MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

---

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa County, CA – On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Leslie Lew was chosen as the 2026 Napa County Woman of the Year. Each year, Rep. Thompson chooses women from California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their positive contributions to our community.

“Leslie has been a long-time defender of justice and quality of life for everyone in our community,” said Thompson. “Leslie is a Planned Parenthood champion with years of advocacy experience. She helped our community with wildfire recovery by creating a shaded fuel break for fire resilience along a key ridgeline between Napa and Sonoma Counties. Her passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Napa County community. I am proud to recognize Leslie as Napa County’s Woman of the Year.”

Click here to read Rep. Thompson’s full statement submitted to the Congressional Record in honor of Leslie.

BACKGROUND

The Woman of the Year Recognition Ceremony was started in honor of Women’s History Month to recognize the service of women in our community.

Women’s History Month has its origin in California’s Fourth District. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women coordinated a “Woman’s History Week” during the week of March 8th to correspond with International Women’s Day. In 1980, a group of Sonoma County women founded the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) in Santa Rosa, California. The goal of this organization was to highlight and recognize the historical national achievements made by women. 

In partnership with other women advocacy groups and historians, the NWHP successfully lobbied for national recognition in 1980, with President Jimmy Carter declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. After this accomplishment, the NWHP began advocating for the entire month of March to be designated as Women’s History Month. Seven years later, Congress officially passed legislation designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Every year since, Women’s History Month has been recognized in March to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions and accomplishments of American women.

A complete list of 2026 winners includes:

• Voris Brumfield Reed – Lake County Woman of the Year
• Leslie Lew – Napa County Woman of the Year
• Margi Stern – Solano County Woman of the Year
• Maricarmen Reyes Larios – Sonoma County Woman of the Year
• Marisa Alcorta – Yolo County Woman of the Year

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Sonoma County, CA – On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Maricarmen Reyes Larios was chosen as the 2026 Sonoma County Woman of the Year. Each year, Rep. Thompson chooses women from California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their positive contributions to our community.

“Maricarmen is a collaborative leader who uplifts others, builds strong relationships, and inspires collective action across Sonoma Valley,” said Thompson. “Maricarmen is a great leader locally through her work with the Sonoma County Suicide Prevention Coalition. She’s also dedicated her time to serve on the boards of KSVY Sonoma TV, RISK Sonoma, and the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. Maricarmen has contributed to Sonoma County Community Organizations Active in Disaster and the Springs Municipal Advisory Council, as well. Within our community, Maricarmen is known for her empathy, integrity, and deep commitment to community well-being. I am proud to recognize her as Sonoma County’s Woman of the Year.”

Click here to read Rep. Thompson’s full statement submitted to the Congressional Record in honor of Maricarmen.

BACKGROUND

The Woman of the Year Recognition Ceremony was started in honor of Women’s History Month to recognize the service of women in our community.

Women’s History Month has its origin in California’s Fourth District. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women coordinated a “Woman’s History Week” during the week of March 8th to correspond with International Women’s Day. In 1980, a group of Sonoma County women founded the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) in Santa Rosa, California. The goal of this organization was to highlight and recognize the historical national achievements made by women. 

In partnership with other women advocacy groups and historians, the NWHP successfully lobbied for national recognition in 1980, with President Jimmy Carter declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. After this accomplishment, the NWHP began advocating for the entire month of March to be designated as Women’s History Month. Seven years later, Congress officially passed legislation designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Every year since, Women’s History Month has been recognized in March to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions and accomplishments of American women.

A complete list of 2026 winners includes:

• Voris Brumfield Reed – Lake County Woman of the Year
• Leslie Lew – Napa County Woman of the Year
• Margi Stern – Solano County Woman of the Year
• Maricarmen Reyes Larios – Sonoma County Woman of the Year
• Marisa Alcorta – Yolo County Woman of the Year

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Lake County, CA – On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Voris Brumfield Reed was chosen as the 2026 Lake County Woman of the Year. Each year, Rep. Thompson chooses women from California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their positive contributions to our community.

