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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

SAN JOSÉ, CA — Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the City of San José received a $3,160,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the San Francisco Bay Area Water Quality Improvement Fund. This funding will be used to construct and maintain large-scale green stormwater treatment facilities, supporting stormwater infrastructure across 6 watersheds in San José. The project is expected to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the San Francisco Bay.

“I’m proud to see this significant investment in protecting our environment and preserving our beautiful San Francisco Bay,” said Rep. Lofgren. “This grant will help to reduce the amount of trash, pesticides, and other contaminants from getting into the Bay. I’m happy that the City of San José will be able to strengthen our stormwater infrastructure, and I will continue pushing for further funding to make sure our communities are safe and healthy.”

“With El Niño storms on the horizon, we’re preparing for what the rain could bring — and what it could wash away,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Green infrastructure protects our fragile ecosystems, including the Bay, by capturing runoff and allowing nature to break down and process pollutants. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Lofgren for working to secure a $3.16 million EPA grant to build smarter, more sustainable stormwater infrastructure in San Jose.”

The EPA has awarded over $128 million to the San Francisco Bay program through more than ninety grants since 2008. These projects include over 100 partners who are contributing additional funding to restore wetlands and watersheds and reduce runoff pollution.

Rep. Lofgren voted to pass the most recent EPA funding bill in January.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04), announced that his office helped return more than $1.97 million in federal funds to residents of Indiana’s Fourth District during the first nine months of 2026. This includes funds from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, and other federal agencies.

“Serving constituents is my highest priority,” said Congressman Baird. “I was elected to Congress for this exact purpose: to help make the lives of Fourth District Hoosiers better. I am extremely proud of the support my team provides to Hoosiers in our district. They are dedicated individuals ready to assist every constituent to the best of their abilities. If you live in the Fourth District and need help navigating a federal agency, do not hesitate to call my office. We are here for you.”

From January 1st, 2026, through September 30th, 2026, Congressman Baird’s office recovered $1,971,290.65 from various federal agencies. These recoveries represent funds owed to constituents that the office helped obtain through constituent casework.

Funds Recovered by Federal Agency:

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): $1,018,347
• Social Security Administration (SSA): $459,764
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): $275,117.81
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM): $136,555.84
• Department of the Treasury: $35,020
• Department of Agriculture (USDA): $29,289
• Department of Education (DOE): $9,701
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): $4,000
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): $3,496

To receive help with a federal agency, constituents from Indiana’s Fourth District should call 317-563-5567 or click here. 

Find your Member of Congress by clicking here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding the passing of labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta:

“Dolores Huerta was an American hero and a powerful agent of change. With her colleagues, she saw injustice for farm workers and their families and organized for action. Because of her, millions of workers gained basic protections, better wages, and greater dignity. A warrior for women’s rights, equality for Latinos, and economic justice, Dolores set an example for generations to follow. She will truly be remembered among the great Americans of our age – and any age.

“Dolores asked us to believe what was possible – and then showed us that, if we stood up and fought for justice, ‘Sí, se puede.’”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) are continuing to press the Trump Administration for answers on the March 2026 fuel spill discovered at Joint Base Andrews. In a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, the members of the delegation press for information on the lack of action taken to contain the fuel spill and push for immediate steps to completely contain the spill and stop the ongoing water pollution it is causing. Over 30,000 gallons of jet fuel was spilled at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County earlier this year – resulting in over 22,000 gallons of fuel released into the environment, contaminating soil outside the base and the nearby Piscataway Creek. This letter follows concerns expressed in May over the Air Force’s critical delay in providing full information regarding the leak to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) – the state entity charged with responding to environmental pollution incidents – where the delegation members also pushed for transparency regarding the status of the fuel leak’s spread and containment efforts.

“We write to follow up on the fuel spill incident at Joint Base Andrews that was initially discovered in March 2026 and resulted in an estimated 22,000 gallons of jet fuel entering the surrounding environment, including nearby Piscataway Creek. After more than seven months, the Air Force has failed to fully contain the fuel spill, as demonstrated by continued signs of fuel contamination detected in Piscataway Creek by the Maryland Department of the Environment. This delay in fully addressing the fuel spill is unacceptable. The Air Force must take immediate action to completely contain the spill and stop all sources of continued fuel discharge into the environment, including by taking swift action to remediate contaminated soil and groundwater where necessary,” the lawmakers begin.

They continue, noting, “Water pollution from the Base directly impacts local communities that live along and recreate on Piscataway Creek, risking their health and ability to safely enjoy this natural resource. Piscataway Creek is a popular recreation destination for paddlers, boaters, and fishermen, and there are trails that run along the creek as well that offer hiking and bird watching. Piscataway Creek is also part of a landscape that is sacred to the Piscataway people, and the waterway runs by important cultural and historic sites.”

