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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes for American Energy Dominance, Increased Hanford Funding

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: January 8, 2026
Contact: Matt Reed, (202) 713-7750 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 6938, the conferenced Energy and Water Development, Interior and Environment, and Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act of 2026.  

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, my immediate focus in the new year is passing our remaining government funding legislation and avoiding another costly shutdown,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This package gets us closer to that goal, with half of the bills having now been passed by the House. We worked hard over the last year crafting common-sense, conservative policies that rein in bloated spending, refocus taxpayer dollars on programs that support the federal government’s responsibilities, and bring home millions of dollars to Central Washington for essential projects.” 

“I thank Chairman Cole and the Subcommittee Chairs for their leadership in getting this legislation across the finish line, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly and send this package to the President’s desk.” 

Rep. Newhouse secured the following funding for projects in Central Washington. 

City of Oroville for Water System Improvement Project 

Amount: $1,400,000 

Project Description: The project will provide new water pipes that ensure safe and reliable water transmission to service the “North End” of the City’s water system. The City’s plan is to replace existing, undersized transmission mains with 12-inch transmission mains along 20th from Main St. to Juniper St., and along Juniper St. and Main St. from 20th St. to 23rd St. The project will also replace existing, undersized water transmission mains with 8-inch transmission mains along Deerpath Dr. from 21st St. to 23rd St., and along 23rd St from Deerpath Dr. to Westlake Ave.  

City of Othello for Regional Water Supply Project

Amount: $1,000,000 

Project Description: The City of Othello has developed an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) strategy to mitigate declining water levels in the Wanapum Basalt aquifer. The ASR method has proven to be effective, and the City has progressed to the stage of predesign. This project will assistance with the next phase of design to build a permanent solution that will result in a sustainable, reliable, environmentally responsible water supply plan for the Othello region.

Town of Winthrop for Water Source and Distribution System Improvements 

Amount: $1,500,000 

Project Description: The proposed project will improve the reliability of the Town of Winthrop’s water source and distribution system. Specifically, the project will rehabilitate Well #2 for regular use that includes a new pump, motor, piping, electrical/controls, generator backup, and well house. It will also help make repairs to the Town’s East Reservoir, including waterproofing, concrete repairs, and altitude valve replacement. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT 

The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $57.300 billion, which is $766.4 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $33.223 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $24.077 billion. The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness.

Key Takeaways 

America’s Nuclear Deterrent and National Security: Provides funding for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure, to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet, and to reduce the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons.

American Energy Dominance and Bolstering the National Economy: Invests in mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction to reduce reliance on foreign sources, invests in small modular and advanced reactor demonstration projects, facilitates the efficient transport of goods along America’s ports and waterways, maintains funding for cybersecurity efforts to protect the grid, and increases investments in new baseload geothermal energy sources.

Bill Highlights  

Army Corps of Engineers: $10.4 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which includes funding for operation and maintenance of the Lower Snake River Dams and USACE dams along the Columbia River. This also includes $3.5 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

Hanford: $3.2 billion for Hanford cleanup activities, a $200 million increase from the previously enacted level. 

PNNL: 

• $8.4 billion for the Office of Science, which is $160 million above the enacted level. This account funds science activities within several national laboratories, including PNNL.
• $96 million for the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement user facility and $65 million for the Environmental and Molecular Sciences Laboratory.
• $2.37 billion for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN).
• $2.9 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Yakima-Tieton Canal: Requires the Bureau of Reclamation to determine whether the current wildfire-damaged and landslide imperiled state of the Yakima-Tieron Main Canal is an emergency within 30 days of enactment. Should Reclamation determine it is an emergency within 30 days of enactment, funding shall be provided within 30 days of the determination to the work operator of the canal.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES ACT 

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $38.6 billion. The bill prioritizes unleashing American energy, ensuring access to public lands, promoting the reversal of harmful Biden-era rulemakings that have hamstrung farmers and industries, and rightsizing agency funding levels, including a $320 million reduction to the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, estimated at $550 million, and prioritizes funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management.  

Key Takeaways 

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:  

• Reducing our reliance on foreign countries by prioritizing reviews of domestic mining claims.
• Increasing funding for oil and gas development to unleash American energy.
• Ensures funding to support wildland firefighters pay to protect communities from catastrophic wildfires.
• Providing $570.06 million for Tribal Public Safety and Justice programs, which is a $14.5 million increase over the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level, to support Tribal law enforcement.
• Expanding upon the efforts created under the first Trump Administration through the DOI Opioid Reduction Task Force to disrupt the illegal narcotics trade and address the opioid crisis, a program that had been eliminated by the Biden Administration.  
• Providing $18.5 million, an increase of $2 million above the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level, to support the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women program.
• Increasing funding for law enforcement to protect the public on lands within National Wildlife Refuges and the Bureau of Land Management.
• Increasing the funding available to respond to emergency situations in national parks.  

Champions American energy dominance and reduces regulatory burdens by: 

• Increasing funding for onshore oil and gas development at the Bureau of Land Management by $7.4 million.  
• Increasing funding for offshore conventional energy development by $11.2 million at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
• Encouraging the Administration’s ongoing review of costly and burdensome Biden-era rulemakings that hinder manufacturing and energy development and prevent access to our public lands.  

Bill Highlights 

Department of the Interior: Provides $14.54 billion for the Department of the Interior.

• Bureau of Land Management: Provides $1.34 billion for the Bureau of Land 
  Management.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Provides $1.65 billion for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• National Park Service: Provides $3.27 billion for the National Park Service.

Environmental Protection Agency: Provides $8.816 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency, which is $320 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level.

U.S. Forest Service: Provides $8.61 billion for the U.S. Forest Service.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT 

The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provide a total discretionary allocation of $78.011 billion. The bill provides a non-defense discretionary total of $71.407 billion and a defense discretionary total of $6.604 billion. This represents an over decrease of 1.2 percent compared to the total effective spending of the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The bill aims to focus agencies on their core mission by directing funds to support the fight against fentanyl, boost funds for state and local law enforcement, and invest in efforts to counter the Communist Republic of China.

Key Takeaways 

Bolsters U.S. national security by: 

• Supporting the American research enterprise to counter China’s increasing investments in basic research and technology development, and investing in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum, and advanced manufacturing.
• Enhancing multi-agency efforts to combat transnational organized crime and reduce the availability of illicit drugs – particularly fentanyl – by increasing funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by $63 million.

Boosts programs that support everyday Americans and reflect American values by: 

• Maintaining strong support for state and local law enforcement formula grants and DOJ grant funding for programs that assist law enforcement in addressing the opioid crisis, combat child exploitation, eliminate the rape kit backlog, and prevent school violence.
• Leveling the economic playing field for everyday Americans by increasing funding to the United States Trade Representative by 18 percent to hold other nations accountable for decades of unfair trade practices.
• Including longstanding riders that support the 2nd Amendment and pro-life polices. 

Bill Highlights 

Department of Commerce: Provides a discretionary total of $10.514 billion for the Department of Commerce, which is 1.2 percent below the FY25 enacted level.

Department of Justice: Provides a discretionary total of $37.049 billion for the Department of Justice, which is 0.4 percent above the FY25 enacted level.  

Science: Provides a discretionary total of $33.196 billion for Science, which is 2 percent below the FY25 enacted level. 

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Provides $24.438 billion for NASA, which is 1.6 percent below the FY25 enacted level.
• National Science Foundation: Provides $8.750 billion for NSF, which is 3.4 percent below the FY25 enacted level.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the addition of Major Nate Horne to his Washington, D.C. office. Nate will serve as a defense fellow until the end of this year as part of the Department of War’s Congressional Fellowship Program.