“Voris’ passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Lake County community,” said Thompson. “Voris is a former Lake County supervisor and previously served as a lay pastor at both Middletown Community United Church and Kelseyville United Methodist Church where she worked to establish a weekly meal program. Through her position as the Lake County Geothermal Coordinator, she promoted underground utilities in Middletown and Lower Lake, wastewater collection in Middletown and Anderson Springs, and wrote the grants for the creation of the Anderson Springs Water System. Her community involvement goes beyond her participation in government — Voris is a co-creator and co-founder of both the Gibson Museum and Cultural Center, and the Anderson Springs Community Service District. I am proud to recognize Voris as Lake County’s Woman of the Year.”

Click here to read Rep. Thompson’s full statement submitted to the Congressional Record in honor of Voris.

BACKGROUND

The Woman of the Year Recognition Ceremony was started in honor of Women’s History Month to recognize the service of women in our community.

Women’s History Month has its origin in California’s Fourth District. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women coordinated a “Woman’s History Week” during the week of March 8th to correspond with International Women’s Day. In 1980, a group of Sonoma County women founded the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) in Santa Rosa, California. The goal of this organization was to highlight and recognize the historical national achievements made by women. 

In partnership with other women advocacy groups and historians, the NWHP successfully lobbied for national recognition in 1980, with President Jimmy Carter declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. After this accomplishment, the NWHP began advocating for the entire month of March to be designated as Women’s History Month. Seven years later, Congress officially passed legislation designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Every year since, Women’s History Month has been recognized in March to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions and accomplishments of American women.

A complete list of 2026 winners includes:

• Voris Brumfield Reed – Lake County Woman of the Year
• Leslie Lew – Napa County Woman of the Year
• Margi Stern – Solano County Woman of the Year
• Maricarmen Reyes Larios – Sonoma County Woman of the Year
• Marisa Alcorta – Yolo County Woman of the Year

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Solano County, CA – On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Margi Stern was chosen as the 2025 Solano County Woman of the Year. Each year, Rep. Thompson chooses women from California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their positive contributions to our community.

“Margi has devoted her career to the betterment of her community. She worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for 37 years, 25 of which were in the Early Intervention Program, for the Solano County Office of Education. After retirement, she volunteered to lead support groups for the parents of children with special needs and worked to teach Parent Communication Skills at the Adult School,” said Thompson. “In addition to being an incredible advocate for our special needs community, Margi is also passionate about eradicating injustice, promoting political participation, and uplifting the women in her community. I am proud to recognize Margi as Solano County’s Woman of the Year.”

Click here to read Rep. Thompson’s full statement submitted to the Congressional Record in honor of Margi. 

BACKGROUND

The Woman of the Year Recognition Ceremony was started in honor of Women’s History Month to recognize the service of women in our community.

Women’s History Month has its origin in California’s Fourth District. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women coordinated a “Woman’s History Week” during the week of March 8th to correspond with International Women’s Day. In 1980, a group of Sonoma County women founded the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) in Santa Rosa, California. The goal of this organization was to highlight and recognize the historical national achievements made by women. 

In partnership with other women advocacy groups and historians, the NWHP successfully lobbied for national recognition in 1980, with President Jimmy Carter declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. After this accomplishment, the NWHP began advocating for the entire month of March to be designated as Women’s History Month. Seven years later, Congress officially passed legislation designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Every year since, Women’s History Month has been recognized in March to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions and accomplishments of American women.

A complete list of 2026 winners includes:

• Voris Brumfield Reed – Lake County Woman of the Year
• Leslie Lew – Napa County Woman of the Year
• Margi Stern – Solano County Woman of the Year
• Maricarmen Reyes Larios – Sonoma County Woman of the Year
• Marisa Alcorta – Yolo County Woman of the Year

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a War Powers Resolution to prevent U.S. involvement in military hostilities in Cuba with the support of Congress. The resolution follows recent aggressive action toward Cuba by the Trump administration including an ongoing military blockade that has collapsed the Cuban electrical grid and remarks by the President saying he may “take” Cuba in some form. 

 

“Donald Trump’s belligerent foreign policy is creating new wars and conflicts across the world. As our country is already embroiled in a new war with Iran, the President has set his sights on regime change in Cuba,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This administration’s foreign policy is totally out of control and is putting countless American and foreign lives at risk. Trump’s military blockade, his threats, and his track record this term show that Congress must reassert its constitutional authority and stop another disastrous war before it’s too late.”

 

Full text of the resolution is available here.

 

 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) opened nominations this week for the 2026 Angels in Adoption Award for Nebraska’s Third District.

Angels in Adoption, a project of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, provides Members of Congress the opportunity to honor an individual or entity from their districts for extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of homes.

“Every year, Nebraska families open their hearts and homes to children in need. The Angels in Adoption Award recognizes those making a lasting difference through adoption and foster care, and I encourage nominations to help highlight these inspiring stories,”said Smith.

BACKGROUND:
To make a nomination, please visit AdrianSmith.House.Gov/AngelsinAdoption. Nominations must be received by 5:00 pm MT on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 

For more information on Angels in Adoption, please contact Smith’s Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333. 

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating March 24, 2026, as National Agriculture Day and recognizing the importance of agriculture as one of the most impactful industries in the United States.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our nation, and the hardworking farmers, ranchers, dairymen and women of the San Joaquin Valley and across the country deserve our recognition and support every day,” said Congressman Costa. “National Agriculture Day reminds us that food security is a national security issue. Our farmers feed much of the world, strengthen our economy, and protect our country. As a third-generation farmer, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in celebrating their essential role in sustaining our communities and our nation.”
“Our farmers and ranchers around the clock all year to feed, clothe, and fuel the world,” said Congressman Alford. “This industry has been recognized on National Agriculture Day for decades, and we’re proud to play our part to ensure our agriculture community continues to receive this honor. Agriculture is the cornerstone of communities across Missouri and all of America. I’m pleased to partner with Congressmen Costa and Smith to get our farmers and ranchers the recognition they deserve.”
“On National Agriculture Day we celebrate and show our gratitude to America’s ag producers for their continued efforts to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and the world. The agriculture industry is the backbone of the economy in communities throughout rural America, including those in Nebraska’s Third District which leads the country in agricultural production. Today, I am proud to partner with Congressmen Alford and Costa to recognize the essential role farmers and ranchers continue to play in America’s success,” said Congressman Smith.
The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Rob Bresnahan, Juan Ciscomani, David Rouzer, Andrea Salinas, Pete Sessions, Gabe Evans, Julia Letlow, Rick Crawford, Daniel Webster, Randy Feenstra, Zach Nunn, Austin Scott, Andy Harris, Tracey Mann, Brad Finstad, Mary Miller, Angie Craig, Robert Aderholt, and John Rose.
Read the text of the resolution here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Meeks Demand Bessent & Rubio Explain Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

Washington, DC — Representatives Don Bacon and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a bipartisan letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding answers on the Trump administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil.

The lawmakers warned that the move risks undercutting U.S. national security interests by enabling Russia to expand revenue streams used to sustain its war against Ukraine.

A PDF of the letter is here. An excerpt is below.

“…The United States’ existing sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports have helped curtail the Kremlin’s ability to finance its illegal war of choice against Ukraine. Easing sanctions on Russia at this critical juncture, instead of increasing pressure, risks fueling Russia’s aggression and undermining progress we have made to reduce Russia’s global energy leverage…

“The issuing of these licenses and Russia’s subsequent financial gains come on the heels of Ukraine’s most significant territorial gains in years in their fight to reclaim their sovereign territory from occupying Russian forces. In other words, these licenses have provided Russia with an infusion of cash just when it needs it most to reverse Ukrainian progress, allowing it to take advantage of the global rise in energy costs to further fund its illegal war.

“Not only are these licenses helping fund Russian aggression against Ukraine, but they are doing so while Russia reportedly helps the Iranian regime target U.S. forces in the Middle East. On March 17, the Wall Street Journal further reported that Russian-Iranian cooperation continues to increase – with Russia providing modifications to Shahed drones developed from their own experiences using them against Ukraine and sharing satellite imagery to ‘prolong a war that is benefitting Russia militarily and economically.’”

###