MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today reintroduced a resolution to raise awareness for chordoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that affects the skull and spine. The resolution, introduced ahead of National Rare Disease Day on Feb. 27, highlights the urgent need for increased research, better treatments, and improved patient support. 

Chordoma is a slow growing but complex cancer that affects more than 25,000 people worldwide. In the United States, approximately 300 individuals are diagnosed with chordoma each year. Due to its location near critical structures like the brain stem, spinal cord, and vital nerves, chordoma is among the most challenging tumors to treat. While surgery and radiation can sometimes be effective, recurrence rates remain high, and there are currently no drugs that can cure or effectively control the disease. 

Congressman Johnson’s resolution underscores the need for:

• Accurate and early diagnosis of chordoma
• Development of new treatments, diagnostics, and potential cures
• Reducing barriers between research and the development of new treatments
• Patient-centered approaches to drug discovery and development

“I am proud to reintroduce this resolution to bring much-needed attention to chordoma and the challenges faced by these diagnoses with this rare disease,” said Congressman Johnson. “Patients and families deserve increased support, better treatment options, and greater investment in research to combat this devastating condition.”

Congressman Johnson has long been an advocate for raising awareness of chordoma. In 2022, he introduced a similar resolution after a former member of his staff, Joshua Smith, was diagnosed with the disease. 

By reintroducing this resolution in the run up to National Rare Disease Day, Congressman Johnson reaffirms his commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by chordoma and other rare diseases. 

About Congressman Hank Johnson:
Hank Johnson represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, where he is a staunch advocate for civil rights, public safety, and economic justice. Learn more at https://hankjohnson.house.gov/

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) – joined by Representative Pramila Jayapal, the Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, and 22 other Members of Congress – sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons calling for the immediate closure of Camp East Montana in El Paso. They cite urgent humanitarian concerns following multiple deaths in custody, documented unsafe conditions, and serious deficiencies in medical care.

This marks the fourth letter Congresswoman Escobar has sent to DHS and ICE leadership. The previous three letters have gone unanswered.

The letter can be found in its entirety below and here.

“Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:

We are urgently calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS or the Department) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to shut down Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas.

Camp East Montana has been operational for six months, and at least three people have died at the site since December 2025: Francisco Gaspar-Andres, Geraldo Lunas Campos, and Victor Manuel Diaz. The El Paso County Medical Examiner has officially ruled Lunas Campos’ death a homicide, citing “asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.”

Camp East Montana was constructed in a matter of weeks and opened before construction was complete and it does not have enough federal staff on-site to provide adequate oversight. Over the last several months, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, in whose district this facility is located, has sent multiple letters to DHS and ICE regarding concerns about the conditions at Camp East Montana, and has received no responses.

According to detainees, there have been constant and consistent problems at the facility since it opened, beginning with the facility’s poor construction and poor ambient temperature control. Upon opening, the drinking water at Camp East Montana tasted foul and made some detainees sick. Detainees continue to be served inadequate meals, including food that is rotten or frozen; last fall, the facility was also consistently failing to make dietary accommodations for detainees. Detainees have shared that they have sporadic access to outside spaces and recreational areas, and that their dormitory pods are cleaned only once every eight days, despite pods housing up to 72 people at a time. Laundry services are not consistent, and people are washing their clothes in the facility showers. Additionally, the facility experiences flooding and sewage backups when it rains, leading to stagnant water. 

One of the biggest concerns with the Camp East Montana facility is the inadequate medical care being provided to detainees. Our offices have heard that only the most ill detainees are referred to the medical unit and that there are inconsistencies as to how soon after arriving detainees are able to undergo initial medical screenings. Detainees with chronic health issues who rely on regimented medications for their health have had difficulty accessing necessary medications, including blood pressure medication and insulin.

At least one of the deaths that occurred in ICE custody, the death of Francisco Gaspar-Andres, appears to partially be the result of poor medical care by staff at the facility. According to ICE’s own account, Gaspar-Andres sought medical attention from facility staff for increasingly serious symptoms, but was only transferred to an area hospital once his condition had severely deteriorated.

