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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Since Congress created the Community Project Funding program in Fiscal Year 2022, Congresswoman Miller (R-WV) has secured $59,302,487 for southern West Virginia. Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to put forward requests for direct funding for projects in their home districts to the Appropriations Committee.

Miller’s nearly $60 million has brought crucial funds to West Virginia’s law enforcement, economic development projects, hospitals, health networks, and water systems in southern West Virginia. Since FY2022, Miller has secured:

• $942,208 for Law Enforcement
• $12,423,439 for Economic Development
• $22,016,000 for Health Projects
• $23,920,840 for Water and Sewer Projects

One of Miller’s main focuses has been the water crisis in our southern coalfields. Of the nearly $24 million secured for water and sewer projects since FY2022, $1,200,000 has been appropriated directly to Wyoming County water projects, and $2,995,840 has been appropriated to McDowell County.

Building on this crucial funding, Miller also joined Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) last July in introducing an amendment to the House Interior Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act which successfully passed the House of Representatives. This amendment directed the EPA to provide information on the resources it has available to assist states and counties with a high prevalence of violations of drinking water regulations, such as Wyoming and McDowell Counties in southern West Virginia.

“I am grateful for Community Project Funding and that my role in Congress has allowed me to have an impact on southern West Virginia. I am especially thrilled to have secured nearly $24 million for water and sewer projects in my district. Clean drinking water is a necessity, but tragically, some communities in West Virginia struggle to access this basic need. I am committed to doing everything in my power to help these communities, whether through Community Project Funding or amendments to annual appropriations bills. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the Trump Administration to deliver the support West Virginians need and deserve every day,” said Congresswoman Miller.

For Fiscal Year 2027, Miller has requested $70,430,000 for southern West Virginia projects and the funding is currently under consideration by the Appropriations Committee. Of this over $70 million being requested, $48,689,000 would go directly to water and sewer projects in West Virginia’s First Congressional District.

Background:

• In Fiscal Year 2026, Congresswoman Miller requested $750,000 to remove a Combined Sewer Overflow in Welch, WV, allowing for compliance with the Clean Water Act and improving the quality of life for 868 residential and commercial customers in McDowell County.
• In Fiscal Year 2025, Congresswoman Miller requested $750,000 to remove a Combined Sewer Overflow in Welch, WV.
• In Fiscal Year 2024, Congresswoman Miller secured $750,000 for the town of Pineville’s Brenton/Baileysville Waterline Extension Project that will provide water service to approximately 254 customers in Wyoming County.
• In Fiscal Year 2024, Congresswoman Miller secured $1,750,000 for the construction of a new sewer system in Davy, WV that will cut pollution going into the Tug Fork River and eliminate health hazards for the community in McDowell County.
• In Fiscal Year 2023, Congresswoman Miller secured $450,000 for the Wyoming County Commission to provide efficient, reliable, and safe public water to approximately 215 residents and businesses through the Hanover Waterline Extension Project.
• In Fiscal Year 2022, Congresswoman Miller secured $495,840 for the DigDeep Right to Water Project in Welch, WV that will provide sanitary septic and sewage service to 35 households and also provide clean water for the community in McDowell County, WV.
• Information for all Community Project Funding and Member Designated Funding requests can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Leads Bipartisan Bill to Stop China From Purchasing U.S. Farmland

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced the Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act. The legislation takes decisive action to safeguard U.S. national security and food security by closing gaps in federal oversight of foreign land acquisitions. For too long, foreign adversaries like China have been able to purchase American farmland and real estate near sensitive national security sites with limited scrutiny, and in many cases none at all. These purchases pose risks to critical infrastructure, military readiness, and the resilience of the U.S. food supply.

“Food security is national security, and we cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to buy up American farmland near our most sensitive military and critical infrastructure sites. This bipartisan legislation closes dangerous loopholes, presumptively bars foreign adversaries from purchasing land, and ensures the United States has the tools to stop these farmland deals before they threaten our security. It also implements the Trump Administration’s America First Investment Policy and USDA’s Farm Security Action Plan by giving the administration the authority needed to protect United States farmland and real estate near sensitive facilities. This a top concern of the American people and I hope Congress will act quickly to pass it into law,” said Moolenaar.

Moolenaar is the Chairman of the Hose Select Committee on China. His bill has bipartisan support from Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Dr. Neal Dunn (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Pat Harrington (R-NC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Mike Thompson (D-CA). 

An exclusive article about this legislation featured in The Daily Wire was published this morning and can be read here. 

The Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act ensures that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has the jurisdiction necessary to address real estate transactions involving foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It also deems the purchase by any foreign adversary of U.S. farmland and critical infrastructure as presenting an unacceptable risk to national, with limited exceptions. 

Moolenaar’s bipartisan legislation also establishes a new category of “elevated risk real estate transactions,” ensuring mandatory review of purchases involving farmland, ports, telecommunications infrastructure, and locations in proximity to military installations and intelligence facilities. Finally, the bill formally incorporates food security and agricultural biotechnology risks into CFIUS reviews and ensures the Secretary of Agriculture is included as a key voice in evaluating such transactions.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul — chairman of the Homeland Security Committee’s Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events — introduced the Guard the Skies Act along with Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). The Guard the Skies Act grants the National Guard explicit authority to counter threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — commonly known as drones — while remaining under the direction and control of state governors. Countering drone threats has been a top priority of the task force as our nation prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and celebrate America250. Reps. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.) also joined the legislation as original cosponsors.

“From foreign adversaries to transnational criminal organizations, hostile actors have increasingly adopted drone technology to target critical infrastructure and innocent civilians. As the United States prepares to host millions of visitors for the FIFA World Cup, America250 celebrations, and eventually the Olympics, we must be prepared to intercept and neutralize this evolving threat,” said Chairman McCaul. “The Guard the Skies Act would leverage the National Guard — a force uniquely positioned for rapid deployment and crisis response — to protect our skies and the large-scale gatherings below. I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this bipartisan effort to ensure these events reflect American excellence in every aspect, including our security posture.”

“Russia and Iran’s attacks on US servicemembers in the Middle East have underscored the urgent threat posed by unmanned systems,” said Rep. Kaptur. “That is why I am proud to help lead this legislation to expand counter-drone training in the United States. America must learn the lessons of modern warfare by strengthening our defenses against emerging threats. Unmanned systems are transforming the battlefield with major implications for national security. Just as the 180th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard, which I am proud to represent in Northwest Ohio, protected our northern border and patrolled the skies after the September 11 attacks, we must be prepared to confront today’s challenges. This legislation is an important step toward strengthening our national security and equipping National Guardsmen with critical skills they can use both in service and civilian life.”

“As America prepares to host major global events, including the World Cup and the Summer Olympics, we cannot afford any gaps in our deterrence posture,” said Rep. Crane. “I’m honored to co-lead the Guard the Skies Act, which authorizes the National Guard to help protect critical facilities and events from hostile or unauthorized unmanned aircraft. I’m grateful for Chairman McCaul’s leadership in spearheading this effort, as well as the partnership of Reps. Gottheimer and Kaptur in advancing this bipartisan initiative.”

“Law enforcement needs every tool available at their disposal to keep spectators and communities safe at the upcoming World Cup,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “I’m proud to co-lead the Guard the Skies Act to ensure we have the resources necessary to combat drone threats and keep the skies above the World Cup secure.”

Background:

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, U.S. host cities will face an unprecedented, high-threat security environment. Securing this massive footprint requires a layered defense. The Safer Skies Act, which passed in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, was an essential first step in granting State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement the authority to counter rogue drones and localized threats. However, a sophisticated drone operation deployed by a malign actor would present a fundamentally different and more complex threat, requiring capabilities beyond the traditional scope and scale of civilian policing. With its rapid deployability, nationwide scalability, and extensive experience responding to domestic emergencies, the National Guard is uniquely positioned to assist federal and state authorities with C-UAS mitigation and unified coordination for events of this magnitude. The Guard the Skies Act would empower the National Guard to act as a crucial force multiplier, partnering with local authorities to help tackle complex airspace threats and ensure safe skies.

