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McCaul Reintroduces Legislation to Stop Bad Actors From Entering the U.S.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (D-Texas) reintroduced the Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) Authorization Act, which would authorize a successful Department of Homeland Security (DHS) program that partners with other countries to help identify and stop dangerous criminals and potential terrorists from reaching our borders.

“Bad actors like traffickers, terrorists, and transnational gang members may lie about their identity in an attempt to enter our country undetected, but they can’t fake biometrics,” said Congressman McCaul. “The successful BITMAP program empowers our regional partners to identify and stop these individuals long before they reach our borders. I’m proud to reintroduce this bill on a bipartisan basis with Congressman Cuellar. The more we push our borders out, the safer our homeland will be.”

“Strong border security depends on international coordination and having the resources to stop threats before they reach our communities. The BITMAP Authorization Act will help us identify dangerous individuals earlier, expand collaboration with regional partners, and strengthen congressional oversight through firm reporting requirements on partner agreements and program outcomes,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I thank my friend and colleague Congressman McCaul for his collaboration on this bipartisan effort to ensure law enforcement has what it needs to protect the American people and stay ahead of future security threats.”

Background:

The Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) authorizes the U.S. government to provide foreign partners with the technical equipment and specialized training necessary to collect biometric and biographic data from individuals using illegal travel pathways, ensuring high-threat individuals are identified before they reach U.S. ports of entry. The BITMAP Authorization Act would codify the program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and strengthen congressional oversight. American citizens can opt out of providing biometrics for the entry-exit system.

Click here to read full text of the bill.

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Congressman Bishop Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

ALBANY, Ga. – On Saturday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) hosted a reception to honor the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition from Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District. The event was hosted at the Albany Museum of Art. The first-place winner’s art will be displayed in the underground walkway between the Cannon House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol. This walkway is commonly used by thousands of Americans, spotlighting artists and their talents to a wider audience.

“I am happy that this competition brought together so many young artists. Their work adds to the rich fabric of our community, and I am grateful for our schools, art faculties, community art organizations, museums, parents, and others who all play a crucial role in nurturing their talent and success,” said Congressman Bishop.

This year’s 1st place winner is Queasia Arnold, a 12th grade student at Westover High School in Albany, Georgia, whose work is titled, “Chin Up.”

This year’s 2nd place winner, Brianna Edward, is an 11th grade student at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Georgia, whose work is titled “Moving Forward.”

The 3rd place winner is Makayla Bailey, an 11th grade student at Monroe High School in Albany, Georgia, whose work is titled “Rooted in Remembrance.”

An Honorable Mention award goes to Jemiah Hall from Dougherty Comprehensive High School, Albany, Georgia, whose artwork is titled, “Soul of the Orchid.”

The annual competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, began in 1982. Nearly every U.S. House of Representatives office participates in the annual competition which is open to high school students from across the country.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS: Congressman Bishop with the 2026 competition winners and honorable mention awardees along with their teachers, parents, and Albany Museum of Art Executive Director, Andrew Wulf

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Wasserman Schultz Gathers Small Business Owners to Discuss Impact of Trump Tariffs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“We need to make life easier for the folks brave enough to be their own boss and keep our economy running,” said Wasserman Schultz. “These are the folks who put our local values into the Florida economy, and I’ll do all I can to support them and save them from being crushed by Republicans’ massive tariffs.”

Ft Lauderdale, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local small business owners to discuss how their companies and customers are impacted by high costs of materials and production because of tariffs levied by the Trump administration.

To watch the press conference, click here and here. For B-Roll, click here.

President Trump has quickly spiraled the American economy into recession by unilaterally starting a trade war with the rest of the world. Small businesses are disproportionately affected, operating on thinner margins and less likely to be able to navigate complex and onerous “reciprocal” tariffs with our largest trading partners.

“We need to make life easier for the folks brave enough to be their own boss and keep our economy running,” said Wasserman Schultz. “These are the folks who put our local values into the Florida economy, and I’ll do all I can to support them and save them from being crushed by Republicans’ massive tariffs.”

“Mi producto principal es mantequilla que trago de Francia… Yo pagaba como 83, 90 dolares una caja, hoy estoy pagando 213 dolares una caja,” said Owner of Lady Baker and LB Eatery Paula Marsola, “Entonces es muy dificil continuar un business cuando los principales productos tienen precios más altos.”

“We represent 121,000 jobs in this county alone and $9.98 billion, but that can all go away,” said President and CEO of Wards Marine Electric Kristina Hebert, “Boats have choices – where they want to go, where they want to receive their services and we need to keep those coming here. There’s a domino effect of all of that economic impact.”

“One does not just suddenly open a factory in the US and start making this specialized product here, like ‘poof.’ But it was like ‘poof’ that I suddenly began getting hit with the tariffs,” said Owner of VB Hose Clamps Valerie Bressler, “It has been about 4.5% of my annual revenues for the past year. For a small, sole proprietorship, that’s kind of a lot. We’re having to pass it along to the customers, we’re having to lower margins – it’s a difficult road.”

