MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Hold ICE Accountable Act, legislation to establish an independent Special Prosecutor to investigate unlawful conduct by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This bill is her latest in a series of efforts to stand up to ICE, demand transparency, and fight for accountability after a pattern of violence, misconduct, and lack of oversight.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing and reading about Rep. Haley Stevens fighting to ensure accountability at every level of ICE, from the bottom to the top, so no one is above the law.

WZZM: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens proposes bill for independent investigations into ICE misconduct

By: Erin Sullivan

• Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced legislation aimed at increasing oversight of federal immigration enforcement, calling for an independent prosecutor to investigate alleged misconduct by Department of Homeland Security personnel.
• Stevens introduced the Hold ICE Accountable Act, which would create an independent special prosecutor to investigate alleged misconduct by the Department Of Homeland Security and ICE. Now the bill says the special prosecutor would need to be independent and have no ties to the current administration.
• Stevens wrote this legislation after she says she was stonewalled by acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The US Representative has previously called for an investigation into the death of Gantchev two separate times. She said she never received a response.
• “It will give people peace of mind, and, frankly, stop some of the lawlessness,”
• The legislation comes amid heightened scrutiny of federal immigration operations following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis earlier this year. She also said it’s in response to the death of a detainee at the Northlake Processing Center in Lake County.
• “Members of Congress have been stonewalled,” Stevens said. “We have been stonewalled trying to get answers to deaths in ICE detention facilities.”
• Under Stevens’ proposal, an independent special prosecutor would need to meet several requirements, including a separation from the Department of Justice while maintaining oversight by Congress.
• “We asked about the death of Mr. Gantchev, when we were at Baldwin. We were informed that a death investigation was still going, on you know, a month and a half later we still haven’t gotten the answers. and so look, we need a special prosecutor.”

Fox2: Rep. Haley Stevens introduces ‘Hold ICE Accountable’ act

By: Jamie Sherrod

• “This is about accountability, for an agency that hasn’t had any. Everywhere I go in Michigan people are asking about ICE overreach, ICE abuses of power, excessive force, racial profiling, there are deep concerns about what is going on in Romulus,  and in South Field. I’m a member of Congress, and I’ve been stonewalled.”
• “My legislation that I am offering today, is going to put in place a special prosecutor, so that we can have accountability for ICE agents that have committed crimes. We saw two Americans killed before our very eyes, none of this has been acceptable. So, I want real accountability now, that isn’t tied to waiting for this administration, who has failed Michigan, and failed the American people.”
• “We were told that an investigation was going on, that a death review was going on, I’ve also been at the forefront of calling out ICE abuse of power and ICE mismanagement. I called for Kristi Noem to go, I called for her to be removed from office as the Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. From top to bottom, we need accountability”
• “We still need accountability, we need reforms, and we need to see prosecutions for crimes committed, which is why I’ve written this legislation to create a special prosecutor that will be at the level of a U.S. attorney to go in and do what’s right on behalf of the letter of the law here in this country. We’ve got to work on the fears that are going on here in Michigan, and with Michiganders. People have been so worried about what they saw in Minneapolis coming here to Michigan, there is tension, and there is lack of trust because there is no accountability, and there is so much mismanagement going on at this time.”
• “I want to see real reforms, I want to see accountability, and I want to see Michigan protected and heard at the lawmaking table.”

###

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

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) announced her selection of 10 local projects she will champion through the federal appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2027 — projects that could collectively bring nearly $25 million in direct federal investment to Denver communities.

The projects span some of Denver’s most urgent priorities: expanding affordable housing, training workers for the jobs of tomorrow, protecting vulnerable children, strengthening safety-net health clinics, and investing in the research and innovation driving Colorado’s economy forward.

“Community Project Funding is democracy at its best — and I can’t think of a better example of how the legislation we pass in Congress directly touches the communities we serve,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “From putting families into safe, affordable homes, to helping people experiencing homelessness find meaningful, dignified work, to building community centers for children in need, the projects I have championed are exactly what Congress should be laser focused on. Today’s announcement is just the beginning. My job now is to fight to make every single one of these projects law.”

