Colorado Rep. Neguse and Utah Rep. Maloy Lead Bipartisan Effort Urging Bureau of Reclamation to Prioritize Compliance with Existing Agreements As Officials Consider Flaming Gorge Drawdown

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

Washington, D.C. — Amid the ongoing Colorado River crisis, Democratic Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Republican Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT) led a bipartisan coalition of Members in urging the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure any drawdowns of Flaming Gorge—a critical, high-capacity water bank—and other upper basin reservoirs remain in compliance with existing agreements and governing laws. 

The letter was co-signed by fellow Upper Basin lawmakers, including Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT), Jeff Crank (R-CO), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Jason Crow (D-CO), Mike Kennedy, M.D. (R-UT), and Gabe Evans (R-CO).

The Colorado River has experienced persistent drought conditions over the past 25 years, and Upper Basin states, including Colorado, actively regulate water use in response to reduced flows. Existing state laws can require water users to take mandatory, uncompensated cuts, which carry significant impacts to communities but are taken to ensure communities across the West live within the available water supply.

After a record-hot winter, Lake Powell, which serves as a water bank for Lower Basin states, is at just 23% full. These conditions have led to proposed drawdowns of Flaming Gorge and other upper basin reservoirs.  

Neguse and his colleagues’ message underscores the need for all seven states to work together to ensure long-term sustainability of the Colorado River and its reservoirs for years to come.

“We write as Representatives of the Upper Colorado River Basin States to underscore the importance that any proposed drawdowns for Flaming Gorge and other upper basin reservoirs remain in compliance with existing agreements and governing laws,” wrote the lawmakers. 

“[It] is critical that any releases made by the federal government from Flaming Gorge and other upstream reservoirs are in compliance with existing agreements, governing laws, and are done for the direct purpose of protecting Lake Powell. There must be clear guidance on how these proposed releases will protect elevations at Lake Powell, and once the releases have been completed, Flaming Gorge and other upstream reservoirs must be fully recovered. These releases must also be appropriately sized, as continued water storage is necessary for long-term sustainability.” 

 They concluded, “Millions of people across the West rely on the Colorado River, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure long-term sustainability of the River and reservoirs for years to come.”

The Colorado River basin spans seven states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—and provides water for over 40 million people in the West.  

Rep. Neguse, Co-Chair of the Colorado River Caucus, has been a leading voice in discussions regarding worsening levels of drought in the Colorado River Basin. He and other Members of Congress are actively working to address this issue, enacting significant bills that invest in drought resilience and water management into law in the 118th Congress. 

Neguse has also partnered across party lines with fellow Western Slope Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-CO) to get the Trump administration to release critical federal drought management funding for Colorado and to move forward proposals that would safeguard the critical water source. 

Read the lawmakers’ full letter HERE and below: 

 

The Honorable Scott Cameron 

Acting Commissioner

Bureau of Reclamation

1849 C Street NW 

Washington, D.C. 20240

 

Dear Acting Commissioner Cameron, 

We write as Representatives of the Upper Colorado River Basin States to underscore the importance that any proposed drawdowns for Flaming Gorge and other upper basin reservoirs remain in compliance with existing agreements and governing laws. 

The Western United States and Colorado River Basin are experiencing historic drought conditions, in what could be the worst year on record. The Colorado River has consistently experienced drought conditions over the past 25 years, and record high temperatures coupled with low snowpack and precipitation across the basin this year are only further exacerbating the crisis. As we continue to face these conditions, we must all live within the available water supply to ensure sustainability into the future. 

The Upper Basin States continue to actively regulate water use within their states in response to the decreased available flows. Existing state laws in the Upper Basin require water users to take mandatory, uncompensated cuts to water rights that date back to the 1800s — actions taken in direct response to the decreased runoff and water levels along the river. These cuts have significant impacts on water users, including Upper Basin Tribes, and local communities and economies, but are taken in order to live within the available water supply. 

Therefore, it is critical that any releases made by the federal government from Flaming Gorge and other upstream reservoirs are in compliance with existing agreements, governing laws, and are done for the direct purpose of protecting Lake Powell. There must be clear guidance on how these proposed releases will protect elevations at Lake Powell, and once the releases have been completed, Flaming Gorge and other upstream reservoirs must be fully recovered. These releases must also be appropriately sized, as continued water storage is necessary for long-term sustainability. 

Millions of people across the West rely on the Colorado River, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure long-term sustainability of the River and reservoirs for years to come. We appreciate your attention to this important matter. 

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Aderholt Announces $750,000 ARC Grant for Cullman Community Theater Project

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Cullman, Ala — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced a $750,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the City of Cullman to support the renovation of a new community theater in the city’s downtown district.

The funding will be matched by $750,000 in local investment, bringing the total project cost to $1.5 million.

“This is a tremendous investment in Cullman and in the future of our local economy,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Projects like this community theater will not only enhance quality of life for residents, but also attract visitors, support small businesses, and continue the strong momentum we’ve seen in downtown Cullman.”

The project will convert a vacant church, previously home to a congregation that disbanded several years ago, into a 6,050-square-foot Community Theater Center featuring a 200-seat performance hall, stage, dressing rooms, and event space. 

Cullman has seen a surge in tourism in recent years, with more than 800,000 visitors traveling to the downtown district in the past year—a 200 percent increase in foot traffic. The new theater is expected to further boost economic activity and support the 35 nearby businesses in the area.

Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs expressed appreciation for the federal, state, and local partnership behind the project. “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Robert Aderholt, his team, and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell for their support in securing this ARC grant. This investment allows us to preserve an important historic space while expanding opportunities for the arts in Cullman. It represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing quality of life and building on the momentum we’re seeing across our community.”

Nathan Anderson, Executive Director of Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism, emphasized the broader community impact. “This investment opens the door to something special for our community—providing a dedicated home for our community band, theatre, and choir while allowing us to expand programming alongside our festivals. It creates a stage to showcase some of Cullman’s greatest talent. It also supports year-round experiences that enhance quality of life for our residents and draw visitors from across the region. We are incredibly grateful to all who helped make this possible.”

“I appreciate ARC’s continued commitment to strengthening economic development in North Alabama,” Aderholt added. “This project is a great example of how strategic investments can transform communities and create lasting opportunities.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works to drive economic growth and improve quality of life across Appalachia.

For more information on the ARC and its programs, visit www.arc.gov.

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Congressman Riley M. Moore Introduces DEPORT Act to Protect Americans from Terrorist Threats

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) introduced the Denaturalization and Expulsion of Persons Who Orchestrate Radical Terrorism (DEPORT) Act, legislation that will strengthen the federal government’s ability to revoke citizenship and deport naturalized individuals who commit or support acts of terrorism against the United States.

The legislation comes in response to a recent attack at Old Dominion University, where Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, opened fire in an ROTC classroom. The attack left two students injured and resulted in the death of Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, a decorated Army helicopter pilot with more than 600 combat hours fighting terrorists overseas. Jalloh committed the attack after serving time in federal prison for offering material support to ISIS.

Congressman Moore emphasized that the attack is part of a broader and troubling pattern. In March alone, two additional terrorist incidents were carried out by naturalized citizens, including a shooting at a beer garden in Austin and a vehicle attack targeting a synagogue in Michigan.

The DEPORT Act includes three key provisions:

– Requires all new applicants for U.S. citizenship to swear under oath that they have no intent to commit acts of terrorism against the United States.

– Extends the timeframe in which terrorism can be considered prima facie evidence of citizenship fraud from five to ten years.

– Establishes a new legal pathway to denaturalize individuals involved in lone-wolf terrorist attacks.

Congressman Moore reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that prioritize the safety and security of the American people.

“Naturalization is a solemn pledge of total allegiance to the United States. Terrorism is a treasonous repudiation of that pledge. The DEPORT Act ensures that individuals who exploit America’s generosity by carrying out or supporting terrorism can no longer hide behind the citizenship we gave them. If a foreigner that we have welcomed into America takes up arms against our country or aids those who do, they must go, stated Congressman Riley Moore. 

Joining Congressman Riley Moore on this Act are the following members of Congress: Representatives Brandon Gill (TX-26), Randy Fine (FL-06), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Barry Moore (AL-01), Eli Crane (AZ-02), and Buddy Carter (GA-01).

“It’s plain and simple—if you support America’s enemies, you shouldn’t live in our country. We have no room for terrorist sympathizers in our great nation. I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Riley Moore’s DEPORT Act., said Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26).

“The DEPORT Act is common-sense legislation. There is nothing radical about denaturalizing and deporting convicted terrorists. If you pledge allegiance to a terrorist organization, you will be deported. We must prioritize the safety of American citizens and allow zero room for leniency when it comes to any level of affiliation with terrorism, stated Congressman Randy Fine (FL-06). 

“I’m proud to stand with Congressman Moore and my colleagues in support of the DEPORT Act. Naturalized citizens who commit acts of terror have no place in the United States of America. As someone who engaged in radical Islamic terrorism in combat, I understand the threat facing our country. I flew 55 combat air missions over Baghdad to stop it. In the wake of the recent attack in Austin, Texans deserve leaders who will stand up and fight for their safety, not make excuses. This legislation is common sense. It should be a no-brainer, said Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38).

“Time and again, we’ve seen the devastating consequences of letting dangerous individuals exploit the privileges of American citizenship,” said Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01). “If you come to this country, take the oath, and then turn around and support or commit acts of terror, you have broken that covenant with the American people, and you should lose the right to stay here. I want to thank Congressman Riley Moore for introducing the DEPORT Act and taking a strong stand to close these dangerous loopholes. I’m proud to support this effort to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.”

“Over recent years, we’ve seen an alarming increase in naturalized immigrants engaging in or abetting terrorism. As Americans, we should have the full ability to denaturalize and remove those who wish to do harm to our nation. The DEPORT Act of 2026 makes this a reality by strengthening our naturalization process, revoking the citizenship of those tied to terrorism, and requiring DHS to remove these offenders once their naturalized status is rescinded. I’m grateful to Rep. Riley Moore for his leadership, and I’m honored to be an original cosponsor of this sensible bill, stated Congressman Eli Crane (AZ-02).

“Army Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a University of Georgia alumnus, was killed at Old Dominion University by an individual previously arrested for supplying material support to ISIS. It’s unfathomable that naturalized aliens with direct ties to Foreign Terrorist Organizations still remain in the United States. This terrorist took the life of an American hero,” said Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01). “I’m proud to join Congressman Moore in supporting the DEPORT Act because we owe it to Lt. Col. Shah to ensure this never happens again.

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House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Statement on Republican Abdication of War Powers Responsibilities 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued a statement after House Republicans voted against his War Powers Resolution (H. Con. Res 40).

“Today, House Republicans chose Donald Trump over the Constitution and their own constituents. The president and House Republicans have failed to articulate a clear justification for this war, or defense of its legality or purpose. The American people overwhelmingly oppose this war, and are paying more at the pump and at the grocery store as a result of it.

“Democrats will continue to fight to bring Trump’s hostilities to an end through additional War Powers Resolutions, including one that I will file again today. Republicans will keep having to answer for this illegal war until it ends. The president has shown he lacks both a strategy for this war and a plan to end it, and if Republicans support this open-ended conflict, then they should take the hard vote in Congress of authorizing it.”

U.S. House passes Rep. Kelly's resolution touting success of Working Families Tax Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1156, a resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, expressing the support for tax policies that support working families.

“In Western Pennsylvania, when people say they work a “half day,” it’s likely they mean 12 hours, not four. Folks here are like so many of their fellow Americans across the country: they know the value of an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Working Families Tax Cuts reward hard work today while saving you money for tomorrow. Thanks to these incredible new policies, including No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime, this law leverages the tax code to work for Americans, not against them. From employers to employees, from children to seniors, the Working Families Tax Cuts make historic investments in Western Pennsylvania and the United States, both for today and for generations to come.”

Kelly’s resolution champions the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts, the historic tax legislation passed by the House, Senate, and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. This year, the law delivered an estimated $222 billion in refunds, an average tax cut of $3,750 for American taxpayers. Pennsylvania households received an average tax cut of $3,500 this year.

Click here to watch Rep. Kelly’s full remarks.

Watch Rep. Kelly highlight the successes of the Working Families Tax Cuts on Fox Business!

Fast Facts: Working Families Tax Cuts

The Working Families Tax Cuts delivered historic refunds this tax season. New data released April 15 shows more than 25 million taxpayers claimed the new overtime deduction, according to U.S. Treasury data. More than 6 million taxpayers claimed the new deduction on tipped income. Nearly half of all filers benefited from at least one of the new signature provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

In all, more than 53 million filers claimed at least one of President Trump’s signature new tax cuts. Altogether, tax refunds are up more than 10% from one year ago, according to U.S. Treasury data.

Rep. Kelly’s resolution also notes the share of total income taxes paid by Americans whose income is in the top 1% will increase to nearly 40% as a result of the Working Families Tax Cuts, while the share paid by Americans in the remaining 99% will decrease to 60%.

You can read the full legislative text here.

Republicans Sell Out America’s Most Beloved Wilderness to Foreign Mining Conglomerate

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

April 16, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Senate voted to send H.J. Res. 140 to President Trump’s desk, using the Congressional Review Act to open over 250,000 acres in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota to mining.

“What happened in the Senate today is a betrayal of Americans and one of our greatest wild places. Millions of families have paddled the Boundary Waters, fished its clean lakes, and slept under its dark skies for generations. Now Republicans are handing this pristine wilderness to a Chilean mining conglomerate and letting them dig a sulfide-ore copper mine in the headwaters.

“They are doing this knowing full well that every single time sulfide-ore copper mining has been tried, it has polluted the surrounding environment. Every time. That track record is exactly why this area was protected in 2023. Republicans are throwing all that in the trash. And for what? The national security excuse falls apart in about 30 seconds. Read Antofagasta’s contracts: every mineral pulled from American soil will be shipped straight to China for processing.

“Republicans sold out the Boundary Waters today. They sold out the families who fish there, the small businesses that live off the tourism, and the clean water that connects the entire system – all so Trump’s foreign billionaire buddy can mine our lands and ship the minerals overseas. I’m standing with the millions of people who refuse to let a corrupt president sacrifice our public lands and waters to prop up polluters. America’s wilderness belongs to Americans, and we’ll keep fighting.”

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U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Supports Haitian Neighbors

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians following the actions of the Trump Department of Homeland Security to send hundreds of thousands of Haitians back to the dangerous country:

“Haitian families and neighbors legally living and working in the U.S. should not have the rug ripped out from under them by Trump and his Department of Homeland Security. Haitian neighbors are part of the fabric of our community and deserve respect after more than a decade of natural disasters and political instability. Armed militants and gangs control large parts of Haiti, and access to food and health care remains severely limited. The U.S. State Department’s Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory makes clear just how dangerous conditions are,” said Rep. Castor.

Castor continued, “In Florida and across the country, Haitian TPS holders are valued members of our communities—working hard, paying taxes, raising families, and contributing to the economy. Arbitrarily condemning hundreds of thousands of people who legally live and work in America would worsen a humanitarian crisis abroad and disrupt families, workplaces and local economies here at home. That’s why I voted to advance this legislation and stand with Tampa Bay’s Haitian families who deserve safety, security, and the opportunity to continue contributing to our community.”

“This vote to move TPS forward brings peace of mind to families and business owners across Tampa Bay who have built their lives here while supporting loved ones back home,” said Esther Wofia, Greater Haitian American Chamber. “Haitian community members are working hard, raising families, and contributing every day, and we are grateful to Rep. Castor for helping ensure their voices are heard, and this critical issue receives a vote in Congress.”

TPS is granted to individuals who cannot return home due to extraordinary conditions, and Haiti continues to face severe instability. More than 350,000 Haitians currently rely on TPS in the United States, with nearly one-third living in Florida. Roughly 20 percent of Haitians in the U.S. work in health care and other essential industries, contributing significantly to local economies, including in Tampa Bay.

Castor supported a discharge petition that forced the legislation to the House Floor for a vote, thereby overcoming opposition from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress.

Díaz-Balart Votes to Extend Haiti TPS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued the following statement after voting to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

“Since returning to office, President Trump proved that to end the border crisis, all that needed to be done was to enforce the rule of law. As a result of his leadership, we’ve had 11 straight months of zero releases at the border. I’ve long supported strong border security measures, including as an original sponsor and author of H.R. 2, Secure the Border Act, the most comprehensive and conservative border security bill ever.

At the same time, we must recognize that conditions in Haiti are not conducive to safely returning individuals who have been living and working legally in the United States.

Haiti continues to face severe instability driven by natural disasters, corruption, and widespread violence, making it extraordinarily difficult for its people to live safely.

As my record shows, I have supported Temporary Protected Status for Haitians during times of crisis as a form of humanitarian protection, while remaining committed to enforcing our immigration laws. I am proud to once again support extending these protections for Haitians in the United States.”

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Update: House Democrats Pass Legislation To Extend Temporary Protected Status

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

Dear Neighbor,

At the end of March, I wrote to you with my commitment that the House would pass Representative Laura Gillen’s bill to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti and send it to the Senate for an up-or-down vote when Congress returned to Washington in April.

Today, I am proud to share that thanks to the hard work of Democrats and Representative Ayanna Pressley’s discharge petition, the House has voted to advance legislation to extend TPS for Haitians living in the U.S. until April 2029. Passing the bill through the House is a massive step toward providing essential protections to more than 350,000 Haitians living in the U.S. who are at risk of losing their Temporary Protected Status. 

By passing this legislation, House Democrats are following through on our commitment to push back against an administration that has repeatedly pursued inhumane and unacceptable immigration policies, including those that would terminate TPS for Haitians.

Leader Jeffries at a roundtable on TPS with Rep. Laura Gillen and Haitian American community leaders on April 13, 2026

As this vital legislation heads to consideration in the Senate, you can follow along with the latest status of the TPS extension bill here. Please feel free to reach out to my office to address any questions or concerns you may have. We can be reached at (202) 225-5936 (D.C.) or (718) 237-2211 (Brooklyn).

Be safe and well.

Sincerely,

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
New York’s Eighth Congressional District

Golden votes to extend protection from deportation for Haitians

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals until January 2029.

Golden released the following statement: 

“Allowing TPS to expire would put lives at risk and create even greater instability in Haiti, threatening the security of the United States. Multiple administrations from both parties, as well as international bodies, have recognized the dangerous situation on the ground in Haiti, where armed gangs and drug traffickers effectively control most of the country. A mass deportation would effectively force Haitian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status to join these criminal organizations or be put in their crosshairs. It’s not an exaggeration to say that for many, it could be a death sentence. That’s just not who we are.” 

TPS designation was extended to Haiti in 2010 after the deadliest earthquake in the history of the Western hemisphere, which killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than 1 million Haitians. Since then, crises have continued to rock the island nation. 

Last year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care. 

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