“Tariffs have had a domino effect. The cost of goods – when I look at my invoices from 2025 until now – range anywhere from 8 to 49% more,” said Juici Patties Franchisee Annette Kidd, “The domino effect of that is the impact it has on customers. They’re spending less because they have less to go out and eat with because their prices are more increased, and therefore you have less traffic coming through the store as well as less revenues – they’re spending less per ticket item.”

“Overnight we had to figure out how to finance paying tariffs within seven days, but then also to finance it from the thirty to sixty days it takes to get paid and to sell the flowers to the consumer,” said Executive VP of the Association of Floral Importers of America Christine Boldt, “Flowers are a luxury, and so it’s not something that everyone is going to all-of-the-sudden put into their cart if they’re worried about paying for milk and butter and bread and meat.”

“The tariffs are really scary for the gift basket industry. I know it’s scary for my business,” said Owner of Joyce’s Baskets Joyce Arrieta, “I’ve noticed a lot of the businesses that I purchase products from have went out of business, and the ones that are staying the prices are so high that they have to pass that along to us due to the tariffs. It makes it difficult for me as a small business owner to continue to pivot and make prices affordable for my online shoppers and clients.”

Impact of Trump Tariffs in Florida:

Wasserman Schultz was also joined by Compass Logistics and Marine LLC Director of Maritime, Aviation, and Government Affairs Michelle Tororatua, COO of FHG Marine Engineering Kathleen Hagan, Owner of Sun and Fun Cycles Lenny Ivler, and Boston Proper VP of Planning and Strategy Chad Wong.

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SCAMS ALERT: Bipartisan Leaders of the Joint Economic Committee Warn Americans About Tax Season Scams

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

Ahead of the April 15th deadline for tax filing, Joint Economic Committee Chairman David Schweikert (R-AZ), Ranking Member Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Vice Chairman Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Senior House Democrat Don Beyer (D-VA) issued a bipartisan alert today warning Americans about common tax season scams. These scams have become increasingly common, especially with emerging AI tactics, and nearly one in four Americans have reported being victimized by a tax scam.

“Criminal enterprises are exploiting tax season to target Americans, including seniors,” said Chairman Schweikert. “Scammers are impersonating the Internal Revenue Service through fake websites and calls in an effort to steal your money. Please remember, the IRS will not contact you via social media, demand immediate payment, or threaten to call law enforcement. If something seems suspicious, don’t click on links or share personal information. Stay vigilant and only use a reputable tax service or go directly to IRS.gov.”

“As Americans file their taxes this month, scammers are deploying an onslaught of attacks – often enhanced by artificial intelligence – designed to steal people’s money,” said Senator Hassan. “I encourage all taxpayers to review the tips in this bipartisan scams alert so that they can stay vigilant and protect their identities and accounts.”

“With tax season upon us, it’s important Americans remain vigilant and stay aware of possible scams,” said Senator Schmitt. “During filing season scammers will often prey on Americans by impersonating the IRS, using fraudulent links, or launching fake websites to steal personal information. Using these tips from the Joint Economic Committee, Americans can protect themselves from scammers and keep their information private and secure during filing season.”

“This tax season, it’s more important than ever for American taxpayers to stay vigilant as tax scams continue to rise,” said Representative Beyer. “Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technologies, including AI, to make fraudulent communications appear credible. Taking extra care to verify any IRS outreach is the best defense against becoming victims of these crimes.”

Read the Committee’s tax season scams alert here.

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Latta Tours First Solar and Whirlpool, Emphasizes U.S. Supply Chains

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Last Friday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) joined U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for visits to the First Solar manufacturing campus and one of Whirlpool’s several facilities in Ohio. The visits included tours of both campuses and discussions surrounding strengthening America’s supply chains and advancing American innovation and manufacturing. 

First Solar continues to play a key role in building domestic supply chains for solar energy, creating American jobs, and supporting local communities. The company remains committed to manufacturing in the United States and investing in its future. By the midpoint of President Trump’s term, First Solar expects to bring $1.5 billion in new U.S. manufacturing capacity online across the United States, creating 1,400 additional good-paying American manufacturing jobs. 

Whirlpool is making significant investments in Ohio, announcing a $60 million expansion that is expected to create up to 150 new jobs in Perrysburg. This investment further strengthens the region’s manufacturing base and supports continued economic growth in Northwest Ohio. 

“It was great to visit both First Solar and Whirlpool with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. When companies like First Solar and Whirlpool invest in expanding American manufacturing, they create good-paying jobs, strengthen our supply chain resilience, and help keep our nation competitive in Ohio and across the country. These investments will bring additional jobs to Wood County, further strengthening our local economy and creating more opportunities for Ohio workers,” said Latta.

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Congressman Cohen Applauds Belated FEMA Assistance for January Storm Damage

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded the decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide individual assistance to those affected by the January 22-27 storms. Congressman Cohen wrote Governor Bill Lee on January 30 and February 9 asking him to seek assistance, noting that financial damage thresholds for the federal relief had been crossed.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am pleased to see that my constituents will receive the necessary assistance I have been seeking since shortly after the storms ended in January. While the Trump Administration’s response has been sluggish, I am confident that recovery from this disaster can now be fully realized.” 