Building on a Strong Record

Today’s announcement builds on Congresswoman DeGette’s proven track record of delivering for Denver. Last year, she submitted 13 projects for inclusion in the FY2026 appropriations bills — 12 of which were ultimately signed into law, totaling more than $16 million in direct investment for Denver residents. Since 2022, she has returned more than $62.9 million in taxpayer funds back to the community through Community Project Funding.

About Community Project Funding

The projects were submitted by local organizations and municipalities for competitive Community Project Funding (CPF) grants — a program that allows Members of Congress to direct federal dollars to specific, community-identified needs. Selection at this stage does not guarantee funding; each project must still survive a competitive Congressional appropriations process.

About the 10 Projects

Affordable Housing

1. Mulroy Apartments and Opportunity Center Redevelopment(Denver Housing Authority | $4,295,338) — Would replace 56 obsolete public housing units — built nearly 70 years ago — with 133 modern, energy-efficient affordable apartments in the West Colfax neighborhood, more than doubling the number of homes available to low- and moderate-income residents.
2. Townview Apartments (City and County of Denver, Department of Housing Stability | $5,000,000) — Would construct 160 family units in a six-story building with seven two-story townhomes, directly addressing Denver’s acute affordable housing shortage.

Workforce Development

3. Doubling Capacity for Workforce Training for Individuals Transitioning from Homelessness to Employment(City and County of Denver, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity | $2,000,000) — Would fund the acquisition of a workforce training facility and expand job training and certification programs that help Denver residents transition out of homelessness and into stable employment.

Child Safety

4. Denver Child Abuse Prevention and Community Training Center(City and County of Denver | $4,500,000) — Would convert a former credit union building into a dedicated child abuse prevention and community training center, expanding capacity to prevent crimes against children and support the professionals working to keep Denver’s most vulnerable families safe.

Health Care

5. FQHC Refrigeration Power Supply Equipment (Denver Health Community Health Services | $1,900,000) — Would purchase 79 battery back-up power units to protect drug and vaccine refrigeration across 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers and 19 School-Based Health Centers, preventing the loss of critical medications and disruption to patient care.
6. STRIDE FQHC Health Care Equipment Upgrade(STRIDE Community Health Center | $813,500) — Would upgrade the Oneida Clinic’s pharmaceutical equipment — including a prescription-filling robot and enhanced dental care tools — strengthening a safety-net clinic that serves all First District residents regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Research & Innovation

7. AI and Robotics Engineering Training Lab Equipment (University of Colorado Denver | $2,003,650) — Would equip CU Denver’s engineering program with advanced robotics, autonomy, and AI infrastructure, preparing workers for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health care, and other sectors driving Denver’s economy.
8. Dreamscape Virtual Reality Learning Lab(Community College of Denver | $1,551,390) — Would establish an immersive virtual reality learning lab at Community College of Denver, integrating cutting-edge technology into STEM and health care courses to help more students — particularly those facing systemic barriers — complete programs in fields critical to Colorado’s future.
9. Mass Spectrometry–Driven Direct-to-Biology Platform for Accelerated Drug Discovery (University of Denver | $1,800,000) — Would establish a mass spectrometry-centered research platform at the University of Denver, accelerating the discovery of treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and other serious diseases.
10. iHouse Criminal Justice Platform(University of Denver | $934,470) — Would expand an existing NIH-funded simulation model to equip Colorado state and local agencies with a real-time tool for smarter criminal justice policy decisions, with the goal of reducing incarceration among people with histories of homelessness.

More information about the projects, relevant financial disclosures, and a list of previously requested projects can be found on Congresswoman DeGette’s website.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

San Joaquin County has highest pregnancy-related mortality rate in California, 2x higher than national rate

Four out of five pregnancy-related deaths are preventable

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced landmark legislation to end the growing maternal mortality crisis nationwide and reverse severe mortality rates in the Valley. The historic Momnibus Act, made up of 14 different bills to prevent deaths and improve maternal health outcomes, is the most comprehensive initiative for moms and especially women of color ever introduced in Washington.

