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

“Bills don’t stop. People work hard on their jobs. They earn a paycheck, and they deserve to be able to access it quickly.”

“There is an affordability crisis, and there is also a payroll timing issue that can actually be fixed right now. And that is exactly why FedNow payment service is so important.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – At a House Financial Services Committee Hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) highlighted the importance of FedNow, a real-time payment system at the Federal Reserve that she championed to ensure customers can access their paychecks faster and keep up with their bills. Additionally, Congresswoman Pressley emphasized how FedNow can help small community banks compete with FinTech platforms and update their technology systems to serve their customers.

Since 2019, Congresswoman Pressley and her colleagues have championed the Payments Modernization Act, legislation to make consumers’ funds deposited in their bank accounts immediately available for withdrawal. Following the introduction of this legislation, the Federal Reserve announced in August 2019 that it would move forward on setting up a real-time payments system. The lawmakers have since updated the bill, following the Federal Reserve’s progress on developing its real-time payments system, FedNow. 

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s line of questioning is available below, and the video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Highlights Importance of FedNow to Ensure Workers’ Immediate Access to Paychecks

House Financial Services Committee

March 25, 2026 

REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’m going to date myself a little bit here. When I was growing up—may she rest in peace, my mother used to sing a song that went like this—”ain’t nothing going on, but the rent.”

Bills don’t stop. People work hard on their jobs. They earn a paycheck, and they deserve to be able to access it quickly. 

We know that workers are struggling to make ends meet, especially now, and especially until pay day, those checks, hit. 

And so consequently, many end up using FinTech apps like Klarna or Affirm to pay for their gas, their groceries, and utility bills. 

It’s no doubt that everyday workers and families—they want services that work for them, technology that helps them get paid faster instead of waiting until payday. Businesses want it too. It’s how you can retain your workforce. 

There is an affordability crisis, and there is also a payroll timing issue that can actually be fixed right now. And that is exactly why FedNow payment service is so important. 

FedNow is an instant payment service offered by the Federal Reserve, and I’ve really enjoyed working closely with Chairman Hill and Senator Van Hollen in the Senate to get that service created years ago. 

FedNow can help households get their money in real time. FedNow can also help small community banks that have fewer resources and technological infrastructure compete with these FinTech platforms to offer households their money when they need it, while still complying with regulations. 

Ms. Parkhill, how does something like FedNow help smaller community banks and credit unions compete while still serving their customers safely?

MS. PARKHILL: It allows them to offer more products and services to their members that meet the needs of exactly what you had mentioned, that the payments and moving money quickly.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay. And making customers aware of the fraud risk compliance services that FedNow provides—that’s one way that we can be helpful. But what else can Congress and regulators be doing to support small community banks and credit unions as they access the benefits from FedNow? 

MS. PARKHILL: I think providing opportunities for them to, I guess, resources so that they know what tools are available and really listening to their members to be able to provide the services that they’re asking for.

REP. PRESSLEY: Alright, thank you. Mr. Guynn, as a director of the Federal Reserve and someone who does have experience in the private sector before coming to the Fed, what steps is the Federal Reserve taking to increase the number of financial institutions that are signing up for the FedNow service?

MR. GUYNN: So I think there’s a process to sign up for it, I don’t think that’s the roadblock at all. I’m not sure there’s anything to improve it, other than to continue inviting institutions to sign up for it.

REP. PRESSLEY: Okay. Well, you know, I think the bottom line is, is that we need to be able to meet the urgent needs of families while also supporting our smaller community banks and credit unions, customers that deserve and need those financial systems that work for them. 

We should be leveraging the tools that are available to us, like FedNow, to responsibly leverage technology, meet customers where they are, and you know, again, it can help these smaller banks and credit unions comply with regulations and still compete with those new financial platforms in order to retain their customers. 

So I look forward to continuing to work together with you [and] my colleagues across the aisle to do this essential work and to make sure folks are aware of this tool that’s available and leverage it accordingly. 

I yield back.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the President’s budget request for fiscal year 2027. The budget request proposes massive cuts to science and innovation programs under the jurisdiction of the Science Committee.  

“This budget request should be ignored,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “The only thing this twisted collection of so-called policies would do is fuel Trump’s war. It will stymie American science and innovation and hand over our competitiveness to our adversaries. The Congress must reject this.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

San Jose, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by San Jose Vice Mayor Pam Foley, City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Jon Cicirelli, Santa Clara County Supervisors Sylvia Arenas and Betty Duong, and Erikson Neighborhood Association President Dave Noel to announce $1 million in federal funding for the City of San Jose to extend the Guadalupe River Trail from Chynoweth Avenue to Branham Lane. The funding, which Rep. Panetta secured in the most recent appropriations package, will support the construction of the next segment of the Guadalupe Trail, connecting Branham neighborhood residents to miles of open trails. The completion of this project will increase accessibility to green spaces, promoting public health and increasing quality of life for San Jose residents.

