MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Only 42 percent of small business owners are optimistic about their business prospects

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“I’m proud to deliver these federal dollars to improve Broward’s marine industry and bring more jobs and business opportunities to South Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll always work to invest in local infrastructure to prevent contamination, preserves marine ecosystems, and keep our canals and coastal waters healthy.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced his Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, legislation that strengthens penalties for childcare providers who defraud the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The introduction of this legislation follows recent shocking revelations of widespread fraud occurring within Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs, which was primarily perpetrated by Somali fraudsters. 

Of his legislation, Stauber stated, “Taxpayers in Minnesota and across the country deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are supporting legitimate services and not lining the pockets of Somali fraudsters. My bill imposes tough penalties for those who exploit our public programs, including serious immigration consequences for non-citizens. For too long, Tim Walz and Keith Ellison failed to act, and credible reports suggest their offices may have even enabled these criminals. When state leaders won’t do their jobs, the federal government must step in to provide commonsense reforms that protect our programs and hold violators accountable, and this bill does just that.”

Key provisions of the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act include: 

• Permanent debarment: Mandates a lifetime ban from all federally funded childcare assistance programs for any provider convicted of fraud.
• Full restitution: Requires state reimbursement to the Department of Health and Human Services for fraudulently obtained funds.
• Federal referral for criminal investigation: Directs automatic referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution and further scrutiny. 

Immigration accountability: For non-citizen providers convicted of fraud or involved in terrorism-related activity, this legislation establishes grounds for inadmissibility or deportation and bars asylum or adjustment of status. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45), local elected officials and community representatives from veteran service organizations for a roundtable discussion and press conference about how House Democrats are standing up for veterans.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor and a privilege to be here in Orange County with Congressman Derek Tran. I’m so thankful for his leadership, for his commitment to the people of the communities that he is privileged to represent. Of course, for his service to the nation as an Army veteran and now his service to the nation and to the state of California and to these communities as a distinguished Member of the House of Representatives.

It’s an honor and privilege to be here with so many other distinguished colleagues in government, as well as leaders of the veterans community here in Orange County and it was wonderful to participate in the roundtable with them to learn firsthand about the issues of importance to veterans here in Orange County and it is our highest responsibility and our highest commitment as Members of Congress to always ensure that we are standing up to protect the dignity and respect of the veterans who have served America. And we were able to reiterate that commitment here at our roundtable today, including as it relates to making sure we see to completion the establishment of the first veterans cemetery here in Orange County. We will partner together to get that done.

Congressman Tran indicated, these are also very challenging and perilous times. Veterans in America have been under assault from the Trump administration from day one, where thousands of veterans who worked for our federal government after serving the country in uniform were unceremoniously fired, having their livelihoods ripped away from them. Shame on the administration for engaging in that type of egregious behavior while at the same time pretending as though they’re standing up to cherish our veterans.

And now, unfortunately, as I travel the country, hearing from veterans who feel betrayed by an administration where Candidate Trump promised not to get the country in another endless and deadly conflict in the Middle East, only to get the country involved in a potentially endless and already deadly conflict—war of choice—in the Middle East. We believe that taxpayer dollars should be spent to make life more affordable for the people of Orange County, for the veterans and for everyday Americans, as opposed to billions of dollars somehow to drop bombs in the Middle East, but the administration can’t find a dime to make healthcare more affordable, a dime to make housing more affordable or a dime to lower the cost of the grocery bills that everyday Americans confront when they go to the supermarket.

Our commitment will continue to be—and I’m so thankful for Congressman Tran’s leadership in this regard—We’re going to fight hard to lower the high cost of living. We’re going to fight hard to fix our broken healthcare system. And we’re going to fight to protect and cherish our veterans, not disrespect them, and to ensure that veterans are able to receive their hard-earned benefits. These aren’t entitlement programs. These are hard-earned benefits that we want to ensure can continue to be delivered and are not cut and that the veterans of Orange County, the veterans of America are always treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. 

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to preliminary reports that the U.S. was responsible for a February 28 strike on a girl’s school in Iran:

“Reports that more than 150 girls and their teachers were tragically killed by an errant American strike on a school in Iran are devastating and damning. A preliminary U.S. assessment reportedly found the strike was likely the result of outdated targeting information that still identified the school as part of an Iranian military complex. 

“If true, these children’s deaths were the result of a leadership planning failure that should have been caught long before the first missiles were launched. This tragedy was not related to the fog of war, rather it is the result of the reckless rush to war. 

“Add this tragedy to the Administration’s failure to predict Iran’s harsh retaliatory strikes against our allies, the failure to prepare evacuation plans for American citizens caught in the region at the start of the war, and the failure to anticipate the impacts of Iran’s shutting of the Strait of Hormuz, and you see a recurring pattern of dangerous incompetence permeating the senior leadership in the White House and Department of War.

“Accountability starts at the top. Secretary Hegseth is responsible for ensuring our military goes to war with sound intelligence and careful planning. These reports indicate that the Pentagon went to war with targeting packages that hadn’t been updated in several years, threatening the safety of our troops and compromising the success of their missions.

“This is the same Secretary of War who leaked sensitive strike plans on Signal, reportedly ordered a second strike on survivors clinging to wreckage at sea, and fired or forced out dozens of our most experienced military leaders in an unprecedented political purge.

“The Administration must release the full findings of its investigation and provide a complete accounting to Congress. It remains abundantly clear that Secretary Hegseth is unqualified for his position and should be immediately relieved of his duties and removed from his office.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced the Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act, legislation aimed at holding investor-owned utility companies accountable and protecting Michigan families from rising electricity costs while executives and shareholders reap significant profits. The bill penalizes any rate hikes that happened after January 1, 2026, meaning this legislation would actively cut Michigan families’ energy bills.

Over the past two decades, Michigan’s electricity rates have outpaced inflation and risen faster than in 46 other states. In that time, the average Michigan family has seen their annual electricity bill skyrocket by roughly $850.

Corporate utilities continue to raise costs on Michiganders while reporting strong profits and awarding massive compensation packages to their executives. In 2024, Michigan’s two largest corporate utilities paid more than $10 million each to their CEOs. Despite record profits, one of those utilities is now asking state regulators to approve yet another massive rate hike on Michigan families after recently raising rates.

The Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act would give Michigan families a reprieve on electricity rate hikes for three years by imposing significant penalties on investor-owned utilities that raise rates:

• If they raise residential rates in year one, they lose their federal funding.

• If they raise residential rates in years two or three, they must cut executive pay by twice the percentage of the rate increase or lose their federal funding.

“Michigan families are paying more and more for electricity, yet too many are getting worse service in return,” said Rep. Stevens. “While hardworking Michigan families struggle to afford higher bills, corporate executives are getting richer off their backs. That is unacceptable. This legislation makes clear that if utilities want access to federal taxpayer dollars, they must put Michigan consumers first.”

Text of the bill is available here.

 

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

Napa and Woodland, CA — Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) led over 700 community members, veterans, and military families this weekend in Napa and Woodland for “No Forever Wars” Day of Action events calling for congressional oversight regarding the U.S. military involvement in Iran.

“This unauthorized war in Iran has already cost seven American lives and more than a billion taxpayer dollars per day, with no clear end in sight,” said Thompson. “As a combat veteran, I know that war is hell, and the American people deserve transparency, a clear justification, and a real exit strategy from this administration. I voted for the War Powers Resolution, which would prevent the administration from taking further military action in Iran, because Congress must authorize sending our troops into harm’s way, and we cannot afford to repeat the costly mistakes of the past. No forever wars.”

In Napa, Thompson spoke at a “No Forever Wars” Day of Action on Friday, March 6 at Veterans Park, where over 500 community members gathered to hear from veterans, military families, and local leaders concerned about the prospect of another prolonged military conflict. Thompson was joined by speakers including American Canyon Mayor and Navy Beirut combat veteran Pierre Washington; Afghanistan Army combat veteran Carlos Salazer; Afghanistan Army combat veteran and Indivisible Napa co-lead Val O’Pry; Gold Star wife Leah Doyle; and Napa County Supervisor Liz Alessio, whose son served in the military.

In Woodland, Thompson participated in a second Day of Action on Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Plaza, where over 200 community members gathered in downtown Woodland to call for an end to endless wars and for Congress to reassert its authority over decisions to engage in military conflict. Thompson delivered opening and closing remarks and introduced local speakers, including Vietnam combat veteran Ramon Urbano; Air Force veteran Karen White; Afghanistan Marine Corps combat veteran Oscar Arbulu; Afghanistan Marine Corps combat veteran and IBEW representative Mike Tilden; and local elected officials.

Both events were part of a coordinated grassroots effort across the region to highlight the human cost of prolonged military conflicts and to amplify calls for congressional accountability before further escalation.

Videos from the events will be made available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) is inviting high school students who live or attend school in Washington’s Second Congressional District to showcase their artistic talents in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

“I am encouraging the many gifted young artists in Northwest Washington to submit their artwork to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition and have the chance to win a trip to Washington D.C.,” said Rep. Larsen. “It takes courage to put your work out there as a young person, and I appreciate the wonderful art that students submit for consideration every year.”

All art entries must be original in concept, design and execution. Art submissions and forms are due no later than Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Interested students can find details and a full list of contest rules on Larsen’s website: https://larsen.house.gov/helping-you/2026-art-competition.htm

The U.S. House of Representatives holds the annual high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent in each congressional district. Since 1982, hundreds of thousands of students nationwide have participated in the Congressional Art Competition. In 2025, Oak Harbor High School’s Tessa Meyer won the districtwide competition with her piece, “Swallow Your Attitude,” which has been on display in the U.S. Capitol for the past year.

How to Participate

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school-aged students (grades 9-12) who live or attend school in the Second District. Students can verify whether they are Second District residents or attend school in the district here.

To submit your artwork, please download and print this Student Consent Form. This form must be attached to the artwork that is entered. If you cannot print the form, please contact our office for a copy. Forms and art submissions are due by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Forms can also be mailed or delivered with art pieces to Rep. Larsen’s Everett office:

Office of Rep. Rick Larsen – Everett   
Re: Art Competition
Wall Street Building
2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9F
Everett, WA 98201

Contact Larsen’s District Office for More Information

Students needing assistance in delivering their artwork to Rep. Larsen’s office can contact Jessica Zuleta at (425) 252-3188 or Jessica.Zuleta@mail.house.gov. Participants will be honored at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., later this year. Plans for a district celebration will be announced soon.

For more information, visit the 2026 Congressional Art Competition website here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Today, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Protecting Access to American Products Act, legislation aimed at streamlining the U.S. trade shipping process during times of supply chain strain and uncertainty. The bill amends current maritime law to ensure that products made in America are not prevented from reaching American markets. Further, it is designed to allow for administrative flexibility in circumstances where supply chain continuity is questionable. This is especially important for American energy producers, who at times face transportation barriers moving domestically produced oil and petroleum products between U.S. ports when no qualified vessel is available, potentially forcing reliance on foreign imports despite strong American production. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Excessive red tape and outdated regulations are slowing the delivery of essential goods and making it harder for Americans to access products made right here at home. The Protecting Access to American Products Act offers a commonsense, practical solution by streamlining the waiver process and helping ensure that American-made goods, including American energy products, can move across the country more easily. This legislation supports domestic manufacturing, strengthens American energy supply chains, and keeps U.S. products competitive with foreign imports while still protecting American maritime jobs. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Lee to deliver reforms that protect our domestic interests while putting American families and businesses first,” said Rep. Cline.

“Outdated regulations are forcing Americans to buy gas and other products from despotic regimes instead of our own producers,” said Senator Mike Lee. “America produces liquefied natural gas (LNG), but we can’t ship it to other American ports due to hundred-year-old red tape. States in need of LNG are forced to rely on Russia for their energy supply – a national security risk and lost opportunity for America’s economy. This bill will prioritize American manufacturing and energy dominance by allowing waivers for industries like LNG for whom the restrictions don’t make sense.”

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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

On Tuesday, Congresswoman Amata and her staff in DC welcomed representatives from the American Samoa Department of Health as part of their visit to the U.S. Capitol, and a group from American Samoa Department of Homeland Security was able to come by for a visit later the same day. 

Speaker’s Balcony photo at the Capitol with the National Mall in the background

The Department of Health representatives included Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Ms. Annie Noa, Mrs. Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Mr. Francis Vivao, Dr. Anaise Uso, and they were accompanied by several family members. They went on a previously scheduled tour of the U.S. Capitol with Amata’s staff, visited in the congressional office, and shared lunch with Congresswoman Amata nearby on Capitol Hill. 

Also pictured from the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security are Meshake Gaisoa, Jolene Mageo Kava, and Sharma Sapolu.

Congresswoman Amata with Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Ms. Annie Noa, Mrs. Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Mr. Francis Vivao, Dr. Anaise Uso, and some of their family members

“Thank you to all these dedicated professionals for taking time to visit, and sharing their priorities. I appreciate their efforts this week in DC, and especially all their work to deliver the best possible services back home,” said Congresswoman Amata. 

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