Having a child has become a potentially fatal gamble for far too many families:

• Pregnancy-related deaths, which can be caused by or made worse by the pregnancy or its management, happened more often in San Joaquin County in recent years than anywhere else in California, and twice as often as the national rate. 
• These deaths are so tragic because 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, meaning we have the science to save more lives but the current health care system isn’t keeping up. 
• Devastating cuts to Medi-Cal and health care tax credits are threatening to make this crisis so much worse with increased costs and stress for pregnancy care and potential cuts to service in already-underserved areas.

“Our maternal health system is a safety net full of holes and as a parent the idea of one of the most exciting moments for a new family turning into a tragedy is terrifying,” said Rep. Harder. “Moms deserve better, and this package delivers by closing gaps and improving care before, during, and after pregnancy while better supporting our amazing local providers. We need these common sense solutions signed into law ASAP to ensure our communities have the resources and care they deserve when starting their families.”  

How Harder’s bill closes gaps and improves health care outcomes for families:

• More Support Right Now for Future Moms – Historic investments in factors affecting health (housing, transportation, and food assistance) to put future moms on the best footing possible before entering pregnancy.
• Better Health Care During Pregnancy – Expanded perinatal workforce, investments in mental health support, and new programs to prioritize moms during public health emergencies.
• Long Term Support After Childbirth – New research, digital tools, data collection, and community-based organizations to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.

“Health Plan of San Joaquin is committed to ensuring that every mother and baby in our community has the support they need for a healthy beginning,” said Lizeth Granados, CEO of the Health Plan of San Joaquin. “As a community‑based health plan, we are deeply invested in removing barriers, strengthening community‑based services, and improving maternal and infant well‑being so that all families in our region can thrive.”

###

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Fox and Friends in studio to preview a new ‘No Tax on Tips’ video and discuss how Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts delivers historic tax relief for millions of tipped workers and hardworking American families nationwide. Speaker Johnson also discussed Democrats’ continued demands to defund border security and immigration enforcement amid their record-long DHS shutdown. 

“The Big Beautiful Bill, the Working Families Tax Cuts, was written for lower- and middle-class earners — for the people who get up and start working before the sun rises and goes home after it sets to feed their families,” Speaker Johnson said. “This is real money for real people. Overall, you’re talking about $191 billion in additional refunds because of our legislation and about $30 billion less in withholding. Real money for real people. Every Republican in Congress voted for that, and every Democrat voted against it.”

Click here  to watch the full interview.

On the impact of Working Families Tax Cuts for hardworking Americans:

The Big Beautiful Bill, the Working Families Tax Cuts, was written for lower- and middle-class earners — for the people who get up and start working before the sun rises and goes home after it sets to feed their families. Bob is a great example. He’s an Uber driver. He’s going to save so much money this year. And everybody who works in a tipped job, they pay zero taxes now. Lawrence, in the first $25,000 of their tipped income for the average American that does those jobs, that’s about $1,300 more in their pocket. You talk about millions of Americans. I mean, here in New York, a half a million people worked in tip jobs. The Pew Research Center says about 43% of Americans have done that at some stage in their life. So, this is real money for real people. Overall, you’re talking about $191 billion in additional refunds because of our legislation and about $30 billion less in withholding. Real money for real people. Every Republican in Congress voted for that, and every Democrat voted against it.

On Democrats refusing to fully fund DHS:

We passed the bill, the full funding bill, a CR for eight weeks. Clean, nonpartisan, no tricks on that at all, just to keep the whole Department of Homeland Security funded for eight weeks so the parties can work out the differences. We thought that would be passed by unanimous consent on Monday, and it didn’t happen in the Senate. And so, we’ve got a dilemma. The outrage and the reason we were so upset, Lawrence, is because they sent us a bill that literally put the number zero in the bill for the funding of border security and customs and immigration enforcement. We can’t do that. That was the biggest issue in the 2024 election.

And it’s outrageous to us just in those two agencies, CBP and ICE, you’re talking about 98,000 hardworking Americans, self-sacrificing, people who have to pay their mortgages and, and put food on the table. They wanted to zero them out. We cannot be a part of that. So, we’re calling on everybody. Look, the House Members are in their districts working right now. We can bring them back on a moment’s notice for a vote. The Senate has to do their job and help us on this heavy lift. We have to get the government funded, and they’re playing games with real people’s lives.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released a statement following the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) announcement of a record $460.9 million in energy revenue to the Gulf states, with more than $203.7 million being delivered to Louisiana. 

