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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis issued the following statement in support of Operation Absolute Resolve.  

“President Donald J. Trump’s decisive actions under Operation Absolute Resolve demonstrate a renewed commitment to holding narco-terrorists like Nicolás Maduro accountable. The operation underscores the urgent need to confront drug cartels responsible for the overdose crisis that has taken the lives of countless Americans, as well as for exporting violent criminal gangs such as Tren de Aragua to terrorize our communities. Upholding the rule of law through the American justice system is essential to dismantling Venezuelan narcotics networks and ensuring that those who profit from this destruction are ultimately punished. Accountability is not only a legal obligation, but a moral imperative to protect American lives. I applaud the Administration and brave men and women serving in our military who flawlessly carried out this historic mission,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) is pleased to share that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded over two million dollars in federal grants from the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grants to airports across Kansas’ 4th Congressional District. The AIP funds airport infrastructure projects, such as runway construction, taxiway rehabilitation, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings. These grants strengthen our nation’s aviation infrastructure and enhance safety and capacity. 

“Kansas’ 4th Congressional District is home to the Air Capital of the World,” Congressman Estes said. “I’m thrilled to see these grants being awarded to airports across south central Kansas so our airports can undertake critical infrastructure rehabilitation, construction and safety projects.”

The grants awarded include:

Location: El Dorado, Kan. (El Dorado / Captain Jack Thomas Memorial Airport)

Project description: Rehabilitates 4,000 feet of existing concrete runway to maintain its structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.

Amount awarded: $320,633

Location: Wichita, Kan. (Colonel James Jabara Airport)

Project description: Reconstructs 550 feet of existing paved taxiway pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. 

Amount awarded: $636,503

Location: Medicine Lodge, Kan. (Medicine Lodge Airport)

Project description: Reconstructs existing airport drainage that has reached the end of its useful life. 

Amount awarded: $192,950

 

Location: Anthony, Kan. (Anthony Municipal Airport)

Project description: Constructs a new 640-foot taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

Amount awarded: $292,055

Location: Newton, Kan. (Newton City/County Airport)

Project description: Reconstructs 3,501 feet of existing paved runway that has reached the end of its useful life.

Amount awarded: $282,000

Location: Pratt, Kan. (Pratt Regional Airport)

Project description: Reseals 5,500 feet of existing runway pavement and joints to extend its useful life. 

Amount awarded: $375,250

Location: Kingman, Kan. (Kingman/Clyde Cessna Field)

Project description: Extends existing taxiway by an additional 1,700 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. 

Amount awarded: $536,750

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

The Stuart Community Hospital in Patrick County, Virginia, officially reopened its doors for operation. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, toured the facility, spoke with Hospital leadership and staff and attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, Chairman Griffith issued the following statement:

“A new rural hospital opens its doors right here in Virginia’s Ninth District! Rural Virginia communities like Patrick County benefit from increased health care services and resources, which is why I was excited to be a part of today’s ribbon cutting ceremony and celebrate this news with the local community.

“Thanks to all who made this happen, particularly Braden Health.

“In my role as Health Subcommittee Chairman, I will continue to support policies that help rural communities like Patrick County deliver critical health care resources, administer quality health care and improve rural health care outcomes.”

BACKGROUND

In July 2025, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

In his first public actions after being named Chairman, Representative Griffith visited multiple rural health care providers in Southwest Virginia.

The 2025 reconciliation bill, known as the Working Families Tax Cuts, will help fuel other project investments that positively impact health care in rural communities. For instance, the reconciliation package permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit. In Tazewell County, Virginia, a new investment was recently made using the New Markets Tax Credit to support the construction of a new medical office building to deliver primary health care services to the local community.

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement:

Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi has led the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party with grace and resolve. Throughout the past three years, Rep. Krishnamoorthi has worked diligently and in a bipartisan way to strengthen our global competitiveness and to advance American economic and national security interests. Our nation is safer and more secure because of Raja’s commitment to public service. On behalf of House Democrats, I thank him for his leadership and continued dedication to the work of the Committee. 

I am grateful to Congressman Ro Khanna for his willingness to take on the role of leading House Democrats on the Select Committee as Ranking Member for the duration of the Congress. Through his work on the Committee and across the Congress, Rep. Khanna has proven to be a fighter for our nation and the health, safety and well-being of the American people. We thank Ro for his continued determination, strong sense of purpose and commitment to the work needed to safeguard our economy, defend our national security and protect human rights around the world.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after Donald Trump announced that the United States launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife:
 
“While Nicolas Maduro is certainly an illegitimate leader, the United States does not have the authority to unilaterally invade another country, capture its leader and his wife, and haul them to the United States. After repeated assurances from this administration that it was not pursuing regime change, today’s military action calls into question the credibility of those who made those claims. 

“Due to our concerns in Congress over this type of rogue activity from the administration, there were bipartisan war powers resolutions on the House floor that would have protected Congress’ Constitutional authority. Unfortunately, Republicans abdicated their responsibility and voted them down. 
 
“Congress holds the sole power to declare war and authorize military force. Even if Donald Trump believes that Venezuela is a threat to the United States, he has the Constitutional obligation to present his case to Congress and obtain war powers authority before pursuing a strike like the one carried out last night in Venezuela. 

“Speaker Johnson must immediately reconvene Congress to address this unconstitutional and destabilizing abuse of power.” 

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

MIAMI, FL – Today, Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), and María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), along with Senator Ashley Moody, will hold a joint media availability on Venezuela.

WHO:

• Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations; Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee; and member of the Defense Subcommittee
• Rep. Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee and member of the House Armed Services Committee
• Rep. María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere in the House Foreign Affairs Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee
• Senator Ashley Moody, Member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary; Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

WHEN:

Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET

WHERE:

Office of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

Lobby, 1^st Floor

AWS Building

8669 NW 36^th Street

Doral, FL 33166

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement following the international tax side-by-side agreement that was made: 

“I cannot overstate the importance of this development for protecting U.S. tax sovereignty, American workers, and U.S. businesses competing globally. Under this side-by-side agreement, U.S. companies continue to be governed by U.S. tax law, while OECD Pillar Two rules are adjusted to ensure they do not unfairly apply to U.S.-parented companies. From the outset, the objective has been clear – to prevent double taxation and discriminatory treatment of U.S. firms.

I’m grateful to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and its negotiating team for engaging constructively with G7 and OECD partners and for advancing a framework that respects U.S. tax law while allowing for international engagement. I also thank Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith for setting clear congressional expectations and for his leadership in ensuring that any agreement protects U.S. competitiveness and Congress’ taxing authority. Additionally, thank you to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo for reinforcing congressional oversight, insisting on fairness for U.S. taxpayers, and coordinating with Treasury and international partners to achieve this outcome.

This agreement reflects clear and meaningful progress. As always, however, we must trust but verify. Congress can welcome this development while maintaining strong and vigilant oversight. Verification is essential to ensure that other countries fully implement their commitments through real-world compliance, not just written assurances.

I remain committed to robust congressional oversight of the agreement’s implementation, including close monitoring to ensure that U.S. companies are protected from the Undertaxed Profits Rule (UTPR) and similar mechanisms.

This side-by-side agreement represents a step in the right direction for U.S. tax policy. I will continue working to ensure it delivers on its promises and keeps American workers and businesses first.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement on the FY26 appropriations process and the next set of bills to be considered on the House floor this week. The FY26 Energy and Water Development, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Interior-Environment conference bills underscore House Republicans’ commitment to restoring regular order and completing annual appropriations without a bloated omnibus bill.

“This week, House Republicans will advance the next set of FY26 funding bills and build momentum toward completing the annual appropriations process without a bloated omnibus bill,” Speaker Johnson said. “I commend Chairman Cole and the bipartisan, committee-led work to deliver full-year funding bills that spend less than another continuing resolution, deliver critical priorities for our Members, and continue to advance President Trump’s America First agenda. As these bills come to the floor, we are reaffirming our commitment to return to regular order, restore accountability to the process, and be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

“President Trump set an important foundation by signing three appropriations bills into law in November, and we are carrying that momentum into the new year. This bipartisan, bicameral package reflects steady progress toward completing FY26 funding responsibly. It invests in priorities crucial to the American people: making our communities safer, supporting affordable and reliable energy, and responsibly managing vital resources. It also delivers critical community projects nationwide, along with investments in water infrastructure, ports, and flood control that protect localities and keep commerce moving. Developed through committee-led negotiations and thoughtful deliberation, this package demonstrates how an accountable process produces strong policy. I commend our Cardinals for their leadership in producing a measure that turns priorities into action and puts America first,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said.

Bill text available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement demanding answers from the Trump administration about its actions in Venezuela:

“While I am glad that the dictator Nicolás Maduro will face justice in U.S. federal court, the Trump administration’s actions raise serious concerns at home in Northwest Washington and abroad.

“First, federal action to fight the fentanyl epidemic must focus on what works: supporting law enforcement’s interdiction efforts at land and sea ports of entry, and supporting local treatment and recovery services. The flow of drugs from Mexican cartels and Colombian jungles into Northwest Washington has devastated families and communities I represent. The good news is that drug seizures over the last two months as reported by Customs and Border Protection are up significantly, continuing a trend started during the Biden administration. Also, the U.S. Coast Guard has reported capturing more cocaine in the past year than any previous year.

“Will the Trump administration support effective interdiction and recovery work, or use Maduro’s arrest to take a superficial victory lap? I will continue to maintain my focus supporting local law enforcement and treatment and recovery services.

“Second, the Administration is openly discussing invading other countries in the region. Will the Trump administration continue to ignore the American people’s voice in the use of military force by failing to come to Congress to get authorization to act? Will the Administration continue to violate international law, giving cover to Putin, Xi and dictators and rogue states across the world? I celebrate the remarkable competence of the U.S. military, and I hold the Trump administration responsible for the policy decisions that drive the military’s actions.

“Finally, the Trump administration has created a power vacuum in Venezuela and risked dragging our country into a new costly quagmire. In the past year, this Administration has driven up the prices Americans must pay for health care, gas and groceries. How does Trump plan to govern Venezuela when his governance of the U.S. has failed so miserably?

“I call for oversight hearings to investigate the Trump administration’s actions and demand answers to these questions.

“While the Trump administration’s attention is divided between solving the problems it created in Venezuela and the problems it created in the U.S., Congress will be in session this week to vote on extending critical tax credits that make health care affordable for 26,000 people in Northwest Washington. I remain relentlessly focused on lowering health care costs, lowering gas prices and lowering grocery prices for the people I represent.”

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