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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, co-chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, advanced the Western Wildfire Support Act through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In a Subcommittee Hearing, lawmakers received testimony on Neguse’s proposal to provide comprehensive resources to prevent wildfires, enhance firefighting efforts, and support communities impacted by year-round wildfire seasons. The bill is championed by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in the U.S. Senate.

The hearing was previously delayed by the Republican Shutdown, but public reporting notes that the subcommittee’s consideration of over two dozen public lands and wildfire bills signals a revived hope for public lands legislation to become law this congress. 

“With fires raging year-round, it is more important than ever that we equip at-risk communities across the western United States with the support they need to confront the escalating dangers posed by natural disasters.  I’m hopeful that commonsense will prevail and that this bill will finally be given full consideration. It’s past time for us to work together to provide urgent support to the firefighters, businesses, and families impacted by wildfires,” said Congressman Neguse. 

“Communities in the West need support preventing and combatting wildfires now – there is no time to waste,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am glad to see my bipartisan, bicameral bill moving through the legislative process, and I urge my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to deliver these much-needed resources to wildland fire fighters and local governments.” 

Neguse and Cortez Masto collaborated earlier this year to introduce the Western Wildfire Support Act which improves on three key tenets: preparation, suppression, and recovery. The bill addresses each by authorizing funding for cutting-edge firefighting equipment, creating new training programs for federal and local firefighters, and supporting recovery efforts across wildfire-impacted landscapes and surrounding communities — implementing several priorities recommended by Colorado wildfire officials and local stakeholders. 

Background

Congressman Joe Neguse, who co-chairs the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has led the charge in helping communities better prepare for and mitigate wildfire risk, as well as ensuring they have access to the resources they need to recover. Last month, Neguse was named the most effective Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives in both the Environment and Public Lands policy areas for the 118th Congress. A recognition that reflects his work to successfully enact bills that bolster disaster response and preparedness, promote the preservation of public lands, and more.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. –– Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse announced more than $8 million in funding for four projects across the 2nd Congressional District from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Buses and Bus Facilities Program and Low or No Emission Program, which provide financial assistance to transit systems across the country for buses and bus facilities capital projects. Of the total announced, nearly $4 million was awarded to Steamboat Springs, Winter Park and Eagle County.
 

Neguse supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s substantial increase in funding for these programs.

“I’m excited to welcome more than $8 million to modernize and advance Colorado’s sustainable transportation system. This funding will support critical infrastructure and the transition to low-emission vehicles across the district — from our rural mountain communities to our cities and suburbs,” said Congressman Neguse. “Not only will this investment help improve public health and promote a cleaner commute, but it will bolster public transit operations, ensuring everyone has access to reliable transportation.”

“The Town of Winter Park is grateful to the Federal Transit Administration for this $1.1 million investment in our transit maintenance facility. This support helps the town continue to build a reliable transit system for Grand County,” said Nick Kutrumbos, Mayor of the Town of Winter Park.
 

“We are grateful to receive this federal grant, which will allow Core Transit to take a major step forward in improving the rider experience and accessibility across our system,” said Tanya Allen, Executive Director of Core Transit in Eagle County. “By upgrading and adding bus shelters identified through community feedback in our 10-Year Plan, we’re ensuring that our investments directly reflect the needs and priorities of the people we serve.” 

“With the help of these funds, the purchase of two buses will allow Steamboat Springs Transit to retire two old diesel buses and move toward a modern, fully hybrid/electric fleet, serving one of the top rural transit systems in the nation.” said Gail Garey, Steamboat Springs City Council President Pro Tem.

The Buses and Bus Facilities Program provides funding for capital projects to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related facilities. The Low or No Emission Program provides funding to local governments for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction and leasing of required supporting facilities.

A full list of projects in the 2nd Congressional District is below.

Background

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. –– Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse announced more than $8 million in funding for four projects across the 2nd Congressional District from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Buses and Bus Facilities Program and Low or No Emission Program, which provides financial assistance to transit systems across the country for buses and bus facilities capital projects. Of the total announced, $4,838,610 was awarded to the City of Fort Collins’ Transfort Fleet Replacement and Modernization Project. 

Neguse supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s substantial increase in funding for these programs.

“I’m excited to welcome more than $8 million to modernize and advance Colorado’s sustainable transportation system. This funding will support critical infrastructure and the transition to low-emission vehicles  across the district — from our rural mountain communities to our cities and suburbs,” said Congressman Neguse. “Not only will this investment help improve public health and promote a cleaner commute but it will bolster public transit operations, ensuring everyone has access to reliable transportation.”

“On behalf of the City of Fort Collins and Transfort, I want to express my sincere gratitude for this Low or No Emissions grant awarded by the Federal Transit Administration. This support will allow us to replace aging CNG buses with newer, more reliable vehicles that will strengthen our transit system and improve daily service for riders. We deeply appreciate this federal partnership and the vital role it plays in keeping our community moving.” said Mayor Jeni Arndt.

The Buses and Bus Facilities Program provides funding for capital projects to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related facilities. The Low or No Emission Program provides funding to local governments for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction and leasing of required supporting facilities.

The full list of projects awarded in the 2nd Congressional District is below.

Background

Congressman Neguse has led the charge to increase funding for the Low or No Emission grant program over his time in Congress. In previous years he has written a letter, joined by his 35 colleagues, that urged for an increase in funding for the Low or No Emission grant program; the House later that year passed H.R. 7617 that included a $50 million increase in funding. The year prior, Congressman Neguse had also fully secured an increased funding for the program by advocating for the same $50 million appropriations increase during. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and Chair of the Values Action Team (VAT), joined House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) in leading a joint briefing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee to examine the worsening violence and targeted persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria.

Congressman Aderholt said, “The rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a crisis that can’t be ignored. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to protect the most vulnerable, including those whose lives and liberties are threatened simply because of their faith. We must stand firmly with Nigeria’s Christian communities and all persecuted believers worldwide, and I commend our collaborative efforts to provide the President with the information needed to confront this growing tragedy.”

This roundtable follows President Donald J. Trump’s October 31 directive to the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria and report findings to the White House.

Joint Briefing Includes Congressional and Expert Participants

Participants in the briefing included:

• Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman
• Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman and Values Action Team (VAT) Chair
• Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair and leading religious liberty advocate
• Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee
• Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee
• Hon. Vicky Hartzler, Chair, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
• Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, Alliance Defending Freedom International
• Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations

Focus on the Scale and Nature of Violence

Members and witnesses emphasized that religiously motivated attacks—including kidnappings, mass killings, and displacement—have intensified across Nigeria, with Christian communities bearing the brunt of the violence in many regions. Expert testimony underscored the role of extremist terror groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and radicalized militant factions that seek to drive believers from their homes and suppress religious freedom.

Expert Testimony Highlights Urgent Need for Action

Witnesses offered on-the-ground perspectives and policy recommendations for Congress and the Administration, including:

• Strengthening U.S. diplomatic pressure on Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities
• Leveraging U.S. security assistance for accountability, police reform, and early-warning systems
• Supporting efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent further religious cleansing

Several witnesses cited recent mass abductions and assaults on churches and religious schools to illustrate the immediate threat facing families of faith in Nigeria today.

Continued Oversight and Next Steps

Congressman Aderholt reaffirmed his commitment to protecting religious liberty worldwide and supporting persecuted believers through U.S. foreign policy and appropriations work. The House Appropriations Committee will continue investigating the violence in Nigeria pursuant to President Trump’s directive and is preparing a comprehensive report to provide the Administration with actionable recommendations.

“As we move forward,” Aderholt added, “Congress must ensure America remains a beacon for religious freedom and a defender of those who are targeted simply for worshipping God.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Today, Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, introduced the Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act. He was joined by original co-sponsors Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37).

