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Rep. Loudermilk’s Bill to Name Cobb VA Clinic after Col. Mike Boyce Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (Thursday, July 16, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement after his legislation to name the Department of Veteran Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, after Colonel Michael H. Boyce (H.R. 5362) passed in the House:

“My good friend and well-respected community leader, Colonel Mike H. Boyce, spent much of his life in service to his community, state, and nation. Through his service as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and later in elected office as the Chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, Mike was a tireless advocate for the health and welfare of our active duty servicemembers and our veterans.

“Mike worked to ensure our servicemembers had the tools to succeed and was instrumental in establishing the Cobb County VA Clinic, which remains a vital resource for those who served our country honorably.

“Recognizing Colonel Boyce through this legislation is a fitting tribute to an American hero whose service and advocacy inspired so many, and I greatly appreciate his wife, Judy, for working to continue his incredible legacy.”

Additional Quotes

“Colonel Michael H. Boyce was a distinguished veteran, valued community member, and church leader,” said Rep. Austin Scott (GA-8). “I am proud to be a part of this legislation that serves to honor his life and legacy of service to his country and neighbors.”

“Colonel Michael Boyce dedicated his life to serving our nation and improving the lives of Georgia’s veterans,” said Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-1). “His leadership in establishing the Cobb VA Clinic helped ensure that those who answered our nation’s call have greater access to the care they have earned. I’m proud to join Congressman Loudermilk and my Georgia colleagues in supporting this legislation to honor Colonel Boyce’s enduring legacy of service. Future generations will remember his unwavering commitment to freedom and those who protect it.”

“Colonel Mike Boyce courageously served our nation, passionately led his community, and tirelessly advocated for his fellow veterans,” said Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-9). “I’m proud to support Rep. Loudermilk’s effort to name the Marietta VA Multispecialty Clinic after Colonel Boyce to honor his remarkable life and service.”

“Mike Boyce lived a life of extraordinary service, service to his country, the people of Cobb County, and the veterans of Georgia. He led the charge in establishing the first Cobb VA clinic and the county’s first Veterans Service Office,” said Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-6). “I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than to name the clinic in his honor as a thank you for the veterans he helped in his lifetime, and for all the servicemembers he will continue to help through his legacy.”

“Mike Boyce was a tireless advocate for Cobb’s military community and a steadfast partner to the Cobb Chamber,” said Cobb Chamber President & CEO Sharon Mason. “His legacy of service, both to our nation and to Cobb County, has left a remarkable impact. Renaming the VA clinic in his honor is a fitting tribute to his commitment to veterans and military families, and we are proud to support this recognition.”

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Griffith Announces $3,012,885 HHS Grant to Twin Counties Region Head Start Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Announces $3,012,885 HHS Grant to Twin Counties Region Head Start Programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Rooftop of Virginia CAP, based in Galax, Virginia, a $3,012,885 grant. The funding supports local head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Head start and early head start services support communities in the Twin Counties region.

“This HHS grant for more than $3 million helps Rooftop of Virginia maintain head start operations in the region.”

BACKGROUND

According to its website, Rooftop of Virginia supports head start services in the City of Galax well as Carroll and Grayson Counties. More than 260 participants in the region benefit from its head start program.

Rooftop of Virginia operates three head start classrooms in the region.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. 

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Bacon Announces $5.5 Million FAA Grant Supporting Eppley Airfield Expansion

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Announces $5.5 Million FAA Grant Supporting Eppley Airfield Expansion

Funding Brings Federal Support Bacon Has Helped Secure for Eppley to More Than $120 Million

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced today that Eppley Airfield received a $5,520,462 Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to support infrastructure improvements tied to the airport’s ongoing expansion. The funding will support reconstruction of the existing Locust Street Pump Station, including electrifying the pump motors and upgrading the control system to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

Throughout his ten years in Congress, Rep. Bacon has made improvements to Eppley Airfield one of his top priorities, helping secure more than $120 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congressionally Directed Spending, Airport Improvement Program grants and other funding sources. These investments are supporting Eppley’s ongoing modernization, improving airport infrastructure, expanding capacity and strengthening Omaha’s connection to the rest of the country and the world.

