Posts

Posted on

Dingell, James Recognize National Cancer Prevention Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Congressman John James (MI-10) today introduced a resolution to recognize February 4th as “National Cancer Prevention Day.” Dingell and James serve as Co-Chairs of the Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus, which aims to educate policymakers about best practices for cancer prevention.

The resolution recognizes the devastating effect cancer has on families and the importance of expanding knowledge, encouraging early detection, and working with experts in the medical and scientific fields to put an end to this deadly disease.

“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and nearly every family has been touched by cancer in some way, but not enough people know many kinds of cancers can be prevented,” Dingell said. “Through research and our own individual actions, we can prevent cancer and save lives. The goal of National Cancer Prevention Day is to educate ourselves and our neighbors about efforts we can all take to reduce the prevalence of cancer in our communities.”

“Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer, or knows someone who has,” said James. “I’m proud to continue raising awareness for cancer prevention alongside Rep. Dingell. We cannot allow cancer to keep devastating families across our country. Raising awareness and prevention saves lives, and it’s essential to the health of our nation.”

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 2.1 million new cancer cases diagnosed and more than 626,000 cancer deaths in the United States this year.

View the full text of the resolution here.

Posted on

Pallone & Durbin Reintroduce Bill to Prohibit Marketing of Dangerous “Gas Station Heroin” Drug

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Tianeptine exposures have skyrocketed by more than 6,500% over nine years, rising from just 6 cases in 2014 to nearly 400 in 2023

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.  (D-NJ) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced legislation to prohibit the marketing of tianeptine – an unapproved drug commonly known as “gas station heroin” –  to consumers nationwide.

 

Tianeptine is frequently sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and online as a purported dietary supplement and sold under labels such as “Neptune’s Fix”, despite not having Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approval in the United States.

 

According to America’s Poison Control Centers, tianeptine exposures surged from just 6 in 2014 to nearly 400 in 2023. In New Jersey alone, the Poison Information and Education System received 41 calls related to tianeptine exposure between June 2023 and February 2024.

 

“Tianeptine or ‘gas station heroin’ has no place on our store shelves. In just eight months, New Jersey had 41 calls to poison control related to this dangerous drug, which is essentially five calls a month. That’s beyond troubling. These products make people incredibly sick, often require hospitalization, and pose a particular threat to our nation’s children. I’m proud to partner with Senator Durbin to reintroduce this bill to ensure FDA has the power to prohibit the marketing of ‘gas station heroin’,” Pallone said. “I look forward to working together to remove tianeptine from store shelves and to stop the marketing of ‘gas station heroin’ products.” 

“Americans put their trust in dietary supplements to improve their health, but some unscrupulous companies are abusing that trust by marketing dangerous ingredients in some of these products, like tianeptine,” Durbin said.  “Consumers have gotten sick and even died.  That’s why I’m introducing the Prohibiting Tianeptine and Other Dangerous Products Act to rid the market of tianeptine and protect American consumers.”

The bicameral Prohibiting Tianeptine and Other Dangerous Products Act would give the FDA the authority to prohibit the marketing of products, such as tianeptine, as dietary supplements. Pallone is the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over health policy, including FDA matters. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

 

According to FDA, tianeptine is a “potentially dangerous substance that is not FDA-approved for any medical use but is illegally sold with claims to improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder and other conditions.”  Reports indicate that people quickly develop a tolerance to tianeptine, which can result in increased use and higher dosages resulting in an alarming spike in the number of calls to poison control centers across the country.  Tianeptine mimics the sedative effects of opioids and is sold in smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations, which has led to its “gas station heroin” street name.

 

Anyone who has been exposed to tianeptine should call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 for immediate medical attention.

 

A copy of the bill text is available here.

Posted on

Garamendi Joins Warren, Alsobrooks, Quigley, 55 Lawmakers in Pressing HHS on Health Impacts of Violent ICE Raids, Arrests on Children

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08)  joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), along with Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), and over 55 congressional colleagues in pressing Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency escalating violence in American communities on children. From detaining children to arresting parents, ICE’s actions are leaving children with potentially lasting physical and psychological trauma.   

