Representative Adriano Espaillat Touts Over $3.1 Million in Federal Grant Funding to CUNY Dominican Studies Institute

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Check Presentation Today at 2:00 p.m. EDT at CCNY Shepard Hall located at 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031.

NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will present more than $3.1 million to support expansion and renovation projects at the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute. 

Espaillat secured more than $14.1 million in federal funding this cycle through the Appropriations process to benefit groups across New York’s 13th congressional district. 

Check presentations will be held at the following locations this week:

MONDAY: March 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EDT 
AMOUNT: $3,150,000 
AWARDEE: CUNY Dominican Studies Institute  
LOCATION: CCNY Shepard Hall 
160 Convent Avenue 
New York, NY 10031 

WEDNESDAY: April 1, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. EDT 
AMOUNT: $500,000  
AWARDEE: P.S. 171 Patrick Henry Prep 
LOCATION: 19 East 103rd Street 
New York, NY 10029 

MEDIA RSVP: Candace.Person@mail.house.gov to confirm attendance.

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Representative Adriano Espaillat Delivers Nearly $4 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Local Projects in the District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Espaillat will present federal funding to CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and P.S. 171 next week in the district.

WASHINGTON, DC — Starting next week, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will host a series of check presentations to deliver nearly $4 million in federal funding to support local projects at CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and P.S. 171 Patrick Henry. 

Espaillat secured the allocated federal funding for each through the Appropriations process to benefit groups across New York’s 13th congressional district. 

Check presentations will be held at the following locations:

MONDAY: March 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EDT 
AMOUNT: $3,150,000 
AWARDEE: CUNY Dominican Studies Institute  
LOCATION: CCNY Shepard Hall 
160 Convent Avenue 
New York, NY 10031 

WEDNESDAY: April 1, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. EDT 
AMOUNT: $500,000  
AWARDEE: P.S. 171 Patrick Henry Prep 
LOCATION: 19 East 103rd Street 
New York, NY 10029 

MEDIA RSVP: Candace.Person@mail.house.gov to confirm attendance.

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Beyer, Obernolte Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Transition to Unleaded Aviation Fuel

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) today introduced the Undoing National Lead Exposure through Authorizing Directed Education from DOT (UNLEADED) Act, bipartisan legislation to support the transition from leaded to unleaded aviation gasoline (Avgas) in general aviation.

While leaded gasoline has been banned in motor vehicles for more than 25 years, the use of leaded Avgas remains widespread across the general aviation sector, which includes roughly 220,000 aircraft operating at more than 20,000 airports nationwide. As a result, general aviation aircraft are now the largest source of lead emissions in the United States. The UNLEADED Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a comprehensive education program to support the safe and effective adoption of unleaded Avgas.

“General aviation is critically important to our national economy and to emergency services like medical transport and disaster response, but it remains the largest source of lead emissions in the United States,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Although new unleaded aviation fuel alternatives are being developed and certified, many pilots and operators lack clear information about their availability, safety, and compatibility. Our bipartisan UNLEADED Act will help bridge the information gap by ensuring pilots, instructors, and aviation professionals have the tools they need to safely transition to unleaded fuels as they become available, which will protect public health while supporting a strong general aviation sector.”

“As the general aviation community continues to grow, we must ensure that our pilots and others in the industry are informed about the latest developments in aviation technology, particularly the future of unleaded gasoline for general aviation aircraft,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte. “The UNLEADED Act will ensure that the general aviation community is familiar with the current state of certified unleaded fuel alternatives by directing the FAA to establish an educational program on unleaded aviation gasoline. Initiatives such as this one are critical as we move towards the goal of a lead-free general aviation fleet.”

Representatives Robert Garcia (D-CA) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) are original co-sponsors of the UNLEADED Act.  

This legislation is also supported by organizations including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

“Business aviation is committed to achieving a safe and sustainable transition to a lead-free future, and meaningful progress is already well underway,” said National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen. “But reaching this goal safely and at scale requires clear, consistent education for pilots, aircraft owners and fuel providers. The bipartisan UNLEADED Act will help accelerate the adoption of safe, approved unleaded fuels by ensuring the entire aviation community has the information needed to move forward with confidence. We thank Reps. Beyer and Obernolte for their leadership in advancing a practical solution that protects public health while preserving the safety and reliability of our National Airspace System.”

