MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Dr. Shannon L. McKinney-Freeman of the Hematology Department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive a grant of $673,150 for research on stem cell dysfunction in sickle cell disease from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. These types of stem cells – found in every person – give rise to all other types of blood cells. Part of the project’s goals are to develop new treatments for sickle cell disease.   

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Sickle cell disease is a serious and debilitating illness for a significant number of African Americans in the Mid-South, so I am always pleased to see investments in understanding and treating it. I commend Dr. McKinney-Freeman and St. Jude for undertaking this life-saving work, and wish them every success.”

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

Washington, D.C. — Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released the following statement after the House passed the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, legislation she cosponsored to modernize federal oversight of professional boxing and enhance protections for athletes:

“Today, the House took an important step to protect professional boxers and strengthen the integrity of the sport,” said Rep. Stevens. “Fighters deserve a system that prioritizes their health, ensures fair pay, and holds promoters and organizations accountable. We are making the sport safer, more transparent, and more equitable for the athletes who dedicate their lives to it.”

The legislation authorizes the establishment of private-sector Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), creating a new framework for organizing professional matches while maintaining strong regulatory oversight. UBOs will operate alongside existing sanctioning bodies and must comply with state boxing commission authority.

The bill includes critical new safeguards and pay standards, requiring UBOs to:

• Implement comprehensive anti-doping programs with pre-match drug testing,

• Establish a minimum payment-per-round of $200 for boxers,

• Increase the number of ringside physicians and ambulances, and

• Engage in good-faith contract negotiations that empower boxers to make decisions in their best interest.

Stevens cosponsored the legislation, helped secure an amendment protecting boxers from coercive contracts, and voted to advance it in the House Education and Workforce Committee in January. Back in December, Stevens met with Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow, who has long been an advocate for minimum pay and health care standards for professional boxers.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

 

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting National Agriculture Day 2026, themed “Agriculture: Together We Grow” which celebrates abundance and expresses appreciation for all those who grow and harvest foods.

Agriculture in American Samoa – pictured in Leone 2025

“Happy National Agriculture Day to our nation’s farmers, especially our own here in American Samoa. Locally, our farmers provide our delicious island favorites that grow well in the rainy tropics. We enjoy fresh options like coconuts, bananas, papayas, taro, breadfruit, and sweet potatoes. Nationally, we appreciate farmers and ranchers raising crops that provide thousands of products, such as rice and other grains for bread and cereal and much more, including milk and meat. 

“I look forward to Congress authorizing the next Farm Bill, major five-year legislation last completed in 2018 and extended through the rest of this fiscal year. Farm legislation supports our food security, sustainability, research, crop insurance, and disaster assistance, and directs vital nutrition programs, including our grant in American Samoa. As a Vice Chairman of the Western Caucus, I serve with many ranch and farm representatives, and recognize that U.S. agriculture feeds millions in and beyond the United States.

“Thank you to farmers and everyone who has a role in the supply chain making sure plenty of good, healthy foods reach our tables and support our families.”

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

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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.

 

 

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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.