“ICE and CBP operations that treat children like collateral damage threaten their physical and mental health and wellbeing… This disregard for child welfare undermines the government’s core child-protection obligations,” wrote the lawmakers. “Yet your agency does not appear to be taking any action to speak out against or investigate the impacts of the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda on children.”  

Under the Trump administration, children — both U.S. citizens and noncitizens — have been exposed to increasingly violent and intense immigration enforcement operations. After Donald Trump rescinded ICE’s sensitive locations policy on Day One, ICE has carried out raids at schools, day care centers — and even a child’s birthday party. ICE has also become more violent, employing military-style techniques in communities across the country. Even when children are not the direct target, their exposure to this violence can create lasting trauma.  

“[ICE and CBP’s] practices have triggered national outrage and risk traumatizing children and depriving them of access to education and basic services, with lasting consequences for their behavioral, physical, academic, and emotional wellbeing,” wrote the lawmakers.  

Five-year-old Minnesota resident Liam Ramos was detained for more than a week in a Texas facility after reportedly being used as “bait” to capture his father. Liam’s father said Liam was not eating well and was sleeping a lot and asking about his mother and classmates. 

In Massachusetts, a man suffered an apparent seizure while ICE agents attempted to detain his wife as their toddler cried within arm’s reach. Witnesses allege agents pushed him, struck him, and pressed on his neck while the child remained trapped between the adults.  

In Illinois, ICE agents forcibly detained a day care teacher in front of her students.  In another incident, masked agents deployed tear gas near an elementary school in Chicago, sending children running and teachers scrambling for cover. In Texas, ICE agents stormed a five-year-old child’s birthday party, where state and federal officers conducted an operation that resulted in the apprehension of 47 people, including nine minors — one of whom was just three years old.  

“Children’s exposure to traumatic ICE raids occurring in their communities across America can have lasting effects on their long-term health and development, including their behavioral and psychological wellbeing,” wrote the lawmakers.  

ICE operations are also hurting children’s academic and social development. In districts where ICE raids have occurred, schools are reporting declining student attendance and performance; in some schools, nearly half of students have been absent following school-based ICE raids. Early childhood providers have reported attrition from day care, after-school programs, and other community programs that typically serve as spaces for positive socialization, mental health counseling, and other forms of support.  

Immigration enforcement actions are also impacting children’s access to health care. Most health care workers report significant or moderate decreases in patient visits since January 2025; for the children that do continue to visit the doctor, they reportedly have declining physical and mental health. One doctor observed “abnormal weight gain trajectories” in children not getting exercise outdoors due to “fear of encountering ICE,” and another pediatrician reported that “minors [are] constantly crying during their well-child checks expressing their fear for themselves and their families.”  

“Given HHS’s responsibility for the health and wellbeing of children in the United States, we request any data your department has collected regarding the impact of immigration operations on children’s health and development,” wrote the lawmakers.  

The lawmakers noted HHS’s various programs, offices, and agencies that research and provide for children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, and requested that Secretary Kennedy share any information HHS has regarding the impact of ICE and CBP operations on children’s mental health and development. 

Other signers include: Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); and Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Al Green (D-TX-09), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-CA-44), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), André Carson (D-IN-07), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD-02), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Chuy García (D-IL-04), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05). 

You can read here the Text of Letter (PDF).

Posted on

McCaul Leads Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Mexico

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Starting today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul — chairman of the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group (IPG) — is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) to Mexico to meet with Mexican lawmakers and other government officials.

The bipartisan delegation includes IPG Ranking Member Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Dan Meuser (R-Penn.), and Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas).

“As the administration rightly renews the United States’ attention on the Western Hemisphere, I’m proud to lead this bipartisan group to Mexico to strengthen our shared security efforts and boost regional stability,” said Chairman McCaul. “Mexico and the United States are connected not only by our southern border, but also by mutual security challenges and shared economic interests. While in Mexico, our delegation will collaborate with crucial partners, including our counterparts in parliament, on ways to strengthen areas of cooperation — from agriculture to counter-narcotic efforts. Additionally, as chairman of the Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events, I look forward to discussing how we can bolster cooperation between our law enforcement entities to help ensure the World Cup is safe and successful.”

“Our relationship with Mexico is one of the most important partnerships the United States has, and it demands constant, serious engagement,” said Ranking Member Cuellar. “That work must be done in a bipartisan way, and I appreciate Chairman McCaul’s leadership in bringing members from both parties together to focus on solutions. From keeping the New World screwworm out of the United States and protecting American agriculture, to strengthening USMCA so it delivers the best possible deal for American workers, to expanding bridge infrastructure that sustains border economies, these are practical challenges that require cooperation. We must also ensure Mexico meets its water treaty obligations to Texas, because water security is our economic security and our national security. I look forward to productive conversations with our Mexican counterparts as we work to strengthen cooperation and deliver results for our communities.”

The Mexico-U.S. IPG has been held regularly since 1961 to bring together legislators from both countries to discuss priority issues and identify ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. While in Mexico, the delegation will address key issues facing our two countries, including counter-narcotic efforts, immigration challenges, water resources for Texas, and security at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

###

Posted on

President Trump Signs McCaul's Give Kids A Chance Act Into Law

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, President Trump signed U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul’s landmark pediatric cancer bill — the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act — into law. McCaul, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, has championed the legislation tirelessly since he first introduced it in 2021. The bill, which Congress passed as part of its latest appropriations package, will accelerate pediatric cancer treatments and expand access to life-saving therapies for children battling rare diseases. 

“Today, we secured an enormous victory in the fight against childhood cancer — one that has been years in the making,” said Rep. McCaul. “Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus in 2009, I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with childhood cancer advocates, survivors, and patients who had one request: to give kids their best chance at beating cancer. Heartbreakingly, some of those brave young patients are no longer with us, including Mikaela Naylon, abeautiful teenage girl who spent her last months on this earth advocating for this bill. The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act will honor her legacy — and all of their legacies — by expanding children’s access to cutting-edge treatments and saving lives for years to come.”

Background:

Each year, nearly 16,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. In fact, children comprise as many as half of those living with rare diseases, yet treatment options for children remain extremely limited compared to those for adults. The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act reauthorizes the Food and Drug Administration’s priority review voucher (PRV) program — originally created under McCaul’s Creating Hope Act — which allows pharmaceutical companies to expedite FDA review of more profitable drugs in return for developing treatments for rare pediatric diseases. The program was notably used by Dr. James Allison at MD Anderson to obtain FDA approval for CAR-T immunotherapy.

Additionally, thousands of successful drug combination therapies are now being studied and developed for adults, but not for children. The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act also authorizes the FDA to direct companies to study combinations of cancer drugs and therapies in pediatric trials. 

Click here to read full text of the bill (page 937).

Click here to watch McCaul’s recent floor speech honoring Mikaela’s legacy and urging his colleagues to vote for the bill.

Click here to watch McCaul’s recent interview with Spotlight on America about the inspiration behind his work to fight childhood cancer.

###

Posted on

SCHNEIDER SECURES NEARLY $12.5 MILLION FOR COMMMUNITY PROJECTS IN COOK, LAKE, AND MCHENRY COUNTIES

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

SCHNEIDER SECURES NEARLY $12.5 MILLION FOR COMMMUNITY PROJECTS IN COOK, LAKE, AND MCHENRY COUNTIES

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced today he has secured nearly $12.5 million in federal funding for fifteen community projects across Cook, Lake, and McHenry counties for the upcoming fiscal year. The funding was secured through several bipartisan appropriations packages that were negotiated and passed through the US House and Senate and have now been signed into law. Since taking office, Schneider has secured more than $100 million in funding for Illinois’s 10th Congressional District through Community Project Funding requests, a process that allows Members of Congress to annually request federal funding for local projects. 

“I am proud to partner with wonderful local leaders who serve our communities as we advance opportunities to make a real difference for our shared constituents. That’s why I could not be prouder to have successfully secured more than $12 million in federal funds for fifteen important initiatives that will improve the lives and wellbeing of folks all across our community,” said Schneider. “These funds will go toward improving public safety, replacing lead service lines and aging water mains, restoring lake shores and wetlands, and much more. From Round Lake to Wilmette, North Chicago to Antioch, and Waukegan to Highland Park, communities from every corner of IL-10 will benefit from these crucial investments. I’m looking forward to visiting every one of them.” 

Schneider will kick off a tour of the funded projects, beginning at George B. Prindle Water Treatment Plant Intake Improvements in Highland Park, on Thursday afternoon.

A summary of the projects that have received funding, along with the funds awarded, is available below: 

  1. Lake County Community Violence Intervention Project – $1,000,000

Project Description: Implements a community violence intervention program and expands services for victims and survivors to improve public safety and support affected residents. 

  1. Round Lake Beach Police Communications Modernization – $240,000

Project Description: Equips patrol squads and detectives with new mobile data terminals to enhance field communications and access to critical information. 

  1. North Chicago Police Radio Communications Modernization – $447,000

Project Description: Upgrades police radio communications to improve interoperability with surrounding agencies and strengthen emergency response capabilities. 

  1. Antioch Township Sanitary Sewer Improvements – $1,092,000

Project Description: Modernizes and improves the sanitary sewer system in Antioch Township to ensure reliability and environmental protection. 

  1. Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility – $1,092,000

Project Description: Supports upgrades to compressor and blower systems in Fox Lake through the installation of modern, high-efficiency blowers to improve facility performance. 

  1. Spring Grove Wastewater Treatment Plant – $1,092,000

Project Description: Constructs a new wastewater treatment facility to support affordable housing growth and economic development, including job creation tied to the expansion of Scot Forge. 

  1. Shoreline Restoration at Big and Little Bear Lakes – $1,092,000

Project Description: Stabilizes eroding shorelines, improves stormwater filtration, and enhances wildlife habitats around Big and Little Bear Lakes. 

  1. George B. Prindle Water Treatment Plant Intake Improvements – $1,092,000

Project Description: Extends the primary water intake, constructs a new shore-well, and improves filtration and debris control systems to strengthen water infrastructure. 

  1. North Chicago Lead Service Line and Water Main Replacement – $1,092,000

Project Description: Replaces lead service lines and aging water mains to ensure residents have access to clean, safe drinking water. 

  1. Village of Wilmette Lead Service Line Replacements – $1,092,000

Project Description: Supports the replacement of lead service lines in residential areas to protect public health and drinking water safety. 

  1. Improving Natural Resources at Gander Mountain Forest Preserve – $1,000,000

Project Description: The Lake County Forest Preserve District is seeking funding to restore 250 acres of native habitat at Gander Mountain Forest Preserve in northeast Lake County. 

  1. Silver Creek Habitat Restoration and Flood Reduction Project – $300,000

Project Description: to restore wetland and prairie habitats along Silver Creek through brush removal, streambank planting, and floodplain enhancement. 

   13. Antioch Downtown Improvement- Lake and Main – $580,694

Project Description: funding for this project would establish safe and accessible pedestrian routes from Orchard and Main and Lake and Main, to the Main Street corridor.

  1. Lakeside Tower Rehabilitation – $1,000,000

Project Description: to rehabilitate Lakeside Tower, a 150-unit affordable multifamily building in Waukegan. 

  1. Waukegan Park District Adaptive Recreation Project at Roosevelt Park – $250,000

Project Description: to build an inclusive, adaptive recreation space at Roosevelt Park for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

###

Posted on

Sánchez introduces legislation designating ‘National School Counseling Week’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) announced today that she secured more than $11.7 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 through the government funding packages finalized by Congress this week and signed into law last night.

The congresswoman secured funding for all 15 community projects that she requested to directly benefit her constituents and enhance the overall quality of life in her district.

“I fought hard to secure funding for all 15 of my requested community projects because our communities deserve real results,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “This funding will bring safer drinking water, better transportation and infrastructure, stronger public safety, and meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of working families across our district.”

Congresswoman Sánchez secured:

  • $850,000 for Foothill Transit’s Zero Emissions Bus Program. The funding will be used to help replace retirement-eligible compressed natural gas buses with zero-emission buses.
     
  • $250,000 for Water Treatment Plant-North in Downey. The funding will be used to address PFAS contamination concerns by constructing a new water treatment plant in North Downey. 
     
  • $1.09 million for the Foothill Zone Consolidation Water Project in La Habra. The funding will be used to enhance the reliability and sustainability of water supply by consolidating and upgrading aging water systems in the Foothill Zone, which serves a significant portion of La Habra.
     
  • $250,000 for The Park and Gymnasium improvements in La Habra Heights. The Park and Gymnasium improvement project includes nine specific areas of improvement strategically selected to extend the useful life of La Habra’s primary public recreation facility. 
     
  • $1.5 million for Neff Park in La Mirada. The funding will be used for grading, placement of a natural drainage swale and landscaping improvements to address surface flooding that has occurred following even moderate rainstorms.
     
  • $1 million for the Montebello Fire Department’s Brush Fire Station. The proposed station will improve emergency response times, provide targeted protection to neighborhoods at high risk for wildfires, and increase the City’s overall capacity to respond to natural disasters and emergencies.
     
  • $1.4 million for the Montebello Police Department to upgrade its radio communications. This funding will help modernize and enhance the department’s public safety radio communications, ensuring that the department remains equipped with the latest technology to meet the growing demands of law enforcement operations.
     
  • $500,000 for the Holifield Park Parking Lot in Norwalk. The funding will be used to construct a new parking lot with 74 parking stalls south of Holifield Park, including fencing, concrete walkway, landscape and driveway approach improvements.
     
  • $850,000 for the Durfee Avenue Community Center in Pico Rivera. The funding will support the design and construction of the Durfee Avenue Community Center, which will rehabilitate a vacant and blighted former Veterans of Foreign Wars building into a vibrant community center.
     
  • $1.2 million for Suzanne Park in Walnut. The funding will be used to update Suzanne Park. The project will focus on four main areas of improvement, including accessibility, horse arena renovation, parking lot expansion, and softball field updates. 
     
  • $250,000 for Whittier Broadband Connectivity Project. The funding will be used to lay down 3,881 linear feet of robust fiber optic network from Whittier City Hall to Uptown Whittier to address current deficiencies in broadband accessibility, reliability, and speed.
     
  • $850,000 for River Parcel Passive Park in Santa Fe Springs. The funding will be used to transform 2.75 acres of vacant, city-owned land into a vibrant, multi-use recreational hub that meets the growing need for green space in Southeast Los Angeles County.
     
  • $250,000 for Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Works for Advanced Traffic Controllers for Multimodal Experience at the Future L Line Norwalk and Lambert Stations Areas. The project will replace outdated traffic signals on major corridors and optimize the use of smart traffic signals to improve traffic signal communications to the county’s Traffic Management Center.
     
  • $1.03 million for Rio Hondo Community College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit. The funding will support a Public Safety Scenario Training Unit at Rio Hondo Community College. The equipment funded by this project would ensure that law enforcement officers are well-prepared to handle complex and high-pressure situations with essential skills in de-escalation, tactical response and decision making.
     
  • $850,000 for the Walnut Valley Water District‘s Emergency Operations Center and Cybersecurity Resilience Project. The funding will be used for equipment for the water district’s new Emergency Operations Center, which provides water service to nearly 100,000 residents and businesses.

###

Posted on

Rep. Mike Levin Secures Over $42 Million for Local 49th District Projects and Priorities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

February 04, 2026

Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, Rep. Mike Levin secured over $42 million in new federal funding for new community projects and priorities throughout California’s 49th District. The funds were allocated as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding package signed into law by President Trump to fund the federal government through September 30, 2026. This builds on more than $1 billion in federal funding Rep. Levin has secured for the district.

Click here to view a map of the projects and funding Rep. Levin has brought to the 49th District.

“Since entering Congress in 2019, I’ve made it my mission to deliver the federal funding necessary to address our district’s most pressing challenges and improve quality of life for all residents,” said Rep. Levin. “I’m proud to have secured over $42 million in the latest government funding package that will go towards railroad and highway improvements, tackling homelessness, safer streets, and more. These investments will make positive differences in communities all throughout our district, and residents will benefit tremendously.”

Rep. Levin secured a total of $42,593,000 in federal funds. The projects and priorities that will receive funding and directly benefit California’s 49th District include:

  • $3 million for Mariposa Walkway and Coastal Rail Trail Improvement Project (San Clemente): The funding will be used to help repair the Mariposa walkway and trail, which are used for community access and are necessary during high tides for beach patrol and emergency response to reach the North Beach area but have been irreparably damaged by recent storms and landslides.
  • $2 million for Emerald Drive Complete Streets Project (Vista): The funding will reduce vehicle speeds on a high-traffic regional connector road by installing traffic calming measures, biking and walking facilities, and safe pedestrian crossings.
  • $2 million for Pier View Bridge Project (Oceanside): The funding will support the reconstruction of the historic Pier View Bridge as the structure continues to deteriorate and is non-compliant with modern earthquake design requirements, as well as support the expansion of the existing connected Lifeguard Operations facility, further enhancing public safety in our waterways.
  • $1.031 million for Law Enforcement Fleet Modernization (Orange County): This funding will be used to purchase specialty law enforcement vehicles, including undercover and emergency response vehicles that will support patrol investigations and undercover operations.
  • $1.031 million for Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project (San Diego Association of Governments): This project will complete 65% design for the Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project, which will enhance the biological, hydrological, and recreational values of the lagoon. This project will address increased sedimentation, invasive vegetation, declining coastal biodiversity, degrading water quality, water circulation restrictions, and vector concerns.
  • $1.031 million for San Dieguito Lagoon Shoreline Protection Project (Del Mar): This funding would be used for final engineering and construction for “living levees” – gently sloped, vegetated, earthen berms constructed with native plants and natural materials – to serve as protective barriers against flooding from the San Dieguito River and coastal erosion.
  • $1 million for Carlsbad Village Railroad Double Track Trenching Project (Carlsbad): The funding will complete the preliminary design and environmental review phase for a grade separated alignment of the railroad segment that passes through Carlsbad Village and the Barrio neighborhood of Carlsbad.
  • $1 million for North Coast Highway 101 Drainage Improvement Project (Encinitas): The funding will be used to fund construction of a 60-inch storm drain under North Coast Highway 101 to alleviate historic flooding in the Encinitas community of Leucadia.
  • $850,000 for Coast Highway Sidewalk Gap Closure (Dana Point): The funding will help install a missing sidewalk on the inland side of Coast Highway from Palisades Drive and Beach Road to approximately 1,100 linear feet north to allow for better pedestrian connectivity to Capistrano Beach.
  • $850,000 for Interstate 5 Improvement Project (Orange County Transportation Authority): The funding will help add an HOV lane on Interstate 5 in the northbound and southbound directions, implement ramp improvements, widen existing bridges, and replace two existing overhead crossings.
  • $850,000 for La Novia Avenue Bridge Replacement Project (San Juan Capistrano): The funding will be used to replace and widen a 60-year-old two-lane bridge with a four-lane bridge that includes new sidewalks, a bike lane, lighting, channel improvements, and traffic signal modifications at Calle Arroyo and San Juan Creek Road.
  • $850,000 for Vista Permanent Navigation Center Project (Vista): The funding will be used to acquire and construct a permanent facility to house Vista’s homelessness navigation center.
  • $600,000 for Positive Train Control Rail Safety Enhancement Project (North Coast Transit District): The funding will be used to make software improvements at grade crossing, enhance train operations, and optimize Positive Train Control performance testing.
  • $500,000 for Glencrest Safe Routes to School Project (Solana Beach): The funding will provide sidewalks and curbs along Glencrest Drive connecting to Lomas Santa Fe Drive.

Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has secured more than $1 billion in federal funding for the 49th District. As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, the only member from San Diego and Orange Counties, Rep. Levin fights for federal funds that impact millions of residents, including funding for clean energy, housing, public safety, veterans’ services, and more.

