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Griffith Announces $191,163 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $191,163 grant. The funding supports research into the transmission and development of the Mayaro virus and its different strains. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Mosquito-borne illnesses affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

“This grant for more than $191,000 helps Virginia Tech conduct research of a developing mosquito-borne illness impacting communities in South America and the Caribbean.”

BACKGROUND

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Mayaro. 

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). 

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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House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks, Chairman Mast Lead Letter Pledging Bipartisan Support for Strengthening Export Controls on Chipmaking Tools

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks and Chairman Brian Mast sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the need for closer cooperation with partners and allies to restrict the People’s Republic of China’s access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Cosigners of the letter include Bill Huizenga and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, as well as Representatives Greg Stanton, Michael Baumgartner, and Johnny Olszewski.

The full text of the latter can be found here and below. 

Dear Secretaries Rubio and Lutnick,

We write to express our strong bipartisan support for robust export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) and to urge the State Department to urgently work to close the remaining critical gaps in our control regime through vigorous engagement with our allies.

Export controls on SME represent one of America’s most significant points of leverage in our strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China. These tools are essential not only for producing the advanced AI chips that will shape the future of both economic and military power, but also for manufacturing the legacy chips that go into PLA weapons systems and intelligence platforms. Maintaining restrictions on this equipment is critical to U.S. national security.

SME controls have also been a bipartisan priority across administrations. The first Trump administration successfully pressed the Netherlands to restrict exports of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools to China—a decision that remains the single most consequential chokepoint restriction to date. The Biden administration issued expansive new controls to cover additional equipment categories and solicited additional complementary controls from allies. This continuity reflects a shared recognition across party lines that protecting America’s semiconductor advantage is essential to our national security.

Despite meaningful progress, however, critical gaps persist in our export control regime. Of particular concern, certain foreign-produced chokepoint SME is controlled only for certain specified entities in China, rather than on a countrywide basis. This matters because once equipment crosses the border into China, the U.S. government has extremely limited ability to enforce end-use and end-user restrictions. Verification visits require advance permission from PRC authorities, can take weeks or months to arrange, and are conducted under escort by PRC security personnel. Entity-specific controls, while valuable, cannot substitute for countrywide restrictions on the most critical chokepoint tools.

As documented in the Select Committee on China’s recent bipartisan report, Selling the Forges of the Future, and as highlighted in the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s hearing, “Export Control Loopholes: Chipmaking Tools and their Subcomponents,” China has significantly accelerated imports of foreign-produced chokepoint equipment in recent years. Dutch sales to China of advanced lithography equipment – the most important chokepoint in the supply chain – doubled from 2022 to 2023, and again from 2023 to 2024.Recent reporting from the Financial Times suggests that China is upgrading these imported tools to a level that likely exceeds export control thresholds. Each chokepoint tool that enters China represents a permanent loss of American leverage.

Additionally, China is working to build domestic SME by exploiting access to U.S. and allied subcomponents required to produce tools, such as electrostatic chucks. Left unchecked, China could render U.S. and allied export controls irrelevant by replacing foreign chipmaking tools entirely.

We believe the most effective path forward is vigorous diplomatic engagement with our allies, coupled with clear expectations and timelines. Our allies share our interest in preventing the PRC from achieving semiconductor self-sufficiency, and many have already demonstrated willingness to align with U.S. controls. But time is not on our side.

We urge the Administration to press allies to implement countrywide controls on key chokepoint semiconductor manufacturing equipment and subcomponents: that is, all equipment and subcomponents that China cannot produce indigenously. This engagement should include clear and reasonable deadlines, after which the United States should be prepared to act to close remaining gaps itself if necessary, including by prohibiting the use of U.S.-origin components in the production of chokepoint tools destined to China. We also encourage the Administration to work with allies to restrict servicing of chokepoint equipment countrywide, to the extent feasible, since many chokepoint tools have already reached restricted chipmaking facilities but still require extensive servicing to maintain.

The window to secure America’s semiconductor advantage is narrowing. We request a briefing within the next month on the Administration’s strategy for securing allied cooperation on countrywide controls on chokepoint semiconductor manufacturing equipment and components and the timeline for achieving this goal. We stand ready to work with you on a bipartisan basis to ensure our export control regime and the alliances that support it are equal to this challenge.

Thank you for your attention to this critical national security matter.

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LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT FOR CONGRESSMAN CHRISTIAN MENEFEE

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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Davids, Carter Host Congressional Briefing with United CEO on the Business Case for Sustainable Aviation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Washington, D.C. — Last week, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus, hosted a Member briefing on the business case for sustainable aviation and the role of emerging technologies in strengthening the U.S. aviation sector.

The briefing featured Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines, who discussed how investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), advanced air mobility, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), hydrogen, and other innovations can reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and strengthen long-term competitiveness across the aviation industry.

“Building a more sustainable aviation system is about cutting emissions, lowering costs over time, strengthening our supply chains, and keeping the United States at the forefront of innovation,” said Davids. “United Airlines’ leadership in SAF and other advanced technologies shows what’s possible when industry and Congress work together to create a cleaner, stronger, and more resilient aviation future. I’m glad Members could better understand how smart investments can support good-paying jobs, national security, and a cleaner, more resilient transportation system.”

“We can cut aviation emissions without sacrificing efficiency or innovation, and United Airlines is proving that,” said Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA-01). “SAF and other cutting-edge technologies offer unique opportunities for America to maintain its air dominance while planning for the future. I’m proud to work with my bipartisan colleagues on this caucus to create jobs, unleash our nation’s full aviation potential, and build a safer transportation system for the next generation.”

“We thank the Sustainable Aviation Caucus and the Climate Solutions Caucus for welcoming Scott Kirby to discuss the importance of SAF and other aviation related policy issues,” said Tom Michels, Director of Government Affairs, United Airlines. “Continued U.S. investment in SAF presents a significant market opportunity not only for U.S. fuel producers, but for the U.S. farmers and feedstock producers who make the building blocks of SAF. We are appreciative of the focus that the bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Caucus is bringing to policy solutions that will scale SAF and preserve U.S. leadership in clean aviation technologies.”

The Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus provides a bipartisan forum for Members to examine policies and technologies that improve aircraft efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance fuel supply resiliency. The Caucus has also highlighted the growing potential of advanced air mobility for passenger travel, air cargo, and other commercial applications.

The briefing included a discussion and Q&A with multiple Members, focusing on how sustainability, economic growth, and financial performance intersect in aviation, and what policy frameworks are needed to support continued innovation and deployment of proven technologies.

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Pappas, Nunn Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect and Expand Rural Telehealth Access

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will expand access to health care and save patients time and money by making permanent Medicare coverage of telehealth services that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes would enable patients to be treated at home, allow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to provide telehealth services, and expand coverage of audio-only services for certain conditions, among other changes. 

“Telehealth enables Granite Staters to virtually access the right care at the right time while saving them both time and money,” said Congressman Pappas. “Making coverage of telehealth services permanent is a practical proposal that benefits patients and providers alike. I’ll continue pushing to protect and expand access to health care.”

“Telehealth is a lifeline for rural Iowans. By making these flexibilities permanent, we’re cutting travel time, supporting rural providers, and ensuring patients receive quality care when and where they need it. This is a bipartisan, practical fix that puts rural communities first,” said Congressman Nunn.

This legislation is endorsed by Alliance for Connected Care, the American Heart Association, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American Telemedicine Association,  the diaTribe Foundation, the Global Liver Institute, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, Progressive Policy Institute, the Medical Group Management Association, and National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals.

Read the bill text here.

Background: 

Congressman Pappas is a steadfast advocate for lowering health care and prescription drug costs, expanding access to care, strengthening the industry’s workforce and training programs, and protecting vital programs that Granite Staters rely on, including Medicare and Medicaid. In 2022, Pappas helped pass historic legislation that finally allowed the government to negotiate for lower drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, capped the cost of insulin at $35, and capped out-of-pocket medical expenses for Medicare recipients.

Last year Pappas introduced the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act, which would make Medicare’s coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent and the Rural Health Innovation Act, which would strengthen access to care in rural areas by establishing a competitive grant program for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to increase staff, equipment, technology, and more. He also introduced the Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act, the Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act, and the Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act. The bipartisan package of legislation makes necessary updates and modifications to federal guidelines and regulations to modernize access to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and improve services for more than 40 million Americans living in non-urban and rural communities. The bills also remove regulatory red tape and empower rural health care professionals to better meet the needs of the communities they serve.

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Read More (Rep. Steube: No ACA or Medicaid for Sex Offenders)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

February 10, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced yesterday the Criminals’ Loss of Eligibility and Assistance Networks Act or CLEAN Act. This bill prohibits sex offenders from receiving federally funded Medicaid benefits as well as the refundable tax credit for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. 
“Sex offenders have no business tapping into programs intended for lower-income and disadvantaged Americans,” said Rep. Steube. “Taxpayers have the right to know their hard-earned money is not being used to cover the medical expenses of serial abusers and criminals. Rapists and abusers have no business receiving federal benefits. My bill will protect Medicaid and ACA assistance for law-abiding Americans by barring sex offenders from accessing these programs.” 
Background: The CLEAN Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit sex offenders from receiving the refundable tax credit for coverage with a qualified health plan under the Affordable Care Act. It also amends the Social Security Act to make sex offenders ineligible for federally funded benefits under Medicaid. 
Read the full bill text here.

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Carter to force “sanctuary” cities to comply with ICE in new bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter to force “sanctuary” cities to comply with ICE in new bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the No Sanctuary Cities Act, a bill ensuring dangerous criminal illegal immigrants are not safeguarded by “sanctuary” city or state policies.


The bill requires state and local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities by:

  • Sharing custody and release information for illegal immigrants;
  • Holding certain detainees for up to 48 hours, when requested;
  • Protecting officers who comply with federal immigration laws and authorities; and, 
  • Punishing jurisdictions that try to block or limit that cooperation.


“So-called sanctuary cities protect criminal illegal immigrants at the expense of justice and American citizens’ safety. Far-left officials like Newsom, Walz, and Mamdani shield murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from deportation while actively promoting violence against law enforcement officers. It’s disgusting, anti-American, and must end. The No Sanctuary Cities Act will force compliance with federal law enforcement, holding criminals to account and making our streets safe again,” said Rep. Carter.


Mamdani’s New York City, where local law enforcement officials face restrictions when working with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is part of a jurisdiction housing 7,113 criminal illegal aliens with an active detainer, including 148 murderers and 260 sexual predators. Absent federal action, such as the No Sanctuary Cities Act, these criminals – along with thousands more in sanctuary cities and states nationwide – may be released back onto the streets to continue preying on American citizens, as was the case with José Ibarra, Laken Riley’s convicted murderer.


“Laken Riley would likely still be with us today had this law been in place,” said Rep. Carter.


“Every crime committed by an illegal alien released by a sanctuary city is a preventable tragedy. The No Sanctuary Cities Act puts an end to this reckless game of catch and release by ensuring that criminal aliens go from local cells to federal custody, not back on our streets. We are grateful to Congressman Carter for introducing this important legislation,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project.

Read full bill text here. 

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LEADERS JEFFRIES AND SCHUMER STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN COUNTER TO COMMONSENSE DEMOCRATIC PROPOSALS TO REIN IN ICE & STOP THE VIOLENCE

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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Congressman Al Green’s H.R. 3716 – the Systemic Risk Authority Transparency Act – Passes the House of Representatives as part of H.R. 6644 – the Housing for the 21st Century Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) – On Monday, February 9, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6644 – the Housing for the 21st Century Act, which contains Congressman Al Green’s H.R. 3716 – the Systemic Risk Authority Act, which had previously been passed by the House of Representatives on December 1, 2025. You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech regarding this legislation on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. 

This bill directs banking regulators and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide prompt reports to Congress whenever a bank failure results in the event of the Treasury Department declaring a systemic risk exception. These reports must explain the causes of the failure and outline the regulatory decisions that followed. The bill requires two comprehensive reports from each agency responsible for strengthening transparency and gives Congress the information it needs to better safeguard the stability and resilience of similar institutions.

Congressman Al Green stated, “I proudly voted to pass this legislation to bring transparency and accountability when banks fail and threaten our economy. When failures threaten financial stability, Congress and the public deserve quick, honest explanations about what went wrong and how regulators responded. These reports will help us detect problems sooner and protect families, workers, and communities from future financial harm.”

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Griffith Statement on House Passage of Housing for the 21st Century Act

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

The U.S. House of Representatives voted favorably on H.R. 6644 – the Housing for the 21st Century Act. The legislation will be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

Following passage of the bill, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who voted for the bill, issued the following statement:

“Congress is determined to pass legislation that helps make life more affordable for working families. 

“I believe supporting the Housing for the 21st Century Act will provide some relief for those looking to purchase a home. This bill will create more competition in the mortgage marketplace, reduce regulations and provide more affordable homeownership opportunities for Ninth District homebuyers.”

BACKGROUND

The Housing for the 21st Century Act delivers on several reforms to expedite availability of homes. 

Some housing-related activities will have a reduced number of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Reforms to Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships programs will allow more local focus on creating affordable housing opportunities.

Regulations are changed to make community bank and credit union lending more accessible.

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