Among other questions, the lawmakers ask the following:

• The Air Force has stated that robust containment layers are holding strong but water sampling from the Maryland Department of the Environment has shown evidence of fuel entering the waterway through the temporary containment berms erected at the Base, especially after heavy rainfall events. What steps will the Air Force take to ensure that no more fuel enters Piscataway Creek?
• What is the timeline for full remediation of the fuel spill and subsequent contamination of Piscataway Creek?
• Moving forward, how will the Air Force ensure that fuel leaks at Joint Base Andrews and other bases around the country are addressed and fully remediated in a timely manner?
   

“We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and request a follow-up briefing for our offices and your detailed written response,” the lawmakers conclude.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Meink,

We write to follow up on the fuel spill incident at Joint Base Andrews that was initially discovered in March 2026 and resulted in an estimated 22,000 gallons of jet fuel entering the surrounding environment, including nearby Piscataway Creek. After more than seven months, the Air Force has failed to fully contain the fuel spill, as demonstrated by continued signs of fuel contamination detected in Piscataway Creek by the Maryland Department of the Environment. This delay in fully addressing the fuel spill is unacceptable. The Air Force must take immediate action to completely contain the spill and stop all sources of continued fuel discharge into the environment, including by taking swift action to remediate contaminated soil and groundwater where necessary.

Water pollution from the Base directly impacts local communities that live along and recreate on Piscataway Creek, risking their health and ability to safely enjoy this natural resource.

Piscataway Creek is a popular recreation destination for paddlers, boaters, and fishermen, and there are trails that run along the creek as well that offer hiking and bird watching. Piscataway Creek is also part of a landscape that is sacred to the Piscataway people, and the waterway runs by important cultural and historic sites.

The Air Force’s delay in executing a full cleanup of the fuel spill is especially concerning given that this fuel leak compounds on other Joint Base Andrews activities that have degraded the health of Piscataway Creek – namely legacy PFAS runoff pollution from the Base. We appreciate that the Air Force is working closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment and has taken steps to address the fuel leak, but the pace of the Air Force’s cleanup effort is inadequate in light of the seriousness of the situation and the history of environmental contamination around the Base.

Please provide responses to the following questions by November 12, 2026:

1. Will the Air Force commit to taking immediate action to stop continued environmental contamination caused by the fuel leak earlier this year?
2. The Air Force has stated that robust containment layers are holding strong but water sampling from the Maryland Department of the Environment has shown evidence of fuel entering the waterway through the temporary containment berms erected at the Base, especially after heavy rainfall events. What steps will the Air Force take to ensure that no more fuel enters Piscataway Creek?
3. Of the 22,000 gallons of fuel that has potentially entered the environment:How much has been discharged into the creek?
        a. How much is contaminating the ground?
        b. How much has been recovered?
4. What is the timeline for full remediation of the fuel spill and subsequent contamination of Piscataway Creek?
5. Has the Air Force completed its subsurface investigation? If so, what are the expected next steps for remediating any soil and/or groundwater contamination?
6. Moving forward, how will the Air Force ensure that fuel leaks at Joint Base Andrews and other bases around the country are addressed and fully remediated in a timely manner?

We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and request a follow-up briefing for our offices and your detailed written response.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Promotoras and community health workers are trusted neighbors, educators, and advocates who connect families to care. They help build healthier, more equitable communities. Their work expands health care access every day, often where it’s needed most, which is why I introduced a resolution designating October as National Promotoras Month!  

Thank you to all promotoras who serve our communities.

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

This week, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, led bipartisan members of the Hellenic Caucus in introducing a resolution to designate October 28th as Oxi Day.

On October 28, 1940, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refused to surrender to Axis forces, answering “Oxi!” – or “No!” – to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s 3 A.M. ultimatum that he allow Axis forces to freely enter Greece or face war. Prime Minister Metaxas’ refusal to relent to fascism sparked a national resistance movement, and Greece ultimately became the first country to repel the Axis invasion. Greece’s resistance required Nazi forces to delay their invasion of Russia to intervene in the Greco-Italian War, a delay which caused the Nazi regime to face a brutal Russian winter which hindered their advance and ultimately led to their eventual defeat.

Congressman Pappas was the first member of Congress to introduce legislation recognizing Oxi Day. Pappas first introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate October 28th as Oxi Day in 2019. He has done so every year since, with bipartisan support each time.

The text of the resolution can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

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

House approved Golden’s amendment protecting domestic shipbuilding in the annual Pentagon budget authorization, but Senate language falls short

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

October 29, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Mark Takano (CA-39), Sean Casten (IL-6), Bill Foster (IL-11), Don Beyer (VA-8), and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced the Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act to restore Congress’ capacity to confront emerging issues in science and technology.