“It has been thrilling to see construction on the airport expansion take place and realize how much this will add to Omaha’s entrance,” said Rep. Bacon. “This latest grant builds on more than $120 million we have helped secure for Eppley Airfield and will support important infrastructure upgrades as the airport continues its transformation. This expansion will enable Eppley to meet the travel needs of the growing metropolitan Omaha area and welcome international flights. It will shape our region’s future for many decades to come and be vital for Omaha’s economy. I’m pleased to work with the leaders at Eppley and Sen. Fischer in creating what will become the best airport in the Midwest.”

“This is fantastic news for Eppley Airport and the millions of travelers who rely on it. These continued federal investments are helping improve the capacity, safety, and efficiency of the airport. I am proud of the work Rep. Bacon and I have done to direct federal resources to Eppley over the years, and we will continue to do so in the future,” said Sen. Fischer.

“The Omaha Airport Authority was pleased to be notified by Congressman Bacon’s office that Eppley Airfield will be receiving a Federal Aviation Administration grant from the Airport Improvement Program for upgrades to utility infrastructure at Eppley Airfield,” said Dave Roth, Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Airport Authority. “The funds will support resilience of critical systems including upgrades to the primary storm water pumping station for the airfield and terminal areas.”

The Locust Street Pump Station project will replace and enhance existing diesel-fueled pump equipment with electric drive motors, rehabilitate stormwater pumps, upgrade controls and support related electrical improvements. The grant funds a portion of the project and is associated with a Congressionally Directed Spending grant that funds the remaining eligible portion.

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Scott Slams Trump Administration Plan to Weaponize Federal Grant Dollars to Undermine Civil Rights

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Slams Trump Administration Plan to Weaponize Federal Grant Dollars to Undermine Civil Rights

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON –Today, House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) sent a letter to U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought urgingOMB to withdraw the Trump Administration’s proposed rule, entitled Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance, that would politicize how federal grant dollars are managed and administered.

Ranking Member Scott warned that the sweeping changes in the Proposed Rule would upend the continuity of federal programs, harming individuals’ and communities’ access to essential services, as well as federally supported research that informs virtually every sector of our lives and policymaking at all levels of government.

In his letter, Ranking Member Scott argues that the new rule is simply another attempt by President Trump to overreach his executive power by granting political appointees authority to review how grant dollars are spent.

“The Proposed Rule attempts to codify multiple executive orders (EO) issued by President Trump—orders that espouse radical interpretations of civil rights and constitutional law that are currently the subject of numerous legal challenges. The Proposed Rule embeds divisive and questionable legal doctrine promoted by the Trump Administration in every federal grant; exceeds the authority of the Executive Branch; and ignores decades of best practices in research and science supposedly in the name of transparency, accountability, and oversight. The Proposed Rule would give more discretionary power to a Chief Executive who has proven willing to use the power he does have to punish political enemies and those who disagree with him … This Proposed Rule should be abandoned in its entirety. Moreover, any future changes made to the Uniform Guidance should de-emphasize the role of political appointees; embrace the concepts of scientific peer review, integrity, and independence; and not place the political pursuits of the President above the Constitution and laws of our country,” wrote Ranking Member Scott.

To read the full letter, click here.

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Scott Statement on Passing of Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Passing of Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, former Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick. Paul devoted more than 30 years to serving the people of Norfolk. He brought a deep understanding of his community and an unwavering determination to improve the lives of his constituents. This is a tremendous loss for the City of Norfolk. My thoughts are with his family, friends, former colleagues, and everyone whose lives he touched through his years of public service.”

 

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Democratic Veterans Celebrate Defeat of Republican Attack on Veterans’ Benefits

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Democratic Veterans Celebrate Defeat of Republican Attack on Veterans’ Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, for the second time, U.S. House Republicans were forced to withdraw a flawed Republican bill, H.R. 9237, from floor consideration. This followed strong opposition from members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus highlighting how the bill would represent the largest cut to veterans’ benefits in history, including cutting benefits for common conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea and raising fees on VA home loans.

Following today’s withdrawal of this bill to cut veterans benefits, members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and Herb Conway (NJ-03) released the following joint statement. 

“Today, the House rallied around veterans and rejected this partisan attack on veterans’ benefits and the VA. 

“Members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus led the fight against this bill, and we will always come together to stand up for our troops and our fellow veterans.  

