MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Monday: 

“The allegations reported late last week against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) are deeply disturbing. Sexual assault, domestic abuse, and harassment allegations must always be taken seriously. Victims who step forward to share these stories show great courage. Perpetrators of this misconduct must be held accountable. Sadly, Rep. Swalwell isn’t the only member of Congress facing such allegations. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) are also accused of serious misconduct, and like Rep. Swalwell, they must resign or be expelled,” said Congresswoman McCollum.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) convened a roundtable of state and local water leaders in Pontiac to discuss water quality investments in Oakland County and future work to advance water treatment technologies, strengthen environmental protections, and lower costs. Participants included stakeholders from Oakland County Water Resources; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Great Lakes Water Authority; and the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network.

The roundtable included a discussion of Rep. Stevens’ recently-introduced Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act, which would help communities invest in new wastewater treatment technologies that do a better job at keeping PFAS out of our drinking water. The participants also had a thoughtful discussion on the broader need to support clean water access and lower costs for Michiganders on their water utility bills.

“Michiganders deserve the cleanest water in the world at a price they can afford,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “Working in partnership with local leaders and stakeholders, I’m proud to have secured millions of dollars to improve Oakland County’s water infrastructure throughout my time in Congress. We’ll keep working together to keep water bills low for Michigan families and ensure every Michigander has access to clean, PFAS-free water.”

“Meeting with our congresswoman is important because many communities are struggling to keep up their aging infrastructure, protect our water from contaminants and build more resilient infrastructure,” said Jim Nash, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. “Federal assistance is important to help local communities solve these problems without impacting the ratepayers more than they can support. This is a nationwide problem that needs a national response. Representative Stevens has a record of supporting clean water that is exemplified by this Legislation.”

“Today we saw truly innovative wastewater infrastructure on the ground in Oakland County that keeps contaminants like PFAS out of our water, saves money for ratepayers, and reduces energy use,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “I’m grateful for federal, state, and local partners who continue to invest in leading-edge solutions to protect public health and our water resources.”

“The Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act is an important bipartisan step that would help in reducing toxic PFAS discharges into rivers, lakes, and streams across Michigan,” said Tony Spaniola, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. “I commend Congresswoman Stevens for working across the aisle in the effort to improve and protect the safety of our waterways, our fish, and other natural resources.  This is not a partisan issue.  Our health and our economy depend on it.”

Stevens has been leading the fight to remove PFAS from our air and our waterways by strengthening drinking water reporting requirements, securing major PFAS cleanup funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and introducing the PFAS-Free Procurement Act. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan PROTECT Act to target PFAS contaminants in the air.  In January, Stevens secured federal funding for water infrastructure improvements in Berkley, Farmington, Auburn Hills, and Ferndale.

B-roll of today’s facility tour and roundtable discussion is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Thursday, April 9, 2026, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) reintroduced the bipartisan Army Security Agency Monument Act to authorize the placement of a monument at Arlington National Cemetery honoring the veterans of the United States Army Security Agency (ASA). 

“The classified nature of the Army Security Agency’s work has kept these service members from the recognition they deserve,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The Army Security Agency Monument Act corrects this injustice by establishing a monument for the ASA at Arlington National Cemetery, recognizing their dedicated service and sacrifice for our country. It is long past time that we honor our ASA veterans and thank them for their service”

The ASA, which served as the Army’s signals intelligence (SIGINT) branch from 1945 to 1976, provided critical intelligence that supported U.S. military operations during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. ASA personnel intercepted Soviet and Vietnamese wartime communications, improved Army communications security against foreign interference, and conducted sophisticated electronic countermeasure operations that were instrumental in protecting U.S. military personnel and contributed to Army mission successes.

“During the Korean War the United States Army Security agency provided real time intelligence on North Korean and China’s troop movements that liter saved the lives of thousands of Republic of Korea soldiers and civilians,” said GeneralSe Woo Pyo, Defense Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. “The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean people wholeheartedly would like to encourage the monument honoring the service and sacrifice of the United States Army Security Agency to be erected in Arlington National Cemetery.”