The ADOPT Act protects adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries. The legislation requires adoption providers and attorneys to operate only in states where they are licensed, ensuring that adoptive families have access to licensed, regulated, and trustworthy providers in their communities.

“Every child deserves the chance to find a loving, forever home in a safe and ethical way. For too long, unlicensed intermediaries have exploited vulnerable birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents,” said Congressman Aderholt. “The ADOPT Act ensures that adoption providers operate aboveboard and within the law. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to protect families and children from bad practices and to promote responsible, caring adoption services.” 

This legislation prevents the commodification of children by holding bad actors accountable and establishes oversight to stop intermediaries who operate outside moral and ethical standards. It was introduced with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, showing the shared commitment to protecting vulnerable birth mothers and prospective parents.

“The adoption process should always protect the best interests of children and support families with transparency, safety, and dignity. Unfortunately, unlicensed intermediaries too often exploit parents and children through misleading advertising and coercive tactics,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15). “I’m proud to join Congressman Aderholt in introducing the ADOPT Act to strengthen oversight, stop bad actors, and ensure every child and every family is supported by ethical, responsible adoption practices. This legislation brings much-needed safeguards to a system that must always put children first.”

“Adoption should be an exciting time for adoptive parents and children, who deserve a transition as safe and seamless as possible,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Co-Chair of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus. “Unfortunately, too often, unlicensed adoption intermediaries complicate this process and exploit adoptive families. I’m proud to co-lead the ADOPT Act to protect adoptive families and ensure adoption providers are licensed, trustworthy, and accessible.”

“Adoption is a wonderful way for children to join loving, forever families,” said Rep. Danny K Davis (IL-07). “I gladly join my colleagues in advancing this important legislation that will help protect expectant mothers, children, and families during the adoption process.”

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

“I believe it is incumbent upon Congress to ensure loving parents pursuing adoption to grow their families, expectant mothers working with adoption providers, and children are protected from bad actors seeking to take advantage of the adoption process,” said Senator Britt. “This legislation does just that, establishing necessary oversight in the adoption process to promote transparency and uphold the integrity of adoption in our nation. I’ll always use my position on the federal level to fight for women, children, and families, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in this latest effort to defend those involved in the adoption process from exploitation.”

 “Adoption changes lives — for kids and adoptive parents alike. Unfortunately, unlicensed ‘baby brokers’ prey on vulnerable mothers and families, hurting everyone in the process,” said Senator Klobuchar, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption. “That’s why Senator Britt and I are introducing the bipartisan ADOPT Act, which protects expecting mothers and adoptive families from exploitation by ensuring that parents pursuing private, domestic adoption are working with trusted, licensed professionals.”

“Adoption is a great source of joy to families across the nation,” said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND. “The adoption process can be complicated, allowing baby brokers to prey on vulnerable birth mothers and adoptive families. Every family wishing to adopt should be confident the professionals they work with are the real deal who have their best interests in mind. Our ADOPT Act closes loopholes to prevent unscrupulous unlicensed adoption intermediaries from exploiting pregnant women and hopeful families.”

“The Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) applauds efforts to protect adoptive families and children during the adoption process, by ensuring they are served by licensed adoption professionals, with appropriate oversight and transparency,” said Genie Miller Gillespie, Adoption Policy Director of AAAA. “Welcoming a child into a family through adoption is a tremendous and joyous event; the legal process behind that adoption must match the magnitude of the event. Ensuring the guardrails of the legal process are maintained and that all parties to an adoption are protected will help ensure that families do not have their hopes exploited. The ADOPT Act is an important step in protecting families and children.”

“The ADOPT Act better ensures expectant mothers considering adoption have a trustworthy team around them and all the information and resources available to them before deciding whether to place their child for adoption,” says Ryan Hanlon, president and CEO of National Council For Adoption. “What’s more, the ADOPT Act will save prospective adoptive families—many of whom consider adoption after a painful infertility journey—time, resources and additional heartbreak in the event a placement falls apart after signing with a predatory unlicensed adoption intermediary.

Introduced during National Adoption Month, the ADOPT Act is an important step to ensure safe and transparent adoption practices.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced the introduction of the Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act which provides immigration-related benefits and protections for certain Armed Forces veterans.

“As a veteran myself, I know the responsibility we have as a country to live up to the promises made to our men and women in uniform. That includes delivering a clear pathway to citizenship for our immigrant veterans,” said Thompson. “Tens of thousands of servicemembers currently enlisted in our Armed Services are non-citizens, and I’m proud to introduce the Support and Defend our Military Personnel and Their Families Act to help ensure that they are honored for their sacrifice and work, regardless of where they were born.”

“The Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act restores common sense and basic decency by protecting military families, speeding reunification, and recognizing the service and sacrifice of those who defend our nation. No one who raises their right hand to serve this country should have to fear that their own family could be torn apart by an administration bent on imposing a cruel, partisan agenda. In fact, putting servicemembers through that kind of mental torture needlessly hurts military readiness. We applaud Congressman Thompson’s leadership and urge Members to join him in passing this important legislation without delay,” said Mary Kaszynski, Director of Government Relations, VoteVets.

BACKGROUND

According to the Congressional Research Service, approximately 35,000 non-citizens are on active duty in our Armed Forces. In addition, many serving U.S. citizens have family members who are not U.S. citizens. Non-citizen servicemembers and those with non-citizen family members often face daunting and complex immigration law and procedure and long waits to naturalize.

The Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and their Families Act addresses the immigration concerns of America’s military personnel, our veterans, and their family members back home in the following ways:

• Allows non-citizen veterans who served during wartime periods to access naturalization procedures.
• Exempts spouses and children of non-citizens serving in the Armed Forces from family-based immigration visa caps.
• Allows the parent, spouse, child, or minor sibling of an active duty servicemember or honorably discharged veteran to petition for legal permanent residence if an immigrant visa is immediately available. Also waives certain criteria for inadmissibility and allows these family members to apply up to two years after the sponsoring veteran dies as a result of a service-connected injury or disease.
• Requires the Department of Homeland Security to take into consideration a non-citizen veteran’s military service when facing removal proceedings.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Woodland, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced he has secured into law $375,000 in federal funding for Yolo Food Bank’s mobile pantry truck project. The funding will go toward purchasing a truck for Yolo Food Bank to start a mobile pantry program serving Yolo County’s residents.

“Almost one-third of Yolo County residents face food insecurity and not everybody has the means to travel to our local food bank. Investing in a mobile food pantry just makes sense. That’s why I’m proud to have secured $375,000 in federal funds to purchase a truck and kickstart Yolo Food Bank’s mobile pantry program to bring fresh, locally sourced food to our community members. Thank you to the team at Yolo Food Bank for identifying the need for these funds and partnering with me to make this happen,” said Rep. Thompson.

“This generous gift of a mobile Food Truck will help Yolo Food Bank efficiently distribute fresh, locally-sources free free food to our community members at a time when they need it most. Our thanks goes to Congressman Thompson who always prioritizes our hard-working, rural communities and their needs—what a passionate champion!” said Karen Baker, Executive Director of the Yolo Food Bank.

The funding secured by Rep. Thompson will go towards purchasing a truck to start a mobile pantry program that will serve Yolo County’s rural residents, providing a unique and convenient method for the community to access fresh produce. According to the Yolo Food Bank’s 2023 Yolo County Food Access Survey, almost one-third of Yolo County residents experience food insecurity. Nearly 20 percent of those who need food assistance do not access food relief resources. One of the reasons for this gap is the lack of access to transportation. By purchasing a food truck, Yolo Food Bank will be able to bring fresh, locally sourced food to our community. The mobile pantry will operate year-round and focus on seasonal produce purchased from local farmers. Yolo Food Bank will also hire an Ag Procurement Manager who will leverage relationships with local farmers and food hubs to help purchase fresh, local produce that Yolo Food Bank can provide on the Mobile Pantry Truck.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)

Rep. Thompson requested funding for this project through Congress’ Community Project Funding (CPF) process. Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is permitted to submit 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District so long as the projects meet criteria set forth by the Committee. There are no guarantees that Community Projects will all be funded, and the projects are competitively evaluated by the Committee on Appropriations.

Project selection and submissions is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process before they may be selected for inclusion in the relevant appropriations legislation for the upcoming year.

Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s CPFs here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa, CA — Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) today announced that he secured a $6.8 million federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase six new Gillig hybrid-electric buses for the Napa Valley Transit Authority’s Vine Transit fleet. The funding comes from the FTA’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, which helps communities replace aging buses with cleaner, more efficient transit options.

“I’m proud to have helped NVTA secure this $6.8 million federal grant to purchase six new hybrid-electric buses for our Vine Transit system,” said Rep. Thompson. “With these new buses, NVTA will both improve rider experience and reduce emissions. It’s a win-win for Napa Valley residents and our planet.”  

“It’s an honor to have the Federal Transit Administration recognize the work of NVTA once again, helping us to enhance our lifeline public transportation services,” said Antonio Onorato, NVTA’s Director of Administration, Finance, and Policy. “For a small agency, we have been very fortunate with competitive grants and punching above our weight class when it comes to securing federal funds.”

The new hybrid buses will operate on several of Vine Transit’s busiest routes, including those connecting to BART, the Vallejo Ferry, and Capitol Corridor trains. Once deployed, they will improve the rider experience, reduce emissions, and strengthen transit connections throughout Napa County.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced Ishaan Dhaliwal from Davis Senior High School as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. Ishaan’s app “Anchor: Surgery Recovery” helps patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries stay on track during the recovery process.

“STEM education is critical to prepare our nation’s middle- and high-schoolers for the future workforce. That’s why I look forward to hosting the Congressional App Challenge each year. It’s a great opportunity to engage our community’s students in creative, innovative coding projects,” said Thompson.

“Congratulations to Ishaan on his outstanding app to help patients recover from surgeries virtually, and congratulations to Shirochka Janapati from Technology High School for winning second place, and Logan Anello, Kevin Corrales, Maria Torres, and Cheyenne Williams from Winters High School for winning third place! I’m blown away by this year’s submissions. I encourage each and every one of our participants to continue to work hard to develop their coding skills and to spread the word so we can expand our competition even more in 2026.”

The apps were evaluated by a panel of judges from the Fourth District: Laura Swart from Keysight Technologies, Michael Silva from Solano Community College, and Joel Pyzer from Woodland Community College.

The final standings were:

1st Place: Ishaan Dhaliwal from Davis Senior High School for “Anchor: Surgery Recovery” helps patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries stay on track during the recovery process.

2nd Place: Shirochka Janapati from Technology High School in Rohnert Park for “CommUnity,” an app designed to help users track community service and volunteer opportunities.

3rd Place: Logan Anello, Kevin Corrales, Maria Torres, and Cheyenne Williams from Winters High School for “CammyFit,” an app designed to help users track their healthy habits including diet and exercise.

BACKGROUND

Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts the Congressional App Challenge to encourage middle school and high school student participation in computer science. The App Challenge is an opportunity for students to compete against peers within their congressional district to design and code an original application. The student or students behind each winning application are invited to Washington, D.C. to present their application to members of Congress and leaders in the technology sector. Each winning app is also displayed in the U.S. Capitol and shown on House.gov.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Thompson was selected for the task force by Democratic Assistant Leader Joe Neguse due to his experience fighting for our democracy