McCaul and Crane also recently wrote to administration officials, urging them to immediately deputize the National Guard under DHS and DOJ to perform counter-UAS mitigation at the FIFA World Cup. The Guard the Skies Act would provide more permanent and comprehensive authorities available to federal and state governments.

Click here to read full text of the Guard the Skies Act.

 Click here to read McCaul and Crane’s letter to the administration.

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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded STEP, Inc., based in Rocky Mount, Virginia, a $16,188 grant. The funding supports local head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Ninth District communities access head start services thanks to the work of Solutions that Empower People, known as STEP.

“This HHS grant for more than $16,000 helps STEP administer its head start programs in the region.”

BACKGROUND

STEP’s head start network consists of teaching and educational professionals, as well as health advocates and transportation specialists. 

The awarding office of this grant is the HHS Office of the Administration for Children and Families.

STEP’s head start programs are supported by Franklin and Patrick County Public Schools, the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia, and Piedmont Community Services.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

CHICAGO — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today joined NAMI Chicago, The Trevor Project, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Victory Institute, Ald. Lamont Robinson, Channyn Lynne Parker of Equality Illinois, Nikki Patin of Brave Space Alliance, and other advocates and providers for a tour of NAMI Chicago’s call center followed by a press conference calling for the restoration of specialized LGBTQ+ crisis services through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, commonly accessed through the “Press 3” option.

During the tour, participants learned more about NAMI Chicago’s 988 operations and how trained crisis counselors provide immediate emotional support, safety planning, and connections to care. Speakers at the press conference emphasized the proven impact of 988 and the urgent need to restore specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth, which previously accounted for a significant share of Lifeline contacts.

“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s ‘Press 3’ option was working for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis—connecting them to trained counselors who understood what they were going through—and the Trump Administration shut it down,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “We know this service works, and we’ve heard directly from the young people who relied on it in their most vulnerable moments. I partnered with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure the funding to restore this program, but despite Secretary Kennedy’s recent testimony that it would be coming back, these services for LGBTQ+ youth are still offline. The Trump Administration needs to restore the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s ‘Press 3’ option now—every day it remains unavailable puts LGBTQ+ youth in crisis at risk.”

“Since becoming a 988 call center in January 2024, NAMI Chicago has answered more than 53,000 calls. Every call reminds us that crisis support must be easy to access, compassionate, and responsive to the person on the other end of the line” said Teri McKean, Director of Crisis Services at NAMI Chicago. “We are well equipped to support anyone who reaches out. At the same time, we know specialized support is a best practice, and LGBTQ+ young people deserve access to specialized expertise and connection to others with lived experience.”

“LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. are placed at higher risk for suicide not because of who they are, but because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized by others. And yet, we know that severe gaps in access to care for these youth persist; 50% of LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. said they wanted mental health care in the past year, but were not able to get it,” said Gabby Doyle, Senior Manager of State Advocacy at The Trevor Project. “To end the public health crisis of suicide among LGBTQ+ young people, they need more resources – not fewer. The abrupt termination of the 988 Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth left the more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people who accessed the federal program without the life-saving care they came to rely on during their darkest moments. We urge the administration to restore these life-saving services, and we are grateful for Representative Krishnamoorthi’s efforts to advance the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act to help fill critical gaps in crisis care. We hope that Congress will swiftly pass this bill into law.”

“Option 3 on the 988 line for LGBTQ Youth services is vital because it provides supportive services to a very vulnerable community,” said Toni Sutton of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. “It’s critical to have services and supports from trained counselors and allies to this particular group of young people that address the unique challenges they face and meet their needs.”

“The rise in political violence documented in our recent report is not just a threat to democracy—it is a direct threat to the mental health of LGBTQ+ elected officials serving under constant pressure and fear,” said Evan Low, CEO & President, Victory Institute. “During Mental Health Awareness Month, we must recognize that the harassment, threats, and isolation many LGBTQ+ leaders face have real and lasting psychological consequences. That reality underscores the urgency of this moment and aligns with the awareness and advocacy led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. No one should have to choose between serving their community and protecting their mental well-being. Supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ elected officials is essential to building a safer, more inclusive, and more resilient democracy.”

