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

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement today in response to the President’s strikes against Iran:

“In the dead of night, President Trump started an unauthorized, unconstitutional war with Iran. As a combat veteran, I know the terrible realities of war and I am deeply opposed to any unprovoked strikes carried out without Congressional authorization — authorization that is explicitly required by our constitution.

“America is going into this war alone with Israel and this president is putting U.S. troops and the entire region at risk. Not to mention the President told our nation that he destroyed Iran’s nuclear program completely last year, and is now citing the need to destroy Iran’s nuclear program as an excuse for his latest strikes. Either he was lying then, or he is lying now. We won’t go to war in the Middle East over lies once again. 

“I demand that Speaker Johnson re-convene the House and hold a vote to put every single member on record and to pass a War Powers resolution to stop this war. It’s unacceptable that members are home in their districts when we should be on the House floor taking action now.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) awarded $1 million in Community Project Funding to By The Hand Club for Kids, a free holistic after-school care organization dedicated to critical violence intervention and prevention. As part of the Altgeld Gardens Youth Entrepreneurship Accountability and Empowerment Program, students plant and grow vegetables in a shipping container converted into a farm, which Rep. Kelly also toured.

“By the Hand Club for Kids provides a safe place for kids to learn, grow, and make friends. They’re able to see the positive impact and power they have to change their community and beyond,” said Rep. Kelly. “I’m thrilled that my office was able to bring home $1 million in federal funds to help foster this program. Our children are not just our future – they’re our leaders right here and now.”

“Over the last decade I’ve heard the dreams of our students and watched them work towards living those dreams,” said Chantria Morris, coach at By The Hand Club for Kids. 
“Thanks to this investment from Congresswoman Kelly, many more young people will be able to actualize their dreams and be leaders of change in our community.” 
“By The Hand has changed my life—giving me purpose, new skills, leadership opportunities and a network of support,” said Shania Pickett, 12th grade student at By The Hand Club for Kids. “This investment is so important in Altgeld Gardens because young people here often lack resources for new opportunities. I’m so excited for more kids to have the same opportunities I’ve had. Thank you, Congresswoman Kelly, we appreciate you investing in us.” 

“Being in By The Hand has helped me become a better person, a better communicator and an advocate for what I believe in,” said Vernell Daniel, 11th grade student at the organization. “By The Hand is more than an afterschool program, it’s a family to me. In Altgeld Gardens we need better opportunities and alternatives to gang life for the chance at a better future. I am so thankful that more kids will have the same opportunities I’ve had.” 

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

“I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I was able to secure more than $1 million in federal funding for FAU to purchase Focused Ultrasound Technology for their new NeuroInnovate Center. Whether it’s from personal experience, or through a friend or family member, so many of us are touched by chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain cancers, or addiction. But armed with science, we are not defenseless against them, and the focused ultrasound technology at this NeuroInnovate Center will be one of the powerful weapons in our fight,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Funding research and advances like this are always difficult, yet the threats to that work, at the federal level, are the worst they’ve ever been in my lifetime. And all my years on the House Appropriations Committee have taught me how to ensure the work of the greater good can be, and should be, done right here at home.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON – Today, the Maryland Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Andy Harris, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Sarah Elfreth, Johnny Olsewski, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, and April McClain Delaney – expressed support for the State of Maryland’s request for an evaluation of the Maryland oyster fishery for eligibility for a fishery resource disaster designation, and urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to exercise his authority to approve fishery disaster assistance for the Maryland oyster fishery. In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the adverse weather and market conditions that watermen have faced this year, resulting in a steep decline in the oyster harvest coupled with a significant drop in oyster prices – threatening their livelihoods.

“We write to you as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to urge your favorable consideration of the request from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to conduct an evaluation of the Maryland oyster fishery for eligibility for fishery resource disaster assistance as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act,” Team Maryland began. “Given recent challenges facing the industry – including icy conditions due to the unseasonably cold winter season, recent fishery closures resulting from the Potomac River sewage spill, and overall challenging market conditions – we urge you to declare a fishery disaster and approve fishery resource disaster assistance for the Maryland oyster fishery as soon as possible.”

Underscoring the harmful consequences of these difficult conditions, the lawmakers wrote, “as compared with a five-year average of commercial landings, data from January of 2026 shows a concerning 44% decline in oyster harvest with continued depressed levels of harvest expected this year, while the dockside value of a bushel of oysters has dropped by 66%.”

Regarding the important role of the oyster industry in Maryland’s economy and culture, they continued, “the Maryland oyster fishery is of economic importance to the state, with millions of dollars of commercial landings every year that bolster the Maryland food service and tourism economies, while providing critical income for Maryland watermen. Maryland oysters are also a cornerstone of the rich Chesapeake Bay heritage and are a source of pride for the state, underscoring the importance of the continued operation of the commercial oyster fishery.”

