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

Headline: Newhouse Leads Bipartisan Letter to Support Douglas County’s BUILD Grant Application

Press Release 
For Immediate Release: May 4, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Sean Duffy at the Department of Transportation in support of Douglas County’s BUILD Grant application for the Wenatchi Landing Interchange Project.  

The letter was signed by Reps. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Adam Smith (D-WA), and Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA). 

Full text can be found here and below.  

The Honorable Sean Duffy 
Secretary 
United States Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 
Washington, DC 20590  

Dear Secretary Duffy:  

As members of the Washington congressional delegation, we are writing to express our strong support for Douglas County’s $21,000,000 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for the Wenatchi Landing Interchange Project. 

Located in central Washington and bordering the Columbia River, Douglas County is the 17th largest of Washington’s 39 counties and has an estimated population of 44,500 residents, which has grown 70 percent since 2000. The area is famous for its apple orchards and is part of the Wenatchee Valley, internationally recognized as the Apple Capital of the World. Agriculture is the top employer in the county, representing one-third of the total workforce. 

Additionally, there has been an increased interest in the development of data centers and industries supporting new technology and energy innovation. These factors have contributed to the need for safe and reliable road infrastructure to serve this growing region.  

The proposed project will support diversification of the local economy through development at the north end of the East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area and modernize the US and WA state highway interchange over the Columbia River in this critical transportation nexus. 

Phases 2 and 3 will complete the project by connecting the interchange to county roads to the north and east. The project is focused on improving critical safety elements to prevent injuries and fatalities while greatly improving the mobility and community connectivity needed in the region. 

This project will create an estimated 7,500 jobs, and an economic impact between $586 million and $1.3 billion. With its focus on mixed use, the project will boost the local and regional economy as a destination, providing an array of opportunities for hospitality, high-density housing, office space, light industrial and commercial enterprises, as well as commercial recreation opportunities.

This initiative will be a key driver for Douglas County’s economic growth as the region continues to expand. The framework for these efforts has been planned through extensive regional partnerships as outlined in the North End Master Site Plan, including 317-gross acres and 1.24 miles of Columbia River Frontage.

To date, the County has expended approximately $4 million of local funds and anticipates $2,395,476 in additional funding from regional partners towards the Wenatchi Landing Interchange. The County just received a $10 million Community Project Funding award in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to complete subsequent phases of the project. 

A BUILD grant will be critical to leverage established congressional support with the completion of Phase 1, potentially paving the way for multiple phases of this critical infrastructure project to come to fruition. 

We urge you to fund the Wenatchi Landing Interchange project through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD grant program to provide critical funding for this project that will improve safety, connectivity, and mobility to this growing rural area. This will serve to support economic prosperity while mitigating adverse impacts of development and growth.  

Thank you in advance for your full and fair consideration of this important project.

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

Upper Lake, CA – The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe announced today that Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) secured $3,150,000 for the Tribe’s Community Center Project through the Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.  

The funding will support the construction of a new Community Center designed to serve as a hub for educational development, tourism, economic development and entrepreneurial growth for tribal members and the broader regional community. 

“This investment represents an opportunity for our Tribe and the greater Upper Lake community, creating an ecosystem that supports education, entrepreneurship, workforce development and tourism. We are especially grateful for the leadership of Congressman Mike Thompson for his instrumental support of the Tribe’s request. Throughout his time representing our community, Congressman Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for the Tribe, and we deeply appreciate his years of dedication and partnership,” said Danielle Cirelli, Chairwoman of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake.  

“Proud to support the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe’s vision for a Community Center that will strengthen economic development, create new opportunities, and provide a central gathering place for Lake County with programs and opportunities available to everyone in the broader community. This $3.15 million in federal funding that I secured will help ensure the Tribe has the tools needed to invest in long-term growth,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

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

Upgrading the recreational park will benefit the surrounding neighborhoods and the larger community by expanding and improving outdoor resources and facilities

REDLANDS, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,000,000 in community project funding for the City of Redlands’ Texonia Park Modernization Renovations project. The grant funding will support much-needed renovations to the amenities in the widely used Texonia Park, improving community safety and accessibility. 
Once complete, renovations will include a new off-street parking lot, all-inclusive playground structure, restroom facilities, park lighting, new walking paths, sports fields, an updated picnic area and group reservation spaces. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.
“Whether it’s on the playground, the soccer field, or the jogging path, Inland Empire families need a safe and fun place to spend time outdoors and enjoy our beautiful state,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m proud to deliver this funding for Redlands to upgrade Texonia Park’s amenities and ensure that people in our community can enjoy them for years to come. I will keep working in Congress to deliver resources that make our region an even better place to live and raise a family.”
“The addition of $1 million from the congressional Community Project Funding, thanks to the efforts of Congressman Aguilar’s office, will go towards the development of a new inclusive playground, that will provide a space designed for children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, to play, explore and interact,” said Mayor Mario Saucedo, City of Redlands. “This was a project that former Mayor Aguilar initially championed when he was a member of the Redlands City Council from 2006 to 2014.”
As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

Warns thousands of Coloradans will lose food assistance as Republicans rip food off families’ tables to fund tax breaks for billionaires

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today condemned the Trump administration for again invoking emergency authorities to bypass Congressional review of arms sales.

“The Trump administration’s latest use of emergency authorities to bypass Congressional review for over $25 billion in arms is yet another deeply troubling example of this administration’s contempt for Congress’s oversight authority. 

“Of the cases included only one contains defense articles ready for immediate export. The administration is using the veneer of an emergency declaration to push through sales with no urgent nexus to current conflicts. That is not an emergency. That is an abuse of authority, and the Congress was deliberately cut out.