“One can see how all ASA veterans, collectively and individually, while serving worldwide, have earned the privilege and honor to finally receive due recognition by Our Nation.  We are not the Unsung Heroes of the Unknown Army Unit, we are, and proudly served, and saved thousands of lives, as Army Security Agency Soldiers,” said Cecil Carver, Board Member of the National Army Security Agency Association (NASAA) and Vietnam War Veteran. “ASA worked tirelessly 24 hours a day and 7 days every week during their entire existence. The ASA soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice in many recognized battles and tragedies but could never be mentioned among the casualties for we were not supposed to have been there. But we were.” 

Much of the ASA’s work remained classified for decades, with some operations only recently declassified and others still secret. As the Vietnam War came to an end, the Army Security Agency was reorganized and merged with the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), but its veterans remain a distinct group whose work was marked by courage and discretion.

The bill can be found here.

The bill is co-sponsored by:

Rep. Mark Harris (NC-8)

Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-2)

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10)

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

KANSAS CITY, MO – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of this session. Graves released the following statement:

“When I first ran for State Representative back in 1992, my aspiration was to represent my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri. I was a twenty-seven-year-old farmer who just wanted to stand up for a way of life and his community.  I never could have imagined where that decision would take me.

For 8 years in the Missouri House and Senate, I fought for Northwest Missourians. From deregulating vehicle inspections, to standing for chain gangs, to securing funding for rural schools in the desegregation fight, I never lost sight of why I was sent to Jefferson City. Then, in 2000, the good, hardworking people of Missouri’s Sixth District entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.

For 26 years, I have had the privilege of serving, culminating in becoming the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and passing some of the most significant legislation in our nation’s history.  The responsibility entrusted to me is not something I have ever taken for granted. Not for a single day.

What I’m most proud of is the work my team did when Washington made life harder for the people of Missouri’s Sixth. Together, we stood with hundreds of thousands of Missourians in their toughest moments.  We helped them cut through red tape and navigate a system that often felt stacked against them.  We got them answers and fought to deliver real results when they needed them most.

I’ve said all of that to say this: After considerable reflection, 2026 will be my final year in Congress.  This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one. I believe in making room for the next generation. It’s time to pass the torch and allow a new guard of conservative leaders to step forward and chart a path forward for Missourians.

That doesn’t mean I’m slowing down, not even close.  As I enter the 4th quarter of my life, I have more left in me. As many of you know, I don’t let grass grow under my feet. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. I’m going to fight to protect Missouri interests as we work to shape this year’s Highway Bill. I plan to finish this last term the same way I started, full speed ahead.

Maintaining our strong democratic republic will always depend on good people stepping up to serve from every corner of our great nation. I’m grateful for my colleagues in both parties, for the people I’ve worked alongside, and even for the opponents who challenged me and made me better. Public service isn’t easy. It takes hard work, humility, a thick skin, and a willingness to fight for what’s right.

At the end of the day, I’m still the farmer from Northwest Missouri. You’ll find me back home on the farm nearly every weekend, after all, it is planting season. In fact, I’ll probably be on a tractor this weekend. And come Monday, I’ll be heading back through Kansas City on my way to D.C. to keep doing the job you sent me there to do.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

It has been the honor of a lifetime.”

 

 

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

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new City of Hot Springs Water Plant that will be responsible for delivering clean, reliable, and safe drinking water for thousands of Arkansans.

Exciting celebrations like these are timely reminders of just how important – and vital – water infrastructure is to the wellness of our local communities. For thousands of years, civilizations have been built around abundant water sources. A key element in urban growth, water still plays a vital role in shaping and sustaining our modern-day society.

Whether it’s a drinking water storage facility, treatment plant, wastewater system, flood mitigation, or even a navigable waterway like the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), reliable water infrastructure not only ensures residents have the supply they need for their own households, but it also ensures a thriving ecosystem and economy. 

