MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued the following statement commemorating Cuban Independence Day: 

“Today, we mark 124 years since Cuba gained its independence after centuries of subordination as a colony oppressed under Spanish rule. Tragically, just a few short decades after winning their independence, the Cuban people were once again subordinated to tyranny—this time under the oppressive Castro regime. 

Over the past six decades, Cuban heroes have continued to demand freedom and basic human rights. We cannot forget martyrs such as Pedro Luis Boitel, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Juan Wilfredo Soto Garcia, Laura Pollan, Oswaldo Paya, and Harold Cepero perished in the struggle. And today, courageous J11 activists, some who were minors when arrested, as well as San Isidro artists Maykel Castillo “El Osorbo” and Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, continue to languish in prison simply for demanding basic liberties. 

The path to Cuba’s independence was neither quick nor easy. We know that the Cuban people will be free and it will be because of the brave pro-democracy activists who continue to defending human life, dignity, human rights, and freedom until they once again achieve full independence from tyranny.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Congressman Barney Frank:
“Congressman Barney Frank was as fierce as he was smart. He fought for his constituents, for our Commonwealth, and for a brighter future for our country.”
“For more than 30 years, he showed up – as a champion for consumers, a watchdog over Wall Street, and a trailblazer for equality. He came out as gay while serving in Congress and married the love of his life. He was a true legislator who understood the role of Congress, passing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to protect the American people after the 2008 banking crisis. And right up to the very end, he was still fighting, still speaking plainly, still demanding more of his party and his country.
“My heart goes out to his husband Jim, his family, his friends, and everyone mourning this painful loss.”

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

This week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH),U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representative Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in applauding the release of more than $9.4 million from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help Granite State communities and private well owners address contamination from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The funding is New Hampshire’s Fiscal Year 2026 allocation from the Emerging Contaminants in Small and Disadvantaged Communities program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding was secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, which Pappas helped pass, and can be used to help homes on private wells in addition to community water systems.

“I fought to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law to deliver needed resources to New Hampshire communities to update water infrastructure, combat harmful PFAS contamination, and strengthen access to clean, safe water,” said Congressman Pappas. “While this funding is welcome news, the Trump administration continues to roll back environmental protections and put the interests of corporate polluters ahead of the health and safety of Granite Staters and our environment. I will continue to fight for better national PFAS standards, to hold polluters accountable, and to deliver federal resources for New Hampshire.”

“Families in New Hampshire deserve to know that the water they are drinking is clean and PFAS-free, regardless of where their water supply comes from,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was proud to secure funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that makes this assistance possible so I’m glad to see that it will be available to the communities that will benefit, including folks who get their drinking water from a private well.”

“I am proud that the funding I worked to secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping New Hampshire towns remove PFAS and other toxic chemicals from drinking water. However, I am deeply concerned about yesterday’s announcement that the Trump Administration plans to roll back PFAS protections, making it even more important that local communities have the resources they need to keep drinking water safe. No New Hampshire family should have to worry that their drinking water is making them sick,” said Senator Hassan.

“Every Granite Stater needs reliable access to clean water and deserves to know that their water is safe and free from dangerous PFAS contamination,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “This federal investment will make life better for hardworking people across New Hampshire, and I’ll never stop fighting to deliver every penny promised to our state.”

Pappas has been a leader in addressing PFAS and advocating for improved standards, increased investment, and a stronger national focus on PFAS contamination. On the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Pappas led the fight for dedicated funding for PFAS and helped pass the bipartisan infrastructure law to deliver resources to New Hampshire communities. Pappas leads the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act, legislation to establish water quality criteria and set limits on industrial PFAS discharges into water and water treatment plants. He also leads the PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act, the PFAS Registry Act, the PFAS-Free Procurement Act, and the No Taxation on PFAS Remediation Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Rep. Aguilar is a proud cosponsor of the HELP Act, which would expand the reach of United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline and connect those in need with social services

RIVERSIDE, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference at the Inland SoCal United Way and 211+ to discuss the impact Republican cuts to healthcare and food assistance are having on individuals and families here in the Inland Empire. 
As part of their Big Ugly Bill, Trump and Republicans enacted the largest funding cuts to healthcare and food assistance in U.S. history, resulting in millions of Americans losing access to health insurance and families going hungry. This means in California, up to 2 million people could lose their health insurance through Medi-Cal, and more than 3 million households are at risk of losing their access to food assistance through CalFresh. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.
“Hardworking Inland Empire families are feeling the pain of cuts to health care and food assistance in Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Now, Trump’s war with Iran is driving up the cost of everything from food to gas and putting even more pressure on working people. Democrats aren’t standing for these policies, and neither are organizations like United Way, which provide resources like food assistance, healthcare and housing. I’m grateful for their work to fill the gap created by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress. I look forward to continuing to partner with United Way to help people here in California build better, healthier lives.” 
“We are grateful to Congressman Aguilar for his steadfast leadership in fighting for the families and communities most impacted by H.R. 1,” said Kimberly Starrs, President and CEO, Inland SoCal United Way and Inland SoCal 211+. “Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other critical programs don’t just reduce federal spending, they shift the burden onto community-based organizations that are already stretched thin. United Way is committed to ensuring no one falls through the cracks and we are calling on our community to join us through donations, volunteering and advocacy.”