“The extension of the Guadalupe River Trail would allow South San Jose to connect to the San Francisco Bay,” said Rep. Panetta. “By extending the Guadalupe River Trail, we move one step closer to a continuous through line and greenway in the area. I am proud to work with our local partners and ensure that the federal government plays its part to help not just to connect our neighborhoods, but also strengthen our sense of community in San Jose.”

“Congressman Panetta continues to show that leaders who stay focused on results can deliver for their communities. Thanks to his efforts, we’ll have more green space in San José,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “That’s the kind of public service San Joséans expect and deserve.”

“Today is a great day for San José and for everyone who values safe, accessible outdoor spaces in our community,” said Vice Mayor Pam Foley. “I want to thank Congressman Jimmy Panetta for securing this $1 million federal investment to help move forward the build-out of Reach 12 of the Guadalupe River Trail. Congressman Panetta has been a strong partner for our region, and this funding demonstrates his commitment to investing in infrastructure that improves the quality of life for our residents.”

“We’re excited that this grant will help bring the entire Guadalupe River Trail closer to completion,” said Jon Cicirelli, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Director. “This segment will provide a new recreational area, improving pedestrian and bike access for the residents to enjoy.” 

“Today marks a key milestone for our neighborhood. We’ve been actively working on this with the City of San Jose PRNS Trails team for over a decade beginning with the Guadalupe River Trail Master Plan development,” said Erikson Neighborhood Association President Dave Noel. “We can’t wait for the trail connection and percolation pond loop trail to open and provide class 1 trails for daily enjoyment, as well as regional off-road connectivity, and ultimately connect Almaden Valley all the way to the San Francisco Bay in a safe beautiful trail network.”

The Guadalupe River Trail is a regional trail in the City of San Jose that, upon completion, will connect the San Francisco Bay Trail to South San Jose via Downtown San Jose, with links to several connector trails in between. This project will construct the next segment of the Guadalupe River Trail, connecting to the existing alignment that travels from Lake Almaden Park north to Chynoweth Avenue. The new segment would include 0.54 miles from Chynoweth Avenue north to Branham Lane.

Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package, For FY 2026, he secured $3.75 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Clara County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19^th Congressional District.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Scotts Valley, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by Scotts Valley Mayor Donna Lind, Police Chief Jayson Rutherford, Chamber of Commerce President Victor Alejandro, and state representatives to announce $682,000 in federal funding for the City of Scotts Valley to purchase a new state-of-the-art dual analog digital encrypted radio system for the Scotts Valley Police Department. This federal investment will improve emergency services coordination and increase public safety by giving police officers and first responders the resources they need to continue to respond in times of crisis.

“Although Scotts Valley’s first responders do a tremendous job keeping our community safe, the city’s outdated communication system can limit their ability,” said Rep. Panetta. “By investing in updated, state-of-the-art radio equipment, our emergency responders will have the tools that they need to protect and serve our families. I’m proud to secure this federal funding for this local project and ensure that the federal government uses the power of the purse to enhance our public safety.”

“As Mayor, I’m proud that Scotts Valley has consistently been ranked one of the safest communities in California. Our Police Officers and Dispatchers work tirelessly every day to keep it that way. Having the latest communication equipment is critical to keeping them safe and our community safe,” said Mayor Donna Lind, a retired Scotts Valley Police Sergeant. “We are so grateful to Congressman Panetta for securing this funding to ensure our Police Department can continue to protect our community.” 

“On behalf of the Scotts Valley Police Department, we are excited to receive this Community Project Funding to replace our outdated and non-compliant dispatch systems.  Our current radio system does not meet State and Federal mandates, but with this funding, we will be able to provide the most up to date equipment for our dispatch center,” said Police Chief Rutheford. “Our officers will have better radio coverage, thereby increasing officer safety.  The new equipment will also provide for better radio communication with our allied agencies, which is imperative when responding and managing critical incidents.  I want to thank Congressman Panetta for recognizing the importance of having reliable, interoperative radio systems and prioritizing this critical equipment for first responders.”