Oftentimes, the word “infrastructure” takes our thoughts directly to the roads we drive on, the buildings that house our local businesses, and the power grids that keep our homes lit and warm. These are the tangible, physical structures that support our economic activity and transportation needs.

On the other hand, water infrastructure often goes unnoticed, either because of its literal inability to be seen or because we come to expect what they produce so readily, it tends to be forgotten. These systems allow our daily lives to function so smoothly that when working properly, they’re hardly noticed and often taken for granted. But when failure occurs, dysfunction and disruption can be felt almost immediately.

Arkansas is a water-rich state. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, we proudly hold over 600,000 acres of surface water. With 4.8 trillion gallons of water in our lakes, 200 trillion gallons in the ground, and Arkansans using an average of 157 gallons of water a day, our state relies heavily on a robust infrastructure system that can meet our demands and support this incredibly abundant resource.

Our growing state demands water infrastructure that can keep up with its pace. I’m grateful to our state and local leaders for their proactive investment in updating our infrastructure to ensure safer drinking water while also supporting our economic and environmental needs. Their dedication to mitigating flood risk to protect families, property, agriculture, and other economic infrastructure is also greatly welcomed, and I am always dedicated and proud to partner with their efforts on the federal level to build a more prosperous, sustainable Arkansas.

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

With an area covering over 20,000 square miles, the Fourth District is the largest Congressional District in the state. From the Ouachita Mountains to the Delta, our district’s unique natural landscapes boast some of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Arkansas.

This expanse, however, really underscores the need for multiple district offices, allowing folks from all over to access their representative in Congress without driving hundreds of miles. 

That’s why I have offices located in Russellville, Hot Springs, El Dorado, and Pine Bluff. The staff in these offices live and work in these communities, too. They’ve built their lives around investing in the future of their local schools, churches, and the folks who live there. They understand the needs of the surrounding communities better than just about anyone and are well-equipped to assist with any federal issue you may be facing.

While my offices in Washington, D.C., or across Arkansas are only a phone call or email away, we still understand the great value of meeting the folks we serve face-to-face. That’s why my office will be hosting mobile office hours in various locations across the Fourth District during April to meet with you in your home county.

No appointment is necessary to attend these mobile hours, and a member of my staff will be available to assist you with any federal issue you’re currently dealing with. Whether it’s a passport issue, challenges with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Medicare and Medicaid, or Social Security Administration (SSA), my team is ready to help!

To view all upcoming mobile office hour times, dates, and locations, please visit my website at Westerman.house.gov/mobile-office-hours. 

It remains an honor to serve every one of my constituents in Congress. Being raised right here in the Fourth District, my Arkansas roots run deep, which is why I cannot imagine any greater privilege than working on behalf of my friends and neighbors in our nation’s Capital on the issues that matter most to them and their families.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), in conjunction with New York State Senator John Liu, Assembly Members Ron Kim and Nily Rozic, and Council Member Sandra Ung will hold a local Passport Day to help constituents apply for or renew a passport.

The event is set to take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the United States Post Office in Flushing, Queens located at 41-65 Main Street. It follows several other passport events that Meng has arranged at post offices throughout the borough over the past three years, and this upcoming one will be the first in 2026.

“With the summer travel season around the corner and local families preparing to take trips abroad or plan business travel, now is the time for Queens residents to address their passport needs,” said the five elected officials. “We are thrilled to hold this Passport Day in our borough so that constituents have an easy and convenient way to apply for or renew their passports, and we look forward to seeing them at the event on April 19.”

To receive a passport, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, and they need to complete the application form which Postal Service clerks at this upcoming event can assist with on-site. The required supporting documents must also be submitted and details can be found here. 