“House Republicans should think twice before ever again taking benefits away from our veterans in the name of ‘fiscal responsibility’ after they added trillions to the debt with their One Big Beautiful Bill and are trying to force through $67 Billion supplemental to pay for the disastrous Iran War.” 

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Congressman Cleaver Named Co-Chair of House Democratic Task Force to Defend 14th Amendment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

Congressman Cleaver also delivers House floor remarks highlighting threats to equal protection, due process, and birthright citizenship

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), announced his appointment as Co-Chair of the newly established House Democratic Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force, a coalition of Members dedicated to protecting the constitutional guarantees of equal protection, due process, birthright citizenship, and civil rights in the face of ongoing legal and political challenges. 

Rep. Cleaver joins Representatives Analilia Mejia (D-NJ), Emily Randall (D-WA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) in leading the Task Force, which will coordinate congressional oversight, engage constitutional scholars and legal experts, educate the public, and respond to efforts that undermine the rights secured by the Fourteenth Amendment. 

“As someone whose life has been shaped by the Civil Rights Movement and whose ministry and public service have always been rooted in the pursuit of justice, I know the promises of our Constitution are only as strong as our willingness to defend them,” said Congressman Cleaver. “The 14th Amendment is the constitutional foundation for equal protection, due process, and civil rights in America. When those protections come under attack, we cannot afford silence or complacency. I am honored to help lead this Task Force as we work to ensure these constitutional guarantees remain real and meaningful for every American.” 

“The 14th Amendment reminds us that the promise of the Constitution belongs to all of us. It serves as the basis for the civil rights movement and ensures that every American has equal rights in this country, no matter who they are or where they come from. As Trump and Republicans attempt to undermine these liberties, House Democrats stand united in fighting for equal opportunity and equal protection under the law, and I’m grateful to Reps. Mejia, Cleaver, Randall, Simon and Subramanyam for their leadership in this fight,” said Chairman Pete Aguilar. 

“We are witnessing a coordinated campaign by the Trump administration and a radicalized Supreme Court to dismantle the fundamental freedoms forged in the aftermath of slavery and protected by the 14th Amendment, including the right to vote, equal protection and due process under the law, and the citizenship of every child born on this soil. This is a deliberate strategy to silence the communities who fought hardest to build this democracy and to strip them of the rights they bled for,” said Rep. Analilia Mejia. “I formed the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force with my colleagues because these rights have never been self-executing — they have been won through struggle, defended through sacrifice, and they will be defended again. Democracy is only possible with equality, and equality is only made possible by the 14th Amendment.” 

“Last week’s decision affirmed the actual words in the constitution — that if you are born in this country, you are a citizen of this country — but the fact the 4 justices dissented shows that we’re not safe from these continuous attacks from Donald Trump, his administration, and what is an activist and extremist conservative Supreme Court. We have to continue fighting to ensure that the citizens of the United States are protected and that nothing erodes that constitutional protection,” said Rep. Emily Randall. 

“The 14th Amendment granted citizenship BOTH to formerly enslaved people and all persons born in this nation. While the Supreme Court did their basic job in affirming the Constitution, threats to our constitutional and civil rights remain,” said Rep. Lateefah Simon. Republicans are hell bent on redrawing this nation in their image. The 14th Amendment was fought for – not given, and I join my colleagues as leaders of this Task Force and the continued effort to fight for and defend the 14th Amendment. 

“Birthright citizenship continues to be under attack by the President Trump and his administration. I am excited to join my colleagues as we push to protect the 14th Amendment and make sure we uphold it for generations to come. It is a core principle that belonging in this country is a right you are born with, not a gift that can be taken away,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam. 

Following the Task Force’s launch, Rep. Cleaver joined his fellow co-chairs on the House floor during a Special Order Hour focused on defending the Fourteenth Amendment and warning against efforts to erode constitutional rights incrementally.  

“History teaches us that constitutional rights are rarely lost all at once,” Rep. Cleaver said during his floor remarks. “They’re chipped away slowly – one exception, one excuse, one precedent at a time – until Americans wake up and discover that what once seemed guaranteed has quietly disappeared. We will defend equal protection. We will defend due process. We will defend birthright citizenship. And we will continue fighting until the promise of the 14th Amendment is not merely something we celebrate in history books, but something every American can experience in their daily lives.”

