MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) led every Democrat on the Ways & Means Committee in introducing a Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) that would demand transparency into the Trump administration’s new “Defend the Spend” policy for childcare payments to states. 

Under the “Defend the Spend” policy, states cannot draw down their Child Care Entitlement to States (CCES) allocation until they provide unspecified data not required by law to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The CCES program provides mandatory funding to states, territories, and tribes to subsidize childcare expenses for low-income working families and to improve the supply and quality of childcare. But ever since the Trump administration reinstated their “Defend the Spend” policy in December 2025 after claiming unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in the CCES program, there have been anecdotal reports of states and counties unable to draw down funding. This violates federal law, which requires HHS to provide due process before suspending childcare funding due to allegations of misuse. Additionally, HHS thus far has failed to provide answers to Congress regarding which states are or are not able to access their funding, who at HHS is reviewing states’ submissions, or how that data is being used. 

“The “defend the spend” policy for childcare funding is a direct attack on working families,” said Rep. Chu. “Low-income parents rely on this funding to afford care for their kids so they can go to work, and childcare centers across the country depend on it to keep their doors open. It is disgusting that the Trump administration is putting this lifeline at risk by making states jump through new hoops before they can receive the funding they are owed under the law.”

Rep. Chu continued: “It is also deeply troubling that the Administration won’t tell us which states have received funding or who at HHS is responsible for reviewing and making decisions about the data states submit. Especially given the Administration’s recent nakedly political attempt to outright block childcare funding to five blue states, this raises serious concern that “defend the spend” could similarly be used to selectively target and punish Democratic states. We must demand transparency, and that’s exactly what my resolution would do.”

The Resolution of Inquiry would require President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to provide all documents, records, audio recordings, memorandums, correspondence, contracts, and more to the House of Representatives relating to the following:

• The HHS Deputy Secretary’s December 30, 2025 tweet reinstituting “defend the spend” procedures.
• Drawdown of CCES allocations via the Payment Management System (PMS) by any State, Territory, or Tribal grantee any time after December 30, 2025.
• Payment management system delays and procedure for addressing funding delays and complaints.
• Trump administration social media posts alleging childcare fraud and resulting threats to, and harassment of, individual childcare providers.
• Warning letters, referrals to the Office of the Inspector General, or other disciplinary actions regarding alleged funding misuse by any CCES grantee.
• Communication with grantees regarding the submission of additional data in order to draw down CCES funds and the storage, use, and sharing of such data within and outside of HHS.
• Payments to contractors or consultants related to ‘‘Defend the Spend’’ requirements, procedures, or implementation.
• Legal opinions designating as “proprietary” information related to contracting, spending of legally authorized funding, referrals to the Office of the Inspector General, staffing assignments, or procedures related to CCES funding.
• Contracts, staffing assignments, and instructions to contractors and any HHS staff regarding the ‘‘Defend the Spend’’ criteria and process for CCES entitlements.
• Contracts with States, Tribes, and Territories governing any payment management system operative in 2025 and 2026 and used to provide grantee access to CCES funding.
• Meetings, discussions, or other actions involving the HHS Office of the General Counsel or outside legal advisors regarding the use of a payment management system by grantees or efforts to provide, delay, or prevent access to funding.

The full text of the Resolution of Inquiry is available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota Congressional delegation, issued the following statement after the State of the Union:

“Team USA made us proud as Americans – especially our fellow Minnesotans who led the nation to earn the most medals at this year’s games. They showed us all a shining example of what can happen through unity, hard work, and respect for others.

“Unfortunately, those who had the patience to listen to the President’s speech tonight had to endure more than 100 minutes of rambling self-aggrandizement and division.

“When it comes to the reality of the state of our union, we choose to believe our eyes rather than the lies.

“Here in Minnesota, we have seen what happens when President Trump gets his way and a Republican majority in Congress goes along.

“We’ve seen the damage from masked, unidentifiable federal agents invading and occupying our communities to sow chaos, violence, and division. We’ve seen Minnesotans racially profiled and assaulted. We’ve seen the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. 

“Minnesotans are paying a heavy price for Trump’s policies. His illegal tariffs are driving up costs – taxing each and every one of us an additional $1,000 last year alone. And more than 100,000 Minnesotans will see their health care and SNAP food assistance stripped away because of the Republicans’ Big Ugly Law. 

“President Trump has targeted our state in an effort to divide us and destroy our way of life, but Minnesotans are responding by doing what we do best: Caring for our neighbors and working to rebuild. We will continue to use every tool available to push back on Donald Trump, Republicans, and their extreme policies as we fight to make life better for the American people. We are united in our efforts to oppose Trump’s reign of chaos, division, and lawlessness. We are united in working for an economy that creates opportunity for families today and their children tomorrow. We are Minnesota Strong.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [2/25/2026] – Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen marine carbon dioxide removal research and development in the United States.

Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) can address climate change by enhancing the ocean’s natural ability to reduce carbon emissions through natural and technological strategies. Many of these technologies remain in the early stages of development, and the United States lacks a coordinated federal framework to guide research, monitoring, and public engagement.

