MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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 – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced the Facilitating Accelerated Supply of Targeted (FAST) Housing Act. The bipartisan legislation, co-led by two members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, would launch a demonstration program for up to 15 communities in need of workforce and affordable housing to compete for federal funding. 

“Experts believe the United States needs more than 5 million homes to address our housing crisis. And Chicago is facing a shortage of more than 100,000 affordable homes. The FAST Housing Act will make Chicago, Illinois, and other regions across the country that are experiencing housing shortages and increases in their workforce competitive for millions in federal funds to produce new homes,” said Quigley. “To receive federal funding, communities must ease regulatory requirements and build more housing faster. I’m proud to be partnering with Congressman Ciscomani on this transformative legislation, and I look forward to working together to see it signed into law.”

“For years, the U.S. has failed to build enough housing to keep up with today’s demand,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “This shortage has created a significant need for additional affordable housing in southern Arizona and communities across the country. We see a common theme: costs are higher, making it more difficult for families to enter the marketplace. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Mike Quigley on the bipartisan FAST Housing Act, which cuts red tape, removes barriers to construction, and increases supply for all.”

The U.S. housing shortage has made it increasingly difficult for families to live where they work, even as the federal government has created new manufacturing and technology jobs across the country through investment from the bipartisan CHIPS Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This workforce needs new housing built quickly to accommodate it. The FAST Housing Act would reward communities that remove regulatory barriers to fast-track housing production. The results will help identify effective approaches and regulatory changes to speed housing production.

The FAST Housing Act is supported by the Chicago Housing Authority, Center for Housing Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, Up for Growth Action, National Housing Conference, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Inclusive Abundance Action, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, and the National Association of REALTORS®.

“In Chicago, we’re short nearly 128,000 homes for families at the lowest income levels. That means tens of thousands of people living on that thin line between stability and uncertainty, where one setback can push a family out of housing altogether. Housing authorities step in where the market falls short, but we can’t do it alone—and we can’t do it with outdated tools. The FAST Housing Act is about giving families a real chance to move forward and strengthening the foundation of our communities,” said Matthew Brewer, Operating Chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority.

“It’s been said that ‘homes are where jobs go to sleep at night.’ I commend Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) for introducing the FAST Housing Act  which recognizes the critical link between affordable housing, employment, and economic growth. By rewarding communities that knock down unnecessary regulatory barriers, the act would accelerate construction of workforce housing, especially in communities growing because of recent federal investments. BPC’s Terwilliger Center is honored to have worked with both members in crafting this important legislation,” said Dennis Shea, chair of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

“The housing supply crisis is hitting working Americans the hardest, especially in communities where job growth is outpacing housing,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth Action. “The FAST Housing Act addresses the core issue by tying federal funding to local action and rewarding communities that remove barriers and build housing. That is the alignment we need to close the gap. I commend Congressman Ciscomani and Congressman Quigley for their leadership.”

“Access to affordable housing is essential to economic opportunity and strong communities,” said David Dworkin, President and CEO of the National Housing Conference. “As housing costs rise, we must build millions of new homes—especially in communities where federal investments are creating jobs. The FAST Act helps meet that need by encouraging local reforms and targeting resources to expand workforce and affordable housing, ensuring Americans can live near where they work and that growing communities have the housing they need to succeed.”

“The housing supply shortage and resulting high housing costs make it difficult for many Americans to find affordable homes in the communities where they work. BPC Action applauds Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) for introducing the FAST Housing Act, which will make it easier to build affordable and workforce housing in communities facing population growth due to new jobs created by bipartisan investments through the IIJA or the CHIPS and Science Act. This bill will fast-track construction by rewarding the elimination of unnecessary regulatory requirements and leveraging public resources to encourage private investment,” says Michele Stockwell, president, Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

“Federal investments through the CHIPS and Science Act and IIJA are creating jobs across the country, but that growth means little if workers can’t find homes they can afford nearby. The FAST Housing Act addresses this directly, rewarding communities that cut red tape and making it easier to build,” said Inclusive Abundance Action President Derek Kaufman. “We applaud Representatives Ciscomani and Quigley for their smart, bipartisan approach to incentivizing the local reforms needed to turn job growth into broad prosperity.”

