Kelly, Fischbach introduce TEAM USA Act to end the Victory Tax for All American Medalists

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA),Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and other lawmakers introduced the Tax Exemption for American Medalists (TEAM USA) Act, legislation designed to ensure that when our athletes dominate the global stage, the IRS does not get to treat their excellence as a taxable offense.

The TEAM USA Act eliminates the “Victory Tax” for all American medalists, ensuring that the rewards of gold, silver, and bronze remain exactly what they are: symbols of national glory.

“America’s Olympians exemplify the spirit and greatness of our Nation. When our Olympians bring home the gold, they shouldn’t be punished with a burdensome tax bill, as well. The TEAM USA Act rewards the hard work, success, and the American Dream,” said Rep. Kelly.

“America is a nation built on the pursuit of greatness, and our Olympians and Paralympians are the ultimate proof of that spirit,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “When our athletes win, the whole country wins with them. We should be doing everything in our power to celebrate these victories. We are proud of these Americans, we are proud to be American, and we should never get tired of seeing our flag at the top of the mast.”

The legislation is also co-led by Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Tony Wied (R-WI), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).

The TEAM USA Act is retroactive to January 1, 2026. You can learn more about the legislation here.

Previously, Rep. Kelly released this video message wishing good luck to Butler County native Ava McNaughton, a goalie on the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, and all of Team USA.

Congressman Williams Announces Katie Crane Bankert as Chief of Staff

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, announced the promotion of Katie Crane Bankert to Chief of Staff.

Katie has been a key member of Congressman Williams’ team since 2018, most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff. Over the past eight years, she has held various roles in the Washington, D.C. office, building extensive experience in legislative strategy, public policy, and team leadership. Katie holds a Master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. She brings nearly a decade of Capitol Hill experience, positioning her well to lead the office and advance priorities important to the constituents of Texas’ 25th District.

“Katie’s leadership, institutional knowledge, and dedication to our team make her exceptionally qualified to serve as Chief of Staff,” said Congressman Williams. “Her experience across nearly every function of our office and her longstanding commitment to our constituents will be invaluable as we continue our work on their behalf.”

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

Congressman Gonzalez Demands Transparency on Possible Fixed Selection Process for New Coast Guard Training Facility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

South Texas deserves a fair shot to compete for a military facility that will support up to 15,000 personnel.

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) demanded answers from the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, after receiving alarming reports that action was already well underway to secure land at a pre-selected location for a new training facility, and that the initial Request for Information (RFI) on November 10, 2025, to identify prospective locations was nothing more than a formality. In doing so, South Texas, which is a regional hub for Coast Guard operations, was effectively shut out from being fairly considered.

In the letter, the Congressman wrote, “This competition must ultimately select the most deserving applicant through a full, fair, and merit-based process. Regions like South Texas are prepared to compete on that basis. The Corpus Christi area—recently designated a Coast Guard City and home to United States Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi, United States Coast Guard Station South Padre Island, and United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Brownsville—has supported Coast Guard operations and border security for decades. Anchored by a strong military presence, including Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Naval Air Station Kingsville, and backed by respected academic institutions, a skilled workforce, and a military-friendly community, our region understands how to deliver mission readiness while supporting service members and their families. South Texas offers the infrastructure, strategic location, and community commitment necessary to succeed; and deserves serious consideration in a transparent and competitive process.”

“That is why I was disappointed to learn that the Coast Guard has already placed an option on land that they intend to use for its new training center. To date, it is my understanding that no formal Request for Proposals has been issued. The Coast Guard must follow a clear, established process to ensure fairness and accountability. If a preferred location has already been identified that determination should be communicated immediately,” he continued.

To ensure transparency in this selection process and implications for prospective host communities, Congressman Gonzalez is requiring the Coast Guard respond to his questions by March 13, 2026.

The full letter can be read here.

Cole Statement on Strikes in Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in response to strikes in Iran: 

“It’s a time of reckoning for those who chant ‘Death to America.’ President Trump is right when he calls the effort to eradicate Iran’s nuclear weapons program and give its people the opportunity to seize their freedom ‘a noble mission.’ The evil Iranian regime has been the leading state sponsor of terror for decades. It has killed thousands of people within and beyond its borders, including hundreds of Americans. It must be defanged and dismantled.

“The President did not take this action lightly or impulsively. He has warned Iran repeatedly that it must change its policies and its actions. He has negotiated with Iran in good faith and with great clarity. It was the Iranian regime that chose to ignore those warnings and make a mockery of those negotiations. In doing so, its tyrannical leaders made an enormous miscalculation.

“Our Commander in Chief has made clear that his goal is not just to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It is also to give the Iranian people a chance to take back their country. Self-determination and freedom will be theirs to claim. I hope they will.
 
“Like every American, my thoughts and prayers are with our brave and capable men and women in uniform who are carrying out this noble but hard and dangerous mission. I know that they will have the unwavering support of every American, and I am confident that they will acquit themselves with honor and distinction.
 
“May God protect our troops and the innocent Iranian people – and once again – as He so often has, bless America, said Congressman Cole.

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Bonamici Announces Town Hall Meetings in March

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [3/2/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced a series of four town hall meetings across the First Congressional District, which includes large portions of Washington and Multnomah counties and all of Clatsop, Tillamook, and Columbia counties.

 

Bonamici will answer questions from attendees and provide an update about her work in Congress. The town hall meetings will be in Hillsboro, Scappoose, Tillamook, and Portland.

 

“These are very challenging times for many, and it’s important for me to hear from the people I represent,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Town hall meetings give Oregonians an opportunity to tell me what is on their mind and to hear from me about the work I’m doing. I look forward to meeting with people from across the district and answering their questions.”

 

Members of Bonamici’s staff will be at the town hall meetings to assist anyone who is experiencing problems with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, immigration, and IRS.

 

Hillsboro Town Hall Meeting

Monday, March 9 – 6 p.m.

Glencoe High School

2700 NW Glencoe Rd, Hillsboro

 

Scappoose Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 – 6 p.m.

Scappoose High School 

33700 SE High School Way, Scappoose

 

Tillamook Town Hall Meeting

Saturday, March 14 – 11 a.m.

Tillamook High School 

2605 12th St, Tillamook

 

Portland Town Hall Meeting

Monday, March 23 – 6 p.m.

**location to be announced**

 

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Rep. Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors in Federal Retirement Benefit Claims Process

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse introduced the bipartisan Federal Retirement Safety Act, a bill that allows survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence to maintain privacy and confidentiality from their abusers when accessing their hard-earned retirement benefits. 

Under current processes, retiring federal employees must obtain written, notarized consent from a current or former spouse if they change or update their retirement benefits distribution. This paperwork includes sensitive personal information, such as phone numbers and home addresses, which, if shared, endangers survivors of spousal abuse.

The Federal Retirement Safety Act protects survivors by directing the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to waive the spousal consent requirement for individuals impacted by domestic and intimate partner violence, similarly to what is already available to others in the event of extenuating circumstances like the death of a spouse or an inability to determine their whereabouts. 

“Our bill is a common-sense and critical reform that protects survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they can maintain their privacy from those who have caused them immense and unimaginable harm. I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this effort to advance the safety of everyone in our community,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.  

The bill is co-led by Republican Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK), as well as Democratic Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who also serve as Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence. 

“Survivors of domestic abuse should have the freedom to access their retirement benefits without exposing their contact information to an abusive partner. Our bill secures essential protections to help survivors fully control the benefits they have earned without endangering themselves,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. 

View the Federal Retirement Safety Act one-pager HERE

Read bill text HERE

It is endorsed by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Jewish Women International (JWI), Volare (formerly known as the Network for Victim Recovery D.C.), and Futures Without Violence.

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Clyburn Statement on U.S. Strikes on Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

COLUMBIA, SC – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement via X on U.S. strikes on Iran:

“The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war for a reason: to ensure that such a consequential decision is made only after full consideration by the people’s representatives of the case for military action, the plan for success, the potential costs, and any alternative options. The Trump Administration, in disregarding this constitutional requirement in attacking Iran, has put American lives at risk despite the apparent absence of an imminent threat to our country or a coherent strategy to achieve a successful outcome.

“George Santayana famously warned, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In this case, we need only remember the recent past—events in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya—to expect that another major American military campaign in the Middle East will encounter significant challenges. Such challenges are more likely to be avoided, confronted, and overcome if the decision to engage in military action is made in a deliberative, transparent, and democratic manner consistent with the framers’ intent. 

“I urge the Trump Administration to make the adjustments necessary to align its actions with the Constitution, and I hope all of my colleagues of both political parties will join me in this demand. The lives of our service members and the security of our nation depend on it.” 

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Evans: House & Senate Must Vote Immediately on Trump’s ‘Illegal, Ill-Conceived’ Attack on Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 28, 2026) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) today issued this statement:

“After claiming last June he ‘completely and totally obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program, President Trump launched yet another illegal, ill-conceived attack on Iran. 

“These escalations only put American lives, at home and abroad, at greater risk and drag our country towards another endless war. 

“The House and Senate must each vote on a War Powers resolution immediately to stop Trump’s reckless warmongering.”

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. Evans’ website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Youtube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

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Rep. Mike Kelly statement on U.S. military operations in Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Saturday, Feb. 28, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement regarding U.S. military operations in Iran.

“President Trump’s decisive military action in Iran once again reinforces his commitment to American security both at home and abroad. Iran has proven time and time again it should not have nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terror and has repeatedly targeted America and its allies for years,” said Rep. Kelly. “Iranian leaders should work with U.S. officials to reach a diplomatic deal as soon as possible. God bless the men and women of our American military for their courage, dedication, and commitment.”

Rep. Adams Statement on the United States Attack on Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) released a statement on U.S. military strikes on Iran. 

“Today, President Trump launched a massive ongoing military operation against Iran. The President has chosen to forgo diplomacy and has placed American troops under threat. I pray for their safety and the safety of all civilians in this conflict. 

“The Iranian government’s violations of human rights and nuclear ambitions must be addressed. However, without clear and pressing need, the President must seek authorization from Congress before launching any use of military force that could constitute an act of war.

“Congress must exercise its constitutional authority, and I am calling on Speaker Johnson to call the House of Representatives back to Washington immediately.”