For more than twenty years, Congress had the Office of Technology Assessment, an independent, bipartisan agency set up to provide information on technology and its potential impacts. However, in 1995 the agency was defunded, stripping Congress of the ability to access unbiased scientific and technological expertise as we entered the digital age.

As emerging technologies—from artificial intelligence to fusion energy and biotechnology—rapidly reshape everyday American life, we are witnessing the consequences of defunding a vital source of scientific and technical expertise for Congress.

The need for expert advice and analysis will only continue to grow as Congress works to anticipate the effects of scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology. As Congress considers drafting legislation on emerging technology, Members of Congress require access to unbiased assessments of what is on the horizon.

“Congress cannot continue flying blind into the future. We must have an office of independent experts as we face important decisions to guide emerging technology,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “Establishing the Congressional Office of Technology will enable Members of Congress to work with experts across disciplines, receive informed and unbiased feedback on legislation, and gain detailed understandings of the issues that will impact our nation. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside my colleagues who share my commitment to independent scientific expertise.”

“Each of us who serve in Congress brings a unique perspective and expertise which informs how we serve our constituents. I am confident in my ability to evaluate energy technologies and their impact on our economy and environment, but I cannot claim the same level of expertise on cybersecurity or gene-drive technologies. How many technologies with truly revolutionary potential have we failed to fund in favor of less useful dead ends? Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act will ensure we’re prepared to tackle the technological challenges of the future,” said Congressman Sean Casten.

“For years, Congress has not been adequately prepared to engage with complex technical issues that are increasingly important to the legislation we consider. As AI-driven technology rapidly reshapes our future, it has never been more important for Members of Congress to have access to forward-looking, non-partisan technical expertise and advice. That’s why I’m proud to lead the effort to revive the OTA and bring Congress into the 21st century,” said Congressman Bill Foster.

“Today Congress is confronted by complex issues ranging from cybersecurity to AI to energy and climate, and so much more — and reconstituting the Office of Technology Assessment would provide the Legislative Branch with a crucial internal source of expertise and counsel,” said Congressman Don Beyer. “Our bill would restore and update this key resource and bolster Congress’ independence and knowledge in a key area for years to come.”

“Effective policymaking requires a thorough understanding of the science and technology behind the issues Congress is tasked with addressing,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte. “The Congressional Office of Technology will strengthen Congress’s ability to evaluate emerging technologies by providing independent analysis, timely technical assistance, and long-term assessments of technological developments. Modernizing these resources is critical to ensuring Congress can make informed policy decisions and develop thoughtful, evidence-based legislation that addresses complex challenges without unnecessarily hindering innovation.”

“More than ever, Congress needs robust, independent science and technology policy advice it can trust,” said Daniel Schuman, Executive Director of the American Governance Institute. “Rep. Takano has long championed restoring that capability through the Office of Technology Assessment, and we agree the time has come for Congress to regain this essential expertise.”

“There is no better time than the present to reboot the mission of the OTA with the proposed Congressional Office of Technology. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the assumptions on which policymaking rests faster than policymakers can build their own expertise,” said Daniel Correa, Chief Executive Officer of Federation of American Scientists. “We applaud this bipartisan effort and their leadership decision, which will assist policymakers in making transparent, evidence-based decisions that are as forward-looking as possible.”

“As the pace of scientific and technological innovation continues to accelerate, it is more important than ever that our legislators are well equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to tackle the policy challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Luke Hogg, Executive Vice President at the Foundation for American Innovation Action. “Reviving Congress’ long dormant capacity for technical assessment is the first step towards a better equipped legislature. We are elated by the introduction of the Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act and look forward to working with Representatives Takano, Obernolte, Beyer, Foster, and Casten and their colleagues to build up technical capacity within Congress.”

Text of the Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act can be found here.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced the Fraud Accountability and Mandatory Sentencing Act to crack down on fraud, hold criminals accountable, and restore integrity to the government by imposing mandatory minimum sentences for federal benefits fraud and personal liability for state officials who oversee fraud.

This legislation would establish mandatory minimum sentences for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security fraud while holding state officers and employees personally liable for their roles in fraud. By strengthening penalties and reinforcing accountability, the Fraud Accountability and Mandatory Sentencing Act protects taxpayer dollars, restores public trust, and preserves the integrity of the government programs Americans depend on.

“For too long, Democrat states have allowed fraud and abuse to go unchecked and punished, leaving taxpayer dollars vulnerable,” said Rep. Cline. “That’s why I introduced legislation to impose tougher penalties for fraud and ensure those who enable abuse are held accountable. I am committed to ensuring that your hard-earned tax dollars are being used responsibly and reaching those who truly need them.”

Read the full bill text: HERE

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