When Arkansans Come to Washington

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Working in Congress to represent my friends and neighbors across the Fourth District, it is essential that we work closely with local and state entities to ensure that the legislation that is advocated for – and passed – in Washington addresses issues that meet the needs of Arkansans. That’s why it’s always a privilege to welcome the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce to Washington D.C. every year for their annual visit.

The dedicated state chamber representatives who journeyed to our nation’s capital this week share my interest in bettering our communities and laying a firm foundation for future generations to build their success upon.

Whether it’s hearing more about the needs of our cattle, livestock, and row crop farmers or learning more about what our communities need for more reliable infrastructure and economic growth, each of these needs have direct and deep impacts for the Fourth District.

These visits also help serve as a great reminder that the work we do in Congress matters. Oftentimes a spotlight is placed on the division and discord in Washington. But every single day, Members of Congress are showing up, ready to work together to enact good, commonsense policy. It may not always be legislation that piques everyone’s interest or is especially glamorous to discuss, but it’s legislation that builds a framework for a better future.

With all four Arkansas congressmen – and both Senators – holding a gavel, our state swings well above its weight in the House of Representatives. Because of this, across multiple House committees, a lot of the legislation produced has direct impacts on the Natural State. And when we welcome groups like the Arkansas State Chamber to town, not only do we get the opportunity to build better relationships, but we get the opportunity to put what we’ve learned to work and truly make a difference not only for Arkansas, but for America.

Read More (Rep. Steube and Sen. Scott Host U.S. Service Academy Fair)

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

May 16, 2026 | Press Releases

SARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) today hosted a U.S. Service Academy Fair at the Sarasota Military Academy. Each of the five military academies sent representatives to the event to answer questions and provide information to potential applicants.
“One of the most rewarding parts of serving Florida’s Suncoast is meeting young men and women who are ready to answer the call to serve our nation,” said Rep. Steube. “The Service Academy Fair gives students and their families a chance to connect directly with representatives from our nation’s top military academies and better understand the nomination process. Seeing so many students eager to serve their country speaks volumes about the strength and patriotism of the next generation.”

All students interested in attending the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY), the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), or the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) must receive a congressional nomination. Applicants must also possess an exceptional academic background, pass a physical aptitude test, and demonstrate strong leadership potential in order to receive consideration.
Learn more about the service academy process here.

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ISLAMOPHOBIC ATTACK IN BROOKLYN

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

Congressman Biggs Earns "Taxpayer Friend Award" from National Taxpayers Union

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) was honored by National Taxpayers Union (NTU) with the Taxpayer Friend Award for a consistent voting record in support of lower taxes, including the Working Families Tax Cuts, limited government, and economic freedom.

Congressman Biggs is one of only forty-seven representatives to have earned the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” for an outstanding voting record during the 2025 congressional year.

“Over my tenure in public service, I have been honored to vote on significant state and federal policies to lower taxes and the cost of living for millions of Americans and reduce the regulatory burden that plagues economic prosperity,”said Congressman Biggs.“U.S. House Republicans passed the largest tax cuts in American history and took steps to reverse the economic decline from the previous administration in the last year – actions that I was pleased to support. As I conclude my time in Congress, I remain committed to promoting pro-growth economic policies that will ensure a prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.”

NTU included 123 Senate and 97 House votes in the 2025 scorecard. The rating program is designed to calculate a member’s voting record of fiscal responsibility by weighing every vote that has a significant impact on tax, spending, trade, and regulatory policy. This year, Congressman Biggs scored 94% on NTU’s rating scale.

“National Taxpayers Union Rates Congress is a comprehensive, nonpartisan analysis of how lawmakers vote on tax and spending issues, and we’re glad to report that Congressman Biggs consistently votes on the side of taxpayer and fiscal restraint,” NTU Executive Vice President Brandon Arnold said.

 NTU has recognized representatives and senators since 1979 who annually earn high voting scores to qualify them for the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award.”

See NTU’s full 2025 congressional scorecard.

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Rep. Austin Scott Introduces The Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act During National Police Week

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

Washington, D.C— Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) and U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) introduced the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, during National Police Week, aimed at ensuring Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job, are eligible for federal benefits following their service.

The legislation will amend title 5 of USC Code to add Certified Fire Investigators and members of the National Response Team, making these officers eligible for a presumption that certain cancers they contract were caused by their job as a federal agent for the ATF. This allows them to receive Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA) benefits covering federal employees who develop illnesses tied to workplace exposure. Benefits will include disability compensation, medical treatment coverage, and survivor and death benefits for families.

“Our law enforcement officers, and their families, sacrifice to keep our communities safe. With the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, we will ensure that federal agents, who contract illnesses while serving and protecting, will become eligible to receive benefits. We have an opportunity to show our appreciation for the work that these men and women do, and during National Police Week, we are doing that by covering them when they step out of the line of duty,” said Rep. Scott.