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Congressman Cohen Joins Effort to Impeach Trump

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

Thirteen articles of impeachment include abuse of pardon power, unauthorized war in Iran

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, has signed on to 13 articles of impeachment against President Trump introduced by Congressman John Larson of Connecticut.

The articles include Trump’s wide-ranging abuse of the pardon power; his unauthorized use of military force in Venezuela and Iran; and his deployment of the National Guard into American cities, among other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement: 

“Trump is the most corrupt president in American history and the harm he is doing to the rule of law and our nation’s reputation on the world stage is staggering. This kind of lawlessness must have consequences and, with no future election available to remove him, impeachment is our best tool.”

Congressman Cohen introduced five articles of impeachment against Trump in November 2017 and twice voted to impeach him during his first term.

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Torres Statement on DOD Inspector General Findings Confirming Unsafe Conditions for National Guard Troops Deployed to Los Angeles

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

April 13, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres released the following statement after receiving a response from the Department of Defense Inspector General substantiating whistleblower complaints regarding unsafe conditions for National Guard troops and Marines deployed to Los Angeles in 2025:

“Last year, I raised serious concerns after hearing directly from whistleblowers about unacceptable conditions facing our service members deployed to Los Angeles, including reports of unsafe food, lack of clean water, and unsanitary living conditions.

“This week, the Department of Defense Inspector General has confirmed what those whistleblowers risked everything to report: our troops were served unsafe and unsanitary food during that deployment. That is unacceptable.

“These findings show just how unprepared the Department of Defense was for this mobilization, because it was a task they should not have been asked to do in the first place. We ask our service members to put their lives on the line for our country. The bare minimum we owe them is safe food, clean water, and dignified living conditions. Anything less is a failure of leadership.

“These findings also raise serious concerns about our military’s operational readiness. How was the food contract awarded? Did they follow the Request for Proposal (RFP) process? If we cannot properly support our troops here at home where logistics should be easy, how can we expect to sustain them in more complex deployments abroad?

“Oversight is not optional and I will continue to demand accountability from the Department of Defense and ensure that no service member is ever put in harm’s way due to negligence or mismanagement.”

Background:

  • In July 2025, Rep. Torres sent a formal letter to the Department of Defense Inspector General raising whistleblower complaints about the treatment of National Guard troops and Marines deployed to Los Angeles.

  • The complaints included concerns about food safety, access to clean water, and basic sanitary conditions.

  • The Department of Defense Inspector General has now substantiated key elements of those complaints, specifically confirming that service members were served unsafe and unsanitary food.

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Amata Welcomes HHS Newborn Hearing Grant

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pleased to welcome notice of a health services grant for universal newborn hearing screening and intervention. 

Dr. Anaise Uso in Congresswoman Amata’s office just last month in a health delegation to DC with Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Annie Noa, Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Francis Vivao, and some of the group’s family members

This is a discretionary continuation grant of $78,537 for the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). 

“Thank you especially to Saposapoaluga Tuiolosega for the work leading to this grant, and everyone who helps ensure this essential program is active and available,” said Congresswoman Amata. “This grant funds ongoing efforts to make sure our people’s newborns are healthy and hearing properly right from the start, or get the treatment they need immediately. Thank you to all our medical professionals providing all the various kinds of services that are needed throughout our islands.” 

Maternal Child Health Information Systems Grant 

Congresswoman Amata was also notified of a $2,096 discretionary health services grant, also from HRSA, for Maternal Child Health Programs Information Systems, under the MCHB State Systems Development Initiative program. 

“Thank you to Dr. Anaise Uso for her work safeguarding the well-being of our mothers and young children. Every part of these programs is important and grants like these keep our systems up to date,” concluded Amata. 

ASDOH is led by Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono under the administration of Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr., and in Washington, D.C., HHS is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and HRSA by Administrator Thomas Engels. 

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Rep. Costa Announces $25.6 Million for Head Start Programs in Fresno and Tulare Counties

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, CA — Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced $25.6 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support Head Start programs serving families across Fresno and Tulare counties. These programs help ensure children enter school ready to learn by providing early education, health services, and family support.
“I’m glad to see this funding delivered for families in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Congressman Costa. “At a time when families are feeling the strain, programs like Head Start make a real difference by preparing young children for school and giving parents the support they need to work and provide for their families. This funding will expand Head Start services in the Valley, helping more children enter school ready to learn while giving working families access to dependable, affordable childcare.”
This $25.6 million builds on the $35.4 million secured last year for Head Start programs, bringing the total federal investment in the region to more than $61 million during the 119th Congress.
Background
Head Start is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that promotes school readiness for children from birth to age five. It provides comprehensive services including early education, health screenings, nutrition assistance, and parental support for underserved families.
As part of this latest funding cycle, the following grants were awarded to support local programs:

Fresno County: $2.1 million for Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC)
Tulare County: $23.5 million for the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE)