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

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2988, the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act, by a vote of 213-205. H.R. 2988 was introduced by Representative Rick W. Allen (GA-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, earlier this year.

This legislation aims to codify that those managing other individuals’ retirement savings under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) must prioritize maximizing returns for a secure retirement, rather than prioritizing political or social impacts through the use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors that may be considered risky. 

“Passage of the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act delivers a significant win for retirees and families across the country. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Americans’ hard-earned savings were put at risk for the sole purpose of appeasing left-wing environmentalists through risky ESG funds. Those days are over. H.R. 2988 ensures that retirement plan sponsors make investment decisions exclusively based on economic factors and financial returns – protecting the retirement security of those saving for a brighter future. I am grateful to Chairman Walberg, Speaker Johnson, and all of my colleagues for their support, and am hopeful the Senate will move swiftly in sending this bill to President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Rick Allen.

“The Biden-Harris administration’s misguided ESG policies allowed fiduciaries to play politics and steer retirees’ savings into left-wing investments for political and social purposes. Congress responded with bipartisan, bicameral disapproval, yet President Biden vetoed that effort and chose ideology over retirees. This legislation reaffirms a simple principle we should all agree on—fiduciaries must act in the best financial interests of workers and retirees. I’m proud to support Rep. Rick Allen’s bill and urge the Senate to advance this measured, responsible approach to protect retirement security,” said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg.

“In their haste to satisfy the radical progressive wing of their party, the Biden Administration encouraged fiduciaries to sacrifice the retirement security of millions of Americans instead of maximizing financial returns. Despite the high-risk, low yield nature of these investments, Democrats decided that progressive orthodoxy was more important than securing the future of American retirees. Rep. Allen’s Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act would end this practice and ensure that fiduciaries and financial institutions are not encouraged or allowed to jeopardize the American people’s hard-earned savings,” said Speaker Mike Johnson.

“It’s common sense: Retirement plan managers should be solely focused on delivering maximum returns for the men and women who rely on them, not advancing a radical political agenda. I’m grateful to Rep. Allen for bringing this legislation to protect Americans’ retirement funds by ensuring retirement plan managers base investment decisions on economic factors, not ESG considerations, and am pleased to see it pass the House,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.

“House Republicans believe your retirement fund should be used for your retirement, not as a political statement from woke Wall Street,” said House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain. “Workers and seniors earn every dollar they save. That money should be invested to grow their future retirement income, not to bankroll radical agendas.”

BACKGROUND: In 2022, President Biden’s Department of Labor finalized a flawed rule that allowed financial advisors to invest Americans’ retirement savings into risky, climate-related ESG funds. Despite bipartisan and bicameral disapproval in the form of a Congressional Review Act resolution that passed both the House and Senate, President Biden doubled down on this rulemaking by vetoing the resolution. In the 118th Congress, the House of Representatives also passed similar legislation championed by Congressman Allen, but the bill died in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The Education and Workforce Committee advanced H.R. 2988 on June 25, 2025, setting the stage for today’s passage by the full House.

Watch Congressman Allen’s remarks on the House floor HERE.
A fact sheet on H.R. 2988 can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced $4,790,545 in federal funding over the next four years for the Region One Education Service Center to expand mental health services for nearly 16,000 South Texas students across 34 campuses. Specifically, funding will be delivered through a four-year multi-cycle award through the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program to recruit, hire and train credentialed school psychologists. For the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle, Region One Education Service Center will receive $1,198,055. 

“School should be safe havens where students feel empowered to seek support for the challenges they may face at home or in the classroom,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Strengthening the pipeline of trained psychologists in rural areas who can provide early identification and assistance to the mental health needs of a child makes all the difference. With this funding, we will assure that every student—regardless of zip code—has the trusted support and tools to succeed in life.”  

In collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and other partners, this mental health initiative will serve several participating school systems, including Mercedes Independent School District (ISD), Raymondville ISD and Rio Hondo ISD. It will also focus on recruiting and onboarding new school psychologists (10 initially, increasing by 2 each year); training educators to support an expanded pool of highly skilled and prepared school psychologists through fieldwork and credit-bearing learning experiences; strengthening clinical practice through technical assistance, professional development and targeted skill development in behavioral and mental health services; and increasing placements for school psychologists in practicum and internship settings. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Washington, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) has secured more than $2 million in federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill for two major water infrastructure projects in Asbury Park and Perth Amboy.