“ATF’s Certified Fire Investigators and Response Team Members put their lives on the line every day, entering dangerous fire scenes to support criminal investigations and help bring perpetrators to justice,” said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Mathew Silverman. “The Nature of their work consistently places them in toxic and carcinogen-filled environments where health risks are real. This legislation, championed by Representatives Scott and McGovern,  closes a critical gap in federal employee occupational protections and reflects a basic principle: take care of those who face hazardous conditions in the line of duty.

Read the full bill text here.

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Golden statement on fatal fire in Searsmont

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

‘There is no braver man than one who runs toward the danger to protect others’

LEWISTON, Maine — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement today, following the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont on Friday that killed Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, and injured several other first responders and civilians: 

“There is no braver man than one who runs toward the danger to protect others. Firefighter Andrew Cross was a hero who died far too young in the line of duty, confronting the blaze at the Robbins Lumber mill so that others could be safe. May he rest in peace. 

“I am keeping Andrew, his family, his friends and all of our first responders in my thoughts today. And Izzy and I continue to pray for the recovery of the others injured in Friday’s fire. 

“I’m also aware of what a loss this fire is to the region. I have met the Robbins family several times, and toured the mill in Searsmont. The damage to the facility is loss not only to their family business, but to the families of the dozens of people who work there. In the wake of this tragedy, my staff and I stand ready to support the community in whatever way we can.” 

Searsmont and Morrill are both in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. 

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Crow Denounces Decision Granting Clemency to Tina Peters

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) released the following statement denouncing the decision to grant clemency to convicted felon Tina Peters:

“Tina Peters undermined a free and fair election. She authorized illegal access to election systems, promoted baseless conspiracy theories, and intentionally misled Coloradans. Tina Peters sided with Donald Trump’s Big Lie over our democracy.

“This President continues to tear down our democracy brick by brick. Colorado and our elected leaders should never cow to his threats and intimidation, and we should never give an inch in the fight to protect our values.

“Tina Peters is a convicted felon, found guilty by a jury of her peers. She has shown no remorse for her actions, and she should serve the full extent of her sentence. Anything less is an insult to Coloradans, a threat to election integrity, and rewards a wannabe king.”

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Rep. Neguse Questions Interior Secretary on No-Bid Contract

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — ICYMI, yesterday, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, the lead Democrat on the Federal Lands Subcommittee, questioned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on his agency’s role in a series of taxpayer-funded vanity projects that President Trump is spearheading across the nation’s capital—including a $13 million makeover of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 

The Trump administration is currently asking Congress for a $10 billion slush fund to support desired construction and rehabilitation projects across the D.C. area. That number is well above the $3.5 million deferred maintenance and repair figure reported by the National Park Service to bring assets in the region to an acceptable and safe condition. Public reporting has also suggested that some of these million-dollar contracts were awarded through a non-competitive bidding process.

Meanwhile, Trump and Burgum are seeking to enact sweeping cuts to facets of the National Park System in communities across the country—proposing a $757 million, or 26%, reduction in National Park Service operations funding.

In yesterday’s Natural Resources hearing, Rep. Neguse pressed Burgum for answers about the contractor renovating the Reflecting Pool, but the Secretary was unable to provide clarity. This builds on mounting confusion around the project after President Trump changed his own story on the matter in a series of Truth Social posts. 

Watch and download the full exchange HERE. A full transcript is available below. 

NEGUSE: Are you familiar with Atlantic Industrial Coatings? 

BURGUM: Uh, I’m not familiar with that.

NEGUSE: So Atlantic Industrial Coatings is a company—are you familiar with that company? 

BURGUM: You’re saying Atlantic? I’m not familiar with Atlantic. 

NEGUSE: Okay. Atlantic Industrial Coatings is the company that received a no-bid federal contract for the project at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Are you familiar with that now?  

BURGUM: I’m familiar with that project. Yes. 

NEGUSE: But not the company?  

BURGUM:  Uh, I wasn’t familiar with that specific name of the company. 

NEGUSE: Okay. You’re familiar with the fact that a company received a no-bid contract to do the work on that project, correct? 

BURGUM: I’m familiar that we have, that we’re working on a project to restore, uh, the reflecting pool before the, uh, summer season with record attendance. Yes.  

NEGUSE: And that was through a no-bid, $13 million contract, right? That’s not up for debate. That’s a fact. 

BURGUM: I’m positive that we followed all of the required bidding rules. So, you’re emphasizing the word no”-bid,” like something nefarious has happened. I reject that thesis. 

NEGUSE: Okay, explain it to me, I’ll ask you the question. My understanding of the federal procurement rules is that a no-bid contract is reserved for situations where, “any delay would cause serious injury to the government.” Your proposition is what? That there’d be serious injury to the government if this company didn’t get the $13 million contract to do this particular project right now…

BURGUM: Well, I think we do have a sense of urgency. I mean we got handed a record amount of deferred maintenance. We had 19 fountains across the city that didn’t work…

NEGUSE: That’s the serious injury to the government? 

BURGUM: I’m not. I suppose a lawyer could decide that. But I think that maybe all of us could agree that we would want to have our nation’s capital looking great for the 250th. I mean, this is a common-sense decision. 

NEGUSE: I would say, just the last question. Who picked this company? Because President Trump, a few months ago, in a New York Times article, said, “I have a guy who’s unbelievable at doing swimming pools… He looked at it. He called me up. He said: ‘Sir, we can do something on it.” 

Last night he posted on Truth Social: “Also, I didn’t give out the contract, Interior did, to a contractor I did not know, and have never used before.” So Interior, he’s talking about you. Did you give this $13 million no-bid contract to this company that’s never done business with the federal government before? 

BURGUM: The gentleman that you’re talking about that has done, uh, construction work regarding pools and fountains for President Trump, is not part of this contract. He’s working. He just, he’s just a citizen that cared about it and offered some free advice. There is, there’s nothing there there in terms of any dollars flowing to anybody that worked for President Trump.  

NEGUSE: Then who picked this company, that’s what I’m getting at.  

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Rep. Omar Honors Minnesota State Representative Erin Koegel on the House Floor

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in honor of State Representative Erin Koegel for a decade of service to the residents of Fridley, Columbia Heights, Spring Lake Park, and Hilltop in the Minnesota House of Representatives. You can watch the full video here. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota State Representative Erin Koegel for her incredible work serving in the Minnesota Legislature.

“I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Rep. Koegel during my time serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and I quickly learned how thoughtful, dedicated, and strategic she is when it comes to serving her constituents.

“For a decade, Rep. Koegel has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday people – passing landmark transportation legislation to invest in roads, bridges, and transit, and expanding worker protections for pregnant and breastfeeding Minnesotans.

“My belief in co-governance is made possible through my colleagues at the state and local level, and Rep. Koegel has been a great partner in this work.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of her work for years to come!

“Thank you, and I yield back.”

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THOMPSON, KILEY, MILLER INTRODUCE TRIPARTISAN RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAY 17TH AS NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS AWARENESS DAY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington – Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Kevin Kiley (I-CA-03), and Carol Miller (R-WV-01) introduced a tripartisan resolution to designate May 17th as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a dangerous and deadly medical condition that often impacts infants born prematurely or with medical complications. 

“NEC often strikes in the first weeks and months of a child’s life, quickly turning what should be a happy time for families into a nightmare,” said Rep. Thompson. “I’m honored to introduce this resolution to raise awareness for NEC and promote the importance of continued medical research and support for families impacted by this devastating disease.”

“With no known single cause, it is important that we raise awareness for necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous and life-threating condition that impacts infants in the most precious stages of their lives. I am proud to join Congressman Thompson in introducing this bipartisan resolution that brings attention to this disease and supports research with the goal of finding a cure,” said Rep. Kiley.

“I am thrilled to be joining Congressman Thompson in establishing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day to shine a light on the devastating disease that strikes our most vulnerable — newborns. NEC is a frightening, often life-threatening condition, that no family should have to face without adequate support and resources. Raising awareness is essential to driving the medical research that will one day spare other families this heartbreak. We must continue to stand together and bring real hope to all those affected by this disease,” said Congresswoman Miller.

Davis resident, Jennifer Canvasser, founded the Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society after her son, Micah, died from complications of the disease. The NEC Society operates out of Davis and through Jennifer’s leadership, the organization has become the world’s leading NEC-focused nonprofit.

“When my son, Micah, tragically died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), our family was not only devastated but also isolated and alone to navigate the lifelong heartache caused by this cruel disease. After Micah’s passing, I founded the NEC Society to advance research, education, and advocacy for a world without NEC. On behalf of the families, clinicians, and scientists working tirelessly to protect babies like Micah, we are deeply grateful for Congressman Thompson’s leadership and support as we raise awareness about the urgent need to accelerate science so we can prevent NEC,” said Jennifer Canvasser.

NEC is a dangerous intestinal inflammatory disease that can affect premature or otherwise medically fragile infants. Upon diagnosis, many babies have only hours or days before their intestines become necrotic, which can progress to sepsis, multisystem organ failure, and death. NEC is a complex, multifactorial disease with no single cause, no clear etiology, no cure, and no known way to eliminate the risks of NEC for medically fragile infants.