By trade, Major Horne is a Finance and Comptroller Army Officer who has served as a Budget Officer at Army Central, Army Pacific, and U.S. Cyber Command.

In addition, Nate has received training, including completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course and Captains Career Course at the Finance and Comptroller School at Ft. Jackson, SC, the Cold Weathers Leaders Course at the Northern Warfare Training Center in Alaska, and is a Certified Government Financial Manager and Certified Defense Financial Manager.

He received a bachelor’s degree in business management from Colorado Technical University and will complete a master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University in May 2026.

“I am delighted to welcome Nate to my team and look forward to utilizing his knowledge and experience on defense related matters,” said Congressman Cole. “The Department of War’s Legislative Fellowship Program is a terrific way for him to sharpen his skills and learn the legislative process even more, and I am excited to see all that he learns and his growth throughout the year. I know he will serve the Fourth District well during his time in my office.”

“It is an honor and privilege to serve at this level,” said Major Horne. “I am excited to represent the Department of War and work with Representative Cole and his incredible team in advocating for everyone in Oklahoma’s Fourth District and their interests.”

About the Fellowship

The Department of War’s Legislative Fellowship Program is a highly competitive program for top performing select service members and civilian employees to provide them with an in-person legislative experience. The program is executed by the Assistant Secretary of War for Legislative Affairs, who coordinates with the military departments to determine office placement.

Chosen from numerous high performing applicants, fellows are vetted by their respective services, selecting those whom the departments feel would best represent the military to members of Congress and their staff. Eligible congressional offices are invited to apply for the program in August with a requested response in September and receive notification of selection November through December. Selected fellows begin their work in congressional offices for a period of no longer than one calendar year beginning each January.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of H.R. 6983, a three-bill funding package covering the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment appropriations measures for the fiscal year 2026. After voting in favor of the package, he released the following statement:

“In November, President Trump set the tone by signing our first three-bill appropriations package into law. Now, today, in the House of Representatives, we built on that momentum” said Congressman Cole. “This funding package provides funding for countless critical programs that assist Americans every single day, strengthens our national security, cuts spending, lowers costs on the taxpayers, and delivers critical community projects nationwide.”

“I am very proud of the difficult work that the entire Appropriations Committee, our Cardinals, and Republican Leadership has done to get this package passed today. The result of our hard work is clear – legislation that turns priorities into action and puts America first,” said Congressman Cole.

Key Provisions in the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

1. Increases funding to end the scourge of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
2. Levels the economic playing field for everyday Americans by holding other nations accountable for decades of unfair trade practices.
3. Bolsters our national security by countering China’s increasing investments.
4. Maintains longstanding Second Amendment riders.
5. Maintains longstanding Hyde-like pro-life riders.
6. Supports state and local law enforcement.
7. Increases funding for the National Weather Service.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies

1. Champions America’s nuclear deterrent.
2. Prohibits the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the CCP.
3. Prohibits access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by Chinese and Russian citizens.
4. Restores American energy dominance.
5. Strongly funds cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid.
6. Eliminates Biden-era energy policies.

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

1. Increases funding for oil and gas development to unleash American energy.
2. Ensures funding to support wildland firefighter pay.
3. Provides support for Tribal law enforcement.
4. Increases funding for onshore oil and gas development and offshore conventional energy development.
5. Exempts farmers and livestock producers from burdensome greenhouse gas permitting and reporting requirements.
6. Eliminates funding for Environmental Justice.
7. Protects access to public lands.

 

Oklahoma Priorities/ Congressman Cole Secured in the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

1. $970,000 for Rapid DNA technology systems for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office to process DNA evidence more efficiently.
2. Increased resources to Federal agencies for McGirt-related needs.
3. $1.351 billion for the National Weather Service, including the National Weather Center in Norman.
4. 5% set-aside within the Crime Victims’ Fund made available for Tribal victims of crime.
5. $4.5 million for Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys to prosecute federal crimes in Indian Country.
6. $14.5 million for Tribal Special Criminal Jurisdiction Reimbursement Program, which reimburses Tribal governments for non-tribal citizens committing violent crime on Tribal land.
7. $2 million for research on Violence Against Indian Women.
8. $20.9 million for Tornado Severe Storm Research, including the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory at OU.
9. $30 million for NOAA’s national observational weather network providing critical information required for improved weather prediction and warnings.
10. $1 million for increased staff capacity at the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program at OU.
11. $94 million for Weather Labs and Cooperative Institutes, including the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO) at OU.
12. $5 million in Office of Native American Business Development grants to native entities that provide business, financing, and technical assistance services to Tribes.
13. $20 million for the Tribal Colleges and Universities STEM program.
14. $105 million in grants for locating missing children, preventing child abduction, and provide technical training and assistance.
15. $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program which supports the growth of small and mid-sized manufacturers through public-private partnership.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies

1. $75 million for the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs.
2. $25 million to support research activities that lead to lower costs and increased deployment of distributed wind systems for rural homes, farms, and other applications.
3. $20 million for atmospheric and severe weather research centers to improve weather predications and strengthen the resiliency of energy and other critical infrastructure.
4. $10 million to establish a university-based methane monitoring data analytics center.
5. $9.3 million for the Department of Energy’s Risk Based Data Management System to explore the rapid development of new technologies that use solid propellant fuel to generate gas and that drive hydraulic systems to shut off unwanted flows or blow outs of oil or gas from onshore or offshore wells.
6. $6.3 million for the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program.
7. $24.4 million for Operations and Maintenance of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.
8. $700,000 for a USACE national assessment and working group to carry out managed aquifer recharge projects.

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

1. $66 million to support tribes impacted by the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision.
2. $5 million for Moore Public Works Authority Water Transmission Line Construction Project.
3. $8.05 billion for the Indian Health Service, including $33 million in increases and $5.3 billion in advance appropriations.
4. $570.059 million for Bureau of Indian Affairs Public Safety and Justice Programs.
5. $84.6 million for Indian Health Service professions.
6. $18.5 million for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Initiative.
7. $95.4 million for Urban Indian Health, which will help facilities, like the OKC Indian Clinic provide essential healthcare services to tribes.
8. Language prioritizing research funding and building maintenance for EPA labs specializing in groundwater research, such as the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center.
9. $41 million for the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants Program to help communities repair sewer and stormwater systems to upgrade them to better withstand future storms and natural disasters.
10. $12.5 million for the National Park Foundation, which has supported projects such as those at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
11. $49 million for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.
12. $2.6 million for National Land Remote Sensing Education, Outreach, and Research Grant.
13. $65 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities Federal and State Partnerships.
14. $30.7 million for non-profit organizations to provide technical assistance for improved water quality or safe drinking water, adequate wastewater to small systems, or individual private well owners.
15. $26 million for Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance.
16. $1.8 million for Class VI regulator education and training programs.
17. $16 million for the Water Resources Research Act.
18. Protected and maintained funding for programs supporting tribes such as BIE Operations and Construction, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Indian Loan Guarantee Program, and Johnson O-Malley Assistance Grants.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. [1/8/26] –Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici announced that the House has passed a bill with five Community Projects she championed. These projects will bring nearly $6 million in federal investment to NW Oregon.

The House passed the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for FY 2026 with strong bipartisan support. The appropriations bills, which include funding for the community projects listed below, will now move to the Senate.

“I’m grateful to have secured federal funding that will help make communities in NW Oregon safer and more resilient,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I urge the Senate to quickly pass this legislation to deliver the resources Oregonians need.”

The projects are:

$2 million for Portland State University’s Semiconductor Innovation and Nanoscience Equipment Purchase

The funding will support the creation of a Semiconductor Innovation and Nanoscience Center.  

$1.092 million for City of Hillsboro’s Seismically Resilient Water Treatment Plant Chemical Building

The funding will be used for a seismically reinforced building foundation to allow swift restoration of safe drinking water to 450,000 residents after a major earthquake. 

$1.031 million for Oregon CASA Network (OCN)’s A CASA for Every Child

The funding will be used to recruit, train, supervise, and support community volunteers to advocate on behalf of children and young people in the foster care system.

$1.031 million for Clatsop County’s Public Safety Equipment and 911 Operations Initiative

The funding will be used to replace and upgrade an outdated public safety communications system so first responders can better communicate with each other and the public in the event of an emergency. 

$800,000 for Multnomah County’s Close Street Pretrial Monitoring Program Behavioral Health Expansion Pilot

The funding will be used to add behavioral health staff to Multnomah County Sheriff Office’s Close Street pretrial monitoring program to secure access to prompt, responsive, and effective behavioral health supports to individuals who have been arraigned and released by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge pending trial.

Under the rules of the House Appropriations Committee, Members of Congress can each submit up to 15 Community Project Funding requests for consideration during the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process. The reformed and transparent Community Project Funding process allows Members of Congress to advocate for specific community priority projects in a highly competitive process. You can find more information on Bonamici’s website about the fifteen Community Projects she championed this fiscal year: Bonamici.House.Gov/CommunityProjects

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

Ahead of a government funding deadline of January 30, the U.S. House of Representatives acted to pass several appropriations bills. One appropriations bill that the House passed is the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026. The commerce, justice and science appropriations bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) secured federal funding in the commerce, justice, and science appropriations bill for the following Ninth District project: 

Project Name: New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority (NRVECRA) Interoperable P25 Public Safety Communications System Project

Recipient Name: New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority

Amount Received: $2,100,000

Following passage of the commerce, justice and science appropriations bill and the inclusion of federal funding for this Ninth District project, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: 

“I am proud to help secure in this appropriations bill $2.1 million for the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority. These important funds will help the Authority upgrade public safety communications systems.

“I am hopeful that the Senate passes this commerce, justice and science appropriations bill so the Authority is one step closer to receiving these funds to complete this important public safety project.”

BACKGROUND

The above community project funding request was submitted by Rep. Griffith for fiscal year 2026. 

Other appropriations bills considered this week are the Energy and Water appropriations bill and commerce, justice and science appropriations bill. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) co-led the introduction of Representative Gil Cisneros’s (D-CA-31) PROTECT Military Families Act, a bicameral bill that aims to protect military families from deportation and forced separation. The U.S. Senate version of the bill is led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and co-sponsored by Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The bill is endorsed by the Veterans for American Ideals.

The PROTECT Military Families Act would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to parole family members of qualifying current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It creates a mandatory pathway to Parole in Place (PIP) benefitting spouses, widows or widowers, parents, or children of qualifying current or former U.S. Armed Forces members. Parole can be denied only if the Secretary jointly issues a detailed written justification for the denial with the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

“It’s unacceptable that military families are even vulnerable to deportation,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Service members already have a lot on their shoulders — they shouldn’t also be worrying about whether their loved ones will be deported. I’m proud to co-lead the PROTECT Military Families Act to introduce long overdue stability for our country’s service members and their loved ones.”

“Our servicemembers and veterans served our nation and dedicated their lives to protect American values and our freedoms—it is only fitting that we provide a pathway to protect their families,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Our Armed Forces deserve to keep their families together and feel safe in their communities. I am proud to introduce legislation with Senator Duckworth and our colleagues that will protect these families by providing a stable pathway to Parole in Place.”

“There is no higher betrayal to our heroes than to have one of their family members deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend,” said Senator Duckworth. “In his ICE raids, Donald Trump is targeting servicemembers, Veterans and their loved ones—separating families who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country. Our legislation would help support our men and women who served by protecting their families from deportation. They fought for this country, and it’s past time Congress joins us to fight for them too.”

Carbajal has long fought to protect military families from deportation. In June 2025, Carbajal introduced his bipartisan Protect Patriot Parents Act, which would make parents of U.S. military servicemembers eligible for Lawful Permanent Resident status, preventing potential deportations or separations of military families.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06), to the House Floor. The bill would increase transparency, accountability, and public input in federal agency consent decrees and settlement agreements.

“The American people should never be shut out of decisions that reshape federal policy,” said Rep. Ben Cline. “Today’s passage of the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act out of the House Judiciary Committee is a critical step toward ending the backroom arrangements that have too often allowed activist lawsuits to drive sweeping regulatory changes without transparency or accountability. This legislation ensures these agreements are opened to public notice, comment, and meaningful judicial review, giving taxpayers, workers, and small businesses the opportunity to be heard.”

BACKGROUND:

Currently, activist groups leverage behind-closed-doors lawsuits to pressure agencies into sweeping regulatory changes without meaningful input from the public, job creators, or affected industries, effectively sidestepping the traditional rulemaking process. Rep. Cline’s bill restores accountability by requiring public notice and comment, strengthened judicial review, agency head certification of settlements, and detailed reporting to Congress to ensure these agreements serve the public interest.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) announced the successful passage of multiple Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that will deliver critical federal investments in water infrastructure, public safety, overdose response, reentry services, and STEM education across South King County and Seattle.

“These Community Project Funding investments reflect what our communities are asking for — cleaner water, safer neighborhoods, and more opportunities for young people to succeed,” said Rep. Smith. “I am proud to see these projects included and passed, and I will continue fighting to ensure federal resources are directed where they can make the greatest local impact.”

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Water Infrastructure and Environmental Protection

• City of Renton — Kennydale Lakeline Sanitary Sewer and Water Quality Preservation Project
  Amount: $1,092,000
  The City of Renton’s Kennydale Lakeline Sewer System is more than 50 years old and faces significant challenges for replacement due to it’s location underwater, limited accessibility, and deteriorating condition. The City plans on creating a new sewer system outside of the lake to replace the aging cast iron pipes. Modern materials, construction techniques, and engineering standards will be employed to ensure the system’s resilience against aging, climate-related challenges, and future growth in demand.
• King County Water District 54 — Water Treatment Modernization
  Location: Des Moines and Normandy Park
  Amount: $1,092,000
  The King County Water District No. 54 (District) serves the drinking water needs of approximately 5,200 residents of the City of Des Moines, Washington, and a southern portion of the City of Normandy Park, through 755 connections. The quality of the District’s water is excellent, with the caveat that manganese is present at or above the secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) of 0.050 mg/L. While not a current health concern, it’s presence is a concern since it sometimes precipitates in the water causing it to turn brown. Manganese may become what’s known as an emerging contaminant, making the level present more of an issue as further risk assessments are completed. The Project will install a manganese treatment system, which will use an appropriate treatment technology, such as oxidation/filtration, determined during the predesign phase (ongoing) to remove manganese, iron, and any other associated contaminants.

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Public Safety, Overdose Response, and Reentry for Incarcerated Individuals

• City of Seattle — Post-Overdose Opioid Response Program
  Amount: $1,031,000
  The City of Seattle is launching a specialized emergency response team to provide an integrated, wraparound, and evidence-based response for people overdosing. The team will be staffed by specially trained firefighters and EMTs as well as a case manager with training in crisis intervention. They will work in conjunction with Seattle Police and Fire to take over at the scene when first responders are called, thus freeing up resources for emergency response. The team will also provide follow-up services to ensure that patients have access to resources and services to put them on the path to long term recovery.   
• Purpose Dignity Action — CID Public Safety Team
  Amount: $1,039,000
  PDA is replicating a street team model to counter open-air criminal activity and safety concerns in the Chinatown-International District (CID). Funding will go to deploy a team to de-escalate disruptions and conflict in the neighborhood on a daily basis. They will be trained to de-escalate conflicts, connect individuals to housing and behavioral health services and coordinate with the Seattle Police Department and other emergency services as needed. The team will also be tasked with identifying individuals and networks in the neighborhood who need a targeted response from community partners like housing organizations and law enforcement.
• City of Seattle — WELD King County Jail Pilot Housing and Successful Reentry Program
  Amount: $1,031,000
  This pilot program will expand housing stability and reentry support for individuals transitioning out of incarceration, by giving them resources to sustain a job, build our economy, and live within Puget Sound.

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STEM Education and Workforce Opportunity

• Congolese Integration Network — STEM Education Program
  Location: SeaTac
  Amount: $1,031,000
  Funded through NASA-related Community Project Funding, this program will expand STEM education access for immigrant and refugee youth. The Congolese Integration Network (CIN) is building a program to address the digital disparity prevalent within refugee and immigrant communities through a comprehensive basic and coding class initiative. The program is strategically designed to not only equip participants with essential digital literacy skills but also to ignite their interest and involvement in STEM fields, fostering pathways to economic independence and professional growth. In recognizing the critical importance of technology proficiency in contemporary society, CIN aims to empower individuals within these communities with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

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Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to directly support locally driven projects with clear public benefits. Rep. Smith will continue working with local partners to ensure these funds are implemented efficiently and deliver measurable results for residents across Washington’s Ninth District.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), former Chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis (SCCC) and Ranking Democratic on the House Energy Subcommittee, released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s shortsighted decision to withdraw the United States from 66 international treaties, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

“The heating climate and extreme weather are costing American families significantly—driving up energy bills, insurance premiums, and health care costs, while fueling increasingly destructive hurricanes and wildfires that leave communities struggling to recover. 

“President Trump promised to lower costs for American families, but he has done the opposite and left American families holding the bag. While Trump calls climate change a hoax, dismisses the affordability crisis, and pulls America out of the most important international scientific organizations, he boosts polluters and cronies who make life more expensive and dangerous. As Trump walks away from international partnerships and strong commitments to boost cleaner, cheaper energy, our adversaries are cheering, while Americans are left with higher costs and uncertainty.

“Climate change is causing economic instability at a time when people need solutions and action on cleaner, cheaper energy. Protecting Americans requires strong U.S. leadership and cooperation with our allies, including through partnerships like the UNFCCC and IPCC. Walking away undermines more than three decades of American leadership, forfeits trillions of dollars in economic opportunities in clean energy and manufacturing, and weakens our health, economic security, and national security.

“House Democrats, state and city leaders, and the private sector will continue to be a partner to our international allies in addressing the climate crisis. As energy costs continue to rise, working families, seniors, and small businesses deserve leadership that will lower costs, create jobs, clean up pollution, and protect public health.”

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

Headline: Carter secures jobs-creating critical minerals funding for Georgia Tech

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today secured $500,000 in the House-passed Commerce, Justice, and Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 for the Georgia Institute of Technology to establish a center to advance critical mineral supply chains in the United States. 

This funding, which will create the Georgia Critical Mineral Supply Chain Manufacturing Demonstration Center, builds on President Trump’s March 20, 2025, executive order to boost U.S. production of critical minerals and rare-earth elements, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign sources and enhance national security. 

“Our national security depends on onshoring and friendshoring our critical mineral supply chain, so we are not reliant on hostile foreign nations, such as China, to meet these needs. I’m proud that Georgia is demonstrating leadership on this issue and thank Georgia Tech for its efforts to support local industries and continue providing world-class educational opportunities for students,” said Rep. Carter.  

“I want to thank Congressman Carter for helping secure this important funding to help Georgia Tech create a critical mineral supply chain manufacturing demonstration facility. We are working hard to support our country’s goals of domestically sourcing critical minerals, while also creating new jobs and supporting industries in the state of Georgia,” said Dr. Tim Lieuwen, Executive Vice President for Research at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Read the full bill text here.

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