In addition to our concerns about poor medical care, we are also aware that detainees have experienced irregular access to their legal counsel, including instances of detainees having only two minutes allotted per phone call every 8 days, which is contrary to ICE’s Detention Standards on access to counsel, and that the belatedly created law library lacks adequate resources for the amount of people currently held at the facility. In January 2026, ICE announced the on-site death of Geraldo Lunas Campos “after experiencing medical distress.” ICE opened an investigation into the death, but did not provide a cause of death. However, The Washington Post later reported that another man detained at Camp East Montana had witnessed guards choking Lunas Campos when he refused to enter a segregated housing unit. Weeks later, the El Paso County Medical Examiner ruled that Lunas Campos had experienced “asphyxia due to neck and torso compression” and ruled his death a homicide.

Lunas Campos is the first detainee to die at Camp East Montana as a result of a use-of-force incident, but we are strongly concerned that he will not be the last if ICE is allowed to continue operating Camp East Montana.

ICE was given $45 billion in taxpayer dollars in the reconciliation bill, $1.2 billion of which were awarded to Acquisition Logistics, LLC, a company with no previous experience managing immigration detention facilities, to build and oversee Camp East Montana. However, in the wake of three deaths in custody so far, continued concerns about conditions at the facility, and ICE’s apparent disinterest in responding to oversight letters from Congress, we do not believe Camp East Montana is being run professionally or responsibly.

Camp East Montana must be shut down. For the safety of everyone at the facility, for an end to abuses to detainees, and for fiscal responsibility to the American people, the site cannot continue to operate. We are calling on DHS and ICE to move to immediately close operations at Camp East Montana.

We look forward to hearing from the Department promptly on this matter.     

The other co-signers include Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Nanette Barragán, Yvette Clarke, Lloyd Doggett, Maxwell Frost, Jesús “Chuy” García, Sylvia Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Henry Johnson, Stephen Lynch, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Delia Ramirez, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Darren Soto, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Lauren Underwood, Gabe Vasquez, and Nydia Velázquez.

Issues: Immigration

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) raising concerns about the agency’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Space Modernization for the 21st Century,” and urging the Commission to withdraw or substantially narrow the proposal to remain within its statutory authority.

In the letter to FCC Chairman Carr, the bipartisan leaders express support for efforts to streamline radiofrequency licensing for private space systems, but warn that several provisions in the NPRM go beyond communications policy and into broader space activity regulation—areas Congress has not authorized the FCC to oversee.

The Chairman and Ranking Member requested that the FCC “rescind the ‘Space Modernization’ NPRM referenced above or issue a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) focused exclusively on radiofrequency communications licensing for private space systems.”

They further note that the NPRM would require operators to “take all possible steps” to assess and mitigate collision risks and certify compliance with an FCC-established human casualty threshold—requirements they argue are unrelated to spectrum management. As the letter states, such proposals “would effectively condition access to spectrum licenses on compliance with operational requirements unrelated to radiofrequency communications.”

The Members also raise concerns that the proposed rule would exceed the FCC’s statutory authority, writing that the Communications Act of 1934 “contains no clear congressional authorization empowering the FCC to regulate space safety, space traffic management, or broader non-communications space operations.”

Concluding the letter, they respectfully request that the Commission “suspend the NPRM or substantially narrow the NPRM through an FNPRM so that its contents are confined strictly to radiocommunications licensing within the clear bounds of the Communications Act.”

The intent of the letter is to ensure that federal space regulation remains grounded in clear statutory authority, avoids duplicative or conflicting requirements, and preserves U.S. leadership and competitiveness in the commercial space sector.

To read the full letter, please click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Tonight, Representative Sharice Davids offered the following statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address:

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, released the following statement on today’s fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia:

“Four years ago, Putin promised until the final hour that there would be no invasion. Then he sent his elite forces out of Belarus in an attempt to capture Kyiv. After Ukrainian troops valiantly fought back, sending the Russians retreating, he unleashed an army of thugs, conscripts and mercenaries to wreak havoc across Ukraine. Over the past four years, I have called for the United States to stand up and condemn Putin’s litany of atrocities and, before and after meeting in person with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, to make military resources available to sustain its defense. As we reach this four-year milestone and American leadership appears to waver, I again pledge to stand with Ukraine and its people who are on the frontlines of democracy fighting for their independence from a tyrannical hegemon obsessed with an anachronistic hope of a return to Soviet era occupation. Putin’s treatment of prisoners and kidnapping of children, his use of drone strikes against civilians, his attack on the energy infrastructure in the dead of winter after promising not to, his genocidal crimes against humanity, and his illegitimate claim of a right to the Donbas region must be condemned. Putin is a war criminal, and we must ensure there are consequences for his actions.”

Among his many legislative actions regarding the war in Ukraine, Congressman Cohen reintroduced a resolution last year calling Russian action in Ukraine a genocide and finding “state-level intent” for heinous war crimes.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tonight, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after Donald Trump concluded his State of the Union address:

“As expected, Donald Trump continued to mislead the American people about his record. His delusion was on full display as he lied about the economy, launched personal attacks against Members of Congress, and showed his focus is on himself.

“Donald Trump has done nothing to make life more affordable for my constituents in Denver and has prioritized enriching himself and his friends. He is an embarrassment and a stain on our country.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Olympic and Paralympic Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05),  joined Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) in introducing a bipartisan resolution (H. Res. 1069) honoring Team USA athletes competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. 

“In a time when everything feels heavy, the Olympics and Paralympics remind us of what we can do when we come together. These Games inspire kids everywhere to get active and dream big — and that matters more than ever,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “Colorado is home to 32 athletes on Team USA, more than any other state in the nation. And when the Paralympic Games begin in March, we’ll be cheering just as loud. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution, and I’ll be cheering on every single Coloradan through the rest of these Games.”

“Each athlete on Team USA has shown incredible determination, courage, and tenacity. They continue to inspire us all,” said Congressman Neguse. “Coloradans across our state — from the Western Slope and far beyond — are incredibly proud of our neighbors and fellow Coloradans competing in the 2026 Winter Games. It has been a tremendous joy to cheer them on and to witness their perseverance and resilience.”

“In the past two weeks, we’ve seen incredible grit and resilience from Team USA during this year’s Winter Olympics. Their commitment to sportsmanship and excellence has inspired the nation. A special shout out to South Bay’s Madison Chock and Chloe Kim, and UCLA’s Alysa Liu, for medaling and representing our community with such distinction. As we conclude the Winter Olympics and look towards LA28, Team USA remains the pride of our country by showing that diversity and tenacity are what make America great,” said Congressman Lieu. 

“As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, it is an honor to join my colleagues in celebrating this year’s Winter Games and our extraordinary U.S. athletes who represent this great nation with excellence and pride. This resolution pays tribute to the Olympians who have trained and competed in NY-21 and across the country, embodying dedication, perseverance, and the American spirit,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. 

“The Olympics are a wonderful time when extraordinary athletes compete while representing our great nation. The Olympic spirit showcases the best of our country, with athletes across the entire United States showing their skills on a global stage. I was proud to join my colleagues in co-leading this important resolution, and as the Representative for one of the host cities for 2028, I’m excited to welcome the games to Oklahoma City in two years,” said Congresswoman Bice. 

Colorado leads the nation with 32 athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics — more than any other state. The state is also well-represented on the Paralympic team, with nine Coloradans — including one from CO-01 — among the 25 athletes named to the U.S. Paralympic Team so far, with the full roster to be announced on or by March 2. Colorado is also home to both the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Formed in 2010, the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus is a bicameral, bipartisan caucus devoted to supporting Team USA and advancing the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Among other things, the Caucus devotes time and attention to educating Members of Congress and staff about Olympic-related activity and shines a light on related issues such as efforts to increase and broaden participation in athletics, demonstrate the importance of youth sports, showcase the value of sport to individuals with impairments, champion integrity in sport, highlight the special role of American servicemembers and veterans in the movement, and enable U.S. athletes to realize their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.

Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) announced $13,501,000 in funding that he secured in the Appropriations Fiscal Year 2026 bills for 13 projects he requested funding for in his district. After being passed by the House and Senate, President Trump signed the spending bills into law, which include funding for numerous community projects. 

“This funding will enact real change in our community,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “These funds will help provide housing, improve our water supply, improve public safety, and address many other needs felt in California’s 17th Congressional District. I am proud to have secured $13.5 million in funding for these vital projects.”

Rep. Khanna submitted the following Community Projects to the House Appropriations Committee, which have since been signed into law: 

Pruneridge Avenue Complete Streets Project

$1,000,000 with Senator Adam Schiff for The City of Santa Clara

This funding will be used to remove portions of existing travel lanes along Pruneridge Avenue to complete an important cross-county bicycle network and enhance intersections along the corridor with pedestrian improvements such as quick-build curb extensions, ADA curb ramps, and pedestrian signal enhancements. It will also provide a bikeway along this corridor that connects to 14 schools with a total enrollment of 8,896 students and over 12,500 employees from job centers along the project corridor.

Safe Routes to Schools and Parks 

$2,000,000 the City of Sunnyvale

The funding for this project will create safer walking and biking routes at three Sunnyvale locations, which include two schools and a park, by creating a corner curb and sidewalk extensions, pedestrian safety signs and striping, and ADA curb ramps. 

Main Street Revitalization Project

$250,000 City of Milpitas 

The funding will be used for design and construction of streetlights and signal improvements along Main Street from Carlo to Great Mall Parkway.

Cedar Boulevard Complete Streets Project 

$850,000, City of Newark

This funding will be used to resurface the pavement and provide for the construction of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities on a 2.2-mile segment between Stevenson Boulevard and Central Avenue — a critical street that serves more than 16,000 roadway users per day.

Silicon Valley Hopper

1,200,000, Cities of Cupertino and Santa Clara

This funding will be used to extend and expand a low cost on-demand micro-transit shuttle project. 

Restoration of Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans

$3,150,000, County of Santa Clara

This funding will be used to renovate and repair a facility used to provide emergency shelter and support services for homeless and unstably housed veterans.

Milpitas USD Workforce Development Center

$500,000, Milpitas Unified School

This funding will be used to build a Workplace Redevelopment Center to retool and reinvigorate a low-income area in Milpitas. At the crossroads of Hwy 237 and Hwy 680 in Milpitas lies the “Triangle of Greatest Need,” where more than 50% of the residents are low income and working one paycheck away from becoming unhoused; the residents need workforce development to fuel the heart of the advanced manufacturing industry. 

Auto Mall Parkway Center Median Project

$850,000, City of Fremont

This funding would be used for approximately 5 acres of center median infrastructure on Auto Mall Parkway. Auto Mall Parkway is a critical thoroughfare in the south end of Fremont, and is vital in connecting regional workforce commuters, commercial goods movement, and important retail centers in Fremont.

Berryessa Youth Center Renovation and Improvements Project

$250,000, Berryessa Union School District

The funding would be used for the renovation of the 20,500 square-foot Berryessa Youth Center, a youth facility in the Berryessa Union School District which includes a gymnasium, activity/classrooms, offices, conference rooms, restrooms, lobby, and storage rooms. 

City of San Jose Restoration Project

$1,092,000, City of San Jose 

This funding will be used to address the loss of a potable water supply to the ponds from diminishing reserves from drought conditions. 

Cleanwater Center 

$1,092,000, City of Sunnyvale

This funding will be used to upgrade and replace key facilities in Sunnyvale’s Water Pollution Control Plant. This plant has provided reliable 24/7 wastewater treatment since its construction in 1956.

Silicon Valley Regional Purified Water Facility 

$1,092,000, Santa Clara Valley Water District

This funding will be used to begin the development process of a full-scale facility to provide purified water for direct potable reuse in Santa Clara County, the heart of Silicon Valley.

SAFE+ Program Enhancement

$175,000 County of Santa Clara

This funding goes to enforcing the SAFE+ Program provides patient-centered care to empower survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence (IPV), or gender-based violence to make informed choices that best suit their needs.