“In this instance multiple large dollar value cases were not even previewed to Congressional committees as is standard and long-standing practice.

“As I have said before, this is an emergency of the administration’s own making. This arms transfer reflects a broader pattern: ignoring the law, bypassing Congress, and making major national security decisions without transparency or accountability while dragging the country deeper into a war of choice.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s announcement that it is withdrawing 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany:

“President Trump is once again putting personal grievance ahead of U.S. national security. Decisions on force posture and the forward deployment of U.S. military personnel must be made based on strategy, threat landscape, and U.S. interests—not politics.  

“The U.S. military presence in Germany has for decades served as a cornerstone of U.S. operations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Withdrawing 5,000 troops because our allies disagree with Trump’s war of choice against Iran won’t just hurt our allies. It will damage U.S. national security and undermine the ability of the U.S. military to operate across three continents.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Coupang, a Seattle-based Fortune 150 U.S. technology company and retailer at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works for a visit highlighting the collaboration between the two companies. Through its international retail, logistics and fulfillment operations, Coupang is helping J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works export American-made products, which have the potential to reach millions of international Coupang customers in South Korea and Taiwan. 

“It was wonderful to be at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, a family-owned West Virginia business with deep roots in our state. While staying grounded in tradition, they’re finding new ways to grow and reach customers beyond West Virginia so consumers around the world can experience a piece of ‘Almost Heaven.’ This kind of growth is increasingly possible because companies like Coupang are helping American businesses reach customers well beyond their home markets by handling the complexities of selling internationally that can otherwise stop small and mid-sized businesses from exporting at all. 

Recent legislation introduced in Korea would disproportionately affect American companies like Coupang and subject them to potential office raids, fines, and the disclosing of private information due to Korea’s Online Platform Regulation Act (Platform Competition Promotion Act). As a Member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, ensuring our American tech companies like Coupang have the protection and support they need to thrive is a major priority of mine. This Congress, I introduced legislation that would ensure a level playing field for American companies like Coupang operating in overseas markets, protecting West Virginia businesses like J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works as they export from the Mountain State to the world,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.

“Coupang is proud to work alongside leaders like Congresswoman Miller to help West Virginia businesses like J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works reach millions of new global customers and drive American economic growth. Just last year, Coupang facilitated more than $5 billion in global sales for thousands of U.S. businesses, and we’re excited to see that impact reach West Virginia’s 1st District,” said Coupang Chief Global Affairs Officer Robert Porter.

J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works is a family-owned West Virginia business with deep roots in the state, originally founded in the early 1800s. Nancy Bruns, a seventh-generation descendant of the original Dickinson family, reopened and revived the business in 2013. J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works operates today on the same land in Malden, West Virginia, reviving a long tradition of salt production in the Kanawha Valley – once the largest salt producing region in the United States. J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works uses traditional, environmentally responsible methods, harvesting brine from an ancient underground salt source and relying on solar evaporation to produce salt rather than traditional industrial mining. The company is actively invested in the West Virginia community, supporting nearly a dozen local jobs, sourcing locally where possible, and demonstrating how heritage manufacturing and modern exports can work together to sustain rural economies.

Coupang serves millions of customers across all 50 states and more than 190 countries and regions globally. The company also helps thousands of U.S. brands from all 50 states sell and export their goods internationally, including small, family-owned businesses along with larger companies and well-known brands. In 2025 alone, Coupang facilitated more than $5 billion in sales of U.S. goods and services internationally, supporting American exports and economic growth. Coupang invests heavily in AI and technology innovation that make exporting easier and more accessible for U.S. businesses. This includes investing billions in advanced logistics, automation and data systems.  

Photos and video footage of the event can be found here. 

Background:

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

MIAMI, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) has announced Bryan Santizo, a sophomore from Hialeah, Florida’s iMater Charter Middle and High School, as the winner of this year’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s 26th Congressional District. 

Bryan’s artwork, titled “Horse,” was selected from among 139 entries submitted by students from 21 participating schools. His piece will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Student: Bryant Santizo, 10^th Grade, iMater Charter Middle and High School

Art Teacher: Jen Medina

Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas

Description: “Horse”

Additionally, honorable mentions were awarded to the following three students, whose artworks will be displayed in our offices in Washington, D.C., Miami, and Naples:

• Sara Rodriguez, 12th grade, Academy for Innovative Education Charter School (Miami Springs), “Before the World Grew Bigger” – Medium: Acrylic paint
• Neeley Camejo, 11th grade, Hialeah Gardens Senior High School (Hialeah Gardens) “The Vision of Two Worlds” – Medium: Alcohol markers, Prismacolor pencils, acrylic markers and paint, pens, watercolors, and chalk
• Chapin Lee, 10th grade, Lely High School (Naples) “Cannon EOS R1” – Medium: Watercolor

Background

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, including in Florida’s 26th Congressional District.

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit: https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/youth-and-kids/art-competition

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Racine, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced Isabella Rotizza as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.

WINNER: Beauty Doesn’t Have to Have Color by Isabella Rotizza

Isabella Rotizza and her piece, Beauty Doesn’t Have to Have Color, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Isabella is a 10th grade student at Westosha Central High School in Salem Lakes, where she is taught by Ms. Carina Rook.

“Congratulations, Isabella, on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition! The First Congressional District is home to so many talented young artists and each year I am impressed by the creativity and skill demonstrated in our community. Beauty Doesn’t Have to Have Color captures the talent of Wisconsin’s next generation and the impact art teachers have on students across our state,” said Steil. “I look forward to seeing Isabella’s work displayed in the U.S. Capitol.”

NOTE: The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition open to high school students from across the United States. Each Congressional office selects one winner to display in the tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol traveled daily by members of Congress, staff, and visitors to Washington, D.C.