MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) today welcomed the Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state following the severe storms and flooding that hit the state in December.

“This is great news for the Northwest Washington communities that were hit hard by the December floods and need federal support to recover,” said Rep. Larsen. “Yesterday, I visited flood-affected communities, including meeting with the mayors of Nooksack, Sumas and Everson, visiting an SBA Disaster Assistance Center, touring a flood mitigation project in Ferndale that is raising homes out of harm’s way, and meeting with the Whatcom County Fire District to talk about flood recovery and mitigation. I have seen firsthand how hard these communities were hit, and I know how important this declaration is to getting people the help they need. My office will continue working with local jurisdictions and Tribes to ensure everyone eligible for assistance is able to access the federal funds they need. I will continue to work with Secretary Mullin and the President to add resilience funding to this disaster declaration. I witnessed the importance of this money while touring home elevation projects in Ferndale. We have a lot of work ahead of us to get these dollars out the door, and my office is ready to help.”

In Washington’s Second District, the declaration makes Individual Assistance available in Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties and for the following Tribes: Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes and Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. The declaration also makes Public Assistance available in Island, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties and for the following Tribes: Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Tulalip Tribes. A full list of counties and Tribes eligible for individual and public assistance is available here.

Under the declaration, Individual Assistance can help eligible individuals and households with disaster-related needs, while Public Assistance can support emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities.

More information about the declaration and the portal to apply for release are available here.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

As the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Larsen has a leading role on the committee that oversees FEMA, and he advocated for this declaration with the administration, including directly with FEMA Acting Administrator Karen S. Evans. 

In February, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for FEMA Public Assistance. In January, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors. In December, Rep. Larsen joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for Washington state—that request was approved.  

Larsen has been working with local leaders, first responders, Tribal governments and federal partners to support flood recovery efforts across Northwest Washington and to help communities secure the resources they need not only to recover, but to reduce future flood risk.

###

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

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

QUEENS, NY – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement following the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, D-Bronx:

“Today, I join New Yorkers in mourning the passing of Congressman Eliot Engel. For more than 30 years, he served the people of New York with integrity and a deep commitment to public service. 

“I had the privilege of working with Engel when he served as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, addressing the many challenges we face around the world, and took inspiration from his leadership on the committee for my own role as Chair and now Ranking Member. From negotiating the Harkin-Engel protocol to end the worst abuses of child labor in the cocoa industry, to being on the vanguard of calls to come to the defense of the people of Kosovo, Eliot’s legacy will live on not just here in New York and the U.S. Congress, but around the world.

“He leaves behind a lasting legacy and will be greatly missed not only as a colleague, but as a friend. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

###

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, former Congressman Eliot Engel. I had the pleasure of serving in the House with Eliot for thirty-two years. All public servants should strive to emulate the principles and compassion he displayed when addressing the issues that confronted our country and his constituents.

“As the Chair and the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot worked tirelessly to protect our national security and shape a foreign policy that advanced America’s interests while upholding the highest of our values. We worked closely to ensure Members of Congress were briefed on Russian attempts to influence or interfere in the 2016 federal election and to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. We traveled together to Israel and were partners in advocating for the close U.S.-Israel relationship. Eliot courageously stood against efforts to isolate and cut off aid to Israel as it faced existential threats.

“Throughout his career, Eliot was a staunch fighter for New York and a champion for his beloved home borough, the Bronx. His service to his constituents never wavered as he stood up for democracy, justice, and equal opportunity. He truly represented what it means to better one’s community and one’s country. Eliot served New York and his nation well, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.”

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

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) released the following statement after learning of xAI’s work stoppage on the Colossus Water Recycling Plant:

“Memphis and xAI officials broke ground on the greywater plant last October, and it must move forward without delay. This project was a key commitment to the community, and construction should proceed on an expedited timeline with clear, firm assurances on completion. The Memphis Sand Aquifer is one of our most vital resources and must be protected. The greywater facility was central to that commitment. Memphis deserves certainty that this project will be built as promised. I support Mayor Young’s call for ironclad assurances and join him in pushing to ensure this project is completed.”

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon and Kaptur Introduce Bipartisan BLOCK PUTIN Act to Hold Hungarian Government Enablers of Russia Accountable

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

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

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement released the following statement on the passing of former Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel:

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a great Member of Congress, Chairman Eliot Engel. For more than three decades in the Congress, Eliot was a champion for his constituents in the Bronx and Westchester and a deeply respected leader on the world stage. As Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he helped shape American foreign policy with strength and principle—advancing democracy, standing up for human rights and reinforcing our alliances. He was a persistent advocate on global security and public health, including the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“As a legislator who believed deeply in bipartisan progress, Eliot brought deep knowledge, moral clarity and a steady, thoughtful voice to every challenge. He was always guided by his belief in America’s responsibility to lead with both power and purpose. But beyond his extraordinary record of service, I will remember Eliot for his warmth, his decency and his quiet kindness. I was proud to work alongside him and to call him a friend. May it be a comfort to Eliot’s wife Pat, children Julia, Jonathan and Philip, and all who loved him that so many are praying for them at this sad time.”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, today released the following statement to commemorate the 47^th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act:

“This landmark statute has served as the bedrock of the United States–Taiwan relationship for nearly five decades.

“Since its enactment in 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act has provided a framework for peace, stability, and continued partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. It has ensured that the United States maintains a commitment to Taiwan’s security, enabling Taiwan to preserve the autonomy and resilience that define its vibrant democracy.

“Over the years, Taiwan has become not only a vital economic partner but also a trusted friend and global ally whose shared values of democracy and respect for human rights mirror our own. I look forward to the continued long-term cooperation between the United States and Taiwan based on these shared values. 

“On this anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.”

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)