Watch Rep. Cleaver’s remarks from the House floor here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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Read More (Rep. Steube’s Years-Long Fight to “Lock the Clock” Clears the House)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

July 15, 2026 | Press Releases

Congressman Steube providing remarks on the House floor on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
WASHINGTON–The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation to end the twice-yearly changing of clocks and make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. The bill passed by a vote of 308-117 and now heads to the Senate. “This vote has been years in the making. In 2018, I was in a barbershop in Manatee County right after we changed our clocks, and I heard an entire room of Floridians frustrated about losing daylight in the evening,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “That conversation led me to introduce the Sunshine Protection Act in the Florida State Senate. We passed it that year and Governor Rick Scott signed it into law, but Florida couldn’t implement it until Congress acted. Now, after years of work, Congress finally gave Floridians and Americans across the country the vote we’ve been waiting for. It’s time to lock the clock!” For Rep. Steube, this week’s vote is the culmination of a fight that began eight years ago in the Florida Legislature. As a Florida state senator in 2018, Rep. Steube carried legislation creating Florida’s own Sunshine Protection Act, committing the state to permanent daylight saving time contingent on Congress changing federal law. Since arriving in Washington, Rep. Steube has continued that fight as a cosponsor of the federal Sunshine Protection Act, and in November 2024 filed a discharge petition to force a floor vote after the bill stalled in committee. The Sunshine Protection Act was introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and is led in the Senate by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). The legislation would end the practice of changing clocks twice a year, allowing states to remain on daylight saving time year-round. 
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Congressman Baird Introduces Bill to Give States, Territories, and Tribes a Stronger Voice at EPA

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

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced H.R. 9663 the  State Standing Committee Act. This bill establishes a State Standing Committee to advise the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The committee would give on-the-ground experience from each state and region counseling EPA decisions.

“The federal government always does better when local input is paramount in its decision making, said Congressman Baird. The EPA is no different, and this State Standing Committee can provide the key information, context, and expertise that only come from the states, territories, and tribes where much of the EPA’s work originates. I strongly urge my fellow committee members to pass the State Science Committee Act. Local experts should have input in the decisions directly affecting their own communities.” 
 
The State Standing Committee (SSC) would serve as a complementary body to the Science Advisory Board (SAB), which is tasked with providing the EPA Administrator national-level scientific counsel. However, unlike SAB members, who are appointed based on a broad range of backgrounds and qualifications, SSC members would be employees of state, territorial, or tribal agencies. By creating a formal mechanism for submitting region-specific scientific and technical advice, the SSC would help ensure that local expertise is represented and more effectively integrates local perspectives into federal policymaking and regulatory actions. When appropriate, SSC members could convene working groups to address regional or multi-jurisdictional issues.
 
Additional Background: 
The State Standing Committee would include one member from each state, federal district, federal territory, and federally recognized tribe to advise the EPA on agency decisions. 

The bill also expands the Science Advisory Board’s authority to receive matters not only from the EPA Administrator but also appropriate congressional committees.
 
Member Qualifications:

  • Reside within their respective state, federal district, federal territory, or federally recognized tribe. 
  • Be employed by a government agency within their respective jurisdiction responsible for environmental protection, natural resources, agriculture, or regulatory compliance with environmental standards.
  • Possess relevant education, training, or professional experience to evaluate scientific or technical information.
  • To avoid conflicts of interest, State Standing Committee members may not simultaneously serve on or be employed by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board. 

 
Members would be selected jointly by the EPA Administrator and the Science Advisory Board through an open, competitive, and merit-based process. Service would be voluntary, unpaid, and performed on an ad hoc basis. Any vacancies must be filled within 90 days using the same selection process. 
 
Read the full bill text here.

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Larsen Demands Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero

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

This week, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined nearly 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses. 

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.” 

On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.  

On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.  

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged. 

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.  

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here. 

Larsen Demands ICE Accountability 

Last month, Rep. Larsen voted against a bill that would fund ICE without placing additional guardrails on the agency and requiring that the agency is required to follow the same rules as every other local, state and federal law enforcement agency.  

Rep. Larsen supports strengthening accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities, including: