MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is now open. The competition is open to all qualifying students in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District who are looking to display their artistic passions. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 24, 2026.

“I’m pleased to announce that my office is accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Baird. “This is a wonderful opportunity for young artists in our district to showcase their talents and have their work displayed in our nation’s capital. Each year, I am impressed by students’ remarkable artistry and skill. I encourage every eligible young artist to participate and wish them the best of luck.”

The winner of the Congressional Art Competition will have their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year and earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to see their work on display. The winning artwork is also featured on the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition Page.

How to Participate:

Students, teachers, and parents are encouraged to submit one piece of original art to the district office in Danville, along with their student release form. All entries MUST include the Student Information and Release Form for the competition. The submission deadline is Friday, April 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Please visit our website for more information and to download the student release form.

Submissions can be mailed or dropped off at the Danville District Office:

Office of Congressman Jim Baird
355 S. Washington St
Danville, IN 46122

The Student Information and Release Form can be found here.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students in grades 7 through 12 in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District are eligible to submit their work. Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Accepted media:

Paintings: Oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
Drawings: Colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (charcoal and pastel drawings must be fixed)
Prints: Lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
Collages: Must be two-dimensional
Mixed Media: Use of more than two media, such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
Computer-generated art
Photographs

Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (not a scanned reproduction).

The 2026 Rules and Regulations can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas has fought to fund the SBIR and STTR, which has been lapsed since October due to congressional inaction

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

Washington — Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) today announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, open to all high school students in California’s Fourth Congressional District.

“Every year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition. It is a wonderful chance to showcase the incredible talent of students across our district,” said Thompson. “I encourage all high school students to submit their artwork.”

The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The grand prize winner will also receive round-trip travel for themselves and a guest to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony (date to be announced).

Last year’s winner, Isabella Macias of Napa County, took top honors for her acrylic piece “Representation Matters,” which is currently on display in the Capitol.

HOW TO ENTER

Students must complete the online registration form by Friday, April 10, 2026, then drop off their artwork at one of Rep. Thompson’s district offices by Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST:

• 2721 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa, CA 94558
• 2300 County Center Drive, Suite A100, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
• 622 Main Street, Suite 106, Woodland, CA 95695

Submissions will be judged by a panel of local artists and art experts, with the winner announced following the deadline.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

Accepted media: Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor), drawings (pastel, colored pencil, charcoal, ink, markers), collages (two-dimensional only), prints (lithograph, silkscreen, block print), mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography.

Size & weight limits: Up to 28″ × 28″, no more than 4″ in depth, and no more than 15 lbs. Winning entries must be framed and remain within these dimensions.

Originality: All work must be original in concept, design, and execution, and must not violate U.S. copyright law. Copies of existing photos, paintings, or advertisements created by others will not be accepted. Work must be submitted in its original medium — scanned reproductions are not eligible.

If you have any questions, please call (707) 542-7182 or email CA04ArtCompetition@mail.house.gov. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) introduced a House resolution honoring the extraordinary contributions of Irish colonists to the American War for Independence, coinciding with the Irish efforts to push the British out of Boston on St. Patrick’s Day. This resolution is especially important as Congress prepares to recognize America’s great heritage during our nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

The resolution recognizes that Irish immigrants and Americans of Irish descent played a significant role in securing America’s freedom from 1775 to 1783. Historians estimate that up to 40 percent or more of the Continental Army consisted of Irish-born soldiers or those of Irish heritage—despite comprising only about 10 percent of the population at the time—providing vital manpower in key battles as foot soldiers, officers, and specialists.

Prominent figures highlighted include Commodore John Barry, the Irish-born “Father of the American Navy,” who captured the first British warship on the high seas, fought at Trenton and Princeton, and led in the war’s final naval engagements. Aides to General George Washington, such as Dr. James McHenry (later the third U.S. Secretary of War) and Colonel John Fitzgerald, were Irish immigrants who served valiantly. At least eight signers of the Declaration of Independence had Irish roots or were born in Ireland, most notably Charles Carroll of Carrollton—the only Catholic signer—who helped draft Maryland’s constitution and later served as a U.S. Senator. He outlived all other signers, passing at age 95.

Irish merchants and leaders, including Thomas Fitzsimons—one of two Catholic signers of the U.S. Constitution—raised funds, supplied the Army, and supported the cause politically. The shared pursuit of liberty from British rule linked American colonists and the Irish people, with the Revolution inspiring future Irish independence movements.

“This resolution celebrates the courage, sacrifice, and indispensable role Irish Americans played in founding our nation. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it’s important to recognize the profound contributions of Irish patriots to the Revolutionary War and to the continued flourishing of our republic. I’m proud to introduce this resolution on St. Patrick’s Day to honor Irish Americans’ contributions to the founding of our nation, recognize the enduring bond between America and Ireland, and encourage all Americans to embrace this important heritage during the Semiquincentennial commemoration,” stated Congressman Moore.

“From the first shots at Lexington and Concord to Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown, the Irish immigrants and Irish Americans stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow patriots to secure America’s independence and make the promise of liberty real,” said Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27). “That same spirit of courage and sacrifice carried forward to help build communities across our country, including Miami, whose first mayor was of Irish descent. I am proud to support this resolution, which recognizes that from the very beginning, the Irish didn’t just join America’s story, they helped write it, defend it, and shape the nation we know today.”

“On this St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrate the contributions of Irish Americans to our nation’s founding,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “Irish Americans have fought in every war in United States history — serving with honor and distinction in the defense of liberty. We are grateful to our Irish forefathers for their patriotic service, from the American Revolution to today,” Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) said.

“Irish Americans have been part of the fabric of this country for centuries. These brave men and women played a critical role in the Revolutionary War, and they deserve recognition,” said Congressman David Joyce (OH-14). “As someone with proud Irish heritage, I am honored to cosponsor this resolution and celebrate Irish Americans who stood on the front lines of freedom.”

“As the Representative for Connecticut’s Second District, the most Irish Congressional District in one of the most Irish states in our country, I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution honoring the outsized contributions of Irish-Americans in the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation 250 years ago. Irish immigration has made the United States the nation it is today,” said Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02).

“I join my colleagues in recognizing the contributions Irish-Americans made to our nation’s founding ahead of America’s 250th anniversary,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). “As someone who represents a district with a vibrant Irish American population, I’m proud to honor their legacy this St. Patrick’s Day.”

“Like so many Americans, I’m proud to trace my heritage back to Ireland. From America’s earliest days, Irish immigrants have made a historic and lasting impact. This resolution recognizes their important contributions during the American Revolution and in our Nation’s history,” said Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), and co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, under suspension, favorably out of the chamber. The bill will now head to the President’s desk.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Technology Transfer (STTR) programs expired on September 30, 2025, following the Senate’s failure to pass the House’s clean, one-year extension. Legislation extending the SBIR/STTR programs was introduced by Small Business Committee Chairman Williams on September 2, 2025, and passed on the House Floor, with bipartisan support, on September 15, 2025.

House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX), Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), House Committee on Small Business Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), and Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), issued a joint statement following the passage of S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act:

“The reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs is a critical win for the small businesses that drive American innovation. We have worked to provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to transform bold ideas into technology that will fuel our economy, strengthen supply chains, and safeguard our future. We look forward to this bill becoming law and restoring certainty to Main Street America.”

S. 3971, Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

The bill reauthorizes the SBIR and STTR programs through September 30, 2031, while strengthening research security within the programs, modernizing and streamlining the programs to reduce administrative burdens, and accelerating innovation to advance cutting-edge technology.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered the following statement at today’s Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Hearing titled Protecting Patients and Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars: The Role of CMS in Combatting Medicare and Medicaid Fraud.

Chairman Guthrie’s Remarks:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the recognition. Thank you for being here to our witness, and good afternoon to everybody. Gosh, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, they safeguard our taxpayers. That’s what you’re here for, and you would think if anything could be bipartisan in this Committee would be when people do fraud, they take away resources for people that really need them. I mean, people really need Medicaid. It is important that they have it, and fraud just robs them of that. 

