the general public. ($2,000,000)

What Northwest Washington Community Leaders and Stakeholders Are Saying

On the Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: “The Eastsound Sewer & Water District is grateful to Rick Larsen for his support of this critical investment in our community’s wastewater infrastructure. This funding would help advance Phase II of our treatment plant upgrades, improving reliability, expanding capacity, and enhancing nutrient removal to protect the waters of Puget Sound. For a small rural community like Eastsound, projects of this scale place a significant burden on local ratepayers. Federal support through Community Project Funding is essential to ensuring we can complete these necessary improvements while maintaining affordability for our residents. We appreciate Congressman Larsen’s continued commitment to clean water infrastructure and the long-term environmental health of Northwest Washington.” — Jason Bradshaw, Eastsound Sewer & Water District General Manager

On the Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: “This funding will expand timely access to essential surgical services for mothers, infants, and families, as well as life-saving cancer screenings—ensuring residents in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties, and servicemembers and their families at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, receive high-quality care when it matters most.” — Elise Cutter, Island Health CEO

On the Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: “I am incredibly grateful for Congressman Larsen’s support of our $3 million request to construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. This will better connect our multimodal hub at Everett Station to Downtown Everett and is close to the future home of our major new public-private partnership, the Everett Outdoor Events Center. Safer connections between the transportation and our growing downtown helps create a more livable and walkable community for our residents, visitors and our local businesses.” — Cassie Franklin, Everett Mayor

On Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: “We are grateful to Rep. Larsen for prioritizing the safety and security of students, staff and community members at Cordata Elementary School. Because this facility welcomes a variety of community programming throughout the school year, the benefits will also extend beyond the school day and into the Bellingham community.” — Greg Baker, Bellingham School District Superintendent

On Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: “The support by Rep. Rick Larsen of the Orcas Landing Marine Facility improvements represents the potential for significant benefit to all segments of our community. This facility serves as one of the primary transportation hubs in San Juan County, benefiting businesses, commuters, and multiple essential service providers. This project will also deliver meaningful benefit to the marine ecosystem by modernizing the facility and removing legacy environmental hazards. I appreciate that Rep. Rick Larsen has chosen to make San Juan County a priority in his advocacy at the congressional level.” — Justin Paulsen, San Juan County Council Chair

“Marine facilities are especially critical infrastructure in San Juan County because they serve commuters, visitors, businesses, and other essential service providers. Working folks rely on this infrastructure for regular operations and travel, and this funding allows us to better serve not only Orcas residents, but the islands at large.” — Jessica Hudson, San Juan County Manager

“A $4 million investment at Orcas Landing reflects the need and significance of this facility to our community. Once again, Rep. Rick Larsen has shown his commitment to supporting the transportation needs of San Juan County by carrying our congressional funding request to Washington DC.” — Colin Huntemer, San Juan County Public Works Director

On the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: “Snohomish County is becoming a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and I am grateful to Representative Larsen for his support of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research and Development Center at Paine Field Airport. Our region’s strengths in aviation, manufacturing, clean energy, and skilled workforce will contribute to the success of the center and a transformed aviation industry. This is an exciting initiative that brings together partners in government, higher education, airlines, workforce development, agriculture and forestry, and other sectors. Together, we can advance sustainable aviation and care for the environment while strengthening career pathways and economic opportunity.” — Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive

On the Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: “From Blaine Harbor to Edmonds, Rick Larsen continues to be a steadfast champion for working waterfronts in Northwest Washington. The Blaine Harbor fueling project will strengthen critical marine trades infrastructure and support the creation of family-wage jobs. The Port of Bellingham is deeply grateful for Representative Larsen’s partnership and leadership.” — Tiffany DeSimone, Port of Bellingham Interim Executive Director

On the Slater Road Elevation Construction: “The Slater Road Elevation Project provides critical public safety, economic viability, and resiliency benefits to the Lummi Nation and the broader Whatcom County region. The project supports the federal trust responsibility by ensuring reliable access necessary for the Lummi Nation to carry out governmental operations and exercise treaty-reserved rights. We thank Congressman Larsen for his longstanding support of this project and the Lummi Nation.” — Tony Hillaire, Lummi Nation Chairman

On the Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation: “This project is about ensuring continuity of emergency response during disasters. In 2025, our crews were managing more than 40 active rescue incidents when floodwaters reached our station, forcing us to prepare for evacuation while still serving the community. Relocating Station 81 out of the floodplain addresses a repeated and well-documented risk, strengthens regional resilience, and protects critical infrastructure. We are deeply grateful to Rick Larsen for his leadership and support of this effort, which helps us move this critical project forward without placing additional financial burden on our flood-impacted community.” — Randy VanderHeiden, Whatcom County Fire District 1 Commissioner Chairperson

On the Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: “We sincerely thank Representative Larsen and his office for their support of the Everson Dual‑Use Emergency Coordination & Shelter Facility and for their continued commitment to our community. After experiencing recent flooding, we have seen firsthand how important it is to have a reliable, dedicated emergency operations and shelter facility in place. This project will strengthen our ability to coordinate response efforts, protect residents, and ensure Everson is prepared when a crisis occurs.” — John Perry, Everson Mayor

On the Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: “These improvements will have a direct and lasting impact on nearly every aspect of life in Point Roberts. Such a project, while vitally important to our exclave community, cannot be accomplished without federal assistance. We are extremely grateful for Representative Larsen’s support, advocacy, and continued commitment to the community, citizens, and visitors we serve and protect. This project represents a meaningful and lasting return on federal investment in Point Roberts.” — Chief Carleton, Whatcom County Fire District No. 5

On the Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: “The Board of Island County Commissioners has been very concerned about potential failure to our Law and Justice electrical system and is very grateful for this funding which will protect our Department of Emergency Management, our Superior Court, our Permit Counters, our staff, and our jail inmates. Thank you, Congressman Larsen, for making our safety one of your priority projects.” — Island County Emergency Power Board of Commissioners

On the Mariner Library and Community Campus: “Thank you to Representative Rick Larsen for his continued advocacy for public libraries and for recognizing the significance of the Mariner Library and Community Campus as a community-driven, legacy library project. This federal investment, supported by state funding, a community-led capital campaign, and strong local partnerships, demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a central gathering space at the heart of Mariner where neighbors can connect, discover, and explore.” — Eric Howard, Sno-Isle Libraries Executive Director

On the Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: “Our Concrete High School oil boiler heating system is well beyond its lifespan and serves three buildings on our campus. We are one failed component away from losing heat entirely. The cost to replace the system and upgrade our infrastructure is nearly half of the Concrete School District’s annual budget—an expense our small, rural district cannot absorb. After years of searching for funding to replace it, we are grateful to Representative Larsen for submitting our project for consideration through the appropriations process.” — Carrie Crickmore, Concrete School District Superintendent

On the Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: “The Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project is a crucial opportunity to enhance local salmon populations by creating a new nearshore estuary and daylighting a stream which connects to valuable fish habitat. This project is not only the culmination of a decade of efforts to restore the salmon habitat of Japanese Gulch, but it will also improve public access to our shoreline and celebrate the rich history of Japanese Americans in Mukilteo.” — Joe Marine, Mukilteo Mayor

On the Channel Drive Waterline: “La Conner strives to provide customers with safe and high-quality drinking water.  The pipes we use to deliver that water to the Channel Drive neighborhood are failing, and many of the residents are on a fixed income and unable to shoulder the cost of these important repairs.  We are thankful that Rep. Larsen has devoted his time to helping us secure funding for this important project.” — Marna Hanneman, Mayor of La Conner

On Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: “Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District would like to thank Representative Larsen for facilitating this Community Project Funding grant. The District is committed to proactively operating its water and sewer systems in a manner that ensures continuity of its essential services. This funding is an instrumental component for the replacement of an aging water reservoir with a new reservoir designed to meet current seismic standards and outfitted with the ShakeAlert earthquake warning system, all of which will contribute to a safer, more robust, reliable drinking water system for our community.” — Todd Citron, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners President

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“President Trump has no constitutional authority to change election law by executive order. This is an unlawful effort to suppress the right to vote. No matter what the President says, there is no proof of widespread voter fraud in our elections.

“While this Executive Order is challenged in the courts, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to safeguard our democracy and promote free and fair elections this fall and in the future.”

Yesterday, President Trump issued an executive order directing his administration to create lists of U.S. citizens eligible to vote in each state and blocking the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail-in ballots to individuals not on those lists. Since 2012, Washington state law has allowed every election to be conducted entirely by mail, with the state mailing a ballot to each active registered voter.

Rep. Larsen is an advocate for free and fair elections, expanding access to the ballot and Washington state’s vote-by-mail system. In 2023, he introduced legislation to protect U.S. citizens who face disenfranchisement because of restrictive voter identification laws (America Votes Act).

Rep. Larsen is a co-founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

Donald Trump and Republican extremists have completely controlled the government since the beginning of 2025. During that time, costs have skyrocketed, life has become more expensive, healthcare has been ripped away from millions, gas prices are out of control, American citizens have been killed in cold blood during ICE raids, the government has repeatedly been shut down and billions are being wasted in a reckless war of choice in the Middle East. 

For the last 47 days, Donald Trump and Republicans have subjected the nation to chaos at airports, jeopardized our national security and kept the government closed to allow ICE to continue to brutalize the American people without consequence. 

Republican policies have been a disaster. The rotten age of chaos and corruption is being visited upon the country. Through it all, House Democrats continue to stand up for the American people and aggressively push back against far-right extremism. Mike Johnson and House Republicans have come to realize that we will never bend the knee. It’s time to pay TSA agents, end the airport chaos and fully fund every part of the Department of Homeland Security that does not relate to Donald Trump’s violent mass deportation machine.

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