“Due to persistent stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ youth face an elevated risk of suicide and are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers,” said Angela Cummings, executive director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Illinois Chapter. “The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized LGBTQ+ youth option was created to ensure young people in crisis can connect quickly with trained, affirming counselors. AFSP Illinois is proud to stand with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, NAMI Chicago, and our partners in urging the swift restoration of this lifesaving resource.”

Krishnamoorthi has led efforts in Congress to restore and protect these services, including securing $33.1 million in Fiscal Year 2026 funding to support their reinstatement and introducing the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ Youth Access Act to ensure these services are permanently available nationwide. He has also pressed the Department of Health and Human Services to restart the program and follow through on commitments to bring it back online.

NAMI Chicago’s 988 call center operates seven days a week, answering the majority of the calls for Chicago and Cook County, in addition to operating its own Helpline for emotional support and connection to mental health resources. As one of the largest affiliates of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in the country, NAMI Chicago serves more than 40,000 people each year through crisis services, care coordination, peer support, education, and advocacy, including support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals and others seeking connection, information, and support.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, introduced the bipartisan Skill Savings Account Act.

This bill creates skill savings accounts for workers of all ages to use for education expenses including workforce development and nontraditional learning opportunities. Skill savings accounts can be utilized for a wide variety of workforce development opportunities including apprenticeships, online courses, credentials, short or long-term community college and university courses, bootcamps, certificates, skill accelerators, and more to give workers the opportunity to reskill and upskill throughout their careers.

Skill savings accounts allow for tax-free contributions from employers, workers, community investment organizations, family and friends, government agencies, and tax authorities to contribute to an individual’s skill savings account, which are portable and follow the individual worker throughout their working life.

“A skilled workforce drives our economic growth and it’s important that every American knows there is more than one path to a successful future,” Rep. Thompson said. “I am proud to lead the Skill Savings Account Act, this commonsense, bipartisan legislation will create a tool for workers to reskill and upskill, ensuring that everyone can climb the ladder of opportunity.”

“Investing in workforce development is investing in America’s economic future,” Rep. Bonamici said. “Skill savings accounts will allow more Oregonians to access continuing education, workforce training, and reemployment services to help workers and businesses thrive.”

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commends Reps. Thompson and Bonamici for introducing the Skill Savings Account Act,” said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “This bill offers workers and employers a practical, flexible tool to invest in skills development and training, helping address worker shortages and keep America’s workforce competitive.”

“The Skill Savings Account Act creates a portable, tax-advantaged tool that empowers learners and workers to invest in their own upskilling and reskilling, reflecting how today’s careers and related pathways actually unfold,” said Kate Kreamer, Executive Director of Advance CTE. “Career Technical Education (CTE) has long delivered the high-quality programs and pathways that learners need to cultivate in-demand skills, and Skill Savings Accounts can help complement this existing infrastructure with a worker-centered, demand-side investment. Advance CTE commends Representatives Thompson and Bonamici for their leadership on this issue and is pleased to endorse the Skill Savings Account Act.”

“By creating tax-advantaged accounts for education and training, this legislation expands access to high-quality learning opportunities, supports lifelong learning and strengthens the connection between education and workforce needs, helping more individuals gain the skills necessary to succeed in today’s economy,” said LeAnne Curry, Executive Director of ACTE. “ACTE appreciates Congressman Thompson for his continued support of career and technical education and for introducing this legislation.”

Specifically, this legislation would: 

• Create tax-free skill savings accounts for the purpose of paying the qualified education expenses of the account beneficiary, a portable account that follows a worker throughout their working life.
• Workers can contribute to their own skill savings accounts and/or receive contributions from employers, family and friends, government agencies, tax authorities, and community investment organizations.
• The total amount contributed by the employer shall not exceed $5,250 and the total amount contributed by an employee shall not exceed $10,000 in any calendar year.
• A skill savings account balance may not exceed $50,000

Read the full text here.