The Removing and Sequestering Carbon Unleashed in the Environment and Oceans Act (ReSCUE Oceans Act) would establish the United States as a leader in mCDR research, development, and responsible testing by investing in science-based measurement tools, creating environmental and community safeguards, and strengthening coordination between federal research agencies.

“We must do all we can to reduce carbon pollution, which fuels more frequent and extreme weather events,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “Marine carbon dioxide removal is a promising strategy that can enhance the ocean’s role as a natural carbon sink to absorb and store emissions. But we need more rigorous science, meaningful federal investment, and a clear research framework to safely deploy it. Oregon’s coastal communities understand the power and vulnerability of the ocean, and they should have a voice in studying mCDR. As Co-Chair of the House Oceans Caucus, I’m pleased to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan legislation to explore responsible use of mCDR.”

“Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) is an emerging tool to help us reduce and capture emissions while spurring economic innovation,” said Rep. Buddy Carter. “Our oceans absorb 30 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Funding further research for mCDR will help us better understand this emerging and exciting technology, and I am proud to colead this legislation with Congresswoman Bonamici, Congressman Tonko, Senator Murkowski, and Senator Schatz.”

“Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is an essential tool in the fight against the climate crisis, in addition to being a driver of American innovation,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “Our bill will encourage research into marine CDR to ensure it’s safe, effective, benefits coastal communities, and protects ecosystems.”

“Alaska has unrivaled potential for carbon sequestration and carbon dioxide removal, both onshore and offshore. As the state with by far the most coastline, emerging marine options, such as seaweed and kelp farming, have shown great promise as we seek to responsibly reduce emissions on a net basis,” said Senator List Murkowski. “Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide for new research and development of these technologies in close partnership with local governments, communities, and the private sector. As we seek to develop them the right way – fully protecting our marine environment – I’m excited by what lies ahead and the opportunities this will help create across Alaska.”  

Specifically, the ReSCUE Oceans Act would:

• Establish a dedicated research program and grants at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to evaluate mCDR efficacy and safety, including effects on ecosystems and coastal communities;
• Invest in monitoring infrastructure to evaluate environmental effects, measure outcomes, develop mCDR standards and protocols, and make findings publicly available;
• Develop a framework to designate mCDR field research sites to coordinate science resources and create clarity for researchers and communities;
• Establish an interagency working group co-chaired by NOAA and the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a federal mCDR research plan with monitoring goals, standards, and clear safeguards;
• Create a research code of conduct based on transparency and ecosystem protection to collect critical data to inform mCDR development, regulation, and siting; and
• Leverage research, workforce, measurement, and standards development resources across federal science agencies, including the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Atmospheric Administration, and National Institute of Standards and Technology.

This legislation is endorsed by Carbon180, Carbon Removal Alliance, Carbon To Sea Initiative, ClearPath Action, Climate Innovation Action, Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Visions, World Resources Institute, and Third Way.

Additional statements of support can be found here.

A one-page summary of the ReSCUE Oceans Act can be found here and a section-by-section summary of the bill can be found here. The full text of the legislation is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) updated his Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) appropriations deadlines.

Community Project Funding requests

The deadline to submit Community Project Funding requests is Monday, March 9 at 11:59 PM PT. Click here for the FY27 Community Project Funding request portal.

Non-Defense programmatic funding and language requests

The deadline to submit non-Defense funding requests is Friday, March 6 at 11:59 PM PT. Click here for the FY27 non-Defense Appropriations request portal.

Defense programmatic funding and language requests

The deadline to submit Defense funding requests is Friday, March 6 at 11:59 PM PT. Click here for the FY27 Defense Appropriations request portal.

Our office encourages entities to complete their requests as soon as possible.

For questions regarding Defense Appropriations; Legislative Branch Appropriations; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations; or Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations; please reach out to Kellie Hartl at Kellie.Hartl@mail.house.gov.

For questions regarding Energy and Water Appropriations; National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations; Homeland Security Appropriations; or Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations; please reach out to Olivia Speno at Olivia.Speno@mail.house.gov.

For questions regarding Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations; Financial Services and General Government Appropriations; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations; please reach out to William Klepp at William.Klepp@mail.house.gov.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union address: 

“Tonight, President Trump delivered an uplifting address to the nation and his message to the American people was clear: as America approaches our 250^th year, our nation is stronger and back on the path to prosperity. 

“After four years of devastating Biden policies that drove up inflation and decline, Congressional Republicans and President Trump have swiftly turned the tide. In one short year, we closed the southern border, removed dangerous illegal criminals from our communities, unleashed domestic energy production that lowered prices, and made life more affordable for working families once again.

“Among the many accomplishments highlighted by the President tonight, I am most proud of the Working Families Tax Cuts, and it was great to see so many Americans present tonight who benefited from the provisions included in this bill. Whether it’s a local law enforcement officer who benefited from no tax on overtime, or a mom who works as a waitress and benefits from no tax on tips, this landmark legislation is putting more money in hardworking Americans pockets. 

“As President Trump continues to lead from the front, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stop obstructing and start working with us for the betterment of the American people. We must all unite against the rampant fraud plaguing elections and social programs nationwide, as my guest Nick Shirley and David Hoch powerfully exposed in their viral videos. Fraud is not a victimless crime; it robs working families and the most vulnerable among us. Luckily, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in order to protect every dollar and restore election integrity.

“Together, we will end the waste, secure our future, and build a nation that is safer and more prosperous than ever before. The best days for our nation are ahead of us. This is just beginning. God bless America.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced Nick Shirley and David Hoch as his guests to President Trump’s February 24^th State of the Union Address. Nick and David are both independent investigative journalists who gained national attention through their video highlighting large scale fraud in Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs, prompting federal investigations. 

“Nick Shirley and David Hoch did the state of Minnesota a tremendous service by highlighting just how much fraud was allowed to occur under Tim Walz and Keith Ellison’s watch,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “By revealing stunning levels of obvious fraud to the American people, Nick and David did more work and showed more transparency than the Minnesota Department of Human Services. It is deeply concerning that private citizens, and not the Walz Administration, were the ones to reveal the true extent of the problem. Exposing the fraud, however, is only the first step. Minnesotans now want to see full accountability. Until then, faith in these institutions will not be restored.

Stauber continued, stating, “From the establishment of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, President Trump and the Republican-run Congress have taken great strides this past year to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. In that spirit, Nick and David embody the citizen-driven oversight that makes these reforms possible. It is an honor to bring them both to the State of the Union as a reminder to every American that the federal government under President Trump is committed to ending the abuse of programs meant to help working families and the most vulnerable.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Judicial Loyalty Act, legislation that will require all American judges to be natural-born citizens, thereby safeguarding against potential foreign influence in judicial decisions involving foreign policy, immigration, and national security.

In the case that a judge is a United States citizen who is also a citizen of a foreign country, the judge must officially renounce their citizenship by no later than 60 days after this law’s enactment. 

Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, “Just as our Founding Fathers wisely required our President to be a natural-born citizen to ensure unwavering loyalty to the United States and protect the White House from foreign influence, I believe the same standard should extend to the judiciary. Judges wield enormous power to resolve sensitive disputes that directly impact American interests. At a time when confidence in our institutions is more important than ever, it is concerning to see foreign born judges rule in a manner that contradicts these interests. Those who interpret our laws must have the utmost loyalty to our country and our people.”

For an example of a foreign born judge ruling against American interests, look no further than U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, a native of Canada, who ordered the Trump Administration to release billions in taxpayer dollars to wasteful foreign projects. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) took to the House floor to recognize Stephenville High School’s NFF Hatchell Cup Victory.

Williams’ remarks are below:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephenville High School, which I am honored to represent in the United States Congress.

On February 9th, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame named Stephenville High School the national winner of the NFF Hatchell Cup Award.

This is the highest academic team honor in high school football. The Yellow Jackets were awarded this distinction with an outstanding 4.0 team GPA.

Our community was proud to see Stephenville High School complete the football season undefeated and bring home another State Title.

The young men and coaches on this team have spent countless hours preparing both on and off the field. This Hatchell Cup recognition is a testament to their hard work and success.

I congratulate the players, Head Coach Sterling Doty, and the Stephenville community.

Go yellow jackets!

In God we trust, I yield back.”

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

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

Today, Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06), introduced the No Tax on Takings Act, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code to spare unsuspecting property owners from paying harsh federal taxes on a sale the government compelled them to make.

“Families should never be hit with a federal tax bill after the government forces them to sell their own property,” said Rep. Cline. “When eminent domain is used, property owners are already navigating a difficult process through no fault of their own. The federal government should not increase that burden by taxing a transaction into which they did not voluntarily enter. My bill delivers a simple, commonsense fix to the tax code to ensure Americans are treated fairly and protected from punitive tax consequences when their property is taken.”

“When governments force the sale of private property through eminent domain, taxpayers may be subject to a tax liability through no fault of their own. That’s not fair, and the No Tax on Takings Act rightly corrects this problem by amending the Internal Revenue Code to shield unsuspecting property owners from paying punitive federal taxes on a transaction they did not choose. NTU commends Congressman Cline for protecting taxpayers and we look forward to working to see this commonsense legislation signed into law,” said Thomas Aiello, Senior Director of Government Affairs at National Taxpayers Union.

“The No Tax on Takings Act aligns with Conservatives for Property Rights’ eminent domain principles. Taxing the compensation paid to a landowner reduces the amount of ‘just compensation’ received. The government compels property owners to sell land they may have had no intention of selling. So, Rep. Cline’s legislation is consistent with the Takings Clause, and CPR supports it,” said James Edwards, Founder and Executive Director at Conservatives for Property Rights.

BACKGROUND:

Currently, citizens who are compelled to give up their home, business, or land face a “double whammy” since they are:

1. Forced to take a dubious and subjective “fair market value” for their property; and 
2. Required to pay capital gains taxes on any proceeds from the mandated sale.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.