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

Bill Makes It More Difficult for Americans to Buy a Home or Find Secure and Affordable, Safe Rental Housing

WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Republicans today released the draft fiscal year 2027 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. While Americans continue to struggle with the high cost of living, the bill makes it more expensive for Americans to keep a roof over their heads, commute to work and school, and have a chance at homeownership.

For 2027, the funding bill provides $92.2 billion, including $434 million to support maritime defense readiness programs at the Department of Transportation. After accounting for housing revenues, $100.9 billion is provided for federal transportation and housing programs, a cut of nearly $8.8 billion, or 8 percent, from 2026.

The legislation:

• Does nothing to address the rising cost of living by slashing investments in programs that expand affordable housing production and help communities fund locally driven solutions to cut red tape and eliminating eviction prevention grants that help families stay in their homes.
• Strips away opportunities for families to become homeowners or access safe, decent, affordable housing by slashing housing counseling assistance and cutting the fair housing enforcement work that protects housing choice for all Americans.
• Increases congestion on roads and hurts our economy by stalling supply chain networks, walking away from critical public-private investments that advance our transportation systems,keep our construction workers on the job, and grow American manufacturer and supplier businesses.

“The bill before us falls short of the American people’s needs, and once again, fails to meet this country’s growing housing shortage, most especially in the area of homelessness, and our aging populace,” Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) said. “We have yet to realize the full potential of resources approved by this Committee on a bipartisan basis. The current state of accessibility and affordability in America require us to take stock of our national priorities, and this appropriations bill fails to meet the moment. I implore my colleagues on this panel to work together on a bipartisan basis to find real solutions to the housing and jobs crisis and drive down the cost of living for everyday Americans.”

“House Republicans are doing nothing to address the cost of living crisis. Instead, they want to make it harder for the working class, the middle class, and vulnerable Americans to keep a roof over their heads, own a home, rent a safe place to raise their families, and commute to work and school,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “Republicans’ 2027 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development bill misses the reality that Americans just want relief from skyrocketing prices. It strips away critical investments in housing and community development while cutting Amtrak and other critical transportation resources, putting more commuters on the road, and adding more delays getting to work or school. Republicans’ bill slows the shipment of products American families depend on, further threatening to raise prices at a time when President Trump’s tariffs continue to weaken the economy. This bill would have lasting, harmful consequences on the health and safety of our communities.”

A summary of House Republicans’ 2027 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill is here. A fact sheet is here. The text of the bill is here. The subcommittee markup will be webcast live on the House Committee on Appropriations website.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The FEMA grant, worth $460,780, supports Southside Electric Cooperative’s efforts to repair Bedford County transformers.

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Southside Electric Cooperative provides safe and reliable electric service to Bedford County residents.

“This FEMA grant for more than $460,000 helps Southside Electric Cooperative respond to the 2025 winter storm damages to Bedford County transformers.”

BACKGROUND

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

This grant is related to Virginia’s Major Disaster Declaration that President Trump approved in April 2025. The amended map of localities covered by the Declaration can be found here.

Congressman Griffith worked with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to secure President Trump’s approval of Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty announced that Cassie Baloue has joined her office as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications.

“I’m excited to welcome Cassie to my team as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Cassie’s passion for strategic communications and extensive public service experience make her a valuable addition to the office.”

Baloue most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications for California’s 14th Congressional District under former Congressman Eric Swalwell. Prior to that, she served as Press Assistant for Congressman Mark Takano and as a Press Fellow for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.

Originally from the Chicago area and raised in California’s Bay Area, Baloue earned a B.A. in Political Science from University of California, Merced.
 

Please contact Cassie Baloue for all press inquiries at Cassie.Baloue@mail.house.gov or 847-656-6812.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the passing of Chairman Barney Frank of Massachusetts:

“America’s working families in Massachusetts and beyond have lost an iconic champion with the passing of Chairman Barney Frank.  Chairman Frank was an exceptional legislator, whose name is synonymous with the strongest consumer financial protections in history and whose advocacy helped forge a fairer future for all of our children.

“During his 32 years in the House, Congress and the Country were well-served by Barney Frank’s passion, his persistence and his patriotism.  Chairman Frank was a master of the House Financial Services Committee.  In the wake of the financial crisis, he was a force for reining in an out-of-control financial system: crafting the landmark Dodd-Frank reforms, establishing a consumer financial protection agency and improving transparency in the markets. For many years, we fought side by side to bring down the cost of housing and expand housing opportunities for those living with HIV/AIDS.

“As the first Member to come out as gay publicly, Chairman Frank was a pioneering and powerful voice for the LGBTQ community.  All were moved by how he spoke about the discrimination he faced. He channeled that personal experience into passionate leadership to enact the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and to send the bigoted ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy to the dustbin of history.

“Coming from a shared family tradition of service, Chairman Frank’s unsurpassed intellect and commitment to service has left a lasting legislative legacy. All of us fortunate enough to serve alongside him were blessed by his boundless knowledge, sage wisdom and great humor.  Personally, Barney was my close friend and confidante: from serving together on the Banking Committee to dancing at his wedding to his beloved husband, Jim.  May it be a comfort to Jim, and Barney’s entire family that so many in the Congress and across the country join them in mourning this loss during this sad time.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Congressman Barney Frank (MA-04):

“I am deeply saddened by the new of Barney Frank’s death. I talked to him a little over a week ago. He was, as always, upbeat and full of ideas about how Democrats ought to move forward. I join in extending my condolences to his beloved Jim and to their extended family, including his sister Ann, who has also been an extraordinary public servant and fighter for equality and justice. 

“Barney and I came to the Congress in the same year and have been close friends for over four decades. When he became the first openly gay Member of Congress to come out of the closet voluntarily, he did so with pride in who he was and in what his action represented for millions of LGBTQ people across the country. Barney will long be remembered for that act of courage and for always being true to himself, his principles, his country, and his constituents and what he believed in throughout his life in public service.

“As a legislator, he worked hard to ensure that the benefits of our nation’s prosperity would be felt by those who were the most disadvantaged. When our financial system neared collapse in 2008, Barney was one of the chief architects of the reforms that placed critical guardrails on Wall Street. It was because of his intellect, deep knowledge, and political fortitude that Congress was able to enact sweeping legislation to strengthen and protect our financial system and hold it accountable to the American people. Across a range of issues, and on behalf of those in Massachusetts and the entire country, Barney was a tireless champion.

“May Barney’s memory be a blessing to all whose lives were made better and richer and freer because of his courage, steadfastness, and tireless service to this country.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks ahead of today’s Oversight & Government Reform (OGR) Committee markup of a bill introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) that would amend the Home Rule Act to permanently prohibit the District from enacting congestion pricing, or any charge to enter or pass through D.C.

“Today’s markup is the fifth time this Congress that Republicans have wasted this Committee’s time on paternalistic, anti-home rule bills designed to interfere with D.C. traffic policies, a petty fixation Rep. Perry spends much of his time on, to the detriment of his constituents in Pennsylvania,” Norton said. “Rep. Perry has repeatedly used standalone bills, amendments, and riders to block or repeal D.C.’s traffic safety laws, yet not a single one has been enacted. This bill is a particularly vexing one to waste the Committee’s time on, considering that no congestion charge exists in D.C. and no bills or regulations are pending to impose one.

“More importantly, this bill was introduced by a member who wasn’t elected by D.C. residents and who D.C. residents cannot hold accountable by voting out of office. D.C. residents have all the obligations of American citizenship, including paying federal taxes, serving on juries and registering with the Selective Service, yet Congress denies them full local self-government and voting representation in Congress.  The only solution to this undemocratic treatment is to grant D.C. statehood.”

Norton’s remarks follow, as prepared for delivery. 

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Markup of H.R. 8801, DC ROADS Act

May 20, 2026

I strongly oppose this undemocratic and paternalistic bill, which is intended to prohibit congestion pricing in the District of Columbia. Specifically, this bill would prohibit D.C. from imposing any charge to enter or pass through D.C.  No such charge exists in D.C., and no bills or regulations are pending in D.C. to impose any.

Today’s markup is the fifth this Congress of a bill that would interfere with D.C. traffic policies.  Over the last five years, the sponsor of this bill has tried to repeal or block four D.C. traffic policies through standalone bills, amendments and riders.  None have been enacted. 

The 700,000 D.C. residents, the majority of whom are Black and Brown, are capable and worthy of governing themselves.  If D.C. residents do not like how members of the D.C. Council vote, residents can vote them out of office.  That is democracy.  If D.C. residents do not like how members of Congress vote on local D.C. matters, residents cannot vote them out of office.  That is the antithesis of democracy.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter opposing this bill from D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson.

The substance of this bill should be irrelevant, since there is never justification for Congress to legislate on local D.C. matters, but I will discuss it.

Congestion pricing is based on the economic theory of externalities and is used in New York City and several cities outside the United States.  Earlier this year, on the one-year anniversary of congestion pricing in New York City, the governor of New York said “The results are in and it is clear that in just one year, congestion pricing has been an unprecedented success in New York.  By every measure, this program has met or exceeded expectations: traffic and gridlock are down substantially, people are moving faster, air quality is improved, streets are safer and our economy is stronger.  New Yorkers are benefitting from congestion pricing every day…. And there are even more benefits to come: $15 billion in transit upgrades with major projects already underway, improving the commutes of millions of New Yorkers.”

D.C. residents have all the obligations of American citizenship, including paying federal taxes, serving on juries and registering with the Selective Service, yet Congress denies them full local self-government and voting representation in Congress.  The only solution to this undemocratic treatment is to grant D.C. statehood. 

Congress has the authority to admit D.C. as a state. The D.C. statehood bill, H.R. 51, would reduce the size of the federal district from 68 square miles to two square miles, consisting of the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court and the National Mall.  The residential and commercial areas of D.C. would be a new state. 

I urge members to vote NO on H.R. 8801.  Free D.C.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter opposing this bill from the Sierra Club and 19 other groups.

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