“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to support the Facilitating Accelerated Supply of Targeted (FAST) Housing Act. The legislation would establish a demonstration program to increase housing supply in lower-income areas with an increase in new workers due to recent federal investments from the Jobs Act and CHIPS and Science Act. If enacted, the FAST Housing Act would provide public housing authorities with another tool to increase affordable housing access for the communities CLPHA members serve,” said La Shelle Dozier, Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities.

“The National Association of REALTORS® thanks Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) for introducing the bipartisan FAST Housing Act and appreciates efforts to ensure that communities experiencing new economic growth have the housing supply needed to support it. By encouraging communities to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers and expand the supply of affordable and workforce housing, this bill helps ensure that workers can live near the jobs being created. NAR welcomes this innovative approach to pairing federal investment with local housing reform to strengthen communities and improve affordability.”

A copy of the bill text is available HERE, and a one-page summary is available HERE.

The FAST Housing Act will:

• Provide competitive grants to fifteen geographically diverse communities that demonstrate a significant housing shortage, and anticipate job growth as a result of federal investment from the CHIPS Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act;

• Encourage local governments to remove regulatory barriers to housing construction, while maintaining safety and accountability regulations; 

• Allow local governments and public housing authorities to use federal funds to produce or preserve workforce and affordable housing, including through conversion of commercial properties and public-private partnerships; and

• Utilize results from the pilot program to identify effective approaches to speeding housing production.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pleased to announce that Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga was selected by The American Samoa Society of Washington, DC, to represent American Samoa at this year’s 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Her coronation ceremony was held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, Maryland.

2026 Cherry Blossom Princess representing American Samoa cropped for cover

“I would like to first acknowledge and thank Isapela Coggins, current President of The American Samoa Society of Washington, DC, for her ongoing 14 years of leadership, dedication, and commitment to the society. Her work and service to the Samoan community dates back to 1982 – 44 years!” said Congresswoman Amata. “We would also like to thank our outgoing 2025 Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate ‘Miss Saleilona Elizabeth Williams’ – daughter of Michael and Julin Williams of Alexandria, VA – for her dedication, service, and representing American Samoa.”

Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga, American Samoa Society President Isapela Coggins, Evelyn Siolosega Hawkins.

Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga is 23 years old and was born in Takoma Park, Maryland.  She was raised in Maryland as well as in England. Kaili is the daughter of Evelyn Siolosega Hawkins (a former student of Pavai’ai Elementary School) and Michael Shansonga of Rockville, MD.  She is the granddaughter of Nancy Fa’asi’u Glass who lives in Gaithersburg, MD, and a longtime member of the Samoan community in the Washington Metropolitan area, and the great granddaughter of the late HTC Fuapapa Matāli’i Tuanaitau Noa Soliai and Siolosega Iliganoa Tauanu’u Soliai (born in Nua Se’etaga) who lived in Pavai’ai, American Samoa.

From left – Grandmother Nancy Si’u Glass, Kaili, Congresswoman Amata, and Audrey Alo

Kaili graduated in 2025 as an Architecture major from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  During her four years, she developed a strong passion for conceptualization, image design, community-focused spaces, and the built environment.  Through her academic experience, she gained a foundation in architectural design, construction documentation, and site planning, while strengthening her ability to think critically and creatively.  Kaili has a profound interest for creativity and a love for the outdoors, particularly swimming and drawing. “I am always eager to experiment with unique materials, colors and innovative techniques,” Kaili said. “I constantly explore unique ways to express my creativity, keeping my mind engaged and inspired.”

2025 and 2026 Cherry Blossom Princesses Saleilona and Kaili

“I strive to be able to use my platform to uplift others, share the beauty of my Samoan culture, and inspire young people to pursue both creative and professional goals,” Kaili continued. “With a background rooted in both technical skill and artistic expression, I hope to ring cultural representation, humility, and authenticity to this year’s program.”