“There are people who set up these groups that aren’t just overcharging or mis-billing,  or improper payments, which was brought up the other day. We’re talking people that set up fraudulent businesses to take money away from the people that need it the most, and not only money away from people who need them most, taking it out of the pockets of hard-working taxpayers. It is frustrating that this can’t be bipartisan. 

“And Florida is now, you just noticed Florida is under investigation. I just saw Governor DeSantis. He’s not a Democrat, I can promise you that. The other day I sent a letter to Nebraska. So we’re going to follow where the fraud is. And if the fraud is in Democrat governors, we’re going to hold them accountable for it. If it’s Republican governors, we’re going to hold them accountable for it, because the people that need this program the most are the ones who are the most vulnerable.

“You think about who’s vulnerable to fraud… we have behavioral analysis for children with autism, and we have those kind of programs, non-emergency medical transportation has been enthralled, substance use disorder treatment, people who really need those programs are being robbed because people are robbing the hard-earned tax dollars.

“You know, for example, just last month, a Russian citizen was charged in an alleged $3.4 million fraud scheme involving Medicare claims for durable medical equipment. 

“Today’s hearing provides an opportunity to examine how much CMS is strengthening its efforts to detect fraud sooner, prevent fraud or fraudulent payments, and improve coordination with states and law enforcement agencies. It is also an opportunity to identify reforms that can further strengthen program integrity, while protecting access to care for millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid and Medicare.

“I look forward to hearing from you today about how we’re going to deal with it. And gosh, if you think anything could be bipartisan, it’s when people defraud the taxpayer that work hard for the money, who generously through these programs, give it to people who are the most vulnerable, and they’re being taken advantage of. They’re being taken advantage of from people who don’t take this seriously as well.

“I will yield back.”

Chairman Guthrie’s questions during today’s hearing  examining the role of CMS in combating fraud in Medicare and Medicaid can be found HERE. 

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

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL) today issued a call for swift humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people and for a broad international effort to advance fundamental freedoms and long‑overdue economic reforms on the island.

As Cuban families face shortages, repression, and blackouts, Rep. Castor urged the Trump Administration and Cuban government to act—speed food and aid, restore power, and pursue real reforms. The need has grown more urgent with the recent energy grid collapse, which plunged the country into darkness.

“The Cuban people have endured decades of hardship under communist rule, and their courage in the face of repression continues to inspire,” Rep. Castor said. “They deserve the basic freedoms, human rights protections, and economic opportunities that people across our hemisphere enjoy. The international community must stand with them at this pivotal moment.”

Rep. Castor stressed that coordinated action with allies, the Cuban diaspora, and the Catholic Church is key to peaceful change. She emphasized pairing humanitarian relief with a clear commitment to democratic principles, warning that inaction risks instability and a refugee crisis.

“Humanitarian aid is needed now, but a broad economic and political transition is essential,” Castor said. “Progress will come when the Cuban people are free to speak, organize, innovate, and build a modern economy that reflects their talents and aspirations.”

Rep. Castor reaffirmed her longstanding support for policies that promote human rights, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen connections between Cuban families and Florida communities.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement celebrating the Trump Administration’s commitment to releasing $540 million in funds for California water storage and conveyance projects to support critical water infrastructure improvements.

“After nearly a year of work, I’m proud to announce California will receive $540 million to support critical storage and conveyance projects across the state—the most significant water investment California has ever seen,” said Congressman Valadao. “These funds, which my California Republican colleagues and I secured through the Working Families Tax Cut, will restore capacity, strengthen reliability, and improve our ability to capture and deliver water supplies. I appreciate the Trump Administration’s efforts to ensure these resources reach the communities that need them most, and I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver a stable and secure water supply for California’s 22nd Congressional District.”

“Since being elected to Congress, Congressman Valadao’s top priority has been to deliver real water solutions for his constituents. There isn’t a discussion or decision that’s made in Washington D.C. that doesn’t have him at the head of the table. As is the case with many of the issues and projects Congressman Valadao works on, the announcement made today will leave a lasting imprint on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley for generations. And the districts and communities that rely on the Friant-Kern Canal will forever be grateful,” said Johnny Amaral, CEO of the Friant Water Authority.