 

“Clean water infrastructure is essential,” Pallone said. “These investments help prevent environmental hazards, protect public health, and ensure that communities like Asbury Park and Perth Amboy can meet today’s challenges without pushing costs onto local taxpayers.”

 

The funding secured by Pallone includes $1 million for a new screenings system at the City of Asbury Park’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will filter out debris that lead to system failures, helping the city avoid discharges into the Atlantic Ocean, particularly during the busy summer season when failures can disrupt tourism and pose environmental risks.

 

“On behalf of the City of Asbury Park, I want to thank Congressman Pallone for supporting this important project and recognizing the need to improve infrastructure at the city owned wastewater treatment facility.  This project will directly improve efficiency of operations at our facility and help to protect our ocean and beaches,” said Mayor John Moor.

 

A separate $1 million allocation will support improvements at Perth Amboy’s Runyon Water Treatment Plant. The project will strengthen the plant’s ability to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in local water sources and help the city comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements for managing those contaminants.

 

“This funding supports the long-term improvements we are already making to Perth Amboy’s water system. Upgrading the Runyon Water Treatment Plant will strengthen our ability to meet federal standards and ensure our residents continue to have safe, reliable drinking water. It’s a responsible investment in public health and in the future of our city’s infrastructure, and we appreciate Congressman Pallone’s support in helping move this work forward,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba.

 

Both projects were requested by Pallone as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to direct federal resources toward specific infrastructure and public health priorities in their districts.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Bill headed for Governor Murphy’s desk creates pilot program to keep inpatient and full service emergency department at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Washington, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) has secured $2 million in federal funding for two Monmouth County drinking-water infrastructure projects aimed at removing lead pipes from local water systems.

 

“Without this federal funding, Red Bank and Matawan would be forced to pass these costs onto local taxpayers or delay critical upgrades. That’s why I have fought so hard to not only secure this funding, but to deliver $1 million for both municipalities to replace these outdated lead pipes,” Pallone said. “Clean, safe drinking water is the foundation of a healthy community.”

 

The funding includes $1 million for Red Bank to remove and replace aging lead pipes that pose a risk to the community’s drinking water. Local officials have warned that deteriorating lead infrastructure could contaminate water across the system if left unaddressed.

 

“This $1 million investment represents a meaningful partnership that further strengthens Red Bank’s ability to protect public health and ensure the long-term safety of our drinking water system. The Borough has been aggressive and swift in meeting its statutory responsibility to remove and replace lead service lines well ahead of the 2031 deadline, and this funding helps us sustain that momentum. Support like this not only keeps a massive, multi-year infrastructure project on track, but also reduces the financial burden on local ratepayers while accelerating our goal of providing safe, reliable drinking water for every resident. We are truly thankful for this funding and the consideration given to Red Bank as we continue this critical work,” said Mayor Billy Portman.

 

A separate $1 million allocation will go to Matawan to identify and remove all remaining lead service lines, eliminating a major source of potential lead exposure and improving confidence in the safety of tap water.

 

“Congressman Pallone’s success in including $1 million for Matawan’s lead service line initiative in the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill is a significant milestone for our community. While this project was previously approved by Congress but later withheld by the executive branch, Congressman Pallone has remained steadfast in advocating for Matawan to ensure this critical funding is restored. This support will allow the Borough to continue thorough system evaluations and make targeted infrastructure improvements where appropriate, without placing a financial burden on our ratepayers. We are deeply grateful for the Congressman’s continued dedication and unwavering support,” said Mayor Joseph Altomonte.

 

Lead pipes and service lines are a well-documented public-health hazard, particularly in older communities where infrastructure predates modern safety standards. Even low levels of lead exposure have been linked to long-term health risks, including developmental harm to children.

 

The funding was requested by Pallone through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to direct federal resources toward priority infrastructure needs in their districts. Both projects are intended to accelerate pipe replacement while offsetting costs that would otherwise fall on local governments and ratepayers.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Washington, DC — One year after Kristi Noem was confirmed as Donald Trump’s Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Troy Carter (LA-02) are leading House Democrats in calling on President Donald Trump to remove her from office, citing a year of mismanagement that has weakened the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and led to copious deaths and destruction.

 

“Secretary Noem’s first year at the helm of DHS has been its own kind of disaster. We have witnessed unforced errors and disturbing choices, including a pattern of decisions leaving FEMA less capable of fulfilling its obligation to American disaster survivors. This year of her tenure has been marked by unnecessary challenges that have hampered every stage of our National Preparedness Goal mission areas – prevention, protection, preparedness, response and recovery. And we saw the infuriating, deadly results experienced in Texas, New Mexico, California, North Carolina, Hawaii, Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, and most recently in Washington,” the lawmakers wrote.

 

In a letter sent to the White House on January 14, the Democratic lawmakers point to newly reported draft plans to cut FEMA’s workforce by more than half, along with recent firings and contract nonrenewals, as evidence that Secretary Noem is undermining the agency’s ability to respond to disasters. Current and former FEMA officials have warned that the proposed cuts would severely damage disaster response and recovery nationwide.

 

The Democratic lawmakers argue that the proposed workforce reductions violate reforms enacted after Hurricane Katrina, including the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act, which was designed to protect FEMA from political interference and ensure professional emergency management. They also cite the Stafford Act, which directs FEMA to maintain a nationwide workforce capable of supporting communities before, during, and after disasters.

 

The members urged President Trump to remove Secretary Noem immediately and nominate qualified leadership for DHS and FEMA, warning that continued mismanagement risks repeating past failures that cost lives.

 

The letter was signed by Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (NJ-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).

The full letter can be found here and below:

 

Mr. President: 

 

We urge you to immediately fire Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The United States cannot weather another year of her misguided leadership of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Protecting our nation when disaster strikes and supporting Americans’ recovery from personal and economic trauma is a profound responsibility. Instead, Secretary Noem has shown she is planning an illegal  and systematic sabotage of FEMA’s vital work.

 

Secretary Noem’s first year at the helm of DHS has been its own kind of disaster. We have witnessed unforced errors and disturbing choices, including a pattern of decisions leaving FEMA less capable of fulfilling its obligation to American disaster survivors. This year of her tenure has been marked by unnecessary challenges that have hampered every stage of our National Preparedness Goal mission areas – prevention, protection, preparedness, response and recovery. And we saw the infuriating, deadly results experienced in Texas, New Mexico, California, North Carolina, Hawaii, Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, and most recently in Washington.

 

Her egregious choice to personally sign off on any spending over $100,000 is a slap in the face to families in need. During the July 4^th floods, her policy prevented search and rescue from being deployed until four days after the floods began and caused FEMA’s call center contract to expire resulting in seventy percent of calls from survivors seeking aid to go unanswered.  

 

In 2006, after the notorious mismanagement of Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act (PKEMRA) to strengthen FEMA. PKEMRA held DHS leadership to a higher standard by putting an end to meddling by political appointees in organizational and workforce processes that are foundational to the work that keeps Americans’ safe and secure. While every crisis offers a new opportunity for learning how to better handle disasters, for the last twenty years, Americans have benefited from the higher standards at FEMA set in place by Congress through PKEMRA.

 

Unfortunately, Secretary Noem has created chaos and brought troubling mismanagement back to FEMA. We condemn her latest decision to illegally subvert PKEMRA guardrails by firing FEMA employees at the end of December and her leaked plans to fire 11,500 workers – roughly half the agency’s workforce. Recent reports indicate the Secretary plans to fire 1,000 disaster response staffers later this month. If you allow the Secretary to continue in her leadership position, the nation is at risk of repeating mismanagement disasters reminiscent of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy and delays in helping families and communities rebuild.

 

As directed by the Stafford Act, FEMA’s ability to carry out its mission to help communities in crisis is bolstered by thousands of federal employees and contractors stationed at headquarters and across the country. Their patriotic work is the difference between life and death, economic ruin and a new, more secure beginning. These illegal threats to their livelihoods will only endanger FEMA’s core mission and the disaster survivors they serve.

If your Administration cares about the nation’s emergency management system, instead of slashing FEMA’s workforce, we strongly urge you to remove Secretary Noem and install a competent professional to be in charge.

 

We applauded the resignation of FEMA’s former Acting Administrator David Richardson after forceful public condemnation of his disastrous job performance and lives lost on his watch.  Kristi Noem has proven herself no better suited for a leadership role, and we urge you to immediately remove her and submit qualified nominees to lead DHS and FEMA to the Senate as soon as possible. The American people deserve better. 

 

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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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released a statement on the Department of Justice Investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell:

 

“Chair Powell serves with dignity, honor, and integrity, and has done so throughout his tenure, remaining focused on the Fed’s dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment.

 

It is increasingly clear that the weaponized Department of Justice criminal investigation is a political attack and yet another attempt by Donald Trump to undermine and seize control of the Federal Reserve, putting the stability of the economy and household finances at risk.

 

Over the last year, President Trump has demonstrated a disturbing pattern of politicizing the Fed, attempting to intimidate members of the Federal Open Market Committee into lowering interest rates, threatening to unlawfully remove Chair Jerome Powell, attempting to push out Fed Board Governor Lisa Cook, and appointing partisan individuals to the Board whose views on monetary policy align with his political agenda.

 

The strength of our economy depends on an independent Federal Reserve, and every American should be deeply alarmed by the Trump Administration’s blatant politicization of our central bank and interest rate decisions—consequential decisions that must be driven by evidence, data, and economic reality, not partisan political pressure. This is guaranteed to negatively impact American households through inflation, the labor market, savings, and housing costs.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) introduced a resolution honoring the 113th Founders Day of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 at Howard University by 22 visionary college women and has grown to over 1,050 chapters and 350,000 members worldwide.  

 

“For 113 years, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has never waited for permission to lead or for justice to come slowly. From marching up Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., demanding the right to vote, to leading the global fight for equitable education, health, economic opportunity, and political power for Black women, Delta women have always met the moment with purpose and courage.  As a proud Delta, I carry that legacy with me every day in Congress. This resolution honors not only our Founders, but the generations of women who turned sisterhood into service, and service into lasting change. Delta’s history is not just something we celebrate; it is something we continue to live, “ said Congresswoman Beatty.

 

“On Founders’ Day, we celebrate a legacy built by courageous women and carried forward by generations of dedicated sisters. As a Delta, I am proud of the Sorority’s unwavering commitment to justice and community empowerment. As we mark 113 years, I’m honored to introduce this resolution with Rep. Joyce Beatty recognizing the decades of sisterhood, excellence, and service,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee.

 

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded 113 years ago by 22 visionary collegiate women at Howard University,” said International President Cheryl W. Turner. “Their courage, conviction, and commitment to the tenets of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action have grounded our organization for more than a century and continue to inspire generations of women to lead with purpose and impact. Today, with more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,050 chapters worldwide, we proudly advance our Founders’ vision as One Delta, One Mission: Anchored in Legacy, Evolving with Intention. We thank our members, Congresswoman Summer Lee and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, for honoring this legacy and for their leadership in recognizing the transformative work of our Sorority.”

 

The resolution celebrates Delta Sigma Theta’s dedication to addressing critical issues through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which focuses on economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. The organization has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the establishment of the Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Kenya and its designation as a special consultative non-governmental organization to the United Nations. 

 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1913 by 22 trailblazing women committed to promoting academic excellence and advocating for marginalized communities. Over the past 113 years, Delta Sigma Theta has led transformative initiatives such as the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, which prepares young women for leadership roles, and Financial Fortitude programs that address wealth inequities. 

 

The sorority’s members have included trailblazers such as Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Secretary Marcia Fudge, and Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Its global footprint spans across the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, embodying the Founders’ vision of impactful sisterhood. 

 

A copy of the resolution text can be found here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of the recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) killings in Minnesota, Congresswoman Beatty is holding ICE accountable and demanding full transparency for the Columbus community members that have been detained.  Last week, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued a letter to Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, condemning the recent surge of ICE activity and raids in Central Ohio.

“Since the start of “Operation Buckeye” on December 17, 2025, ICE officers have detained at least 214 people in the Columbus area – over 80% were Latinos and 10% were Black. These racially targeted raids began right before Christmas as a way to strike fear into the immigrant community and have largely targeted individuals without a criminal record. Furthermore, I have serious concerns surrounding the process and legal justification for this ICE operation,” Congresswoman Beatty said in the letter.

“During this operation, ICE has claimed that individuals detained are the ‘worst of the worst,’ yet investigations and on-the-ground reporting from Columbus contradict this claim.  ABC 6 discovered that the majority of the detainees they investigated had no criminal records. One report even found that on December 17, 2025, ICE agents allegedly detained two U.S. citizens and a Mexican immigrant with a valid work permit, including a woman with an 8-month old child, and all three of these individuals did not have a criminal record.”

“Operation Buckeye is also specifically targeting sensitive locations as a way to increase fear and anxiety within the immigrant communities of central Ohio. There have been multiple first-hand reports of ICE targeting schools with large Hispanic populations. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic drop in attendance at churches and mosques as parishioners are afraid to attend,” Congresswoman Beatty continued in the letter.

“Any operation of this scale demands full transparency regarding the legal basis and the status of those detained.”

The full letter can be found HERE. 

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