“I am grateful and thankful to the American Samoa Society of Washington, DC for this amazing opportunity and to be selected to represent American Samoa, US Territory at the 2026 National Conference of State and Territorial Societies Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate Program,” Kaili concluded. “I look forward to meeting other Cherry Blossom Princess Delegates during the week of the program (April 4th to April 11th), build relationships and share our Samoan culture.”

With Kaili’s deep roots in the strong Samoan community in the Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, she was selected by the American Samoa Society of Washington, D.C., to represent American Samoa.

Congresswoman Amata and Kaili Iliganoa Shansonga

“I’m delighted to congratulate Kaili as she serves as American Samoa’s cherry blossom princess for this year’s festival. She represents our people and culture beautifully,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to our entire supportive Samoan community in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland for all they do to show their lasting love for American Samoa, our people, our heritage, and our welcoming way with people to the nation’s capital. Thank you especially to Kaili for making sure our beautiful islands and our culture are well represented and fully included at the festival, a major DC tradition, taking on this role on behalf of American Samoa.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee who has long sought the removal of Trump lackey Pam Bondi as Attorney General, today welcomed the decision to remove her from running the U.S. Justice Department. Congressman Cohen released the following statement in response to the announcement:

“Pam Bondi tried to do Trump’s bidding in a transparent display of loyalty over truth and justice, and it could not go on forever. Her mishandling of the Epstein files which continue to keep a focus on Trump’s yearslong bromance with the convicted pedophile sex trafficker, was just one of the many reasons Trump could not retain her. Trump gave her the impossible task of going after Leticia James, James Comey, John Brennan, Jack Smith and Adam Schiff, his perceived enemies, who have done nothing to deserve prosecution but have worked to preserve our democracy. Her department’s inexcusable failures to investigate the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti after they were killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis was a betrayal of the Department of Justice’s mission. The effort to staff U.S. Attorneys’ offices with unqualified Trump loyalists proved embarrassing. She was always in way over her head and it’s good she is out.

“I am concerned that Trump has placed his personal lawyer Todd Blanche in charge of the DOJ.  Blanche was recently tapped to personally intervene in the Epstein case and met privately with his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. Continuing to place Donald Trump’s personal vendettas over the rule of law is anti-democratic and the American people won’t tolerate more of it. A solid, independent Attorney General with impeccable credentials and a reputation for integrity is what the country needs, not another lackey”

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement on President Trump firing Attorney General Pam Bondi:

Pam Bondi will go down as the worst, most incompetent, and most corrupt Attorney General in American history. Her firing was long overdue—and richly deserved. 

From the day she arrived at the Department of Justice, Bondi’s primary objectives were painfully clear: to go after the President’s enemies and to protect Donald Trump at all costs. From directing prosecutors to bring baseless charges against Democratic politicians and refusing to release the full Epstein files in accordance with the law, to her embarrassing, unprofessional behavior during high-profile public hearings (including lying under oath), Bondi demonstrated time and again that she lacked the judgment, temperament, and decision-making required of the nation’s top law enforcement official. 

And these are just the top-line failures. That so many of these pursuits required redirecting critical resources from far more pressing matters—combatting organized crime, prosecuting corruption, protecting the American people from all manner of threats—has objectively made our country less safe, and done incredible damage to the DOJ’s reputation. 

For Donald Trump, loyalty has always been a one-way street. Bondi’s firing only reaffirms what we’ve known for years: that no amount of blind fealty or blatant corruption on his behalf will spare you from his erratic impulses. I have little doubt that many others will learn that same lesson before his time in office is up. 

Whoever is chosen as the next AG, they have a serious and solemn responsibility to ensure the DOJ returns to its core mission of serving the American people—and not capitulating to the paranoia and petty grievances of a man whose sole aim is to protect and enrich himself. 

It should be noted that the House Oversight Committee was set to depose Bondi on April 14 over the DOJ’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and her shambolic handling of the Epstein files. Getting fired doesn’t get her off the hook. Bondi is still legally obligated to appear before the Committee and testify under oath. I, for one, am very much looking forward to that testimony. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on Trump firing Pam Bondi as Attorney General:

“Good riddance to one of the worst Attorney Generals in our nation’s history. She weaponized the Department of Justice to target immigrants, working families, and anyone Trump deems an enemy of the state – all to protect the real criminals in the Trump Administration.

“In February, I confronted Bondi at a House Judiciary hearing about her lawless actions and demanded she resign or face impeachment. She was an instrument of Donald Trump’s lawless, authoritarian agenda and like Kristi Noem and Greg Bovino, she still needs to be held accountable for the crimes committed under her watch.

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), released the following statement after President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi:  

“Every American should be relieved that one of the most blatantly partisan attorneys general in American history, Pam Bondi, has been fired. Unfortunately, her weaponization of the Justice Department will live on through her predecessor and fellow Trump personal attorney Todd Blanche.

“Bondi’s legacy, beyond being one of the chief architects of the political weaponization of the Justice Department, will be her abuse of power to protect President Trump’s involvement in the Epstein files and her failure to prosecute the overwhelming corruption of his administration.

“To my constituents, I remain committed to conducting executive oversight and ensuring the Justice Department, and the broader administration, acts in the public interest, regardless of who is in office.” 

###

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

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced new legislation to strengthen protein food assistance to low-income families. Higher costs for groceries are impacting New Hampshire families, increasing demand for food assistance, and states are seeing their food assistance dollars stretched thin, with more expensive items, such as animal proteins, out of reach. 

During his meeting with Carroll County food pantry directors last month, Pappas heard about how higher meat prices are making many food pantry directors concerned about their ability to serve their communities. To address this, Pappas’s Protein for Every Plate Act would provide an additional allotment of $200 million in entitlement funds to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for animal protein procurement.

“The rising cost of groceries is making it harder for families to put food on the table, and it is straining organizations’ efforts to help people in need. Last month I met with directors from across Carroll County where I learned about the current protein supply gap their food pantries are facing,” said Congressman Pappas. “My new legislation would provide additional resources to TEFAP so that this critical program can deliver the food resources our communities need. I am incredibly grateful for our local organizations that serve the most vulnerable Granite Staters. I will always fight for resources to support their efforts, meet the needs of New Hampshire families, and lower food costs.”

“Many food pantries have indicated they currently face challenges providing adequate meat protein for the families they serve. Funding for additional meat purchases through TEFAP will allow states to provide a more consistent and steady supply of needed protein foods that food pantries can count on. This will go a long way in helping community food providers meet the needs of the families who rely on them,” said Randy Emerson, New Hampshire Statewide Director of Emergency Food Assistance (USDA/TEFAP Foods).

“Local food pantries are expressing the need for additional USDA proteins to meet the demands we are seeing in our communities – most recently at a meeting just last week. Randy Emerson and Tri-Cap do a great job by really trying to stretch the funding and purchase the highest quality products, but the rise of the cost of protein coupled with the limited USDA entitlement funding our state receives each year has made this harder,” said Joe Dame, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Madison Food Pantry. “The funding does not buy as much product as it did in the past so additional TEFAP funding for New Hampshire will go a long way to getting proteins distributed to many families in need. I appreciate Congressman Pappas quickly acting on local needs and introducing this legislation.”

New Hampshire families are paying more under the Trump administration and Republican Congress. Last year, Granite Staters had to pay $2,100 more of their hard-earned money on food, housing, and more due to inflation. In December, the cost of groceries saw the fastest single-month increase since October 2022. The typical American family paid $310 more for groceries during President Trump’s first year in office compared to 2024. 

The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed last summer, included the largest cut to SNAP benefits in history. This put 77,000 Granite Staters at risk of losing support. It also put in place draconian cost-sharing requirements that will downshift costs from the federal government to the state, making it harder for New Hampshire to provide meals to students and families.

The bill text is here. 

Background: 

Pappas is a fierce advocate for lowering costs for New Hampshire families, seniors, and small business, including pushing back on President Trump’s widespread tariffs and against cuts to health care and SNAP. He is a co-sponsor of the No Tariffs on Groceries Act, which would require Congressional approval for any tariff levied on food or agricultural products, and the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025, which would repeal the cuts to SNAP in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Pappas also joined a call for the immediate exemption for essential infant and toddler products—including car seats, strollers, cribs, and highchairs—from current and future tariffs.

Pappas voted against Republicans’ reconciliation bill every time it came to the floor. Pappas filed two amendments to the Senate-passed Republican reconciliation bill to protect Granite Staters’ access to Medicaid and food assistance and to prevent Congress from passing the burden of cuts to these programs onto the state; neither was adopted. Now law, this legislation included deep cuts to health care and food programs for working families to cover the cost of $5 trillion in tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, including kicking millions of Americans off SNAP, leaving them unable to put food on the table. He spoke on the House floor against these cuts to SNAP and the impacts on Granite Staters it would have.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team; joined by VAT Co-Chair Congressman Josh Brecheen; VAT Co-Chair Congresswoman Mary Miller; Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Congressman Riley Moore and Members of the House VAT released the following statement in response to the violent Palm Sunday attacks on Christians in Nigeria:

“This Palm Sunday, reports from Nigeria indicate that more than thirty Christians were murdered in the city of Jos, the largest city in Plateau State. We deeply condemn these atrocities, as no one should face violence and death for their faith.

“The continued brutal persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a moral outrage, and another example of targeted violence against Christians on holy days in Nigeria which has become a tragic, but predictable pattern in recent years.

As Members of Congress, we will continue to condemn these attacks, hold perpetrators of murder and violence accountable, and support the Administration in ensuring that U.S. foreign policy protects people of faith at an international scale. Earlier this year Congress passed bipartisan legislation conditioning U.S. security assistance to Nigeria on Abuja stepping up and defending our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As we enter the end of Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, the Nigerian government must drastically ramp up security measures across known hotspots in the Middle Belt to protect the right of Christians to worship freely. Failure to do so will result in more bloodshed and could force the U.S. to reevaluate our bilateral relationship.”

The statement was signed by House VAT Members including:

Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)                         Rep. Addison McDowell (NC-06)

Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01)                             Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11)

Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06)                             Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04)

Rep. John Carter (TX-31)                               Rep. John Moolenaar (MI-02)

Rep. Keith Self (TX-03)                                  Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Rep. Michael Guest (MS-03)                        Rep. Nathanial Moran (TX-01)

Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID-01)                            Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-07)

Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20)                              Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today released the following statement on the anniversary of President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day”:

“A year ago, President Donald Trump stood before the American people to declare “Liberation Day,” an expansive tariff regime he promised would revive American manufacturing and usher in a new economic “golden age” for America. Instead, Trump’s reckless and chaotic trade war has delivered exactly what many warned it would: a self-inflicted economic disaster that is crushing American families and businesses.

“We were told that this massive tax hike would somehow lower prices for Americans and foreigners would pay the costs. Like with most Trump promises, this did not happen. The tariffs forced Americans to pay more for everyday essentials as companies passed along the costs, from groceries to household goods. According to estimates from a Joint Economic Committee analysis, families could wind up paying more than $2,500 each in tariff costs in 2026.

“Trump also assured us that the tariffs would lead to an economic boom. Unsurprisingly, this did not happen either. Over the last 12 months, U.S. tariff policy changed more than 50 times, with rates going up and down depending on the President’s mood and his endlessly shifting set of grievances, making long-term planning and investment next to impossible. Companies across the country are scaling back hiring in the face of this mounting uncertainty or going out of business entirely, with small business bankruptcies rising 10% since last year and corporate bankruptcies increasing to their highest levels since 2020. The U.S. economy has, on balance, lost a total of 19,000 jobs in the last year. And instead of ushering in a manufacturing revival, Trump’s tariffs have worsened a months-long slide in blue-collar employment. Manufacturing employment has declined nearly every month since ‘Liberation Day,’ with factory activity contracting for months as businesses pull back in response to these tariffs.

“The President’s trade agenda has failed on its own terms. It failed to boost manufacturing, failed to reduce the trade deficit, and failed to deliver relief to working Americans. And yet, as Americans pay more for groceries, electricity, housing, and health care, my Republican colleagues in Congress continue to stand by and refuse to rein in these catastrophic tariffs.”