The State will administer $162,989,700.89, and additional funds will be distributed across 19 parishes. Parishes in Louisiana’s 3rd District will receive the following disbursements:

• Calcasieu Parish – $2,204,702.91
• Cameron Parish – $2,730,987.49
• Iberia Parish – $2,107,679.60
• Lafourche Parish – $2,101,385.70
• St. Martin Parish – $1,503,086.07
• St. Mary Parish – $1,747,773.68
• Terrebonne Parish – $3,073,801.57
• Vermilion Parish – $2,100,436.77

Congressman Higgins voted for The Working Families Tax Cut, which included language to raise the annual Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) revenue-sharing cap from $500 million to $650 million. As a result of the new law, Louisiana’s share of energy revenues was about $47 million higher for fiscal year 2025. 

“My office has long-supported GOMESA and worked with other members of the Louisiana delegation to expand revenue-sharing for our state. The program is a crucial funding mechanism for coastal restoration and mitigation efforts,” said Rep. Higgins. “Because of the Working Families Tax Cut, Louisiana is seeing a record distribution of offshore energy revenues to be invested back into our coastal communities.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Frankel Statement on Pending House Department of Homeland Security Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) delivered $1,700,000 in Community Project Funding to Westville Fire Department and Borough of Magnolia to improve fire safety in South Jersey. $900,000 in federal funding was awarded to Westville Fire District for a new rescue pumper and $822,000 will be presented to Magnolia Fire Company to purchase a new fire engine. 

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe and ensuring they have the tools they need to respond quickly and safely is crucial,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This investment is needed now more than ever before, when the Trump Administration has made major cuts to federal grant programs across the country, so I couldn’t think of a better time for this funding to come through. Together, we are helping Westville and Magnolia replace aging equipment so our firefighters can continue keeping our residents safe.” 

“The Borough Council and I are grateful to share that the Borough of Magnolia has been awarded $822,000 in federal funding to support the purchase of a new fire apparatus. We humbly thank Congressman Donald Norcross for securing this funding and for his continued support,”said Mayor BettyAnn Cowling-Carson. “This investment not only provides significant savings for taxpayers but also ensures that our volunteers can continue delivering reliable, professional emergency services for years to come.”

“The Borough of Westville, the Westville Fire District #1, Board of Fire Commissioners along with the members of the Westville Fire Department extend their sincere gratitude to Congressman Donald Norcross for his continued support of the Borough of Westville and our dedicated career and volunteer firefighters,” said Mayor Fritz H. Sims, Jr.“This funding will allow the Westville Fire Department to continue to have the resources necessary to operate effectively, serve the Borough at the highest level, and remain fully equipped to provide extremely effective, reliable, and professional emergency response services for many years to come.”

These projects are a part of the $11.98 million Congressman Norcross secured for 15 Community Project Funding (CPF) awards throughout New Jersey’s First Congressional District to support economic development, create jobs, and respond to the most pressing needs of the community. 

### 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) delivered $1,850,000 in Community Project Funding to the City of Camden and the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority for the purchase of new garbage bins that will enable the semi-automation of curbside collection services and for upgrades to the county’s sewer system to improve water quality. 

“These projects represent meaningful improvements to the communities here in Camden, and they show what’s possible when government listens to the local leaders who know their communities best,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “We’re not only supporting economic development through new investments and jobs, but we’re also responding to the pressing needs of this community by advancing a cleaner, greener Camden. Through cleaner streets, improved neighborhoods, and reduced pollution, the revitalization of Camden City continues to move forward.” 

“This is another tremendous step towards advancing the quality of life in the City of Camden and a significant boost to communities across Southern New Jersey,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “We are grateful to Congressman Norcross for his advocacy.  The $850,000 in funding will help support the City’s clean up initiative through the purchase of new waste tipper containers.  This will not only result in a huge savings for the municipality but ultimately help to upgrade Camden’s waste management infrastructure and ensuring reliable trash service citywide.” 

