McGovern Delivers $12+ Million in Federal Funding for Community Projects In Second Congressional District of Massachusetts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is announcing $12,101,000 in federal funding has been awarded to local projects throughout Massachusetts’ Second Congressional District.

McGovern secured the money through the FY2026 appropriations process, partnering with community stakeholders and local officials to develop strong proposals and bring federal dollars back to the Bay State.

“Every one of these awards is tied to a specific, tangible improvement folks here at home will see and feel—more childcare slots in Whitinsville, safer streets on Route 20 in Shrewsbury, cleaner drinking water in Leicester, a new fire truck for Conway, affordable housing in Worcester, and new resources to address economic injustice in Amherst and Northampton,” said McGovern. “These are concrete things that will make life better for all of us. My team and I worked closely with mayors, town managers, nonprofits, and community leaders before doing the work in Congress to get this funding across the finish line.”

McGovern worked with stakeholders in communities throughout the Second District of Massachusetts to secure funding for the following local projects:

  • $1,500,000 for Worcester Polytechnic Institute to build a continuous flow reactor to destroy PFAS in contaminated soils and plants in Worcester County.
  • $1,200,000 for Worcester to support utility separation and lead/asbestos remediation at 128 Providence Street, enabling development of affordable, accessible housing for older adults.
  • $1,092,000 for Holliston to build wastewater infrastructure in its downtown sewer district, supporting smart growth, environmental management, and local economic development.
  • $1,015,000 to renovate a historic building and expand childcare capacity at the Whitin Community Center in Whitinsville.
  • $1,000,000 for Princeton to support construction of a new public safety building for firefighters, police, and EMTs.
  • $1,000,000 for Colrain to support construction of a shared wastewater disposal system.
  • $1,000,000 for Amherst to design and construct a 35-bed shelter with supportive housing.
  • $950,000 for Leicester to build a water interconnection with Worcester, strengthening drinking water reliability and addressing capacity constraints.
  • $879,000 to expand Stop It Now! child sexual abuse prevention programming in Northampton.
  • $850,000 for Shrewsbury to advance Route 20 corridor improvements, including design work for traffic safety upgrades, new and improved signals, and shared-use paths.
  • $700,000 for Conway to purchase a replacement pumper fire truck for its volunteer fire department and strengthen emergency response capacity.
  • $500,000 for Northampton to create a Community Resilience Hub that provides daily access to shelter, meals, and hygiene facilities.
  • $250,000 for Ashfield to reconstruct a century-old retaining wall near Sanderson Academy.
  • $165,000 to support renovations at the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls, helping preserve and improve Franklin County’s only large, publicly owned performing arts venue.

“These are targeted, practical investments that will strengthen public safety, expand opportunity, and improve people’s lives,” added McGovern. “And we’re investing in the next generation by making smart choices now—paying it forward with safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and the infrastructure and services that our commonwealth needs to grow and thrive for years to come.”

A full list and detailed descriptions of all the projects that McGovern requested federal funding for can be found here.

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Newhouse Votes to Advance Homeland Security Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Advance Homeland Security Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse released the following statement after passage of H.R. 7744, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. The legislation passed by a vote of 221-209. 

“Once again, House Republicans are advancing legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of the fiscal year and end the shutdown perpetrated by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.” said Rep. Newhouse. “With increased domestic threats due to military action in the Middle East, we must act swiftly to fund counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border security, TSA, and emergency management agencies. Partisan games that threaten the safety of American citizens are dangerous, and we must fund the Department of Homeland Security immediately.”

Newhouse Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse made the following statement after the vote on H. Con. Res. 38. The resolution failed by a vote of 212-219.   

“The Islamic Regime in Iran has supported terrorist groups targeting Americans for nearly 50 years. The War Powers Act is clear that the President may deploy U.S. armed forces against hostilities abroad for a brief period of time so long as reports are made to Congress. President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and General Caine have followed the requirements of the War Powers Act, and I believe the strength of our military will bring a swift end to the conflict. Our Nation is grateful to have sons and daughters who are willing to commit the ultimate sacrifice, and my condolences are with their families.”

The War Powers Resolution (War Powers Act) of 1973 requires the President to report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying U.S. forces against enemy forces if Congress has not declared war. 

After 60 days, the President may certify in writing to Congress the need for continued forces for an additional 30 days. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed the Gang of Eight ahead of the strikes in accordance with the consultation requirement of the War Powers Resolution. 

Subsequently, on March 2, President Trump sent a letter to Senator Chuck Grassley, President Pro Tempore, notifying him of the strikes. 

Tragically, six American troops have been killed during Operation Epic Fury. 

Newhouse Votes to Advance Farm Bill from Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Advance Farm Bill from Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse voted to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 from the House Agriculture Committee. The legislation advanced with a bipartisan vote of 34-17. 

“Rural America is facing an affordability crisis. Throughout central Washington, I have heard from farmers and ranchers who are struggling due to high input costs and market uncertainty,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 strengthens support for specialty crop growers, invests in agricultural export programs, and improves forest health to reduce the risk of wildfire. As a third-generation farmer in the Yakima Valley I know firsthand the challenges facing farm country, and I am proud to support this critical piece of legislation to deliver assistance to Rural America when it is needed most.” 

Bill text for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 can be found here. 

Section by section can be found here. 

Newhouse Statement on Court Order Impacting Columbia River System Operations

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Statement on Court Order Impacting Columbia River System Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement regarding U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon’s ruling in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) litigation: 

“Our dams remain under attack. This latest ruling increasing spill throughout the year will harm salmon populations while straining our electric grid. Once again, environmental activists are using judicial allies to threaten our hydroelectric system, which provides clean, baseload energy to millions in our region. These vital pieces of infrastructure allow irrigation and navigation for farmers, their commodities, and many other products that move on the rivers. The dams and salmon can, and do, coexist, and I remain committed to ensure the system has the resources needed to improve fish passage at lower spill levels.” 

Newhouse Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address: 

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a lengthy speech that emphasized the state of our union is strong. Our Southern Border is secured, inflation is down, our Nation is safer, and we are reversing the damage caused by the Biden administration.  With a Republican majority in DC, we have delivered on our promise to reduce government spending, keep taxes low, and establish energy dominance. Through the Working Families Tax Cut, we have prevented the largest tax hike in American history, increased the Child Tax Credit, and increased wages for middle class families. As I wind down my tenure in Congress, I remain committed to working with this administration to advance policies that benefit my constituents throughout Central Washington.”

Rep. Newhouse’s guest for the State of the Union was State Senator Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick). 

Rep. Panetta, City of Monterey Officials Announce $1.92 Million in Federal Funding for Critical Repairs to the Monterey Municipal Wharf

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by City of Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, Vice Mayor Ed Smith, and Interim City Manager Lew Bauman to announce $1.92 million in federal funding for the City of Monterey to make critical repairs to Monterey Municipal Wharf No. 2.

“The Monterey Municipal Wharf was built in 1926, exactly 100 years ago, and for the last century this wharf has been the working spine of this waterfront,” said Rep. Panetta. “Repairing the structure is about not just the rehabilitation of the Wharf, it’s about investing in our infrastructure and our Monterey Bay ecosystem and economy. I’m proud deliver this federal funding today to ensure the federal government is playing its part to support our local communities.”

“I personally thank Congressman Panetta for his advocacy in securing this federal funding for our Monterey’s Wharf II,” said Mayor Williamson. “The community bond that our iconic wharves epitomize connects our rich cultural heritage with today, highlights our economic vitality that has supported generations of Montereyans, and reminds us of our important environmental stewardship responsibility. Built in 1926, Wharf II has served Monterey’s working waterfront for nearly a century. Preserving it isn’t just about repairing a structure; it’s about ensuring that 100 years from now, future generations can stand there and feel the same connection to Monterey Bay that we do today.”

“On behalf of the City of Monterey, I extend gratitude to Congressman Panetta for his leadership in securing nearly $2 million of federal funding the ‘Monterey Wharf Critical Repairs’ project,” said Interim City Manager Bauman. “Our iconic wharves are the centerpiece of our beautiful Monterey Bay and represent decades of history, culture, and economic vitality. Preserving them is an investment for the Monterey region, now and for future generations.”  

The funding announced today will be used to restore wharf infrastructure to ensure continued usage, economic support for fishing operations, and public safety.

Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package. For FY 2026, he secured $2.77 million in community project funding for local projects across Monterey County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19th Congressional District.

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Congressman Marc Veasey Calls on Major League Baseball and Texas Rangers to Remove Statue Honoring Segregationist Figure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Marc Veasey Calls on Major League Baseball and Texas Rangers to Remove Statue Honoring Segregationist Figure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) sent a letter to Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, and Texas Rangers Co-Chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, raising serious concerns about the reported installation of a statue honoring a segregationist law enforcement officer associated with efforts to block the integration of Mansfield High School in 1956 following the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

In the letter, Congressman Veasey stated that honoring a statue tied to resisting school integration contradicts the inclusive values baseball represents and undermines the legacy of pioneering leaders such as Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, who helped make baseball a sport that belonged to everyone, regardless of skin color.

“Ballparks should be places where families gather, and fans of every background feel welcome,” said Rep. Veasey. “Honoring a figure tied to resisting school integration—and doing so with imagery that evokes racist violence—sends exactly the wrong message about who belongs in that space.”

Rep. Veasey urged Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers to remove the statue and requested answers about whether MLB reviewed or approved the monument and what guidelines govern commemorative displays at league ballparks.

The full letter can be found here.

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Pappas Helps Introduce Congressional Stock Trading Ban, Additional Measures to Restore Public Trust as Part of ‘No Getting Rich in Congress Act’

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

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped introduce the No Getting Rich in Congress Act, sweeping legislation to crack down on insider trading in Congress and the White House, restore trust in government, and ensure public service is about serving the American people, not personal profit.

The No Getting Rich in Congress Act establishes strong, enforceable standards to prevent officials from profiting from conflicts of interest and close longstanding loopholes that have undermined confidence in federal leadership. This includes banning stock trading by public officials and their families, prohibits lobbying on behalf of foreign adversaries, closes loopholes and regulates shadow lobbying, and extends existing ethics rules to spouses and dependents.

“The American people deserve to have no doubt that their elected officials are working for them – not for personal gain and profit or rich donors or foreign governments. But currently there are far too many loopholes that public officials can use to enrich themselves at the expense of the people they were elected to serve,” said Congressman Pappas. “The No Getting Rich in Congress Act would establish enforceable standards and close loopholes on stock trading, lobbying, and ethics rules for public officials so that we can restore faith and trust in this institution. For me, representing Granite Staters in Congress will always be about public service, not self-service. We should make sure that’s the case across the country and at all levels of government.”

Specifically, the No Getting Rich in Congress Act would:

  • Ban trading by public officials and their families. Prohibits the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, candidates for federal office, spouses, and dependents from buying or selling individual stocks, futures, commodities, and cryptocurrency, with strict reporting and enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for violations.
  • Prohibit lobbying on behalf of foreign adversaries. Permanently bans former public officials from lobbying on behalf of foreign adversaries, including China, to influence U.S. government decisions.
  • Close loopholes and regulate shadow lobbying. Requires spouses of both Members of Congress and senior Administration officials to register and report any effort to influence government decisions, ensuring spouses cannot use public office for personal financial gain.
  • Restrict corporate board service. Bars Members and their spouses from serving on or being officers of a corporate board, with strict reporting and conduct requirements for any pre-existing board service.
  • Extend existing ethics rules to spouses and dependents. Applies all gift, travel, and reimbursement restrictions that cover Members to their spouses and dependents, preventing backdoor deals and conflicts of interest.

Full text of the legislation, led by Representative Haley Stevens, can be found here.

Background: 

Pappas has led the fight against Members of Congress from trading stocks since entering Congress. Pappas has repeatedly broken with his own party in support of the stock trading ban. Following his advocacy in 2022, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi reversed course and announced legislation to ban stock trading by members of Congress would be considered by the House. Pappas led a bipartisan call for a vote on legislation to ban stock trading by members of Congress. In 2023, He joined 20 of his colleagues in calling for leaders of the House Committee on Administration to hold a markup on legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress from trading stocks. Pappas has also fought to change the rules of the House to include a ban on trading stocks by members of Congress

In 2025, Pappas helped introduce the TRUST in Congress Act, which would require Members of Congress — as well as their spouses and dependent children — to put certain investment assets into a qualified blind trust during their entire tenure in Congress, effectively banning them from trading individual stocks. Pappas cosponsors the Restore Trust in Congress Act, legislation that would ban Members of Congress from trading stocks and profiting off of public service, and supported the bipartisan effort to force a vote on it.

MEGAFIRES: Harder Secures $2 Million for First-Ever Regional Fire Training Facility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

First training facility inside SSJCFA’s nearly 200 square mile service area

VIDEO from the tour is available here

TRACY – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that he secured $2 million in federal funding for the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority (SSJCFA) for the first-ever Regional Fire Training Facility in south San Joaquin County. SSJCFA is one of the largest fire agencies in the state that does not have its own fire training facility inside its service area – which spans nearly 200 miles – forcing personnel to travel nearly 30 miles away. 

“Communities like Tracy are some of the fastest growing anywhere in the state, and it’s insane that we’re sending our firefighters outside their service area because they can’t get their training here,” said Rep. Harder. “That’s why this investment is so exciting – it’s bringing a world-class training center to our backyards and will ultimately mean faster responses and safer communities for our families. I’m committed to making sure our brave first responders have everything they need to protect Valley communities.”

As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Harder secured this $2 million investment through Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Community Project Funding. The funding will build on the nearly-completed training ground to bring more training rooms, props, and hardscape to the site. Once completed, the complex will not only keep personnel in their service area, but it will also support fire prevention and medical safety response while building educational partnerships across the Valley.

Harder was joined by SSJCFA Chief Randall Bradley and local first responders.

“The time we spend going to other training facilities takes away from the time we’re here to protect the community, so having these resources here makes a huge difference,” said Chief Randall Bradley, SSJCFA. “We’re going to be better prepared to respond to structure fires, wildfires, warehouse emergencies, and even railway problems. We’re grateful for Rep. Harder’s support in securing this funding and we’re excited about having these resources in Tracy and dedicated to our fire agency.”

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