MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a federal funding notice for American Samoa from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announcing $220,542 through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

Congresswoman Amata with Secretary Markwayne Mullin – Edited

The funding supports management costs for American Samoa’s Fiscal Year 2022 BRIC project and is funded at a 100 percent federal cost share.

Amata is also recognizing the continued work of the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM), under Director Lologa Olo, for its coordination with FEMA and ongoing preparedness, recovery, and mitigation efforts in the Territory.

“Although my first priority with grant notices is informing our people about available funding, it is also important to recognize the work taking place here at home that helps make these efforts possible,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to ODAPM and everyone involved in helping American Samoa remain prepared and strengthening our readiness for future needs.”

The BRIC program helps communities improve disaster preparedness, strengthen resilience, and support long-term planning before emergencies occur.

This funding supports the planning, coordination, reporting, oversight, and administrative work needed to manage preparedness and mitigation activities. While it is not direct public assistance or construction funding, it helps support the work behind disaster readiness efforts across the Territory.

This award is categorized as a Hazard Mitigation grant under FEMA’s BRIC program and is authorized under Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. FEMA provides the funding directly to American Samoa for administration and eligible use.

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the NAACP, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, student-athletes and advocates for a press conference, in which he emphasized that House Democrats refuse to sit idly by as SEC universities remain complacent amidst Republican attacks on Black political representation in the South.

LEADER JEFFRIES: This is an unprecedented moment featuring an unprecedented attack on Black political representation, and, therefore, it requires an unprecedented response. We are here standing in solidarity with the NAACP and its call for athletes to boycott institutions within the SEC that belong to states that have unleashed these Jim Crow-like, racially oppressive tactics, which is unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American. And we believe that the silence of these institutions is complicity, and we will not stand for it.

At the same period of time, the Congressional Black Caucus strongly and uniformly opposed the so-called SCORE Act, resulting in Republicans having to pull the SCORE Act from the Floor. And we will continue to oppose it. We will continue to stand with the NAACP in encouraging athletes in our community to look elsewhere until these racially gerrymandered maps in the South are reversed, buried in the ground, never to rise again.

With respect to the SCORE Act, our position has been clear. If LSU is for it, we’re against it. If the University of Alabama is for it, we’re against it. If Ole Miss is for it, we’re against it. If the University of South Carolina is for it, we’re against it. If the University of Tennessee is for it, we’re against it. And if the SEC schools are for it, we are against it, and we will continue to stand against it because we’re standing on the side of liberty and justice for all. And silence in this moment is complicity.

The African American journey in this country has been characterized by moments of progress followed by moments of backlash. We had the progress of emancipation and reconstruction, followed by the backlash of Jim Crow. We had the progress of the civil rights movement, followed by the backlash of mass incarceration. We had the progress of Barack Obama’s election and the rise of a multi-racial democracy, followed by the election of Agent Orange and the rise of MAGA extremism and Project 2025. Progress followed by backlash.

And for us to get through this moment of backlash and usher in a new era of progress, as has been done by generations in the past, it’s going to require character, it’s going to require courage and it’s going to require conviction. This is a Bill Russell moment. It’s a Muhammad Ali moment. And it’s a Jackie Robinson moment. And we’re going to stand together to make sure we bring about the type of country that the African American community deserves and that everyone in the United States of America deserves.

And so if you believe in a multi-racial democracy, join us. If you believe in free and fair elections, join us. And if you believe in fair Black political representation in the South and all across America, join us. Welcome to what I’ve started to call Project 42, which is we’re going to make sure that we battle through the turbulence, the trials and the tribulations of this moment, push back aggressively against the racial gerrymandering that has taken place. And I’m confident, though it won’t be easy, if we continue to stand up and show up and speak up for what we know is right, one day soon we shall overcome.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) will host a joint press conference making the case for indicting Raúl Castro following his involvement in the 1996 shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft and highlighting the national security threat that the Castro regime poses to the United States.

Held on May 20th, Cuba’s Independence Day, members will gather at a pivotal moment for the island to reaffirm a message growing across Cuba and throughout exile communities alike: the moment for a free Cuba is now.

Earlier this year, U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Maria Elvira Salazar, Carlos A. Giménez, and Nicole Malliotakis sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump asking that his administration consider indicting Raúl Castro for his involvement in the 1996 shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft, which resulted in the cold-blooded murder of four individuals, including American citizens.

Read the full letter here.

 WHO:

• Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations
• Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
• Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security
• Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Member of the Ways and Means Committee

 

WHAT:

Press Conference making the case for indicting Raúl Castro

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

9:00 a.m. ET

WHERE:

Studio A – HVC 117

U.S. Capitol

Washington D.C.

Please note:

• **Only members of the press who are credentialed by any of the press galleries can attend the presser. There is no distinction between House and Senate.**
• Outside groups will not be allowed to enter the studio as observers. Only staff of participating members and Capitol Hill-accredited journalists may attend the press conference.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax, announced legislation to prevent a sitting president from profiting from lawsuits against the United States government. The SLUSH FUND Act would tax the President’s unethical $1.776 billion slush fund meant to benefit January 6th rioters and other MAGA enablers at 100 percent, rightfully returning taxpayers’ money back to the people of the United States. 

“This president continues to use the Office of the Presidency for personal gain, including by suing the federal government to line the pockets of January 6^th insurrectionists who attacked law enforcement and tried to overturn our democratic election. That’s unacceptable,” said Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Ranking Member Mike Thompson. “My legislation ensures if a sitting president sues our government while in office, they get taxed 100 percent on any money paid through a trial or settlement.”

“Donald Trump has turned the presidency into a personal profit center using taxpayer dollars to reward the same extremists who attacked our democracy on January 6th, and enrich his family empire, all while Republicans look the other way,” said Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal. “If the President wants to run a corrupt slush fund for insurrectionists and political cronies, the American people shouldn’t be forced to bankroll it. That’s why I’m grateful to Tax Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Thompson for stepping in and leading legislation that makes clear: no president is above the law, and no taxpayer should have to subsidize this kind of brazen self-dealing.”

BACKGROUND

Thompson introduced the SLUSH Fund Act today in response to the news that President Trump settled his unethical lawsuit against the IRS for a $1.776 billion slush fund he plans to make available to January 6th rioters and other MAGA enablers. 

The “Stop Letting United States Heads Funnel Unauthorized Nontransparent Dollars Act of 2026” (SLUSH FUND Act) would impose a 100 percent excise tax on any settlement payment received from a fund whose assets are derived from a civil suit initiated by a President against the United States. The legislation also imposes an additional 50 percent penalty on any willful attempt to avoid or evade the tax. To ensure compliance and transparency, the bill requires information reporting on payments from the fund to both the individual receiving the payment and the Secretary of the Treasury, including notice that such payments are subject to the 100 percent excise tax. Failure to file the required information reports would result in a $10,000 penalty per failure. The bill further requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make these information reports publicly available. The legislation would take effect on May 20, 2026.

In addition to Thompson, the SLUSH FUND Act is co-sponsored by 16 Ways and Means Committee Democrats: Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Rep. John Larson (CT-01), Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07), Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rep. Susan DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03), Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03). 

Read the text of the bill here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

This newly relocated center will increase collaboration between the City’s police and fire departments to better respond to emergencies

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,034,487 in community project funding for the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Emergency Operations Center Relocation Project, which will move the current Emergency Operations Center from the main Rancho Cucamonga Police Station to the Civic Center campus. This federal investment will not just relocate the center, but will also make important upgrades to provide staff with more workspace and newer technology. This project will support emergency response needs, enhance public safety, build community resilience, and ultimately increase collaboration between the City’s police and fire departments to respond to emergencies, from traffic incidents to wildfires, more quickly and efficiently. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“I’m honored to deliver more than $1 million for Rancho Cucamonga’s Emergency Operations Center Relocation Project to strengthen emergency response in the city, improve public safety and improve collaboration between our first responders,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This federal investment will make sure that our city’s police and fire departments are working together to respond to emergencies, whether it’s a car accident or a wildfire, to keep residents here in the Inland Empire safe. I’ll keep working in Washington to deliver more resources for Californians.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Pete Aguilar and his office for their support and investment in Rancho Cucamonga’s future,” said Mayor L. Dennis Michael, City of Rancho Cucamonga. “This funding strengthens our emergency preparedness capabilities and ensures our community is equipped with modern resources to respond, communicate, and protect residents for years to come.” 
“This new facility will enhance coordination, improve operational efficiency, and provide the flexibility needed to support emergency response as our community continues to grow,” said Chief Mike McCliman, Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District. “We are grateful for the partnership and support that made this project possible.” 
As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), reintroduced the bipartisan Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support (MOMS) Act, which would strengthen maternal healthcare access in rural areas to improve the availability of labor and delivery services. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02), and Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16).

“As a pediatrician, I know how important it is for pregnant women to access labor and delivery services when they need them,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Our rural communities are struggling as local hospitals feel the impacts of federal funding cuts and staffing shortages, especially when it comes to maternal care. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will ensure women in rural areas have access to reliable, quality hospital services to give birth.” 

Fewer than half of rural hospitals in the U.S. still offer labor and delivery services, and those that do provide them are at risk of being forced to close. The Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support (MOMS) Act would allow Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to account for labor and delivery beds separate from acute care rooms, allowing patients to access these services without threatening their CAH status.

“For critical access hospitals, flexibility is essential to keeping services local. By excluding labor and delivery beds from inpatient limits, Congress can help stabilize essential maternity services and access in rural areas. This bill addresses a technical issue with real-world consequences and is a practical step to protect care,” said Washington State Hospital Association President and CEO Cassie Sauer. 

This legislation is supported by the American Hospital Association, the Washington State Hospital Association, the Iowa Hospital Association, and the National Rural Health Association.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Bill Included in Democratic House Package Aiming to Strengthen Consumer Protection and Reverse Trump’s Harmful CFPB Rollbacks

Bill Text (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would restore the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) advisory opinion that would protect consumers by preventing debt collectors from engaging in unfair or deceptive medical debt collection practices.

The Congresswoman’s resolution was included in a suite of CRA resolutions led by Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) and House Financial Services Committee Democrats that would restore critical CFPB guidance designed to protect consumers that were rescinded by the Trump Administration under Acting CFPB Director Russell Vought.

“Decades of policy failures have forced millions of families to take on significant debt just to survive, and predatory debt collectors have made record profits by using aggressive tactics to scare and exploit people,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “My resolution would protect consumers from predatory medical debt collection practices and undo the Trump Administration’s harmful rollback of essential CPFB regulations. I’m grateful to Ranking Member Waters, Senator Warren, and our colleagues for their partnership in standing with our families.”

House Financial Services Democrats introduced H.R. 8777, the “Guidance Upholding Integrity through Defending Americans’ National Consumer Enforcement (GUIDANCE) Act,” which includes the 23 bills listed below led by House Committee Democratic Members:

In March 2026, Congresswoman Pressley emphasized the need for consumers’ autonomy over their financial information and history and protection from big banks and FinTech companies sharing such data without explicit consent.

In February 2025, Congresswoman Pressley joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) at a rally with colleagues, workers and advocates to protest Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unlawful takeover of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In October 2019, Congresswoman Pressley introduced H.R. 5021, the Ending Debt Collection Harassment Act, legislation that requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regulate the debt collection industry. The legislation passed the House in May 2021.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Founding Member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, introduced the Innovative Maternal Payment and Coverage To (IMPACT To) Save Moms Act, legislation aimed at transforming maternity care delivery and ensuring continuity of health insurance coverage for women from prenatal care through one year postpartum. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

The legislation would establish a new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center demonstration project focused on developing innovative maternity care payment models and improving maternal health outcomes nationwide.

“Black women in the U.S. are still far more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and that is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “In the richest country in the world, every person deserves access to high-quality, equitable maternal health care before, during, and after pregnancy. I’m proud to reintroduce the IMPACT to Save Moms Act alongside Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester to help create innovative maternity care payment models and expand continuous health insurance coverage for pregnant women, helping ensure timely diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment throughout pregnancy and postpartum care. No one should lose their life because our health care system failed to provide the care they needed at one of the most critical moments of their lives.”

“As a mother and grandmother, I know first-hand the joys and challenges that motherhood brings,” said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to lead legislation that strengthens the healthcare services afforded to moms across the country. It’s time that we ensure moms receive the same caliber of care that they so often give to others.”

Specifically, the IMPACT to Save Moms Act would:

• Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a five-year Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model Demonstration Project, giving states the ability to test new payment approaches for maternity care under Medicaid and CHIP programs. 
• Adjust payments based on pregnancy risk level to help ensure high-risk patients are directed to the appropriate level of care. 
• Tie payments to measurable health outcomes rather than volume of services. 
• Explicitly incorporates consideration of social determinants of maternal health into the payment model. 
• Support interdisciplinary care teams that include maternity care providers, mental and behavioral health professionals, registered dietitians, and perinatal health workers — with an emphasis on providers from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those trained on implicit bias and racism. 
• Require models to consider maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders. 
• Require the Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate the project’s impact on maternal health outcomes, state spending, and patient experience.

The bill is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Grace Meng (NY-06), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) participated in the House Small Business Committee’s 3^rd Annual Small Business Showcase, held in the United States Capitol. At the invitation of Congressman Stauber, Bemidji Woolen Mills, an innovative small business from Minnesota’s 8^th Congressional District, was featured. 

Bemidji Woolen Mills is a retail store and clothing manufacturer in Bemidji, Minnesota. This iconic company was started by Ira Preston Betchelder in 1920 and is now headed up by his great grandson, Bill Batchelder. Over the century this company has been in business, it has become an iconic staple not only in the Bemidji community, but globally. During the 2012 election campaign, Bemidji Woolen Mills vests were named as TIME Magazine’s No. 15 Most Memorable Item, as presidential candidate Rick Santorum purchased 6,500 vests for his team. Other notables who have been seen wearing sweaters, vests or jackets that came from this business are South African President Nelson Mandela, comedian Billy Crystal, and actor John Goodman. 

Congressman Stauber stated, “Bemidji Woolen Mills embodies the resilience, craftsmanship, and community spirit that define America’s small businesses. It was an honor to invite them to the Small Business Showcase to celebrate their success and highlight exactly who the House Small Business Committee is fighting for here in Washington, D.C. As a former small business owner, I understand firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face every day, which is why I am proud to have delivered meaningful victories for Main Street businesses through the passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. I will continue fighting to ensure small businesses like Bemidji Woolen Mills have the opportunity to grow, create jobs, and strengthen communities across our country.”

Of his visit, Bill Batchelder stated, “The employees of Bemidji Woolen Mills and the Batchelder family were humbled, blessed, and thankful to be part of the Small Business Showcase in Washington D.C. For 106 years, we have been afforded the opportunity by our great State of Minnesota to operate a family-owned small business in historic downtown Bemidji, Minnesota.

“Looking to the future, we are concerned with the barriers to entry for future entrepreneurs: rules, regulations, taxes, zoning, etc. We need to look no further than northern Minnesota to see the incredible family businesses that have been created and have added so much to their communities and our state. Small town America is where entrepreneurs can thrive the best. How many individuals’ dreams will come to fruition in basements, garages and backyards? Let’s make it happen for today’s generation.

“We measure success not by how much money you have at the end of the day, but by the positive impact you have in your community. Our wish is to mentor those in our community that have never experienced generational wealth and to make it happen, one person at a time. There are very few places in the world, like the United States of America, that still supports the American Dream and the entrepreneurial spirit. God bless America.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act alongside Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20). This bill authorizes the sale of two parcels of lands from Union Pacific Railroad to Tulare County in order to restore the City Skate Park and historic Tulare Women’s Club. 

“For years, the Tulare Skate Park and the historic Tulare Women’s Club have been important community spaces, but outdated ownership restrictions have prevented the City from making long-overdue improvements,” said Congressman Valadao. “These parcels were originally set aside for railroad construction more than 150 years ago, and it’s past time to transfer ownership to the City so these facilities can be properly upgraded for future generations. I appreciate Union Pacific’s partnership in helping move this solution forward, and I look forward to seeing these sites continue to serve Tulare families and preserve the community’s history for years to come.”

“Tulare is a community with a proud history, strong values and a bright future, and I’m honored to support this legislation alongside my friend Congressman Valadao,” said Rep. Fong. “The Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act invests in the people and places that make our community stronger by eliminating barriers so Tulare can celebrate its history and enrich the lives of residents for generations to come. It’s a win for our community and our history and I’m proud to support it.”

“The City of Tulare is immensely grateful for Congressman Valadao’s action to preserve two valued community assets and ensure they remain in local hands for generations to come. The Tulare Historic Women’s Clubhouse has long been a landmark that reflects our city’s history and civic identity, while the adjacent Rotary Skate Plaza serves as an important recreational space for Tulare’s youth and families. Bringing these properties under City ownership will allow us to protect, improve, and fully activate these sites for the benefit of our community. We appreciate the leadership of our Congressional delegation in advancing a practical, community-focused solution that recognizes the importance of the City’s commitment to historic preservation and our sense of community, ensuring these properties continue serving the people of Tulare as places of gathering, recreation, and community pride,” said Mayor Patrick Isherwood.

Background:

The Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act, first introduced in the 116th Congress, would authorize the City of Tulare to acquire ownership of two parcels of land currently held by Union Pacific Railroad. Originally retained in 1866 for railroad construction, the parcels have remained subject to federal reversionary interests, limiting the City’s ability to improve and develop the sites. By authorizing the conveyance of the Tulare Railroad Proposed Parcels and relinquishing the United States’ reversionary interest, the legislation would enable the City to expand youth recreational opportunities and enhance efforts to commemorate women’s history in Tulare.

Read the full bill here.

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