Specifically, the funding will replace an outdated analog system with a dual analog–digital encrypted P25 radio system, improving interoperability with federal, state, and local agencies and enhancing public safety operations.  The upgrade aims to improve interoperability with surrounding agencies, especially in crisis situations.  This will allow the department to properly encrypt radios the way many other federal, state, and other local agencies do currently.

Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package, For FY 2026, he secured $5.92 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Cruz County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19^th Congressional District.

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

Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) visited NYCHA’s Van Dyke II Senior Center, where he announced that he secured $1 million in Community Project Funding for NYCHA developments across the Eighth Congressional District.

Leader Jeffries was joined by Council Members Darlene Mealy (CD 41) and Chris Banks (CD 42), NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Tenant Association Presidents from Carter G. Woodson Houses, Kingsborough Extension and Van Dyke II Houses.  

“These Community Project Funding checks represent just a small down payment on the work that we need to continue to do in this city to make sure that all of you who worked hard, played by the rules and helped get the situation moving in a better direction, can bear the fruits of your labor. So each and every opportunity that presents itself to stand up for public housing residents and to stand up for seniors, I’m going to stand for public housing residents and stand up for seniors,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “This is Resurrection Week, and the good news is, as we approach Good Friday and Sunday, we know that the story didn’t end on Friday. On Friday, they try to cut funding for NYCHA. On Friday, they go after Medicaid. On Friday, they try to rip away staff and nutritional assistance for seniors. But the good news is the story doesn’t end on Friday. Sunday is coming in the United States of America.”

“On behalf of my constituents at the Woodson Houses and at the Van Dyke II development, I would like to thank Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for standing up for Brownsville. Tenant leaders, members of the community and my staff have hosted or attended events at the Van Dyke II Senior Center over the years and we have witnessed firsthand the need for roof repairs,” said Assemblymember Latrice Walker (AD 55). “The $500,000 allocation is an investment in the community. I am also grateful for the $250,000 investment for security upgrades, including the installation of CCTV cameras, at the Woodson Houses. Our NYCHA residents deserve to be safe.”

“I extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Hakeem Jeffries for securing critical capital investments that will directly benefit residents of District 41. The allocation of $500,000 to Van Dyke II Houses and $250,000 to Kingsborough Houses represents a meaningful commitment to improving the quality of life for our community. These funds will support essential upgrades, including new roofing, balcony repairs, and enhanced security measures—improvements that are vital to ensuring safe, comfortable, and well-maintained housing for residents,” said Council Member Darlene Mealy (CD 41). “I applaud Congressman Jeffries’ continued advocacy and leadership, which reflect a deep understanding of the needs of our neighborhoods. I thank him for his partnership and dedication to delivering real results for the people of District 41.”

“I cannot thank Leader Jeffries enough for investing in the infrastructure and security of our NYCHA developments. This is exactly the kind of investment needed to ensure residents can live with peace and dignity,” said Council Member Chris Banks (CD 42). “Carter G. Woodson Houses and its security infrastructure are stronger because of this support, and I look forward to continued investments in our public housing that prioritize tenants and safety first.”  

“These investments will fund vital safety and security projects at the Van Dyke II Senior Center, Kingsborough Extension and Woodson Houses. The improvements, ranging from roof improvements to enhanced security, will have a meaningful impact in ensuring these Brooklyn residents feel secure in their homes,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “NYCHA is incredibly grateful to Leader Jeffries for his steadfast commitment to our NYCHA communities.”

“I am so pleased to be here today. I appreciate all that they’re doing for us because Kingsborough—myself and the residents—we really need this money,” said Kingsborough Extension TA President Angela Whitaker. 

“I’m here because I’m thanking my team also for upgrading the quality of life for my seniors at Woodson. My building is 25 stories. If somebody had a seizure, fighting or a mugging in the hallway or the stairway, they’ll be able to see and get the help that’s needed without us coming down to tell them. It’s about our safety. We need that to be done,” said Carter G. Woodson Houses TA President Diane Johnson.

“I really appreciate Mr. Hakeem Jeffries doing the roof and the ceilings for the center, because all of my seniors out here, they enjoy this place. And we’re all happy to see this going on,” said Van Dyke II Houses TA President Herman Rivera.

In connection with the government funding law, Leader Jeffries secured $250,000 for security upgrades at Kingsborough Extension, $250,000 for security upgrades at Carter G. Woodson Houses and $500,000 for roof repairs at Van Dyke II Senior Center. Additional information about the projects can be found here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s request for $152 million to renovate and reopen Alcatraz as a federal prison:

“The Trump Administration’s budget proposal is absurd on its face and should be rejected outright. Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people.

“Alcatraz is a historic museum that belongs to the public, and San Franciscans will not stand for Washington turning one of our most iconic landmarks into a political prop. At a time when communities are demanding real investments in public safety, this Administration is pushing a cartoonish throwback that does nothing to address the challenges facing working families. I will work with my colleagues in the Congress to use every parliamentary and budgetary tactic available to block this lunacy.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s request for a $1.5 trillion defense budget: 

“Americans don’t want foreign wars, they want cheaper health care, groceries, and gas at home.

“As the President wages a war of choice with Iran, he’s now asking for the largest defense budget in history. Trump says we can’t afford child care or health care but wants to give a blank check to fund more military adventurism abroad.

“As a combat veteran, we should never hesitate to use our military to protect Americans and our interests. But we must acknowledge that the Pentagon has failed to pass an audit eight years in a row, and simply spending more money doesn’t mean a stronger national defense. We must use American taxpayer dollars responsibly and make smart investments to keep us safe. Our servicemembers, their families, and the American people deserve better.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
April 3, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND
PETER G. THURLAND, SR.

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) shared the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand, located on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the ”Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand”:

“Peter G. Thurland, Sr. was a giant in the St. Croix community as a master craftsman, a dedicated musician, a proud veteran, and a tireless champion of the arts. He helped build the Christiansted Bandstand with his own hands, performed there throughout his military service, and spent decades ensuring the next generation of Virgin Islands musicians had a stage on which to shine. It is a profound honor to introduce this legislation to permanently affix his name to a landmark he helped create and loved deeply.”

Born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix, Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr. was a celebrated trombone and baritone horn player who devoted his life to musical excellence. Shortly after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland joined the United States Navy on June 12, 1917, serving as a proud member of the Navy Band. He was instrumental in the construction and design of the Christiansted Bandstand, where he performed with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in September 1921.

In 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, training generations of young musicians who performed free monthly concerts at the Christiansted Bandstand — a gift to the community that endured for three decades. He led the band until 1968, when he passed the baton to his son upon retiring for health reasons. Widely revered across the Virgin Islands as a master craftsman and skilled cabinetmaker, Mr. Thurland’s contributions to the cultural and civic life of St. Croix remain immeasurable.

“The Thurland family is honored with the naming of the Christiansted Bandstand for our grandfather Peter G. Thurland Sr,” said Karen Thurland, granddaughter of Mr. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. “Not only was he part of the building of the bandstand with the Christiansted enlisted U.S. Navy men, he also played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf on March 31, 1917. Peter G. Thurland Sr., besides being a musician was a master joiner, educator, family man who made many contributions to the St. Croix community.”

Congresswoman Plaskett continued, “I am proud to introduce this legislation, which was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. The Christiansted Bandstand is more than a landmark — it is a living testament of St. Croix’s rich cultural heritage. Renaming it in honor of Peter G. Thurland, Sr. ensures that every resident and visitor knows the name of one of our island’s most beloved sons. I am committed to advancing this bill through the legislative process.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, April 2, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) presented West Mead #1 Volunteer Fire Department with $400,077 for a critical public safety project benefitting communities in Crawford County.

“Local volunteer firefighters do so much for our communities, all without receiving a paycheck. They are incredible public servants,” said Rep. Kelly. “These funds will help the department serve West Mead Township, Meadville, and all Crawford County. These are taxpayer dollars at work in our local communities.”

This new pumper/tanker would replace the current pumper that is 30 years old and does not have the capacity to service mutual aid partners that do not have access to a municipal water system.  This new pumper tanker would increase capacity from 1,000 gallons of water to 2,500 gallons of water and provide the ability to inject a foam solution into the water that would increase effectiveness 3-5 times.

Call volume increased by 25% from 2021 to 2023 for West Mead #1, and this new pumper/tanker would allow them to carry out their critical emergency services duties effectively and efficiently.

BACKGROUND

Congressional leaders resumed Community Project Funding (CPF), formerly known as ‘earmarks’, for the 119th Congress. With increased transparency and stricter guidelines, lawmakers were permitted to submit up to fifteen (15) funding requests during the appropriations process. Rep. Kelly fielded input from local leaders throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania before selecting these projects.

Details on CPF rules and guidelines can be found here.

This funding comes after Rep. Kelly secured more than $50 million in Community Project Funding requests from 2022-2024.

In 2020, Rep. Kelly also delivered two BUILD Grants for the 16th Congressional District, including $25 million for improvements along State Route 228 in Butler County, and $21 million for the City of Erie’s Bayfront Parkway Project. In 2018, he also secured a BUILD Grant for the State Route 228 project worth $20 million.