Specifically, the Undoing National Lead Exposure through Authorizing Directed Education from DOT (UNLEADED) Act, would:

  • Direct the FAA to establish an education program about new unleaded aviation gasoline authorized for use by the Administrator,
  • Require the education program to include information related to the compatibility of certified unleaded Avgas fuels with GA aircraft engines, in addition to the availability of certified unleaded Avgas fuels for purchase, and relevant certifications needed to utilize the fuels,
  • Publicize the status of all variations of unleaded aviation gasoline undergoing authorization by the FAA,
  • Ensure the newly established education program is made available to flight instructors and pilot schools, and
  • Facilitate annual education and training for Fixed-Base Operators leadership and staff that transport and handle unleaded aviation gasoline.

Text of the UNLEADED Act is available here.

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION EVISCERATING THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT

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

Read More (U.S House Passes Steube Bill to Extend Disaster Tax Relief)

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

April 29, 2026 | Press Releases

Watch Representative Steube’s Remarks Here
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that the House of Representatives has passed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act (H.R 5366). Rep. Steube’s legislation extends current law by delivering critical tax relief to Americans impacted by federally declared natural disasters.
Under this legislation, victims can deduct qualified casualty losses without having to itemize deductions for federally declared disasters between July 4, 2025 and December 31, 2026. It also ensures certain disaster relief payments are not treated as taxable income. These provisions ensure disaster victims are not penalized by the tax code as they recover from catastrophic events.
The bill is led in the Senate by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), with Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) leading alongside Rep. Steube in the House. The legislation builds on the work of the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), who spent years advocating for disaster victims. 
“Floridians are far too familiar with the devastation and costly aftermath that natural disasters bring to their homes and communities,” said Rep. Steube. “They should not be forced to face additional hardship and uncertainty by navigating a confusing and burdensome tax code after surviving such events. This bill ensures that disaster victims across the country can focus on rebuilding their lives while receiving the relief they deserve. Congressman LaMalfa spent years leading on this issue, and naming this legislation in his honor is a meaningful way to carry that important work forward.”
“Floridians are resilient in the face of natural disasters, and we always overcome them. While neighbors help neighbors and communities rebuild, we should be doing everything we can to make it easier on disaster victims in Florida and around the country to put their lives back together. We certainly should not saddle them with more uncertainty about their taxes. I am proud to support this bill with Rep. Steube to provide Americans critical clarity in the disaster relief process and honor the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s extensive work on this issue. Let’s finish the job and pass this bill,” SenatorRick Scott said. 
“In 2024, Congress acted to provide critical tax relief for Americans hit hard by natural disasters. The goal was clear: provide relief to those who need it most,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “The Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act appropriately extends existing provisions to ensure Americans recovering from a disaster have fewer tax burdens and more resources to navigate their recovery. While Representative Steube hails from the state of Florida which is no stranger to the worst of natural disasters – including hurricanes that have devastated communities there – his strong leadership on this issue is benefiting citizens in communities all across the country.”
“When wildfire survivors were stuck with an immoral tax bill on their recovery assistance, Chairman Lamalfa built a coalition and fought for them. Tonight, we finished what he started, honoring his legacy and the countless people this tragedy effected,” said Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy.
“The last thing families and communities recovering from natural disasters should have to worry about is an additional tax burden when they’re trying to get back on their feet,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan bill would ensure that wildfire relief payments and hurricane losses continue to qualify for fair tax treatment. The House passage of this bill is a critical step toward providing disaster-impacted Americans the certainty, time, and tools they need to rebuild and move forward.”
“Californians are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires. In the wake of losing their homes and livelihoods, it is wrong to tax survivors on settlement money that is meant to help them rebuild their lives. Survivors can’t afford to wait around for retroactive relief,” said Rep. Thompson. “Our late colleague Doug LaMalfa knew this well. I was proud to work with him to pass tax relief for fire victims in our communities in 2024, and I am proud we passed this bill now to honor his work and to extend our tax relief so more victims can be compensated.” 
Background: Rep. Steube led the effort to pass the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which was signed into law in 2024 after he successfully forced House consideration through a discharge petition. This was one of the few successful discharge petitions in congressional history. That law delivered billions in tax relief to Americans recovering from hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and other federally declared disasters.
The Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act builds on that effort by extending these provisions so disaster victims can continue to access relief under the tax code.
The legislation is supported by the National Fire Protection Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Bipartisan Policy Center Action.
Steube Bipartisan Disaster Tax Relief Bill Advances Out of Ways and Means Committee
Rep. Steube and Sen. Scott Introduce Bill to Extend Federal Disaster Tax Relief
Steube Disaster Tax Relief Legislation Becomes Law

Wagner Introduces Bill to Support Local Police

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05), Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, released the following statement after they introduced the Local Law Enforcement Support Act:

“I will always stand with our brave men and women in blue. Our local law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and I have been proud to work with them to make sure they have the resources they need to keep Missouri families safe. Each police department faces different challenges, and my bill will ensure they have the tools necessary to support officers, help victims, and put criminals behind bars,” said Congresswoman Ann Wagner (M0-02).  “The Working Families Tax Cut legislation provided a generational investment in law enforcement nationwide, and my Local Law Enforcement Support Act will give state and local police departments greater flexibility to use these funds in the way they know best, including training and recruitment, better protective equipment for officers, expanded availability of forensic technologies, and enhanced services to victims of violent crime.”

“Every local law enforcement department is different and has distinct needs,” said Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05). “As a former sheriff and lifelong law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of giving our departments the ability to invest in what best meets the challenges facing their officers every day. That’s why I am proud to join Congresswoman Wagner on the Local Law Enforcement Support Act to expand the possible ways departments could use their funding, including initiatives to recruit and train personnel, acquire protective equipment for officers, and invest in forensic and investigative technologies to help solve crimes. Flexibility gives them the opportunity to invest where they need it most, and in turn, helps keep our officers and communities safe.”

“On behalf of the men and women of the St. Louis County Police Association, I would like to sincerely thank Representative Wagner for introducing the Local Law Enforcement Support Act (LLESA).  Modern policing requires agencies to be nimble in the way they address crime, community relations, and officer recruitment/retention.  Embracing new training, tactics, and benefits to meet the ever-changing environment is paramount to providing the high-level of law enforcement and protection Americans expect and deserve. The LLESA will allow agencies to continue to meet the needs of our officers and the people they serve.  The additional flexibility the LLESA provides will give our agencies the ability to adapt and improve our officer retention programs, officer protection equipment, and new investigative technologies to combat criminal activity. We look forward working with Rep. Wagner to pass the LLESA and thank her for the unwavering efforts to support our police and keep our communities safe.” – Joe Patterson, Executive Director; St. Louis County Police Association

“The Police Chiefs Legislative Coalition, representing our police chiefs and law enforcement leaders across the State of Missouri, fully endorse the Local Law Enforcement Support Act. Our ongoing efforts to protect our communities rely on specialized teams such as our Drug Task Forces that combat illicit narcotics, Cybercrimes Task Forces that apprehend online sexual predators and Human Trafficking Task Forces that apprehend human traffickers. Their efforts remove some of the most violent and dangerous criminals from society. Many of those specialized units need the flexibility of funding toward recruiting and retaining personnel, acquisition of specialized technology, increased access to investigative equipment and aid for services to protect victims. We commend our lawmakers for answering our call for assistance and through the successful passage of the Local Law Enforcement Support Act, we can continue and expand our efforts to safeguard neighborhoods, schools and businesses throughout the State of Missouri.  Please stand with our Police Chiefs and Law Enforcement leaders in supporting this endeavor.” – Executive Board of the Missouri Police Chiefs Legislative Coalition

Supporting Organizations Also Include: Missouri Sheriffs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, National Narcotic Officers Associations Coalition, National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association. 

Click here to read the one pager.

Huffman, Raskin Launch Investigation into Trump’s Billion-Dollar Taxpayer-Funded Settlement to TotalEnergies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

Huffman to TotalEnergies: “Consider Yourself on Notice.”

April 29, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) sent a letter to TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné announcing a formal investigation by Committee Democrats into the secret billion-dollar deal the company struck with the Trump administration. The Department of the Interior (DOI) killed two American offshore wind projects, then handed over almost a billion dollars in taxpayer money to a French oil company and tried to make the whole arrangement off-limits to any judge who might want to take a look.

