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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) expressed their concerns over encroachments on religious freedom amid the start of Easter Week. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers urged the State Department to ensure foreign governments, particularly our allies, closely consult with the United States as decisions are made regarding access to holy sites for people of faith during religious holidays.

The effort follows an incident in Jerusalem at the start of Easter Week where Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and a small group of other Catholic clergy were blocked by Israeli Authorities from celebrating the start of Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where according to Christian tradition it is believed that Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This was the first time in centuries that the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church. 

“In a moment already marked by tension and conflict, protecting places like this is not just about one faith, but about safeguarding shared symbols of history, humanity, and coexistence for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. They become more important than ever in these times. And should serve as a reminder of the shared values of all faiths,” the lawmakers said in their letter. 

The decision to block services drew strong condemnation from many as a violation of religious freedom. Following a public outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the restrictions to permit access for “representatives of the Churches” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the remainder of Holy Week. However, other key holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, remain closed to worshipers.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Secretary Rubio, 

This letter is regarding the concerning reports that access to holy sites in Jerusalem was restricted by the Israeli government as Holy Week began.

On Palm Sunday, March 29th, 2026, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and a small group of other Catholic clergy were blocked by Israeli Authorities from celebrating the start of Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where according to Christian tradition it is believed Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This was the first time in centuries that the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church. This site holds profound significance not only for Catholics and other Christians—who commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus—but also for Jews and Muslims, for whom Jerusalem is a sacred and shared spiritual center. The decision to block services drew strong condemnation from many as a violation of religious freedom, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni describing it as “an affront not only to believers but to any community that upholds religious freedom”.

On March 30th, in response to the many concerns raised, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the restrictions to permit access for “representatives of the Churches” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the remainder of Holy Week.  However, other key holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, remain closed to worshipers. While security concerns in Jerusalem are real and must be taken seriously, they should be addressed in ways that uphold—not restrict—religious freedom and dignity.

Pope Francis and now Pope Leo have repeatedly expressed concern about preserving access to holy sites and protecting the rights of worshippers, underscoring the importance of maintaining their historic importance and ensuring that sacred spaces remain open and respected. In a moment already marked by tension and conflict, protecting places like this is not just about one faith, but about safeguarding shared symbols of history, humanity, and coexistence for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. They become more important than ever in these times. And should serve as a reminder of the shared values of all faiths.

We urge the State Department to ensure the Israeli government closely consults with you as these decisions are made and strongly uphold access to these deeply holy sites during sacred moments.

In light of these restrictions on religious freedom, we respectfully request a response to the following questions within the next two weeks:

•Did the Israeli government consult with the United States prior to restricting access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy sites during religious holidays?

•Has the State Department expressed concerns to Israel regarding potential infringements on religious freedom related to these restrictions?

•Is the State Department taking action to ensure that access to holy sites in Jerusalem is preserved for religious observances?

Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt response.

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

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today blasted the Trump Administration’s latest proposal to weaken endangered species protections in the Gulf of Mexico to benefit Big Oil. Castor warned that the move risks repeating the costly damage of past disasters while doing nothing to lower prices for Americans already facing rising costs driven by the Trump Administration’s policies.

“The Trump Administration is once again bending over backward for polluters at the expense of Florida’s families, our ocean wildlife, and the coastal economy that depends on clean water and healthy beaches. The so‑called ‘God Squad’ proposal to dismantle endangered species protections is reckless, dangerous, and costly. Floridians remember the billions in damages from the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster—we refuse to let history repeat itself.

“This proposal will do nothing to address the high prices families are paying at the pump as a result of Trump’s war in Iran. Big Oil already sits on thousands of unused leases and receives billions in taxpayer subsidies. They don’t need another giveaway—especially when Trump’s policies are already making life more expensive for hardworking Americans. I will continue fighting to permanently ban drilling in the Eastern Gulf and protect our coastal way of life.

“The Gulf is central to life in Tampa Bay—supporting tourism, national security, and the livelihoods of families across our region and down Florida’s coast. Weakening these protections is a direct threat to our pocketbooks at a time when people are already being squeezed by Trump’s policies. Despite bipartisan efforts and overwhelming public support to keep drilling away from Florida’s shores, President Trump continues to put our communities at risk, selling off our treasured lands and waterways to the highest bidder.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

MEDLEY, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, is pleased to invite members of the media to attend a check presentation ceremony on Wednesday, April 1, at 3:00 p.m.

The event will celebrate the $1,200,000 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Diaz-Balart for the Town of Medley to upgrade its wastewater pump stations.

These improvements will help mitigate future flooding and reduce the risk of operational hazards. Furthermore, it will improve public safety, health, and drainage and support more efficient traffic flow, while facilitating emergency evacuations and improving connectivity for the transportation of goods and heavy equipment in the area.

This project received funding through H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on January 23, 2026.

WHAT: Check Presentation Ceremony 

WHO:

• Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Delegation
• Mayor Ana Stefano
• Vice Mayor Arturo Jinete
• Members of the Town of Medley Council

WHEN:

Wednesday, April 01, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:

7700 NW 69th Avenue

Medley, FL 33166

All interested credentialed media may RSVP to Andrea.Morales@mail.house.gov

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Ami Bera, MD (CA-06), Llyod Doggett (TX-35), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08) led a letter along with 28 of their colleagues urging leadership of the House Appropriations Committee to repeal the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, or any related prior authorization model, from traditional Medicare in the upcoming federal funding process.

Starting this January, CMS began implementing WISeR in New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington. The model pays private companies to use AI to approve or deny essential medical services and devices, including for Parkinson’s, chronic pain, sleep apnea, and wound care. These companies are paid a percentage of the value of the services they deny, creating a clear incentive to deny care.

“While prior authorization is often described as a cost-containment strategy, in practice it increases provider burden, takes time away from patients, limits patients’ access to life-saving care, and creates unnecessary administrative burden,” the lawmakers wrote.

Unlike Medicare Advantage, traditional Medicare rarely requires prior authorization. For patients with traditional Medicare, treatments are determined by doctors and not by insurance companies. The use of prior authorization has steadily increased, with Medicare Advantage insurers making roughly 50 million prior authorization determinations in 2023. Ultimately, over 80% of denials are overturned on average.

“Prior authorization has long been abused. It is bad for patients and providers. The WISeR Model only perpetuates the harm that prior authorizations can cause,” the lawmakers continued.

Implementing the WISeR Model for traditional Medicare had already started putting beneficiaries at greater risk of having needed care and treatments denied. A recent Seattle Times story documents how Washington seniors are having pain care denied and forced to suffer while their prior authorization is processed.

The full letter can be found here.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed official notice of a $400,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) to replace two aging diesel trucks with modern utility diesel trucks that fulfill EPA requirements, lower emissions, and improve fuel efficiency.

Pictured with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Rep. Amata’s former colleague in Congress

“Congratulations to Governor Pulaali’i, Lt. Governor Pulu, and the dedicated team at ASPA. Thank you for these efforts to secure the grant and fulfill EPA requirements with new equipment to provide maintenance for our people. Thank you to EPA, and my friend and former colleague Administrator Lee Zeldin, for supporting services in American Samoa, including a major announcement just few days ago of over $30 million for water infrastructure projects,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. 

Congressional authorization for these funds is from the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) through the DERA National Grants assistance program which enables projects in the National Clean Diesel Program – Class 7 Truck Replacements, including documentation of scrapping the old trucks. 

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

KANSAS CITY, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids, founder of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA 2026 World Cup Caucus, hosted her latest World Cup Community Conversation focused on public health and safety planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing together local, state, regional, and federal leaders, trade professionals, and community experts to coordinate efforts ahead of the tournament.

                        

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup gives our region a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shine, but it also means more cars on the road, bigger crowds at stadiums, and more pressure on our first responders and hospitals,” said Davids. “Thanks to federal investments and close coordination with local leaders, we’re making sure people can get where they need to go, stay safe in their communities, and enjoy the games without worrying about emergency services or public health challenges. This is a team effort, and I’m excited for all the hard work to pay off.”

During the panel, Davids emphasized the progress made through bipartisan federal support to ensure host cities are ready to welcome millions of visitors while keeping residents safe and healthy. Davids worked across the aisle to secure $625 million in federal funding to strengthen safety and security in all 11 U.S. World Cup host cities, $59 million of which is coming to Kansas City. It will help fund first responders, emergency services, crowd management, and public health resources throughout the event.

Kansas City will host six matches and serve as the home base for four teams during the FIFA 2026 World Cup. With thousands of visitors expected, the region could see $650 million in economic activity. To prepare, Davids has helped secure $100 million in federal investment for transit improvements and helped coordinate regional planning through Johnson County United, ensuring safe, efficient transportation and strong public health and safety measures for residents and visitors alike.

On today’s panel, Davids was joined by Dr. Bryan Beaver, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Kansas; Major Abigail Martinez, Commander at the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; Gordon Mallory, Assistant Special Agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Director of Emergency Services and Homeland Security at the Mid-America Regional Council; and U.S. Marshal Ron Miller.

Other invitees included: 

• AdventHealth
• Children’s Mercy Hospital
• City of Kansas City, Missouri, Aviation Department
• City of Leawood
• City of Olathe
• County Board of Commissioners
• Dentons US LLP
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
• Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas
• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
• Johnson County Community College Police Department
• Jackson County, Missouri
• Johnson County
• Johnson County Airport Commission
• Johnson County Board of Commissioners
• Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
• Kansas City Sports Commission
• KC2026
• Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)
• Kansas Medical Emergency Department Action Consortium
• Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department
• Kansas City, Kansas Police Department
• Kansas Highway Patrol
• League of Kansas Municipalities
• Lenexa Police Department
• Mid-America Regional Council
• Office of Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
• Office of Congressman Mark Alford
• Office of Congressman Sam Graves
• Office of Kansas Senator Dinah Sykes
• Office of U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt
• Office of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley
• Olathe Fire Department
• Ottawa, Kansas, Police Department
• Overland Park Police Department
• Park Police Department
• Saint Luke’s
• Shawnee, Kansas, Police Department
• Spring Hill Police Department
• Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County
• United States Secret Service
• University Health
• University of Kansas Medical Center
• Wyandotte County Emergency Management
• Wyandotte County Public Health Department

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman DeSaulnier sent a letter to the United States Department of Justice requesting information and expressing concerns about the impending closure of the San Francisco Immigration Court in San Francisco, California and the impact it will have on the Concord Immigration Court. This letter comes after employees and judges received notice in January that the San Francisco Immigration Court would close by the end of this year, resulting in the transfer of remaining personnel and many cases to the Concord Immigration Court in Concord, California, a city the Congressman represents, nearly 30 miles away. 

In the letter, Congressman DeSaulnier wrote, “If this San Francisco closure proceeds, the Concord court will be one of only two federal immigration courts in the entirety of Northern California—a region called home by over 12 million people. Individuals with cases before these courts are following legal asylum and immigration processes, and this closure will place additional logistical hurdles on individuals who already face enormous obstacles to securing their legal rights.

Since January 2025, the number of judges at both the San Francisco and Concord immigration courts have dwindled. San Francisco’s court, which began 2025 with 21 judges, now has just four judges after 14 were fired and four were pressured into early retirements. According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), the San Francisco and Concord courts currently have a combined backlog of 177,827 cases, and court dates are already being scheduled years in the future. Given the low capacity and enormous caseload of these two courts, further reducing options for migrants pursuing legal asylum cases in the Bay Area would be irresponsible.”

He continued, “In an effort to better understand your decision to close the San Francisco Court, please provide the below information by April 14, 2026:

1. What data did your agency use to come to the decision to close the San Francisco Immigration Court? Please provide that data, in addition to data on the current backlog at the San Francisco and Concord courts, the average time to a merits hearing at these courts, court caused continuation rates, and in absentia rates.
2. What courts other than the Concord court will receive cases currently pending at the San Francisco court?
3. What is the timeline for transfer of cases to Concord or other courts?
4. How will respondents and counsel be notified of new hearing locations and dates?
5. Will there be automatic continuances for cases affected by the transfer?
6. Will there be expanded remote or hybrid hearing options?
7. How does your agency plan to reduce the enormous backlog of pending cases at immigration courts in California and nationwide, while ensuring that everyone with a case gets the fair and legal process to which they are entitled?
8. Does your agency plan to physically expand the Concord Immigration Court or hire additional judges in order to accommodate increased demand?
9. How will your agency ensure that migrants with cases before the Concord court feel safe and welcome when attending their scheduled hearings? Will your agency ensure that federal immigration enforcement agents present at the court are transparent about their agency, badge number, and name and refrain from wearing facial coverings and openly carrying firearms?
10. Are additional immigration judges being hired or reassigned to handle the transferred docket to the Concord court?
11. What is the projected backlog attributable to consolidation? 

Additionally, I would like to request a meeting with Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Julie Nelson of the San Francisco Immigration Court to discuss these matters further. Thank you in advance for your timely consideration and response.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – This week Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced the Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026. This legislation would authorize the State Department to establish a 1,000-member ready reserve to carry out U.S. diplomatic efforts during times of heightened demand. This bill is co-led by Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) and supported by the American Academy of Diplomacy.

“While our armed forces are equipped to handle surges in demand with a ready reserve corps, the State Department, often called our first line of defense, is not,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “A Diplomatic Reserve Corps would ensure that the United States continues to put forth well-trained and experienced diplomatic professionals during times of international crisis. This is essential to maintain our relationships around the world, protect U.S. citizens abroad, mitigate conflict, and advance our national security interests.”

“Strengthening America’s ability to respond to global crises requires more than good intentions – it requires a trained, ready, and rapidly deployable diplomatic workforce. A Diplomatic Reserve Corps would give the State Department the surge capacity it has long lacked, ensuring we can protect Americans, support our partners, and advance our interests without pulling personnel away from essential missions. This is a practical reform that brings our civilian crisis response capabilities closer to the standard long set by our military reserves. It’s a smart investment in American leadership and preparedness,” said Congressman Michael Baumgartner.

“The American Academy of Diplomacy strongly endorses HR 8167, the Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026. This Bill will greatly increase the Department of State’s ability to react efficiently and effectively to protect American citizens in crises such as mass evacuations, wars, and disasters.  It will ensure that the appropriate personnel with the right skills can be sent quickly to a crisis. The Academy urges the rapid passage of this bipartisan effort to improve the effectiveness of American diplomacy,” said Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann, President of the American Academy of Diplomacy.

A robust and agile diplomatic service is essential to protect national security. Quickly unfolding crises such as the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation underscore the need for a modernized Diplomatic Corps. When they occur, the State Department cobbles together volunteers such as short-term hires, willing retired professionals, and contractors, all of whom leave behind important roles, creating a cycle of vacant positions. These solutions are also costly and unsustainable in a complex and demanding global environment. Instead of struggling with patchwork solutions, we need a longer-term solution. The Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026 is tailored to meet these complex challenges.

This bill would amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to establish a Diplomatic Reserve Corps under the State Department. This group of 1,000 trained, on-call professionals would become available to supplement, when the need arises, the Civil Service, Foreign Service, Personal Service Contractors, and Locally Engaged Staff who now carry out U.S. diplomatic efforts both day-to-day and in times of crisis.

The Corps would consist of four components:

• “Senior Diplomatic Retiree Reserve” composed of retired senior State Department professionals, just as the U.S. military reserves include retired professionals from all the armed services.
• “Diplomatic Retiree Reserve” composed of retired State Department professionals at lower grade levels.
• “Senior Diplomatic Reserve” composed of members of the public drawn, for example, from academia; think tanks; experts in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cyber, and biotechnology; retirees from other federal, state, or local agencies; and the private sector with the experience to provide senior-level expertise in Washington and in the field.
• “Diplomatic Reserve” composed of members of the public, also drawn, for example, from academia; think tanks; experts in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cyber, and biotechnology; other federal, state, or local agencies; and the private sector who have relevant experience to assist in executing required tasks.

The Corps would be fully formed over a five-year period. In “Year Zero,” the fiscal year of enactment of the Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026, the State Department would create the infrastructure needed to recruit, support, and manage the Corps and develop the training modules. Induction into the Corps would then commence during the following fiscal year.

Full text of the Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026 is available here.

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