“The CCMUA is incredibly appreciative of Congressman Norcross for recognizing the importance of improving water quality in Camden County, particularly within Camden City.”  said CCMUA Executive Director Scott Schreiber. “This funding represents a meaningful investment in one of our most sensitive and critical environments—the Delaware River Backchannel. By thoughtfully combining local, state, and federal resources, the CCMUA remains committed to delivering tangible water quality improvements that benefit our residents, our waterways, and the broader region.” 

The $1,000,000 grant to CCMUA will be used to make upgrades to the county’s sewer system and to improve water quality in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  

The $850,000 grant to the City of Camden will support the city’s purchase of new garbage bins for city residents that will enable the semi-automation of curbside collection services. Equipped with RFI tracking, Camden will be able to move away from a “drag and dump” form of garbage collection to one that is more efficient and will result in less environmental waste. 

These projects are a part of the $11.98 million Congressman Norcross secured for 15 Community Project Funding (CPF) awards throughout New Jersey’s First Congressional District to support economic development, create jobs, and respond to the most pressing needs of the community. 

### 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC –– Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), the co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, sent the following letter to King Charles III requesting a private meeting with survivors of Epstein’s abuse during his upcoming visit to the U.S. the week of April 27th. 

“The effort to release the Epstein files is about justice for the survivors. Leaders in the U.S. and around the world must hold Epstein’s powerful network accountable. Hearing the survivors’ stories and concerns is an important step. That is why I am respectfully requesting a meeting between King Charles and survivors of Epstein’s abuse,” said Rep. Khanna. 

Read the full text of the letter below or click here. 

Your Majesty King Charles III,

I write in advance of your upcoming visit to the United States, during which you are expected to address a joint meeting of Congress the week of April 27. I appreciate the solemnity of the occasion and your celebration of our 250 years of independence. 

As author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, I respectfully ask that you privately meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s and Ghislaine Maxwell’s abuse, so they may speak to you directly about the ways powerful individuals and institutions failed them. Survivors want this meeting. 

I make this request in light of recent developments in the United Kingdom, including renewed scrutiny of individuals and institutions with ties to Epstein and his network. These developments have raised serious questions about conduct, access, and whether positions of public trust were misused or whether public institutions helped shield wrongdoing. Your call for a “full, fair and proper” investigation, and for the law to take its course, recognizes the seriousness of these concerns. 

As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter. Epstein’s network had significant ties to the United Kingdom through Ghislaine Maxwell, through Epstein’s relationships with British public figures, and through the social and political circles in which he operated. These connections raise broader questions about how Epstein was able to maintain influence, credibility, and protection across borders for so long. 

Additionally, members of Congress have sought testimony from both Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson regarding their respective ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond. Peter Mandelson was also asked to appear before the Oversight Committee regarding his reported ties to Epstein and questions about whether sensitive information may have been shared improperly. He declined to cooperate, citing the existence of a criminal investigation. In both cases, Congress was unable to secure their cooperation or testimony. 

A meeting with survivors would provide an opportunity to identify any additional information British institutions and individuals may be able to share and open a dialogue about whether there will be a full accounting of how Epstein’s and Maxwell’s network operated in the United Kingdom. It would also ensure that survivors are heard directly and that these matters are addressed with transparency, seriousness, and accountability. 

Therefore, I would be grateful for the opportunity to arrange such a private meeting during your visit. I make this request with full respect for the importance of your visit.

Sincerely,

Ro Khanna

Member of Congress

U.S. House of Representatives

###

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

Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced today that he will host a virtual town hall on immigration on Wednesday, April 1^st at 4:00 p.m. PT over Zoom to discuss immigration enforcement and detention, the important role immigrants play in California’s economy, and more. During the town hall, the Congressman will be joined by special guests from Stand Together Contra Costa and the UC Berkeley Labor Center who will share their expertise and help address constituent questions.

Virtual Town Hall on Immigration
Wednesday, April 1^st
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. PT
Hosted on Zoom 
Streamed to YouTube

Panelists include: 

• Ali Saidi, Stand Together Contra Costa
• Enrique Lopezlira, UC Berkeley Labor Center

To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. 

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 262^nd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.