Text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — The office of Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is now accepting applications for Community Project Funding (CPF) for the 2027 Fiscal Year. 

As part of the annual appropriations process, eligible entities may submit applications to their members of Congress for project-specific funding. Recently, Golden secured nearly $14 million in the most recent appropriations process, including CPF to support: 

• improvements to support working waterfronts;
• investments that reduce pressure on property taxes, such as wastewater treatment facilities; and
• modernization and new equipment for emergency responders such as police and fire departments.  

Eligible applicants this year may include but are not limited to state and municipal governments and their agencies, colleges and universities, and certain types of nonprofit organizations. 

Interested parties should visit Golden’s website for more information about the types of projects and organizations that are eligible this year, or email Deputy District Director Zach Schmesser at GoldenCPF@mail.house.gov with any questions. All applications must be received by 4 p.m. on March 11, 2026.

Golden for years has been one of the most effective members of Congress in securing funding for projects in his district. In FY 2024, Golden secured more than $25 million of CPF — the most of any Democrat in Congress. 

“Helping worthwhile projects get the funding they need is one of the most direct ways I can support our District, and my staff and I are more than happy to chat through any proposals that could benefit Mainers,” Golden said. “If you have any ideas or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about the CPF application process. We’re here to help.” 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) are leading members of Congress in demanding immediate action from the Trump Administration after retirees across the country reported they never received their required Form 1099-R tax documents from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and were unable to reach live assistance to resolve the issue. When OPM fails to deliver required tax documents or provide live assistance, retirees are left at risk of filing late, incurring IRS penalties, or losing access to refunds they rely on to cover everyday expenses.

 

In a letter to Trump’s OPM Director Scott Kupor, the lawmakers pressed for answers after constituents said they did not receive their Form 1099-R, the document required to report federal retirement income, despite OPM’s stated policy that physical copies would be mailed to annuitants without an email address on file after January 31.

 

“It is unacceptable for the federal agency responsible for the tax documentation of millions of retired Americans to fall short in providing timely, reliable service to all of them. We strongly urge you to address this serious gap in support and ensure that every impacted retiree can obtain the documents they need to file their taxes,” the lawmakers wrote.

 

Constituents report waiting well beyond the two-week delivery window communicated by OPM. Many who attempted to contact the agency’s Retirement Services helpline encountered jammed phone lines, excessive wait times, or were unable to reach a representative at all.

 

In their letter, the members requested detailed information on how many 1099-R forms remain unmailed, current call wait times, customer service performance metrics, and what corrective actions OPM plans to implement.

 

The letter is also signed by Wesley Bell (MO-01), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), J. Louis Correa (CA-46), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).

 

Full text of the letter is here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the start of Women’s History Month, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution calling on the Senate to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The Convention establishes an agenda for national action to end discrimination against women and ensure the advancement of women in political, social, economic and cultural fields through legislative action and legal protections. It was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1979 and signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 but has never been brought before the full Senate for a vote.

Currently, 189 U.N. member states have ratified the Convention. The United States joins Iran, Palau, Somalia, Sudan and Tonga as the only members of the United Nations who have yet to ratify the Convention. In light of the Senate’s inaction, dozens of U.S. cities, counties and states have passed resolutions in support of the Convention’s ratification. D.C. enacted the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women Act in accordance with the principles of the Convention.

“As the first woman to chair the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, I understand firsthand the profound impact ratifying the Convention would have,” Norton said. “During my tenure, I issued the first federal guidelines recognizing sexual harassment as a violation of equal employment laws. Ratification would strengthen the legal foundation for combating gender discrimination in our courts and demonstrate to the world that the United States is fully committed to ending gender discrimination.

“I urge my colleagues in the Senate to finally ratify this important Convention. It is long overdue.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) are original cosponsors of the resolution. 

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

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses impacted by severe flooding last December.

“The communities I represent need federal support to rebuild from the devastating floods in December,” said Rep. Larsen. “These loans are an important step in the disaster relief process, and I will keep fighting for more funds to help families and businesses in Northwest Washington make a full recovery.”

The declaration covers Skagit, Snohomish, Island, Whatcom, and San Juan counties in the Second District.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

Disaster recovery centers will be launched soon throughout the counties covered in the declaration.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is April 27. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24.

More information from SBA is available here.

Apply online for the funding here.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

Rep. Larsen has been working to secure flood resources for affected businesses and families. This month, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for a major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to help repair state infrastructure damaged in December’s historic flooding.

Last month, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors, which is currently pending approval. Back in December, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington delegation in a letter to President Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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