##

Posted on

Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Support New Organic Producers

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

Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Support New Organic Producers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Meeting Demand for Organic Produce Act to allow for a test-out alternative to the three-year transition period for new organic producers who prove no prohibited substances are present in the growing space.  

“Farmers looking to move to organic production are often strained by the regulatory burden of the three-year transition rule,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This practice is outdated, and allowing producers to test out of the transition period allows high quality, certified organic products to hit store shelves faster while upholding the standard consumers expect. This will also help meet the growing demand for organics, provide stability for farm operations, and lower the costs of these products for those who enjoy them.” 

This legislation is supported by the Organic Produce Association. 

Theojary Crisantes, Chairman, Organic Produce Association, said, “The Organic Produce Association applauds the introduction of this legislation which would help farmers seeking to transition to organic agriculture by establishing a voluntary test-out option for the organic three-year transition period. We commend Representative Newhouse for his continued leadership and support of organics by advancing policies that support innovation and growth in the industry. This legislation upholds USDA’s gold-standard requirements for the organic seal, supports producers and helps ensure we continue to have a strong and reliable supply of certified organic products to meet rising consumer demand.” 

This legislation allows farmers an option to test their soil or growing medium with a testing method approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. If testing proves there are no prohibited substances in their soil or growing medium, farmers are allowed to continue the organic certification process immediately, eliminating the arbitrary three-year transition process. Producers will still be required to meet all other organic certification requirements.

Background 

The three-year organic transition period refers to the period during which a farm or agricultural operation transitions from conventional to organic farming practices. Throughout these three years, the farm must adhere to organic farming methods without using prohibited synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. During this period, the land is treated as if it were already organic, but the certification is granted only after successfully completing the transition and meeting all organic standards.

The organic three-year transition period was put in place to ensure that farms undergoing a shift from conventional to organic practices have sufficient time to meet the organic standards set by regulatory bodies, specifically to ensure that any residual synthetic substances used in conventional farming are eliminated from the soil during those three years. However, since its enactment in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990, the agriculture and organic industry has changed substantially, in regard to innovation, production, and sustainability. Many of the harsh chemicals that once were used in the 1990’s are no longer being used, and the three-year period is an arbitrary number with little scientific backing. 

For many organic farmers, waiting three years is not financially feasible, especially if the soil or growing medium has never been introduced to prohibited substances. With the technology we have today, farmers should have an option to opt out of the three-year transition period, if they meet all other organic certification qualifications. This legislation will provide that option to all producers.

###

Posted on

Congressman David Kustoff Secures Funding for West Tennessee in Government Appropriations Package

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON –Today, Congressman Kustoff announced new federal funding for 11 separate projects in West Tennessee. These funds were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations package that President Trump signed into law.

“As a Member of Congress, I am proud to work on appropriations bills to ensure that federal resources are returned to our communities for valuable and worthwhile projects,” said Congressman David Kustoff. “These new investments will support critical projects throughout West Tennessee, including campus security enhancements, flood control systems, and improvements to transportation infrastructure. I am pleased to help bring this funding home so our region can continue to grow and thrive.”

The following community funding requests secured by Congressman Kustoff’s office are included in the appropriations package:

● University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Security Improvements (University of Tennessee at Martin, TN). Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $938,000

● Army Corps of Engineers Civil Construction, Section 219 Project (Tipton, Haywood, and Fayette Counties, TN). Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $9,500,000

● Tennessee Riverbank Stabilization, West TN River Basin Authority. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $2,500,000

● Sewer Equalization Tank Installation (City of Bartlett, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $1,000,000

● Sewer System Upgrade (City of Selmer, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $750,000

● Water and Wastewater Extension Project (Jackson Energy Authority, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $750,000

● Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion (Town of Arlington, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $1,000,000

● Water Main Replacement Project (City of Henderson, TN). Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $750,000

● I-69 Troy Bypass North and South (Tennessee Department of Transportation). Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $5,000,000

● Memphis Airport Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, TN). Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: Rep. David Kustoff, $4,000,000; Rep. Steve Cohen, $250,0000. Total: $4,250,000.

● Lambuth Campus Upgrades (University of Memphis, TN). Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Amount Funded: $1,250,000

###