“If TotalEnergies thinks they can get away with taking a billion dollars from American taxpayers, they’re in for a rude awakening. The administration is flat out lying to the public and trying to stop anyone who stands in their way,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “We’re not just going to let this happen without a fight. The Republican-led Congress might not have a spine or shred of respect for the American people, but we sure as hell do. We’re going to get every document, every email, every last receipt on this deal, and every person who had a hand in this is going to answer for it. What I have to say to TotalEnergies is this: Consider yourself on notice, we’re coming for you. You will have to answer to the American people. And any other company that wants to try and pull this kind of scam should be ready for the same fate.”

According to the Ranking Members, the Trump administration pilfered the $1 billion dollars from the Judgment Fund, an account Congress created in 1956 to pay court-ordered judgments and settlements involving the United States, supervised by the Attorney General. There was no litigation with TotalEnergies. Instead, by entering into a collusive agreement with the company, the Administration is using the Judgment Fund as a slush fund to pay its friends and bribe private corporations into submission, all without congressional authorization.

After the Committees called out the blatant illegality in a prior request letter to DOI, Secretary Burgum changed his story and began calling the payment a “refund,” rather than a settlement. That did not help matters, because a “refund” also cannot be paid out of the Judgment Fund.

The Ranking Members note that under the administration’s theory, a president could bankroll its preferred policies of any company with funds unlawfully pulled from the permanent, uncapped federal account, all without a single congressional vote.

The lawmakers also lay out three additional legal failures: the “national security” pretext for canceling the offshore wind leases appears to have been fabricated after DOI and TotalEnergies had already reached an agreement in principle; the payment ignores the formula Congress wrote into the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act for compensating cancelled leases; and Paragraph 18 of the agreement attempts to bar any federal court from reviewing the deal, a provision the letter calls unconstitutional on its face.

“Making a secretive, taxpayer-funded deal and trying to shield it from any legislative oversight does not generate confidence that this deal benefits the American people. Therefore, Committee Democrats have opened a formal investigation into you and your company, TotalEnergies,” Raskin and Huffman stated in the letter. “In defense of the American people and Congressional authority, we will hold you accountable for this billion-dollar ripoff.”

The letter demands TotalEnergies preserve every document tied to the deal and place the funds in escrow while the investigation proceeds.

Read the full letter here.

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Pelosi Statement on Supreme Court Ruling to Weaken Fair Representation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais:

“Today, the Supreme Court has dealt a devastating new blow to the Voting Rights Act and against the sacred right to vote.

“The consequences will be felt across the country: fewer voices heard, fewer communities represented and a democracy diminished.

“Congress must urgently pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full strength of the Voting Rights Act before this latest blow becomes fatal.”

Hoyer Statement on SCOTUS Decision Regarding Key Provision of the Voting Rights Act

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in Louisiana v. Callais that ruled that the Louisiana voting map was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander:

“I will always cherish the memory of walking arm in arm with my dear friend and brother Rep. John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on our annual pilgrimages to Selma, Alabama. In 1965, on that same asphalt, Alabama State Troopers beat John nearly to death, fracturing his skull with their batons. John knew they would. He made that march on Bloody Sunday because he believed the right to vote was worth whatever pain they could inflict upon him. Later that same year, the Voting Rights Act became law. In 2013, the Supreme Court eroded its protections by striking down its preclearance requirement. Now, the justices have further weakened it with today’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais.

“By allowing Louisiana to redraw its congressional map in a way that dilutes the voting power of minority communities, the six Republican-appointed justices are participating in a brazen ploy to help Republicans keep their House Majority; it is an affront to everything for which John and so many others in the Selma march bled.

“I worked with John to promote voting rights because I agreed with him that the vote ‘is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.’ While the justices limited their ruling to Louisiana in this case, they have opened the door to prying that powerful tool from the hands of millions of people in the future.  There is no doubt that other Republican-led states will now test the Court’s new standard.

“Each time the Voting Rights Act is weakened, Americans lose a bit more faith in their democracy. I will continue to do everything I can to stand up for Americans’ equal right to vote. John would call on us all to do the same.”

Congressman Cohen Blasts Supreme Court’s Gutting of the Voting Rights Act

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) reviewed Wednesday’s 6-3 U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakening a provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act and made the following statement:

“We’ve been expecting this decision.  I’m disappointed that the Court has diluted the Voting Rights Act which guaranteed minority voters the right to elect the representative of their choosing. It has served us well. This ruling effectively undoes the work of Martin Luther King and John Lewis. Changes to the Voting Rights Act should be made by Congress.”

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