The following is what constituents should bring:

1. If applying for a first-time passport, bring an original copy and photocopy of proof of identity AND U.S. citizenship documents.
2. For a renewal, bring the most recent passport and name change documents if there are any.
3. Children under age 16 must apply in person with two parents or guardians using form DS-11. Applicant must provide U.S. citizenship evidence. Parents must show relationship and present ID. If one or both parents or guardians is absent, more documents are needed.
4. Debit/credit card, or check/money order made payable to “Postmaster” for acceptance fees.
5. Check/money order made payable to “U.S. Department of State” for processing fees.
6. A color passport photo taken in the last six months, or a photo can be taken on-site with an additional fee.

 The costs of applying for and renewing a passport can be found here. 

 Applications for both first-time passports and renewals will be accepted at the upcoming event on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Two years ago, Meng helped to reduce extremely long processing times for passport applications and renewals that had been caused by skyrocketing demands for passports. In 2023, standard processing times for passports ranged from 10-13 weeks and expedited requests took approximately 7-9 weeks. Meng pushed the State Department to decrease this huge backlog, including pushing then-Secretary of State Antony Blinkento address the problem during a congressional hearing. The lengthy wait times were shortened, and now standard processing times are down to 4-6 weeks and expedited processing is just 2-3 weeks.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Artemis II Orion crew capsule, Integrity, carrying NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after its ten-day journey around the moon. The astronauts were safely recovered from the Orion capsule and will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. 

“Today’s successful completion of the Artemis II mission and safe return of our brave astronauts is a historic achievement,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “From launch to landing, Artemis II has captured the attention of the world and spurred inspiration among us all. The mission tested key capabilities required to support crew on future Artemis missions and carried out important lunar science activities. While the Artemis II mission may have ended, our return to the Moon is just beginning. We are now one step closer to once again landing American astronauts on the lunar surface and establishing a long-term presence in deep space. I want to highlight the tremendous work of NASA’s employees and partners, without whom this mission would not have been possible. This was a monumental accomplishment in human space exploration, and I am confident there will be many more to follow.”

Today’s safe reentry of Orion and return of the crew marks the completion of the Artemis II mission. After Orion is recovered, NASA will continue to evaluate and inspect the spacecraft and review the data collected on the Artemis II test objectives as they prepare for future missions.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Following the release of the Administration’s budget, which completely eliminates LIHEAP, Gonzalez and 73 members are demanding the rejection of this proposal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
April 11, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RICHARD SCHRADER

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today issued the following statement on the passing of Richard Schrader, beloved son of St. Croix, author, poet, and cultural icon of the U.S. Virgin Islands:

“The Virgin Islands has lost one of its great storytellers and most devoted culture bearers. Richard Schrader spent his life making sure that who we are, including our traditions, our folklore, our history, would never be forgotten.

“From his early years on to his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Mr. Schrader embodied the resilience and pride of the Virgin Islands people. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, he picked up a pen, and in doing so, gave our islands a voice that will endure for generations.

“Over nearly four decades and across twenty-eight books, Mr. Schrader catalogued our Virgin Islands traditions and folklore with extraordinary vividness and love. Works like St. Croix by Night, Notes of a Crucian Son, and In A Heartbeat: Stories of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard are not just books, they are our living memory. He was rightly honored as the Virgin Islands Humanities Council’s Humanist of the Year and penned the 2003 Inaugural Poem, a testament to how deeply his words are an integral piece of the fabric of our community.

“Mr. Schrader was a consummate gentleman. A reminder of Crucian men with quiet strength, tremendous capacity to give love and an enduring commitment to family, community and country. I will miss his kind words, his reassuring smile and the sense of safety, even in his advanced years, I would have when he was around or when his great niece Angeline Muckle Jabbar started, “I spoke to my Uncle….”

“I send my prayers for God’s comfort and peace to his wife Claudette, his children, and all who loved him — the people of the Virgin Islands grieve with you. Mr. Schrader’s stories will remain in our memories, reminding us of the pure strength and God-given grace of Virgin Islanders.”

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