MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted to pass the final Fiscal Year 2025 “minibus” appropriations bill, a package of 3 funding bills that will help address higher energy costs and build stronger and safer communities.

“It’s heartening to see Democrats and Republicans come together to reject the harmful budget cuts proposed by the Trump Administration. Democrats also forced Republicans to strip many harmful policies from the funding bills and put guardrails on some of the worst tangents of the President.  In the end, the appropriations package is good news for working families, seniors, students, Veterans, military families, and the economic engines of the Tampa Bay area.

“For example, the funding package rejects Trump’s proposed cuts to lifesaving medical research that benefits patients, the Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida and local researchers. The package also rejects proposals to cut funding for K-12 education, including students in Hillsborough and Pinellas Public Schools. The package provides critical resources to modernize air traffic control facilities, hire thousands of new air traffic controllers, and keep our skies safe. And it fully delivers the 3.8 percent pay raise our service members have earned, honoring their sacrifice and ensuring military families can better keep up with rising costs.”

“A significant number of Tampa Bay area community priority projects I championed are funded to support housing, transit, schools and neighborhoods across the Bay area. These investments will lower the cost of living, boost opportunities through skills training, create jobs, support Veterans, and address housing affordability.

“I’m grateful to my Democratic colleagues for standing strong to reject extreme cuts pushed by MAGA Republicans following shutdowns, showdowns and continuing resolutions.” 

The package now goes to the Senate for action next week and then to the President’s desk.

Castor’s previous Community Funding Projects have secured billions of dollars in investments in the Tampa Bay area for projects ranging from transportation and infrastructure to affordable housing to education and research.

Castor Community Funding Projects

Ed White Senior Housing Redevelopment – Housing Authority of the City of St. Petersburg – $3,150,000

This funding would be for the conversion of a former hospital into 71 units of affordable housing for low-income elderly residents with supportive services on site and clean, efficient energy upgrades.

Ferry Dock at the St. Pete Pier – Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority – $850,000

This funding would be used to construct a permanent ferry dock to be used by the ferry service to connect two major cities through efficient public transit, spur economic development, increase tourism opportunities, and reduce local congestion.

HCPS Family Community Center – Hillsborough County Public Schools – $2,000,000

This funding would be used to support the physical expansion of an integral support center for students and families in Hillsborough County to allow for more tutoring services and digital literacy activities for families.

Robles Park Village Critical Infrastructure – Housing Authority of the City of Tampa – $1,200,000

This funding would be used to support critical infrastructure for the new Robles Park Village Redevelopment, which will increase affordable housing, generate employment opportunities, and connect residents to community services.

Castor has secured significant federal investments in the Robles Park redevelopment, including $4,000,000 for an innovative Smart HUB and funding to support critical infrastructure, through previous Community Funding Requests and federal grants.

88th Avenue North Storm Drainage Improvements – City of St. Petersburg – $1,145,144

This funding would be used to alleviate flooding, bolster stormwater system capacity, and reduce risk to property damage in an area impacted by frequent heavy rain events.

Chamberlain High School Technical Training Center – Hillsborough County Public Schools – $250,000

This funding would be used to expand academic and workforce opportunities for high school students to meet Tampa Bay’s growing economy and allow students to gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized skills.

Hillsborough Community College Artificial Intelligence Center – Hillsborough Community College – $250,000

This funding would be used to establish a high-tech Artificial Intelligence Center to provide a critical career pipeline to in-demand jobs, strengthen American competitiveness, and support a local community college as an economic engine.

MLK Street South Flooding Alleviation – City of St. Petersburg – $1,145,144

This funding would be used to elevate and improve MLK Street South from 30th Avenue South to 36th Avenue South to address persistent flooding events in a major thoroughfare in South St. Petersburg.

San Martin Boulevard Bridge Replacement – Pinellas County – $850,000

The funding would be used for the replacement of the San Martin Boulevard Bridge, improving connectivity for St. Petersburg residents, rehabilitating an important hurricane evacuation route, and providing the final link of the 75-mile Pinellas Trail loop for pedestrian and bicycle access.

SMART Tech Industry 4.0 Lab – St. Petersburg College – $850,000

This funding would be used to create a lab to provide training and education for today’s high-tech manufacturing workforce in South St. Petersburg, improving the pipeline for jobs in the semiconductor, mechatronics, automation, and robotics industries.

USF Veteran Workforce Support Center – University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus – $3,000,000

The funding would be used to support a clean and efficient energy remodel of an aging, hurricane-damaged facility to expand resources, career counseling, and workforce training to student veterans and military-connected students.

West River Walk Expansion – City of Tampa – $250,000

This funding would be used to complete the 12.2-mile pedestrian and bicycle path along the Hillsborough River, expanding safe mobility options between jobs, schools, and homes while restoring the native shoreline.

Castor has championed the Riverwalk for nearly two decades—leading with $300,000 in community funding in 2007 and later securing $11 million in federal grants in 2012 and $24 million in 2020.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Yesterday, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced H.R. 4214, the Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Act. This critical legislation, introduced by Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) this Congress, is a necessary solution in response to the Biden-Harris Administration’s harmful final rule for Fine Particulate Matter, otherwise known as PM 2.5 standards.

This legislation would modernize the process for obtaining preconstruction permits and meeting compliance requirements for revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). 

During yesterday’s markup, Congressman Allen delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, prior to the bill’s passage:

“Simply put, the Biden-Harris Administration’s unworkable rule to revise PM 2.5 standards tied the hands of job creators and manufacturers. It was the result of a bad process and provisions that allowed the Biden-Harris Administration to exploit the Clean Air Act to unfairly punish job creators and manufacturers. This bill provides much-needed clarity that will prevent these abuses from happening again.

“The Golden Age of America is upon us, and House Republicans are committed to eliminating unnecessary compliance and implementation burdens that harm our states, business communities, and economic development. 

“My legislation provides much-needed clarity for the process of obtaining preconstruction permits and meeting compliance requirements for revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Importantly, it protects American job creators from attempts in future administrations to abuse the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Specifically, this bill would require the EPA to publish implementing regulations and guidance when establishing or revising National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

“Too often, understaffed state agencies are forced to implement regulations on tight timelines with little to no guidance from the EPA. Currently, regulations go into effect as soon as they are final, but it often takes EPA months or even years to release implementation guidance on the rule. States depend on EPA’s implementation guidance to understand the requirements and come into attainment.

“This bill also requires guidance on how to submit preconstruction permit applications under new or revised standards. If EPA fails to do its job, then new standards will not apply to permit applications.

“This is about streamlining permitting and ensuring our state agencies have the proper guidance needed to properly do their jobs. It will remove costly delays and uncertainty that industries and developers often face when they try to build and invest in America.

“The Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act will pave the way for more manufacturing and investment in America, creating jobs and investment while also protecting our environment. Thank you, and I yield back.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Ahead of a government funding deadline of January 30, the U.S. House of Representatives acted to pass several appropriations bills. One appropriations bill that the House passed as part of an appropriations package is the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026. The appropriations package now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) secured federal funding in the transportation, housing and urban developmentappropriations bill for the following Ninth District project: 

Project Name: Corridor Q – U.S. 460 Connector Phase II Paving Project

Recipient Name: Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority

Amount Received: $3,000,000

Following passage of the transportation, housing and urban development appropriations bill and the inclusion of federal funding for this Ninth District project, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: 

“I am proud to help secure in this appropriations bill $3 million for the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority. These important funds will help the Authority construct additional lanes to approximately four miles of the Expressway.

“I am hopeful that the Senate passes this transportation, housing and urban development appropriations bill so the Authority is one step closer to receiving these funds to complete this important community project.”

BACKGROUND

In October 2025, Congressman Griffith attended a ribbon cutting for the Coalfields Expressway.

The above community project funding request was submitted by Rep. Griffith for fiscal year 2026. 

Other appropriations bills considered this week are the labor, health and human services appropriations bill, defense appropriations bill and homeland security appropriations bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Ahead of a government funding deadline of January 30, the U.S. House of Representatives acted to pass several appropriations bills. One appropriations bill that the House passed as part of an appropriations package is the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026. The appropriations package now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) secured federal funding in the transportation, housing and urban developmentappropriations bill for the following Ninth District project: 

Project Name: Mitigating Against and Preventing Wastewater Bypass in Richlands, VA Project

Recipient Name: County of Tazewell, Virginia

Amount Received: $500,000

Following passage of the transportation, housing and urban development appropriations bill and the inclusion of federal funding for this Ninth District project, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: 

“I am proud to help secure in this appropriations bill $500,000 for Tazewell County. These important funds will help the County address overflow issues in Richlands and protect the Clinch River from potential exposure to wastewater and raw sewage.

“I am hopeful that the Senate passes this transportation, housing and urban development appropriations bill so Tazewell County is one step closer to receiving these funds to complete this important community project.”

BACKGROUND

The above community project funding request was submitted by Rep. Griffith for fiscal year 2026. 

Other appropriations bills considered this week are the labor, health and human services appropriations bill, defense appropriations bill and homeland security appropriations bill.

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a press conference, where he emphasized that while Republicans are focused on issues that distract from the affordability crisis they have created, Democrats are committed to lowering the high cost of living in America.

LEADER JEFFRIES: One year into Donald Trump’s presidency, the verdict is clear: Donald Trump and Republican policies have been a complete and total failure, a disaster for the American people, and the American people know it. The cost of living is way up, and the quality of life of the American people is way down. And Republicans continue to be focused on all the wrong things. This week, the Republican focus has been on Greenland, Jack Smith and Bill and Hillary Clinton. That’s their focus this week. Not driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans in an environment where there is an affordability crisis that is crushing working class folks, middle class folks and the American people all across the country.

House Democrats are going to continue our focus on making life better for the American people, on driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption wherever it is found in the Congress, at the Supreme Court and within the administration. The American people have clearly spoken as it relates to the failures of the Trump administration and Republican policies, particularly as it relates to the economy. Republicans need to wake up and stop trying to jam their extreme policies down the throats of the American people and work to actually get something done that is designed to make life better for everyday Americans. That’s our job, and that’s what Democrats will continue to be focused on: lowering costs, fixing our broken healthcare system and delivering a country that actually works for working class Americans.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in fiscal year 2026:

“This legislation betrays our communities and funds more violence and terror by DHS. Far from cutting funding for ICE, the bill expands its slush fund and imposes no serious reforms to end its rampage through our cities. Giving billions more to ICE and CBP, after the $170 billion they received in the Big Ugly Bill and without any meaningful action to rein them in, is a green light to continue terrorizing communities around the country. Just this week, ICE used Liam Ramos, a five year-old in Minnesota, as bait to capture his father, then detained both of them and sent them to Texas. I will vote NO because I will not sanction this taxpayer-funded violence against my constituents or anyone else.

“DHS’s brutal assault on Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and other cities is not new. This rogue and lawless agency has consistently trampled on our rights since it was founded less than 25 years ago. Instead of giving billions more to violent thugs who kidnap and murder people with impunity, Congress should be dismantling DHS and rebuilding the immigration enforcement system from the ground up.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Kareem N. Dockery Medal of Honor Act to allow the President of the United States to award former Major Kareem Nicholas Dockery with the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Dockery is an Indianapolis, IN native and one of only two U.S. officers to receive two Silver Stars for gallantry in the post-9/11 era.

“Former Major Kareem Dockery has demonstrated extraordinary selflessness and heroism while serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Congressman Baird. “He has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty and repeatedly put the mission and the lives of his soldiers ahead of himself. As a U.S. Army veteran myself, I could not be more pleased to introduce this legislation to allow Major Dockery to receive the Medal of Honor, an award I believe he has rightly earned.”

Former Major Kareem N. Dockery graduated from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) in 2011. Following his graduation, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a then-Second Lieutenant, he served as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Light), 4th Infantry Division. Dockery received a Silver Star for his heroism on October 2, 2012, when his platoon and a platoon of Afghan National Army troops were ambushed by the Taliban while maintaining a security perimeter around the provincial governor’s compound. During the engagement, Lieutenant Dockery saw one of his soldiers was missing. After entering an alleyway, he saw two Taliban fighters dragging his soldier away. Dockery killed both enemy fighters and saved his soldier’s life. He and his platoon went on to suppress the remaining enemy troops.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

FAA Updates Flight Paths Near Mar-a-Lago

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler delivered remarks on the House Floor on the Department of Homeland Security funding bill. Below is a full transcript of his remarks, which can also be viewed here:

“I rise in strong opposition to this legislation because I cannot, in good conscience, vote to spend one more cent on ICE.  I will not fund an agency that acts like an American Gestapo.

“The Trump Administration has launched a brutal and reckless campaign to strike fear in immigrant communities across the country and ICE is on the front lines, using aggressive and violent tactics that too often end in tragedy.

“I cannot support one more cent for an agency that would recklessly take the life of Renee Good, an innocent and defenseless young woman.

“I cannot support one more cent for masked agents arresting U.S. citizens, pulling people out of their homes, and tearing children away from their parents and stating it is exempt from the Constitutional requirement for search warrants.

“I cannot support one more cent for detention facilities with the highest death rate in decades and that fail to meet the basic medical needs of detainees.  No wonder they refuse to allow access to Members of Congress.

“To support one more cent for an agency with such disregard for the rule of law and basic human decency would be a moral outrage.

“Vote no on this legislation.”

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

Smith Joins Entire WA Delegation in Supporting Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration to Unlock Individual Assistance for WA Flooding Victims

In December, the entire WA delegation in requesting expedited Emergency Declaration to unlock federal Army Corps & Coast Guard assistance with debris removal and emergency protective measures—that request was approved

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Adam Smith joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to unlock an estimated $21.3 million in federal FEMA resources for families whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged in the extreme flooding that hit Washington state in December. A Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance ensures that disaster survivors have access to a full range of authorized programs and services, including housing assistance, disaster case management, and crisis counseling. This is the first of two Major Disaster Declaration requests the Governor is expected to make in response to the December flooding; the second will be for funding to help repair Washington state’s damaged infrastructure. 

 

From early to mid-December, severe storms and devastating flooding battered Washington state, threatening lives, property, businesses, and livestock across the state. The flooding caused severe damage that wreaked havoc in communities across Washington state, and is among the most devastating natural disasters to ever hit the state. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties were affected by flooding, more than 11 percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and thousands of homes will require significant repair or replacement.

“As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s January 21, 2026 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through December 22. The individual assistance requested by Governor Ferguson is essential for the thousands of Washingtonians whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged,” Smith and the other members of the delegation wrote. “We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.”

Joining Representative Smith in the letter to President Trump were Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10). 

“This system of ‘atmospheric rivers’ has brought torrential rain, wind, and snow to much of the region, resulting in record-breaking flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. Hundreds of communities were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across the state to evacuate, including the entire city of Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. In the city of Pacific, a breached levee left hundreds of homes vulnerable to floodwater. This storm claimed the life of one Washingtonian and has damaged the homes and livelihoods of many more,” the Members continued.

“From the Olympic Peninsula to Central Washington, communities across the state experienced devastating losses. An initial assessment found that catastrophic flooding and devastating winds affected nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties. More than eleven percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged and thousands of residences will require significant repair or replacement,” Smith and the delegation concluded. “While the state was able to provide some assistance for residents whose homes were severely impacted, it requires additional federal support to meet the need across the state.”

If FEMA approves Individual Assistance as part of the major disaster declaration, the next step for residents is to apply directly with FEMA. Governor Ferguson’s request currently includes Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, as well as 15 federally recognized Tribal nations.

Back in December, Smith joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved. 

 

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President, 

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s January 21, 2026 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through December 22. The individual assistance requested by Governor Ferguson is essential for the thousands of Washingtonians whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible. 

This system of “atmospheric rivers” has brought torrential rain, wind, and snow to much of the region, resulting in record-breaking flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. Hundreds of communities were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across the state to evacuate, including the entire city of Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. In the city of Pacific, a breached levee left hundreds of homes vulnerable to floodwater. This storm claimed the life of one Washingtonian and has damaged the homes and livelihoods of many more. 

From the Olympic Peninsula to Central Washington, communities across the state experienced devastating losses. An initial assessment found that catastrophic flooding and devastating winds affected nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties. More than eleven percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged and thousands of residences will require significant repair or replacement. While the state was able to provide some assistance for residents whose homes were severely impacted, it requires additional federal support to meet the need across the state. 

We reiterate our full support for the January 21, 2026 request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. We appreciate you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. 

Sincerely,