“This investment marks an important step toward restoring the capacity and performance of the Delta-Mendota Canal, a critical component of the Central Valley Project. Improving this infrastructure will strengthen water deliveries to communities, farms, businesses, and wildlife refuges across the region. We appreciate the leadership of Representatives David Valadao and Vince Fong and the Administration for advancing this funding to help improve the long-term affordability and reliability of the project,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.

“Westlands Water District applauds the Trump Administration and California congressional delegation members for their commitment to strengthening California’s water storage and conveyance infrastructure. Federal funding for the Shasta Dam enlargement is a long-overdue investment in water supply reliability, one that will help California capture, store, and move water during wet years for use during inevitable dry years. Expanding storage and conveyance capacity is essential to sustaining the productive farmland and family farmers who feed America,” said Westlands Water District.

Key investments Congressman Valadao helped secure across California include:

• $235 million for the Delta-Mendota Canal to raise canal embankments, repair check structures, and advance potential construction of a new concrete-lined canal segment.
• $200 million for the Friant-Kern Canal for subsidence correction efforts.
• $50 million for the San-Luis Canal to address subsidence issues affecting water delivery reliability.
• $40 million to support planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam to increase water storage capacity by roughly 634,000 acre-feet.
• $15 million for the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority to increase flow rates and improve system performance.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing House passage of a bill she co-led to update and reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act for five fiscal years with funding at $56 million yearly. This bill would authorize, modernize, and fund the public-private partnership of coastal observation systems collecting data to inform decision-making along our nation’s extensive coasts and in marine waters.

Congresswoman Amata earlier this month in the US Capitol

Congresswoman Aumua Amata was part of the group of six Members of Congress, known as original cosponsors, working together at introduction of this bill, H.R. 2294, in March 2025, which was led by Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS), with Congresswoman Amata (American Samoa), Rep. Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Weber (R-TX), Rep. Dingell (D-MI), and Rep. Davis (D-IL). Their bipartisan bill has since advanced through the House Natural Resources Committee with legislative hearings and votes, where Amata and several of these Members serve. The bill now requires Senate passage to become law.

“Well-situated ocean observations provide data that can save lives and improve maritime decisions, as well as considerations for fisheries and coastal areas, and strengthen tsunami response and environmental health,” said Congresswoman Amata. “American Samoa and many other communities on the U.S. coast benefit from these ocean monitoring services that help our scientists know our ocean better.”

The bill provides ongoing and future support for critical ocean monitoring efforts that protect coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime industries.

In addition to reauthorizing, the legislation will improve the program’s effectiveness by clarifying the type of data it provides as operational oceanographic information; updating statutory references to reflect current law, including replacing the National Ocean Research Leadership Council with the Ocean Policy Committee; and enhancing the role of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to ensure the program is used to its full capacity as an integrated system.

“In American Samoa, we have a buoy that gathers ocean information that is named in honor of our longtime Port Director Chris King,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Data gathered here can help planners elsewhere, and in turn data on the other side of the Pacific can prove beneficial far away through integrated analysis.”

House Passes Natural Resources Bills for Parks and Forests

The House also passed a slate of 12 bills from the Natural Resources Committee, focused on specific protections, reforms, improvements, services, and restoration efforts at national parks and forests. These House-passed bills await Senate passage. 

These include the Save Our Sequoias (SOS) Act, led by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA). This bipartisan bill builds on efforts in the prior Congress that Amata cosponsored to protect giant sequoias from wildfires, disease, and drought. The updated bill includes reforestation and a multi-year emergency declaration for the threatened area. Nearly 20 percent of giant sequoias were lost to wildfire devastation in just the years 2020-2022. 

Other passed bills support restoration efforts at Grand Canyon National Park, create the Chiricahua National Park in Arizona, authorize the Department of the Interior to carry out priority reforestation projects following disasters, extends the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Memorial Foundation’s efforts over the next seven years for a memorial to fallen EMS personnel, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey small parcels of federal land for cemeteries through the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CAUTIONS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SCAMS